Featured Partners
1
NordVPN
76% Off on NordVPN Premium
10
Yes (add-on)
2
Surfshark
$2.19 / month
Unlimited
Yes
3
Proton VPN
$9.99 / month
Unlimited
Yes
4
TotalVPN
$1.59 / month
Unlimited
Yes
Compare the Best Chrome VPN Extensions of 2025
8 Best Chrome VPNs of 2025
Online security is incredibly important. You simply cannot and should not sign up for any old VPN as they are not created equally. If you stick with the providers listed below, you’ll be on your way to a safer, more secure online existence.
NordVPN
Best for Most Users
NordVPN
Starting Cost Per Month
$12.99
Free Plan
No, only a money-back guarantee
Jurisdiction
Panama
$12.99
No, only a money-back guarantee
Panama
NordVPN is a great all-around VPN service with enhanced security features. It’s a fast, secure VPN with reliable service and military-grade encryption. This comes with up to 10 simultaneous connections, 24/7 customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee. These reasons alone make it worthy of topping our list of the best VPNs.
NordVPN is a top-rated VPN for Chrome.
What hurt NordVPN’s ranking is its renewal price, which is $139.08 per year, making it one of the most expensive options on this list beyond the first year. However, it offers both student and youth discounts and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Learn more: Read our full NordVPN review.
- Includes ad and tracker blocker
- No-logs policy
- Obfuscated servers
- Renewal price is significantly higher
- Meshnet is being discontinued
- User interface is bland
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
|
Simultaneous Connections
|
Up to 10 devices
|
|
Platform Support
|
Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, tvOS router installation
|
|
Encryption
|
AES-256-bit encryption
|
|
Supported Protocols
|
OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, NordWhisper, WireGuard (NordLynx)
|
|
Number of Servers
|
Over 7,000 in 118 countries
|
PureVPN
Best for Total Online Protection
PureVPN
Monthly Starting Price
$12.95
Free Plan
No, 31-day trial and money-back guarantee
Jurisdiction
British Virgin Islands
$12.95
No, 31-day trial and money-back guarantee
British Virgin Islands
If you need a capable VPN and want to ensure you can monitor your online accounts and keep personal data off the dark web, PureVPN is for you. I enjoyed my time with PureVPN, due to its airy and colorful interface and user-friendly tools. The Chrome extension is easy to use and provides access to the VPN’s most commonly used features. What makes PureVPN stand out is its suite of protection tools, which includes a dark web monitor that scans the web for your personal data and alerts you to account breaches.
PureVPN’s Chrome extension provides access to many tools.
PureVPN offers a kill switch, obfuscated servers to hide VPN signatures, split tunneling so you send specific data through the VPN and double hop (multihop), so you can connect to more than one server. There are also multiple VPN protocols, which include WireGuard and OpenVPN. PureVPN’s speeds were OK. Local U.S. servers averaged download speeds of 141 Mbps with a ping of 25 ms. PureVPN is outside of surveillance jurisdictions (British Virgin Islands) and offers a comprehensive no-logs policy.
Learn more: Read our full PureVPN review.
- Modern user interface
- Strong privacy features
- Excellent dark web monitoring tool
- VPN speeds are just OK
- Monthly plans can be costly
- Does not offer a free plan
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
|
Simultaneous Connections
|
Up to 10 devices
|
|
Platform Support
|
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, router installation
|
|
Encryption
|
AES-256-bit encryption
|
|
Supported Protocols
|
WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec
|
|
Number of Servers
|
Over 6,000 in more than 65 countries
|
Surfshark
Best for Streaming
Surfshark
Monthly Starting Price
$15.45
Free Plan
No, 30-day trial with money-back guarantee
Jurisdiction
The Netherlands
(a member of Nine Eyes)
$15.45
No, 30-day trial with money-back guarantee
The Netherlands
(a member of Nine Eyes)
Surfshark is one of the newer VPNs on the market, but it’s already making a name for itself. It’s a fast, secure and reliable service with military-grade encryption. It’s also one of the more affordable services, with a low price of $47.85 for the first year. This comes with unlimited simultaneous connections, 24/7 customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark offers data protections tools, such as a dark web monitor.
Not only is Surfshark one of the best VPNs for Chrome, it’s also one of the best Chromebook VPNs thanks to its user-friendly applications. Best of all, it’s built for speed, making it ideal for streaming. One downside is that the price increases when you renew, but it more than makes up for it in speed.
