Chrome stands out as one of the most favored web browsers globally. By 2021, it was approximated to boast 3.2 billion users worldwide. Chrome provides an adaptable array of browser add-ons that enhance its functionality. Among these, a commonly utilized addon is a virtual private network (VPN), which aids in safeguarding user data by encoding information and directing browsing activities through a secure connection.
Selecting the appropriate VPN addon for Chrome can present a challenge, with variations in features and security. To facilitate your decision-making process based on their attributes and our firsthand encounters, we have compiled a list of some of the finest Chrome VPN extensions available.
Comparison table of Top Chrome VPN add-ons
Below is a brief overview of the typical features offered by the leading Chrome VPN extensions.
| Addon | Ad blocker | Split tunneling | Connections Allowed | Total Servers | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Yes | Yes | 10 | 6,400+ servers in 111 countries | Starting from $4.99/month NordVPN Basic |
| ExpressVPN | Yes | Yes | 8 | Multiple servers in 105 countries | Starting from $8.32 per month |
| CyberGhost VPN | Yes | Yes | 7 | Around 9,500+ servers in 100 countries | Starting from $2.19/month (2-year plan) |
| Private Internet Access | Yes | Yes | Unlimited | Not divulged | Starting from $3.33/month |
| Surfshark | Yes | Yes | Unlimited | 3,200+ servers in over 100 countries | Starting from $3.39/month (Surfshark One) |
Prime Chrome VPN add-ons
Proceed with discovering our selections of the finest Chrome VPNs, the rationale behind our choices, and how they can enrich your Chrome browser journey.
NordVPN: Premier Choice
Given its distinguished standing as a top-tier VPN service, I propose NordVPN. NordVPN provides a feature-ladenChrome extension that provides entry to a robust network of over 6,400 servers across 111 nations. The extension features vital security elements like split tunneling, a kill switch, and safeguards against WebRTC leaks. One remarkable aspect of NordVPN is its Threat Protection Lite attribute, which shields users from intrusive advertisements, trackers, insecure connections, and harmful websites.
SEE: PureVPN vs NordVPN (2024): Which VPN Should You Choose? (TechRepublic)
My Decision on NordVPN
Opting for NordVPN’s Chrome extension was a natural choice for me because it delivers an all-encompassing VPN service offering top-notch security and remarkable speed. The blend of security features, user-friendliness, and dependability makes it a standout choice. The presence of split-tunneling within the extension is particularly appealing as it grants users the ability to personalize their VPN experience effortlessly.
This functionality lets users conveniently select which websites they want to route through the VPN and which to access directly through their internet service provider.
Subscription Options
NordVPN presents three subscription plans: Basic, Plus, and Complete. The distinction between these plans lies in the extra features accompanying the core VPN service, such as the NordPass password manager and NordLocker cloud storage. Here’s a concise overview of NordVPN’s Basic package:
- Monthly: Starting at $12.99 per month.
- One year: Starting at $4.99 per month.
- Two years: Starting at $3.59 per month.
I recommend selecting NordVPN’s Basic Plan, which includes the complete VPN service and Threat Manager Lite for just $4.99 per month on a one-year subscription.
Highlighted Features
- Network of 6,400+ servers spanning 111 countries.
- Enhanced security with Threat Protection Lite.
- Incorporated kill switch functionality.
- Comprehensive no-logs policy.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Consistent fast and stable speeds. | Slightly pricey. |
| Unlimited bandwidth. | |
| Protection against intrusive ads and malware. | |
| Attractively designed user interface. | |
| Convenient split tunneling within the extension. |
In our evaluation of NordVPN’s desktop application, it garnered a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. For detailed insights, consider reading the complete NordVPN review.
ExpressVPN: Optimal for Velocity
If speed is of utmost importance, my recommendation is ExpressVPN. Its Chrome extension is a mirror of its highly popular desktop counterpart, acting as a remote controller for the full desktop application. I particularly appreciate its matching lightweight and intuitive interface, robust security, and swift overall connectivity experienced while using the extension. As of August 2024, ExpressVPN provides access to approximately 3,000 servers across over 105 countries.
SEE: How to Tell If Your VPN Is Working Properly (TechRepublic)
For those in need of a password management solution, a paid subscription to ExpressVPN also grants access to its ExpressVPN Keys password management service at no extra charge. With this added feature, I believe that ExpressVPN makes a compelling case as a VPN worth exploring.
