5 Best VPN Extensions For Chrome (Updated for 2024)

Best VPN Extensions For Chrome in 2024

Chrome is by far the most popular browser in the world and in almost every country outside Africa. About two out of every three browsing requests are made with Chrome. In the last decade, Internet Explorer has seen its popularity as a browser plummet, with Chrome taking up most of that lost share.

In this article we will review the best VPN providers for Chrome Browser. Using a VPN for Chrome can give you many advantages, such as better privacy, access to geoblocked content or bypassing government sensorshipss. With a VPN plugin for Chrome you can for example access geo-blocked television, or access websites like Twitter or Instagram in China.

In our review about the best VPNs for Chrome we have considered multiple factors. We have of course considered how well we feel the Chrome extension of each VPN functions. But we have also considered important factors such as amount of servers, speed, security, encryption, price, money back guarantee, customer service and similar relevant factors.

The best VPN extensions for Chrome

Without further ado we will present the best VPN extensions for Chrome. Most of these VPNs are paid VPN, as they are much better than the free VPNs. However all of the paid VPNs on this list come with a 30 day money back guarantee, so you can practically use the VPNs for free for 30 days.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN devices

Features

  • Number of servers: More than 3,000
  • Speeds: Unlimited
  • Server locations: 160 in 94 countries
  • Maximum devices supported: 5
  • 24 live chat: Yes
  • 30-day money-back guarantee: Yes

Pros/Cons

  • Fastest VPN out there
  • Strict no logs policy
  • 256-bit AES encryption
  • Few discounts
Visit ExpressVPN

With one of the fastest plugins on the market, ExpressVPN has a strict no log policy that ensures users that they will not have their online activities manifested by Chrome. ExpressVPN has a level of network reliability that few in the business can even come close to and leverages this quality to better serve customers around the world.

ExpressVPN has its home office in the British Virgin Islands. This is very helpful as it places ExpressVPN outside the reach of the Five Eyes umbrella, giving its strict no log policy actual credence. This is very important because there might be a time where Chrome might be ordered to hand over its log information.

ExpressVPN has one of the most globally distributed server networks out there, spanning over 160 locations in 94 countries around the world. Indeed, being active on all six continents allows ExpressVPN to serve as wide a market as possible which is good news for netizens who reside in underserved markets.

ExpressVPN is very well known for having a very reliable network. The more than three thousand servers in its network definitely helps. What this enables them to do is to have servers close by each other so that in the rare event of a server hiccup, others can pick up the slack, thereby ensuring uninterrupted encryption protection for their customers.

ExpressVPN also shines through with its top notch technical support system. For one, they have a well-rounded troubleshoot guide that helps users with most issues. If something requires more specific attention, ExpressVPN also provides a live chat feature that is available 24/7.

When billed annually, a year-long subscription to ExpressVPN comes out to a modest $8.32 a month. For those who are still skeptical, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money back guarantee on all of their subscriptions, so that all the risk is on them and not you. This high quality VPN is definitely one that should be looked into.

  • Pros: Fastest VPN out there; Strict no logs policy; 256-bit AES encryption;
  • Lowest price: $6.67

NordVPN

NordVPN devices

Features

  • Cryptocurrency accepted? Yes
  • Simultaneous connections: 6
  • Dedicated IP-addresses? Yes
  • Servers: 5342 in 58 countries

Pros/Cons

  • Lots of pricing options
  • Netflix support kept up to date
  • 256-bit AES encryption
  • Slow app
Visit NordVPN

NordVPN is also headquartered in an exotic location, this time Panama. This also places NordVPN outside the Five Eyes security pact, which is fast becoming the benchmark of VPNs that claim to be serious about privacy protection. This protection enables users to take advantage of alternate IP addresses to further conceal their identity from big brother.

With a mind-blowing 5600 servers worldwide and counting, NordVPN is not going to run out of backups anytime soon. Spread over 60 different countries, NordVPN is an internationally recognized name in the industry and is keen not to overload any one server so as to never compromise on their quality of service.

Having such a large network to fall back on also helps NordVPN in providing uninterrupted privacy for netizens who do not wish to have their activities recorded down by Chrome. Some VPNs are known for short changing customers on this front and as a result users are exposed to scrutiny which defeats the entire purpose of having a VPN service.

As far as tech support goes, NordVPN has a pretty decent system with an email drop box and a troubleshoot guide to assist customers who have any minor problems or just with to know more about NordVPN. For matters that require more attention, there is a live chat feature that customers can access as well.

NordVPN’s monthly subscription is somewhat on the high side, however if netizens go with the three-year subscription, the monthly cost plummets to a mere $3.49. Moreover, each subscription plan comes with a 30-day money back guarantee which means consumers have nothing to lose and everything to gain. See a guide for using NordVPN with Chrome here.

