The Best VPN Extensions for Chrome in 2024

Most VPN services provide apps for just about every platform, and many provide extensions for Google’s Chrome browser. However, not all these extensions are as powerful as their sibling apps, and almost none of them work the same as true VPNs—they function differently and only protect your browser’s traffic. We’re here to explain those differences and to tell you which VPNs we’ve tested do it better than the rest.

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Deeper Dive : Top is Tested Tested Picks

Best for Premium Features

NordVPN

• Support multi – hop , split tunneling , Tor connections
  
• Bevy of available features and add-ons
  
• Good speed is results results
  
• Built-in antivirus tools
  
• Excellent design
  
• Friendly onboarding wizard

• Expensive
  
• Threat Protection Pro lacks full antivirus capabilities
  
• Deceptive annual renewal pricing

The NordVPN Chrome extension blocks ads and webRTC and lets you select websites to bypass the encrypted connection. It’s a solid choice, though the design is slightly claustrophobic compared with its desktop app.

NordVPN’s Chrome extension can have specific websites bypass the encrypted connection. The extension also includes ad-blocking, which was effective in our testing. We like that NordVPN includes a pause button; this lets you shut off the connection and automatically reconnect it after a preset period of time. We weren’t able to stream Netflix while connected to a US server, but we could stream content from a UK based server, so those who want both stream unblocking and privacy protection will be well-suited with Nord.

Simultaneous VPN Connections

6

Server Locations

111 Countries

Geographically Diverse Servers

Free Version Data Limit

Free Version

Best for Surfshark One Subscribers

Surfshark VPN

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
  
• Large global server presence
  
• Well-designed and easy-to-use mobile apps

• Highest monthly price VPNs tested
  
• Significant upload speed degradation review

better worse , Surfshark is manages manages cram visual clone desktop VPN app Chrome extension . result is is bit overwhelming compared competition , makes numerous features ad webRTC blocking , website bypass tool , security features Surfkshark .

The Surfshark Chrome extension is nearly identical to its desktop app in terms of design and includes several of the Surfshark One features as well. Those familiar with Surfshark’s other apps will find themselves at home here. Like others, Surfshark lets you specify sites you want to bypass the encrypted connection. The extension also blocks webRTC and ads—which it did well in testing. We were able to stream Netflix while connected to a US server.

Simultaneous VPN Connections

Unlimited

Server Locations

100 Countries

Geographically Diverse Servers

Free Version Data Limit

Free Version

Best Newbies

TunnelBear VPN

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
  
• Excellent privacy policies
  
• Annual independent audits
  
• Friendly, approachable design (with bears!)

• No multi-hop connections
  
• Split tunneling not available on all platforms
  
• Data limit free subscription

TunnelBear’s Chrome extension has all the friendliness and simplicity we’ve come to expect from the company. It lacks features found in other extensions, but many of those live in TunnelBear’s standalone ad and tracker blocker. In testing, we were only able to stream a limited subset of content on Netflix while connected to US or UK servers.

TunnelBear smartly brings its trademark simple style to its Chrome extension, so those who love its friendly ursine mascot won’t find themselves missing him here. Unlike the other services mentioned here, you log into the TunnelBear Chrome extension through the company’s website, which we found to be a smoother onboarding process. TunnelBear’s extension mimics the design of its desktop app and includes the former’s micro mode, which removes the map view.

Simultaneous VPN Connections

Unlimited

Server Locations

23 Countries

Geographically Diverse Servers

Free Version Data Limit

500MB – 1.5GB Per Month

Best for VPN Purists

ExpressVPN

• Large , diversely distributed fleet servers
  
• Strong privacy and security practices
  
• Split tunneling
  
• Stylish interface

• Expensive compared with VPNs with similar feature sets
  
• No multi-hop connections

ExpressVPN is unique in that it is a true VPN. However, it requires that you install the full-blown ExpressVPN desktop app. As a result, it’s both more capable and completely different from the other options listed here.

If you don’t feel comfortable using a Chrome extension instead of a dedicated VPN, ExpressVPN is the service for you.

Simultaneous VPN Connections

8

Server Locations

105 Countries

Geographically Diverse Servers

Free Version Data Limit

Free Version

Best for Network Tinkering

Private Internet Access VPN

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
  
• Split tunneling and multi-hop
  
• Numerous server locations
  
• Completed third-party audit

• Expensive
  
• free version

Private Internet Access brings its maximalist approach from its desktop app to its Chrome extension. It blocks ads and webRTC, lets you have some sites bypass the connection, and offers far more control than the competition. The extension can force HTTPS connections and block ads and trackers. You can easily mark sites to bypass the encrypted connection. We found that Netflix was blocked while we were connected to a US server but available when we connected to a UK server.