Reasons to Select ExpressVPN
Although ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension necessitates the installation of the desktop app, I find it commendable that it performs at par with the desktop application. This is quite impressive as most extensions are typically scaled-down versions of the full application. During my experience with it, ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension delivered the same rapid and delightful user experience as the main app.
Additionally, ExpressVPN and its Chrome extension, to me, rank among the more aesthetically pleasing applications available. If having a visually appealing UI is imperative to you, I am confident that ExpressVPN’s extension will meet your expectations.
Subscription Plans
Compared to its counterparts, ExpressVPN offers pricier subscription packages. While a seven-day trial period is on offer, it is confined to the Android and iOS platforms.
- Monthly: $12.95 per month.
- Six months: $9.99 per month.
- 12 months: $8.32 per month.
Key Features
- Advanced RAM-only server technology.
- Support available in 17 languages.
- Strict no-logs policy backed by 18 third-party audits.
- Network Lock kill switch included.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| High-speed and trustworthy speeds. | Expensive cost. |
| Intuitive, attractive interface. | Extension necessitates installation of ExpressVPN desktop application. |
| Capability to connect to specific urban servers. | Absence of more economical two- or three-year subscription scheme. |
| Servers distributed across 94 nations. |
In our assessment, ExpressVPN achieved a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. For further insights, peruse the complete ExpressVPN review.
CyberGhost VPN: Optimal for zero-cost users
For those unwilling to invest in a complete VPN service, I believe CyberGhost’s VPN Proxy extension represents a viable solution. It provides an undisclosed IP address, shields against harmful content, and encrypts online data, all at no charge.
SEE: Surfshark vs CyberGhost (2024): Which VPN Is Superior? (TechRepublic)
It should be noted that utilized through CyberGhost’s VPN Chrome extension, access is limited to a mere eight servers within four countries.
If you deem CyberGhost VPN’s Chrome extension suitable for your requirements, I highly recommend acquiring the comprehensive desktop application. This rings especially true for individuals valuing an extensive server network: The current paid CyberGhost VPN subscription includes access to over 9,500 servers spanning approximately 100 countries.
Reasons behind my choice of CyberGhost VPN
I included CyberGhost VPN on this list for its entirely free Chrome extension. While most VPN Chrome extensions necessitate an ongoing paid membership to function, CyberGhost offers an economical means to unblock restricted content and receive basic protection through its VPN Proxy. It also serves as a practical approach for testing CyberGhost’s VPN implementation without the need to commit to the full desktop VPN client.
Pricing
Apart from the complimentary Chrome extension, CyberGhost extends three paid subscription alternatives for its VPN:
- Monthly: $12.99/month.
- Half-yearly: $6.99/month.
- Biennially: $2.19/month.
Characteristics
- Data encryption and secure Wi-Fi connection.
- Hidden IP address.
- No logs policy.
- Access to geo-restricted websites.
- Blocks malicious online content.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Chrome extension is provided absolutely free. | Free version restricts access to eight servers within four countries. |
| Limitless bandwidth. | Absence of built-in kill switch. |
| Straightforward Chrome extension activation and deactivation. |
In our examination of CyberGhost VPN’s desktop application, the VPN garnered a rating of 4.3 stars out of 5. For additional details, refer to the complete CyberGhost VPN review.
Private Internet Access: Top Choice for Personalization
If I had to suggest another notable VPN Chrome extension, my recommendation would be Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN. It offers valuable privacy and security functionalities such as anti-tracker tools, ad blocking, and WebRTC safeguarding. Its stable VPN connectivity and reasonably swift speeds are particularly appealing to me.
SEE: The Expenses of a VPN? + Money-Saving Suggestions (TechRepublic)
PIA enables unlimited connections for devices, making it an excellent option for individuals seeking to safeguard multiple devices. This is a crucial aspect to consider, especially for those focusing on budget-friendly alternatives.
Reasons for Preferring PIA VPN
PIA VPN’s Chrome extension has secured its place on my list due to its adaptable VPN experience. During setup, the PIA extension granted me the ability to personalize security settings like preventing camera or microphone usage, deactivating credit card autofill, and blocking third-party cookies. As an enthusiast of customization, I greatly value this freedom. Additionally, the PIA Chrome extension lets you save your preferred settings.
You can even designate specific websites to operate outside the VPN’s secure connection and bookmark menus to be displayed at the extension’s top.
Costs
PIA VPN provides a seven-day trial through Android and iOS, which can later be utilized on desktops upon initial registration. The subscription charges are outlined below:
- Monthly: $11.99/month.
- One year: $3.33/month.