  • Pros: Lots of pricing options; Netflix support kept up to date; 256-bit AES encryption;
  • Lowest price: $3.71

Surfshark

Surfshark devices

Features

  • Free trial? Yes
  • Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
  • Ad blocking? Yes
  • Servers: 1000+ in 61 countries

Pros/Cons

  • No footprints
  • Allows torrenting
  • 256-bit AES encryption
  • Not the fastest
Try Surfshark

One of SurfShark’s claims to fame is the fact that it is able to bypass the infamous Netflix firewall which allows users to stream Netflix using any IP address they please. This feature also comes in handy when helping users stay under Chrome’s radar, whether it is for reasons of security or even if you just do not want anyone being nosy.

SurfShark is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, which gives legitimacy to its no log policy because it will not be forced by anyone to break that policy behind their customers’ backs. And since Chrome does not get to track your whereabouts, they will not have any information on you if they ever get subpoenaed.

SurfShark carries over 800 servers on its network which is distributed over 53 different countries. As mentioned before, this server network is more than in line with SurfShark’s customer base and will almost certainly expand exponentially over the next few years as its customer base will inevitably do as well.

Another really unique feature of SurfShark it that they allow users to whitelist certain exchanges at their discretion. This frees up bandwidth to be directed at exchanges that users genuinely wish to have encrypted. This sort of customer induced efficiency can potentially pay off big time in the coming years.

SurfShark has a very simple tech support page with all the major problem categories neatly laid out at the left side of the main tech support page. This enables customers to access the portal they need without having to strain their eyes by looking at a cluttered mess which some VPNs unfortunately have.

Even though the monthly subscription for SurfShark is relatively pricey at $11.95, they do offer a two-year plan that brings the monthly cost down to $1,99. SurfShark is definitely a VPN service with a lot of growth potential both in quantity and in quality of its service, which is something netizens should pay attention to.

  • Pros: No footprints; Allows torrenting; 256-bit AES encryption;
  • Lowest Price: $2.49

CyberGhost

CyberGhost devices

Features

  • Connected devices at once: 7
  • Automatic kill switch? Yes
  • One click connect: Yes
  • Servers: 5900 worldwide

Pros/Cons

  • No logs policy
  • 24/7 live chat
  • Apps for mobile devices and routers
  • No free option
Try CyberGhost

One of CyberGhost’s big specialties is the ability to provide secure P2P torrenting. This allows users to access restricted games. But this security also spills over into getting past Chrome’s monitoring apparatus. Anonymity is just a few clicks away.

CyberGhost has chosen Romania as its official home, which nonetheless put it outside any major surveillance jurisdiction. An odd location, to be sure, but a secure one regardless, which is all that really matters for a VPN.

CyberGhost has over 5800 servers in over 90 countries, which is more servers than any other VPN on this list. With such a wide outreach, CyberGhost has positioned itself well to be the go-to VPN for netizens anywhere in the world.

CyberGhost boasts military grade levels of encryption in its server network that allows for complete anonymity, even when you are on a public Wi-Fi network. This means you can use the Chrome browser almost literally anywhere and still be under the protection of CyberGhost.

One of the coolest things about CyberGhost’s tech support page is that it contains a search bar for customers who are not entirely sure on how to articulate the problem they are having. CyberGhost also has loads of helpful articles at the bottom of the page as backup.

CyberGhost tend to treat its loyal customers very well, with their three-year plan containing a rock bottom monthly cost of just $2.75. And to sweeten the deal, CyberGhost offers a whopping 45-day money back guarantee.

  • Pros: No logs policy; 24/7 live chat; Apps for mobile devices and routers;
  • Lowest price: €2

Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access devices

Features

  • IP cloaking? Yes
  • Access to US domains? Yes
  • Devices supported: Over 30 (including iOS and Android)
  • Firewalls? Yes
  • Servers: 3000+ in over 25 countries

Pros/Cons

  • Military grade encryption
  • Firewall
  • Completely private browsing
  • Lesser known provider
Visit Private Internet Access

One of the first things about PIA VPN that really stand out is the fact that they allow up to ten different devices to share the same subscription, twice the industry standard of five. Indeed, there are some of us out there with so many smart devices that this is a very relevant factor when deciding on a VPN service.

Headquartered in Denver, PIA VPN is not subject to any mandatory data retention laws that VPNs in the EU have to contend with. This of course gives PIA VPN an edge over their peers across the Atlantic and makes their boasts of having a strict no log policy more than just hot air.

PIA VPN has an astounding 3375 servers at its disposal and growing. Located in 32 countries on all six continents, PIA VPN is able to cater to underserved markets and niche itself that way. In future years, it will have positioned itself to take advantage of these growing market segments which will undoubtedly spill over to their overall performance.