Learn more: Read our full Surfshark review.
- Military-grade encryption
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Blazing-fast speeds
- Increased renewal cost is one of the most expensive on the market
- Fewer server locations than ExpressVPN
- Monthly plan is expensive
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
|
Simultaneous Connections
|
Unlimited simultaneous connections
|
|
Platform Support
|
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Fire TV, Apple TV, router installation
|
|
Encryption
|
AES-256-bit, ChaCha20
|
|
Supported Protocols
|
WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN
|
|
Number of Servers
|
Over 3,200 servers in more than 100 countries
|
Hide.Me
Best for Speed
Hide.me
Monthly Starting Price
$9.95
Free Plan
Yes, offers unlimited data but restricted speeds
Jurisdiction
Malaysia
$9.95
Yes, offers unlimited data but restricted speeds
Malaysia
Hide.me has superior speed capabilities, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a high-performance VPN for their Chrome browser. This speed is due in large part to its innovative Bolt technology, developed specifically to solve issues related to Internet Service Provider (ISP) throttling and Windows operating system’s poor UDP protocol support. Hide.me Bolt effectively mitigates these problems by leveraging TCP for your traffic, increasing connection speed.
Hide.me‘s extension is clean and easy to use.
Hide.me’s focus on privacy, with a strict no-logs policy and its ability to bypass censorship, makes it a powerful tool for those wishing to browse the web without limitations. It provides over 2,600 servers across more than 91 countries and permits up to 10 simultaneous connections, thus giving users plenty of options to maintain a steady and fast internet connection.
Learn more: Read our full Hide.me review.
- Headquartered in Malaysia
- Offers a fast connection via hide.me Bolt technology, improving Windows performance
- Strict no-logs policy ensures privacy
- Premium features such as Bolt technology are not available to free users
- The fixed IP address offering may not be suitable for everyone
- User interface cannot be resized
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
|
Simultaneous Connections
|
Up to 10 devices (on paid plans)
|
|
Platform Support
|
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, router installation, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Chrome, Firefox and Edge
|
|
Encryption
|
Up to AES-256-bit
|
|
Supported Protocols
|
WireGuard. IKEv2, SSTP, OpenVPN, SoftEther
|
|
Number of Servers
|
Over 2,600 in more than 91 countries
|
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Best for Techies
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Monthly Starting Price
$11.95
Free Plan
No, 30-day trial with money-back guarantee
Jurisdiction
The U.S.
(Five Eyes member)
$11.95
No, 30-day trial with money-back guarantee
The U.S.
(Five Eyes member)
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a great VPN service for tech-savvy users. It’s a fast, secure and reliable service with military-grade encryption. This comes with unlimited simultaneous connections, 24/7 customer support, a 30-day money-back guarantee, unlimited bandwidth and open-source apps.
You can change servers quickly with PIA’s Chrome extension.
While nontechies can use PIA, its real value comes from being open-sourced. This means that tech-savvy users can tweak it to their own needs and preferences, making it a great choice for those who want more customization.
Learn more: Read our full Private Internet Access (PIA) review.
- Most affordable Chrome VPN
- Open-source technology
- 24/7 customer support
- Laypeople may not get the full benefit of its open-source feature
- PIA is in a Five Eyes country (although it’s not concerned)
- High plan renewal fees
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
|
Simultaneous Connections
|
Unlimited
|
|
Platform Support
|
Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, multiple routers, smart TVs, Chrome, Firefox, Apple TV, Android TV
|
|
Encryption
|
AES-128-bit and AES-256-bit, ChaCha20
|
|
Supported Protocols
|
Wireguard, IPsec, IKEv2
|
|
Number of Servers
|
Total server count not listed
|
Proton VPN
Best for No-Logs Policy
Proton VPN
Monthly Starting Price
$9.99
Free Plan
Yes, supports one device, no logs, unlimited data
Jurisdiction
Switzerland
$9.99
Yes, supports one device, no logs, unlimited data
Switzerland
Among VPN providers, Proton VPN’s approach to privacy stands out because of its no-logs policy and strong Swiss data protection laws. Proton VPN has made a significant effort to secure user information and ensure it’s not tracked. The use of open-source technology means that anyone can scrutinize its code, enhancing the transparency of its practices. On top of this, Proton VPN is one of the best cheap VPNs, thanks to its affordable plans.