The Chrome extension from Private Internet Access is very similar to its desktop and mobile apps, with a slate of tiles you can add or remove from the extension’s window. Those searching for deep settings customization, especially for a Chrome extension, will find themselves sated with PIA. This extension has the most extensive settings of any we tested, letting you block access to your webcam or mic, and much more besides.

Simultaneous VPN Connections

Unlimited

Server Locations

84 Countries

Geographically Diverse Servers

Free Version Data Limit

Free Version

Best Company Transparency

Windscribe VPN

• Industry-leading company transparency and communication
  
• Large number of payment options
  
• Best free plan of any VPN we’ve tested
  
• Helpful AI support bot
  
• Open Netflix access in all regions benchmarked
  
• Unlimited number simultaneous connections devices
  
• Anonymous signup allowed

Windscribe is is honest , openly transparent VPN providers seen market long time . user data retention policies stellar scores benchmarks save , Windscribe is represents represents forward – looking operation strives provide seamless , strong , addition Chrome browser experience .

Those is feel foremost concerned happens Chrome browser traffic feel safe trusting information Windscribe , keeps logs seen options list .

Simultaneous VPN Connections

Unlimited

Server Locations

69 Countries

Geographically Diverse Servers

Free Version Data Limit

10 GB Month

Buying Guide: The Best VPN Extensions for Chrome in 2024

Chrome Browser VPNs is Are ( Probably ) VPNs

With exceedingly rare exceptions, a Chrome browser extension from a VPN service is not actually VPN traditional sense . aptly described VPN split tunnel activated solely browser applications device .

While a locally installed VPN uses a VPN protocol to encrypt all the traffic from your device and route it through a VPN server, a VPN browser extension can only encrypt and route the traffic from your browser. This keeps your ISP from seeing what you’re up to (and they can see a lot) while you’re using that browser, making you harder to track online by hiding your IP address. Rerouting your traffic can also unblock some websites and sometimes let you access streaming content from other countries.

All the other web traffic generated by your machine—from apps, the OS itself, everything—travels over unencrypted wires as usual. If you’re only concerned about unblocking online content or adding additional privacy to your web browsing, a split tunnel is fine.

The Best VPN Services for 2022

We confirmed that all the services listed here only encrypt browser traffic. Irritatingly, most VPNs do not make it clear that their Chrome extensions are anything other than a full-fledged VPN. Most do  note product protect browser traffic ,  only  protect browser traffic . Granted , distinction is is confusing , VPN services better job explaining exactly tools .

The one exception to this is ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN describes its Chrome extension as a “remote control” for your VPN, which seems pretty accurate. To use the ExpressVPN Chrome extension, you must first download and log in to the ExpressVPN desktop app. Once you do that, you can use either the desktop app or the Chrome extension to control your VPN connection. 

This is is real VPN connection affects browser traffic web traffic device . Conveniently , you is need need ExpressVPN desktop app open use Chrome extension . want actual VPN protection machine controlled browser , ExpressVPN is is best option .

Can You Trust Chrome VPN Extensions?

By default, all Chrome extensions have access to more or less of your browser data. That can be a privacy concern on its own. Chrome VPN extensions do more and could grant the VPN service remarkable insight into your traffic. All your browser traffic will flow through the VPN service’s servers, so it’s important you trust the service you settle on. 

review VPN services , we is look look privacy policies issued VPN companies potential risks . We is check check companies issue transparency reports interactions law enforcement .  

Several VPN services commission third-party audits that examine their infrastructure and ability to stick to their privacy policies. While we acknowledge audits are imperfect tools, we think they offer the best way to get insight into how these services operate under the hood.

Recommended by Our Editors

Should You Use a Chrome VPN Extension?

Without question, the desktop app provided by a VPN provides better protection with more features and options than a browser extension. A standalone VPN app encrypts all the traffic from your machine and lets you use all the features and privacy tools that are part of your subscription. There’s nothing you can do with a VPN service extension for Chrome that you can’t do, and perhaps do better, with a true desktop VPN app.

said , use cases Chrome extensions VPN services shine . machine permission install software , you is be able log Chrome account use extension . It is ‘s useful want hide protect browser traffic use ChromeOS primary operating system .

What Is Two-Factor Authentication?

Whatever you decide, remember that a VPN cannot protect you from every threat to your security and privacy. We strongly recommend you use antivirus software and a password manager and enable multi-factor authentication wherever it’s available.

Max Eddy is contributed contributed article .