PIA VPN is able to support P2P and also multiple VPN gateways. PIA VPN has certainly gone through great lengths to ensure customer privacy is never compromised. Whether it is keeping away from Chromes prying eyes or making sure hackers are kept at bay, PIA VPN has you covered.

PIA VPN is not afraid of constructive criticism, going so far as to setting up a feedback portal for any and all opinions. PIA VPN also posts regular updates on their help page so that customers know what is going on in the world of tech. On top of that, PIA VPN has a very responsive email drop box for anyone who has further questions.

PIA VPN has a monthly subscription that currently runs at $6.95 a month, and has a year-long plan with a monthly cost of just $3.33 which is billed annually. Not only that, PIA VPN has a seven-day money back guarantee for all their subscriptions so as to take away any risk from your end.

  • Pros: Military grade encryption; Firewall; Completely private browsing;
  • Lowest price: €2.50

What To Look for In a VPN

As with many products, they differ from provider to provider, sometimes greatly, and VPNs are no different. This is something very important to keep in mind simply because the differences in each VPN mean that they might be designed with different customer bases in mind.

So before you choose a VPN to subscribe to, it will behoove you to do a decent bit of research. Some VPNs are focused solely on security features and therefore might not have the most stellar bandwidth. Others might instead focus on satisfying even the most ardent movie streamers.

Encryption Strength

Encryption strength is a major benchmark in determining if a VPN can fulfill its purpose of privacy protection. Unfortunately, far too many VPNs have neglected this core feature in order to focus on other flashy selling points, so it is very important that netizens take a good look at a VPN’s security features before making a purchase.

A VPN with a strong encryption system will enable you to stay protected even on public Wi-Fi networks. Users will have a peace of mind knowing that they can stay out of the long arm of big brother and browse as they please without having that information sold to the highest bidder and potentially being used for evil.

Location

This might sound odd to some, but where a VPN is headquartered is actually quite important. This is because security laws can differ greatly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. There are many countries where companies in certain industries are required to record information about their customers and cannot even inform them of it.

This is why it is very beneficial if a VPN is based in a secluded location with strong privacy laws that is not subject to a major security pact such as the Five Eyes alliance. Otherwise, VPNs can ensure you of their no log policy all they want, but cannot properly fulfill it as long as an intelligence agency can simply order them to spy on their own customers.

Server Array

All other things being equal, VPNs with a larger server network are more preferable. This is because online traffic is better spread out, and in the event of a server going offline, there are plenty in the vicinity to ensure uninterrupted privacy protection for the customer. This is very important for those who regularly deal with sensitive information online.

Having said that, VPNs with smaller networks should not be discounted immediately, simply because many VPNs grow their server network in tandem with their customer base. The best way to figure out if the VPN in question fits this description is to see how many daily users they serve.

What VPN Is Best For Chrome?

At the end of the day, cyber security should be something every netizen is aware of. Whether it is being able to stream your favorite movie without being throttled by your own ISP, or wanting to not leave a virtual paper trail for Chrome to pick up, we all have a reason why we would want to be protected online.

VPNs can go a long way in helping with that goal. For the price of a soda can or less every month, we get access to world class security systems designed to keep things private.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Chrome have its VPN?

No, Chrome doesn’t have a dedicated VPN. However, like many other browsers, it has a private browsing feature. Chrome calls this window Incognito Mode. Chrome’s incognito mode means that Chrome doesn’t store your browsing history, data, and cookies. 

However, this feature is different from VPNs because it doesn’t hide your online activity from the websites you visit and your internet service providers (ISPs). So, although Chrome doesn’t have a VPN, you can get absolute online privacy with Chrome VPN extensions. 

Can I use a free VPN for Chrome?

The possibility of getting excellent services without paying is desirable. However, there’s always a catch. Often, you’ll have to manage more inferior services. For instance, with free VPNs, you may have to deal with pop ads, periodic data limits, and a limited number of servers. 

Therefore, it would be best to use a paid VPN for Chrome. The best VPNs all have relatively affordable subscription plans. 

Can I get a VPN browser extension separately?

Many VPNs have a Chrome browser extension. However, you cannot opt to buy the browser extension separately. Instead, you’ll have to pay for a full subscription to get the extension. Still, this isn’t a bad deal because you get to enjoy all the benefits of a VPN and not just those of the browser extension.

Can I use VPNs and Chrome’s incognito mode together?

Yes, you can enjoy both features on your device. Incognito mode hides your browsing data on your phone. So, it may be a great choice to combine incognito mode with a VPN. All you need to do is subscribe to and log in to your VPN account. Then, you open your Chrome browser and select Incognito mode.