Proton VPN’s extension allows users to switch between VPN protocols.
Proton VPN provides protection from malware, blocks ads and prevents website trackers with its NetShield feature. A unique characteristic of Proton VPN is its VPN Accelerator technology, which can significantly boost VPN speeds. Proton VPN also offers multiplatform support, catering to a variety of devices. The provider has a large server network and ensures secure, fast P2P/BitTorrent downloads. It also permits up to 10 devices at once, making it a good choice for larger households or small businesses.
Learn more: Read our full Proton VPN review.
- Headquartered in Switzerland, which is out of privacy sharing alliances
- Strong focus on privacy with a no-logs policy and Swiss data protection laws
- VPN Accelerator technology to improve speeds
- Only three countries available for free users
- Can be a bit complex for beginners
- Advanced privacy features available only in premium plans
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
|
Simultaneous Connections
|
Up to 10 devices (on paid plans)
|
|
Supported Protocols
|
OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2
|
|
Encryption
|
AES-256-Bit or ChaCha20
|
|
Number of Countries With Servers
|
Over 110
|
|
Number of Servers
|
Over 13,000
|
TunnelBear
Best for Beginners
TunnelBear
Monthly Starting Price
$9.99
Free Plan
Yes, supports 2GB of monthly data
Jurisdiction
Canada
(Five Eyes member)
$9.99
Yes, supports 2GB of monthly data
Canada
(Five Eyes member)
When considering VPNs, accessibility and ease of use are crucial, particularly for those less technologically adept. TunnelBear is a standout in this area, presenting a design that’s straightforward and simple to navigate. But its accessibility doesn’t mean a compromise on security or features. It uses 256-bit AES encryption—an industry standard for secure data transmission. The privacy of users is highly respected as TunnelBear doesn’t monitor, log or sell your browsing activity. It provides unlimited data and supports an unlimited number of devices, allowing flexibility across various platforms.
TunnelBear’s extension is just as easy to use as its desktop counterpart.
A network of over 8,000 servers in 47 countries also ensures a wide choice for server locations. The VPN is optimized for speed, ensuring you can surf and stream quickly, reducing the likelihood of buffering or throttling. Notably, TunnelBear is one of the few VPNs that conducts and publishes regular independent security audits of their apps, providing an extra layer of trust for their users.
Learn more:Read our full TunnelBear review.
- Simple to use, ideal for those new to VPNs
- Offers a free plan
- Ensures privacy with strong encryption and a no-logs policy
- Headquartered in Canada, a Five Eyes country
- Might slow down your connection if you’re choosing a distant server
- Does not use RAM-only servers
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
|
Simultaneous Connections
|
Unlimited simultaneous connections
|
|
Platform Support
|
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
|
|
Encryption
|
AES-256-Bit Encryption
|
|
Supported Protocols
|
WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2
|
|
Number of Servers
|
Over 8,000 physical servers in 47 countries
|
IPVanish
Best Jack-of-All-Trades VPN
IPVanish
Monthly Starting Price
$12.99
Free Plan
No, offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
Jurisdiction
U.S.
(a Five Eyes Member)
$12.99
No, offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
U.S.
(a Five Eyes Member)
Rounding out our list of best Chrome VPNs is IPVanish. As the superlative above suggests, IPVanish is a VPN that does many things well but nothing extraordinarily well. You’ll find the usual gamut of VPN features including a kill switch, split tunneling and double hop. IPVanish even uses strong protocols, such as WireGuard. On top of this you’ll find cloud storage and a secure browser, which are fine, you just won’t be blown away by them, or the VPN connection speeds.
The IPVanish Chrome extension is easy to navigate.
Another negative is that IPVanish is located in the U.S., which is a member of the Five Eyes Surveillance alliance. However, IPvanish does have a verified no-logs policy, and it’s in the process of upgrading its entire network to RAM-only servers, which will go a long way to allaying fears of snooping.
Read more: Read our full IPVanish VPN review.
