The world’s most popular browser, Google Chrome, has a wealth of VPN services that are accessible via their add-ons extensions. Browsing has never been easier or more secure with the best VPN’s for Chrome.
Google Chrome continues to be the world’s most popular internet browser. Since 2002, W3 Schools has been collecting data on the most used internet browsers. 79.6% of people use Google Chrome, followed by 10.1% using Firefox. That’s a very large proportion of people browsing the internet who could make use of a VPN.
Google Chrome supports add-ons, also known as extensions, as part of it’s user experience. Extensions can be installed and enabled via the browser itself, and this includes VPN providers. So, it’s really time to start thinking how you’re going to be browsing safely and securely online.
It’s now easier than ever to combine your favourite internet browser with a VPN service. Best of all, some VPN’s for Chrome are free, meaning you can continue your browsing experience at no extra cost.
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1. NordVPN
If you’re looking for a good all-rounder, you cannot go wrong with NordVPN. It is a VPN that ticks all of the boxes in terms of speed, performance, value for money, and international support. But what makes it my top pick in terms of Google Chrome?
Firstly, it is incredibly easy to set-up NordVPN on Google Chrome. Simply head to the Chrome Web Store, and you will find the app here. All you need to do is click the button that says “Add to Chrome.” Once you do this, the extension will automatically be added to your browser. All you need to do is sign-in to your NordVPN account for this to work.
NordVPN excels when it comes to global access and security. With servers covering 59 countries across five continents, your VPN experience should be smooth and fast no matter where you are. You don’t have to worry about bandwidth limits either, which is always a big plus.
The company offers a number of different features to keep you secure while online, which is why it is my top choice. You are prevented from accessing malware-hosting sites while on Google Chrome thanks to the CyberSec security feature. Strong encryption is also in place.
You would be forgiven for thinking that all of this comes at a high cost. However, value for money is most certainly assured, with NordVPN starting from $3.71 per month.
Does NordVPN Sound Right For You?
NordVPN Pros:
- No IP/DNS leaks found
- Strict no logs policy
- Torrenting/P2P allowed
- Works on lots of devices
- Easy to use
NordVPN Cons:
- Discounts for longer subscriptions only
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2. Surfshark
Surfshark is another good choice if you are looking for an effective VPN for Google Chrome. If you go down this route, you will get a generous 30-day money-back guarantee, so you will have plenty of time to try it before you commit.
Surfshark has a dedicated extension for Google Chrome, which is incredibly easy to use and install.
Once you have done so, you will be able to bypass restrictions in place on censored websites with ease. You will also have no trouble bypassing local firewalls either.
With over 3200 servers across more than 65 countries, high-quality is guaranteed. You can also enjoy a whole host of different security features as well.
Does Surfshark Sound Right For You?
Surfshark Pros:
- Privacy-friendly jurisdiction
- High-speed servers
- VPN kill switch & no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks
- Unblocks US Netflix & BBC iPlayer
- Can be used on an unlimited number of devices
Surfshark Cons:
- Company could be more transparent
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3. ExpressVPN
You may have already noticed that ExpressVPN is often our favourite choice as an all-round VPN provider. ExpressVPN continuosly comes out on top when we consider their customer service, performance, security and speed. Why? Because they truly are the best of the bunch!
ExpressVPN works on a range of different platforms and devices. Although their services aren’t free, they provide an excellent in-browser Chrome extension that’s super easy to use and simple to continue browsing with.
The Chrome extension is combined with ExpressVPN’s relevant desktop app. The features are easy to get along with and include DNS leak prevention and a kill switch which are quick to enable. With all their high performing features, it was a relief to discover that with the extension installed, we didn’t experience much different in browsing speed.
When browsing the web, it’s important to have a VPN that doesn’t log any of your data or information. ExpressVPN operate a no-logs policy to ensure an exceptional privacy policy that pleases many of it’s users (it certainly does for me).
Although ExpressVPN don’t offer a free trial (which is a bit of a disappointment), they do offer 3 competitive pricing plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee. They may be a bit pricier than their competition, but being the best VPN for Chrome, it’s certainly value for money.
Does ExpressVPN Sound Right For You?
ExpressVPN Pros:
- Easy to Super fast servers
- No logging
- Works on lots of devices
- Easy to use
ExpressVPN Cons:
- Costly if you pay monthly
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4. Windscribe
Windscribe is a free VPN that is packed full of features. The only limitation to it’s free version is that you’re only going to get 10GB worth of data each month. However, if you’re not going to be using more than 10GB (which I think is pretty generous), it’s very affordable.
If you plan to use public WiFi on a regular basis, Windscribe provides it’s users with superb encryption, secure hotspot, and a proxy gateway. Best of all, it comes with it’s very own Google Chrome extension which you can use at home or out and about.
Windscribe’s multitude of apps means you’ll be covered on all your devices. This includes Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. Although our focus here is on Google Chrome, it’s worth mentioning that Windscribe offer extensions for Firefox and Opera too, opening up even more possibilities.