- Three years: $2.03/month.
Attributes
- Prevents unauthorized camera and microphone access.
- Blocks ads and trackers.
- WebRTC defense.
- Zero logging policy.
- Restricts sites from accessing location details.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited device connections. | U.S.-based operations and surveillance practices. |
| Adaptable VPN experience. | |
| Displayed latency in server list. | |
| Inclusion of a bypass list in the extension itself. |
In our assessment, PIA VPN was rated 4.2 out of 5 stars. For further insights, read the full Private Internet Access (PIA) review.
Surfshark: Ideal Choice for Users with Multiple Devices
For individuals seeking support for numerous devices, I suggest Surfshark. With its specialized Chrome extension, you can access its array of 3,200 servers spanning over 100 countries. Based on my experience, Surfshark delivers fast speeds and a well-crafted desktop application. Moreover, you benefit from protection through Surfshark’s WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec security protocols.
SEE: 4 Top Free VPNs for 2024 (TechRepublic)
Furthermore, it offers two compelling propositions: reasonable pricing and support for an unlimited number of simultaneous device connections. This enables you to link all your devices concurrently without the need for an additional subscription. This feature, in my opinion, sets Surfshark apart significantly.
Reasons for Selecting Surfshark
I opted for Surfshark due to its provision of unlimited device connections across all three of its premium subscription schemes. Similar to PIA VPN, Surfshark’s unrestricted simultaneous connections present an undervalued benefit by negating the necessity for extra plans to safeguard more devices. This is especially critical for users dealing with multiple devices regularly.
Pricing
Surfshark offers one-year, two-year, and monthly subscription options. Among these, I find Surfshark One’s two-year plan to be the most economically viable. Below are the pricing details for Surfshark One:
- Monthly: $15.95/month.
- One year: $3.39/month.
- Two years: $2.69/month.
Features
- Blocks ads and malware.
- Unlimited device connections.
- No logging of activities.
- Able to bypass local firewalls.
- Includes a cookie pop-up blocker.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive server suite present in 100 countries. | Reported to experience slow speeds during peak hours. |
| Permits multiple devices on one subscription. |
Following our evaluation of Surfshark’s desktop application, the VPN received a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5. For further details, please read the complete Surfshark VPN review.
Important aspects of VPNs for Chrome
Here are critical aspects that I suggest you consider when searching for a Chrome VPN extension.
Instant connection
Including a simple one-click connect/disconnect button is a basic yet undervalued feature that most Chrome VPN extensions should possess. This button should not be tucked away within menus or numerous options and should be effortless to activate from the Chrome extensions panel.
Multi-device compatibility
Another crucial characteristic for Chrome VPN extensions is support for multiple devices. If Chrome is your main browser, having the VPN extension accessible on various devices is vital. This allows you to maintain consistent protection and security across all your devices running Chrome, whether it’s your laptop, smartphone, or tablet.
Privacy-first policy
A reputable VPN provider should uphold a stringent privacy-first policy. VPNs primarily exist to safeguard sensitive user data. Through a privacy-first policy, users can trust that the VPN provider does not record any of their personal data or identifiable information. This could encompass details like IP addresses, browsing history, and session durations. It is also crucial for a VPN to have an independently verified privacy-first policy. This provides users with concrete evidence confirming whether the VPN aligns with its privacy standards.
Selecting the optimal VPN extension for Chrome
When opting for a Chrome VPN extension, it is essential to factor in a few elements. Firstly, examine the security features of a VPN vendor and see if they maintain a verified privacy-first policy. Robust encryption is indispensable as it is the main defense for your browsing data. A privacy-first policy also ensures that the VPN does not monitor any of your actions or information.
SEE: How to Perform a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment in 5 Steps (TechRepublic Premium)
Similarly, consider the number of devices you aim to secure via a Chrome VPN extension and check if a specific vendor offers the required device connections. Moreover, a VPN extension that integrates ad, malware, and tracker blocking will aid in eliminating intrusive content and enhancing your overall browsing experience.
Approach
This compilation of the finest Chrome VPN extensions was initially crafted by Franklin Okeke and updated by Luis Millares. Both versions evaluated essential features of the listed Chrome VPN extensions, including security attributes, pricing, and user-friendliness. Insights from the vendor, credible reviews, and user feedback supplemented our analysis.
In this article, our appraisal of each Chrome VPN extension was enhanced by insights from our firsthand experiences and practical trials. Additionally, the star rating from each VPN’s individual review was integrated.
About Author