- Offers a good mix of tools
- Switching to RAM-only servers
- Verified no-logs; shares transparency reports
- Located in the U.S. (a Five Eyes member)
- Does not offer a free plan
- Dedicated IPs are not offered
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
|
Simultaneous Connections
|
Unlimited connections
|
|
Platform Support
|
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Fire TV, Apple TV, NVIDIA Shield, Chrome, Linux, router installation
|
|
Encryption
|
AES-256-bit
|
|
Supported Protocols
|
WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, IPSec
|
|
Number of Servers
|
Over 2,400
|
Methodology
I used our proprietary rubric to help rank multiple VPN features. For the best Chrome VPN software, 15 platforms were chosen, and 48 features across eight categories were analyzed. I then tested the top 10 platforms. Each VPN was then awarded a final score.
| Decision Factor | Scoring Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer Sentiment Index | 32% | We take into account the thoughts and opinions of real-world VPN users from review websites such as Capterra, G2 and Trustpilot so we can better understand how the general population feels about each service. |
| Security | 26% | During testing, we evaluate VPN protocols on offer, encryption methods, split tunneling, double or multihop tools, kill switches, IPv6 leak protection, simultaneous connections, malware protection, Tor Over VPN, automatic Wi-Fi protection features, P2P encryption, static and dedicated IPs, and perfect forward secrecy tools. I also test each provider with Wireshark and ipleak.net to ensure data is encrypted and that there are no DNS leaks. |
| Privacy | 11.50% | We evaluate each provider's policies regarding no logs, third-party audits, warrant canaries, payment anonymity, email protection, ad and cookie blocking, and whether RAM-only servers are in use. |
| Value | 11% | We evaluate the value of every plan offered by each VPN provider. We look at monthly and yearly costs compared to the features and tools offered. We also take into account the number of ways users can pay for subscriptions. |
| Servers and Jurisdiction | 7.50% | We consider the number of servers each VPN provides and the number of server locations offered. We also check where the provider is located and whether they fall under the Five, Nine and Fourteen Eyes alliances. |
| Service and Support | 6% | We interact with each provider's customer service team to see how quickly they respond to questions and concerns and how knowledgeable the support staff are. |
| Product Differentiators | 4% | We look at each VPN to see if they offer services that make them stand out from the crowd, such as dark web monitoring tools, ad blockers and password managers. |
| Compatibility | 2% | We take into account how many platforms the VPN is compatible with. |
What Are Five, Nine and 14 Eyes Surveillance Alliances?
Five Eyes, Nine Eyes and 14 Eyes are government intelligence gathering and sharing communities. While it is generally illegal for countries to spy on their citizens, it’s not always the case for governments of other countries. For example, the U.S. can ask Australia to monitor U.S. citizens using a VPN, and Australia will share the collected data.
Picking a VPN located in one of the 14 countries is fine as long as your VPN has a no-logs policy that has been confirmed via external audits. The 14 countries in the alliance include:
- Australia
- Belgium
- Canada
- Denmark
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Spain
- Sweden
- UK
- U.S.
I only recommend using VPNs with no-logs and zero-logs policies because if a VPN doesn’t collect user data, it has nothing to share when subpoenaed by government agencies.
How To Choose the Best VPN for Chrome
When considering which VPN to choose for your Chrome browser, there are several factors to keep in mind. Some VPNs work best via an app downloaded to your computer or device versus a browser extension. In general, you’ll want to make sure the VPN you choose offers military-grade encryption, a large number of servers in various locations, fast speeds and 24/7 customer support.
Essential Chrome VPN Features
When choosing a VPN for Chrome, there are certain features that you should always look for. These include features, such as military-grade encryption, fast speeds, lots of servers, split tunneling and a no-logs policy. Most of the higher-end VPNs will have many, if not all, of the features listed below. You will want to weigh the advantages of each provider carefully to ensure you get the best possible protection for the purposes you require:
- Military-grade encryption: To ensure your data is secure and private, make sure the VPN you choose has military-grade encryption. This includes AES-256 encryption and other protocols, such as OpenVPN.
- A large number of servers: Having a wide selection of servers is important for finding fast connection speeds and accessing geo-restricted content. This is why you’ll want to look for a VPN with servers in multiple countries and locations.
- Fast speeds: Look for a VPN that offers high download and upload speeds to ensure a smooth browsing and streaming experience. A slow VPN can cause buffering and lags.
- 24/7 customer support: In case you have any issues with your VPN, you should be able to get help from the provider’s customer service team.
- Split tunneling: Split tunneling allows you to route some of your traffic through the VPN and some directly to the internet. This is helpful for accessing sites that require a local IP address.