Browser extensions for Windscribe allow you to access services like Kodi, Amazon Fire TV, and more, via it’s OpenVPN protocol. IKEv2 and OpenVPN are supported by AES-256 encryption, ensuring that your traffic remains safe and stealthy.
When you install the Windscribe extension to Google Chrome, you may be surprised by some of it’s features. You can choose to route your traffic from one location to another, meaning it’s even harder for your data to be tracked. You can change your browser’s time zone to match the location chosen via Windscribe.
You can also enable Windscribe to monitor and delete browsing cookies during one of your VPN sessions. This VPN provider is user friendly and intelligent, making your browsing experience much more enjoyable (and secure).
If you’ve never used a VPN for Google Chrome before, you’ll be pleased to know that Windscribe offer excellent customer service via live chat and a ticket system. They even have their own subreddit too, so you can discuss queries with other users.
Does Windscribe Sound Right For You?
Windscribe Pros:
- Guaranteed U.S. and U.K. Netflix connection
- Unlimited device connections
- Free plan available
Windscribe Cons:
- Average speeds
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5. TunnelBear
Canadian-based VPN provider TunnelBear is extremely user friendly and great for beginners. It’s got decent performance results, but can suffer a little on the speed side when connecting to long distance locations. The speed hit isn’t too detrimental though, especially considering it’s free.
TunnelBear’s Google Chrome extension is simple to install and use. All you need to sign up is an email address and you can enjoy 500MB of data per month. If you have a Twitter account, TunnelBear will reward you with an extra 1GB data for free, if you tweet them. Not much of a sacrifice if you ask me!
Although it may not offer as many features or custom content as other VPN’s, TunnelBear to provide a secure and reliable service. You’ll be protected with AES 256-bit encryption and have access to plenty of servers across 20+ countries.
What’s more, when you use TunnelBear’s Google Chrome extension, you can take advantage of their blocker add-on. In terms of privacy, TunnelBear don’t log any of you data or information, meaning your browsing activities are completely secure and private. The only information they do retain is your email address upon sign up (you can make a new email address to sign up).
If you like TunnelBear as the best VPN for Google Chrome, you can sign up to one of their pricing packages. From only $5 per month (billed yearly), you’ll be able to enjoy unlimited data. Simply upgrade your account and your Google Chrome extension will be updated too.
Does TunnelBear Sound Right For You?
TunnelBear Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Free 500MB option
- No logs
- Easy to use
TunnelBear Cons:
- Slower connection across long distances
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6. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is another VPN provider that offers a free Google Chrome extension. You can enjoy browsing securely and privately with the click of a button (an on/off button to be more specific). Their proxy extension has four locations, covering U.S., Romania, Germany, and Netherlands.
Although there’s not a huge range of choice when it comes to locations, speed and performance is pretty steady. We only noticed a few fluctuations when connecting from longer distances, which is to be expected from most VPN’s.
When you start browsing, CyberGhost’s Google Chrome extension encrypts your data with 256-bit AES encryption. However, the free version doesn’t protect your from webRTC leaks. If you want more protection, you’ll need to choose one of their pricing plans that’s available on their website.
There are four plans to choose from, starting from only £3.10 per month when you sign up to their 18-month plan. Monthly plans can be purchased from £11.99 per month, and include their full services and features, including all security protection.
If you do take up CyberGhost’s full plan, you’ll notice some extra features when browsing using Google Chrome. This VPN can block malicious websites, adverts and trackers. It also has an automated HTTPS redirection tool to ensure you’re only ever browsing securely.
Understandably, this kind of protection may be too much for some users. Luckily you can switch on/off these features as and when you want to use them, so you can be in full control of your own browsing experience.
Does CyberGhost Sound Right For You?
CyberGhost Pros:
- Huge network layout
- Multi-platform support
- Stable speeds
- Good for streaming, including Netflix
CyberGhost Cons:
- Limited payment options
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7. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield’s Google Chrome extension is easy to install. A couple of clicks later you can enjoy a secure and private browsing experience. When you connect your VPN it will choose the best server with the fastest speed. The extension itself is free, but it is limited to four locations, so you may want to upgrade if you want more access.
Something I noticed with Hotspot Shield was that they update their Chrome extension regularly. This gives me the confidence that they pay attention to customer feedback and continually want to improve their users’ browsing experience.
Security wise, Hotspot Shield use 256-bit AES encryption. They don’t log or collect any of your data, so when you’re browsing at home or out and about, your experience is completely private. This is especially useful if you’re wanting to access geo-restricted streaming sites and services like Amazon TV or Hula, or torrent your favourite music and films.
Hotspot Shield’s free version is limited to a few locations. But their 7-day trial can be signed up to in order to test out their full list of features. This includes all of their locations and additional configuration options so you can make an informed decision.
Their pricing plans are very reasonable, starting from £3.49 per month if you sign up for 3 years. If you don’t want to commit to that amount of time, you can choose their monthly option at £12.99 per month, of £8.99 per month for 6 months.
Does Hotspot Shield Sound Right For You?
Hotspot Shield Pros:
- User-friendly
- Supports torrenting
- Good speeds
- Unblocks Netflix
Hotspot Shield Cons:
- Based in privacy-unfriendly US