- No-logs policy: A no-logs policy means that the VPN provider doesn’t keep any records of your activity. This is important for protecting your privacy and security.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Look for a VPN that offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can try out the service risk-free.
- Ad and tracker blocker: An ad and tracker blocker will help protect your privacy and block malicious websites.
- Firewall protection: A firewall can provide extra security by preventing unauthorized connections to your computer.
- Multidevice support: Make sure the VPN you choose supports multiple devices so that you can use it on all your devices.
- Kill switch: A kill switch ensures that your data is never exposed if the connection drops. It cuts off internet access automatically in case of an unexpected disconnection.
- Not headquartered in a Five Eyes country: To further protect your data, make sure the VPN you choose is not located in a country that participates in the Five Eyes surveillance agreement.
Value
When shopping for a VPN, there are a few things you should keep in mind regarding VPN costs. If you need a VPN for a short period, choose a monthly plan. However, remember that you will pay significantly more if you choose this option. You can also take advantage of the generous free trials offered by most providers. As long as you cancel your account by the specified deadlines (usually 30 days), you can get your money back.
If you visit any VPN provider’s website, you’ll see outrageously good deals for yearly and multiyear plans. However, watch out for renewal fees, as you can pay double, sometimes triple, what you paid up front. My advice is, if you sign up for a long plan, turn off autorenewal immediately so you don’t get stuck with a big bill down the road.
Ease of Use
A VPN can offer all the features imaginable, but if it’s difficult to use, it won’t do anyone any good. I suggest using free trials and money-back guarantees so you can try the VPN before any commitments are made. If you have difficulty using any features, whether due to poor connectivity or hard-to-navigate apps, pick a different VPN. I also recommend reading our guide on how to set up a VPN.
Featured Partners
1
NordVPN
76% Off on NordVPN Premium
10
Yes (add-on)
2
Surfshark
$2.19 / month
Unlimited
Yes
3
Proton VPN
$9.99 / month
Unlimited
Yes
4
TotalVPN
$1.59 / month
Unlimited
Yes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best VPN for Chrome?
NordVPN is an excellent choice for users seeking advanced security features, offering military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy and obfuscated servers. However, its relatively high renewal cost could deter some, but the superior security features may justify the investment.
TunnelBear is an ideal choice for beginners thanks to its intuitive interface, strong encryption and no-logs policy. Its free plan and a broad server network spanning 48 countries make it a highly accessible and flexible VPN option, but users should note it’s headquartered in Canada, a member of the Five Eyes alliance.
Proton VPN stands out with its no-logs policy, Swiss data protection laws and the use of open-source technology. While its free version only provides access to three countries and its advanced features are exclusive to premium plans, the VPN Accelerator technology and multi-platform support make it an excellent option for privacy-minded users and larger households.
Does Chrome have a built-in VPN?
There’s no built-in Chrome VPN. However, there are many Chrome extensions that allow you to get the benefits of a VPN without having to install a separate app.
Is there a free Chrome VPN extension?
There are a number of free Chrome VPN extensions available, such as Hotspot Shield. However, these tend to have fewer features and slower speeds than paid options. Check out our list of the best cheap VPNs.
How do I set up a VPN on Chrome?
To set up a VPN on Chrome, you need to install a Chrome extension. Most providers will have step-by-step instructions for doing this on their website or you can find a VPN through the Chrome Web Store. Once you have the extension installed, log in and select a server. Then, your data will be protected.
Are Chrome VPN extensions safe to use?
Chrome VPN extensions can be safe to use. However, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re selecting a reputable provider with a strong security protocol. Be sure to check for customer reviews and look for features, such as military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, multiple protocols and a kill switch. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to enjoy secure, private browsing on any device.
Can I use a VPN for Chrome on Android devices?
You can use a VPN for Chrome on Android devices. Most providers offer dedicated apps for Android so you can connect to their network and keep your data safe. However, if you’re using an Android device that doesn’t support VPN apps, you can always use a Chrome extension instead. However, make sure it’s compatible with your device.
Can I unblock websites on Chrome without a VPN?
If you don’t have a VPN or can’t download one because you’re using a public computer, you can use a public web proxy. These services allow you to access blocked websites by acting as an intermediary between your computer and the website in question. However, bear in mind that free public web proxies are not as secure as VPNs and may have limited functionality. It’s also worth noting that some websites can detect and block web proxies, so using them to access restricted content may not always be successful.
