If you are searching for the best VPN Chrome extensions and/or applications, then there is no need to look no further. You can find a handy shortlist of the top-rated providers right here on this page.
In this guide, we have also covered the advantages of browsing with a VPN and will walk you through the basic installation process. On top of that, we aimed to resolve any outstanding doubts that you may have about VPNs along the way to ensure that you feel confident about signing up with a Chrome VPN provider.
When browsing on Chrome with a Virtual Private Network (VPN) switched on, your connection is encrypted and rerouted through another server. This hides your device's real location, which keeps your activity online more private and secure.
Basically, using a VPN to browse on Chrome is sort of like being underground instead of out in the open. Above the ground, everyone can see what you are doing, but underground, all of your activities are hidden away from unwanted prying eyes - and that’s effectively what a VPN does, only online.
There are many reasons why you should use a VPN every time that you browse online using Chrome, or any other browser. Additionally, there are also some useful capabilities that are afforded to you as a byproduct of using a VPN to browse.
Here is a short explanation of the main advantages that you can gain when using a VPN on Chrome:
There are three different methods available when it comes to protecting yourself with a VPN when using Chrome. And if you so wish, you can actually implement all of them or switch between them.
Here is how each one works:
As it is by far and away the most popular browser, even among Apple and iOS users, the overwhelming majority of premium VPN providers have a Chrome extension available. You are therefore almost spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing the best VPN provider for your browser.
Fortunately, the experts here at TheGameHaus have tested a variety of VPN apps, chrome extensions and more, with the aim of bringing you the best providers.
In the table below, you can take a quick look at what our top-rated providers have to offer. Later on in the article, you can also find more detailed information about what each of these VPNs can specifically offer its Chrome users.
| Provider: | Available as: | Best for: | Best price (p/m): |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | Chrome extension, app and physical router | Overall performance | $6.67 + 3 months free |
| Surfshark | Chrome extension and app | New VPN users | $2.30 + 2 months free |
| NordVPN | Chrome extension, app and physical router | Connectivity | $3.99 |
| IPVanish | Chrome extension and app | Unlimited devices and connections | $2.92 |
| Proton VPN | Chrome extension and app | Unblocking | $4.99 |
As you can see, not all VPN providers are exactly the same, and each boasts its own unique features. Let’s take a closer look at our experts’ top five rated VPN providers for Chrome browsing:
Chrome browser is just one of many browsers, devices and even pieces of hardware that this VPN can cover. You can easily install this extension on your Chrome browser and connect to the country of your choice with just one click. Additionally, the desktop and mobile apps are extremely user-friendly for beginners and have enough features for more experienced techies.
If you want to cover all Chrome browsing devices in your household, you can easily install ExpressVPN onto compatible routers. Or, to make it even easier, you can purchase physical routers with ExpressVPN already pre-configured.
If you are totally new to the concept of using a VPN when browsing on Chrome, then this is the best option. Both the Surfshark VPN app and the Chrome extension can be downloaded and opened in less than a minute. You then have a very simple interface with a one-click connection option.
Considering the standard of service, unblocking ability, and extra security features, Surshark probably offers the best value for money. Overall, if you are a casual internet browser and streaming, you can’t really go wrong with this one.
Like ExpressVPN, NordVPN also has pre-configured physical routers on sale. Additionally, you also have an excellent mobile app and a desktop app that does the job, even if it does need a little bit of updating. However, the best of the products here is the Chrome extension.
The Chrome extension gives you very secure protection with fast browsing speeds and stable connections that almost never drop. On top of that, NordVPN has very consistent unblocking abilities, which is ideal if you want to stream overseas content.
For as little as $2.92 per month, you can connect to an unlimited number of devices simultaneously with IPVanish. With the Chrome extension you can enjoy encrypted internet browsing without having to worry about frequent dropping and disconnecting.
The no-logs policy is independently verified, so you know that it is legit, which gives IPVanish a big fat check on the security box. Moreover, users have reported ultra-high speeds that even work with 4k streaming.
Proton VPN is the only Swiss-based VPN provider on this list, which offers great advantages if you want to access online banking securely using your Chrome browser. Added to that, Proton VPN is also highly rated for its blocking ability.
As well as giving you access to foreign streaming sites, this also means that you can access and use social media apps while at work or school with the Chrome extension and app. Above all else though, Proton VPN is very freedom-focused and comes with great anti-censorship features.
After reading about our top five paid providers, you may still be wondering if there are any free VPN Chrome extensions. The short answer is yes. But are the best things in life really free? Not really.
Free VPN extensions and apps tend to be extremely weak and limited in what they can offer. Their encryption protocols usually aren’t great, which can really slow down your browsing speed.
Moreover, free VPNs usually come with limited bandwidth, no simultaneous connections and some actually even collect your data and sell it. As the latter is one of the main reasons why you should always be using a VPN, many free extensions actually defeat the whole purpose of the concept.
Yes, in most of the Western world, you actually have the right to be able to use a VPN to protect your privacy whilst you are browsing online. However, while nothing is illegal there are certain VPN uses that some institutions might frown upon.
For instance, it is against the Netflix terms of service to use a VPN to access content in other countries. However, to date, there have been no cases of accounts being banned or any legal action being taken because of this.
One of the most popular reasons behind using the best VPN for Chrome is accessing sites and social media platforms that your school or workplace has banned. While this is not illegal, your employer or educator may take action if they discover you are using a VPN for this purpose.
While most of the world allows VPNs to be used liberally, there are some countries with heavy restrictions, including:
Additionally, VPNs are totally outlawed in these nations:
By reviewing our main points on VPNs for Chrome below, it is quite easy to see that the advantages hold far more weight than the disadvantages, making investing in a quality VPN a smart move for active Chrome users.
That just about sums everything up folks - all that you need to do is subscribe to the VPN provider of your choice. After that, you can download the VPN as a Chrome extension or app, or install it directly on your router for all around coverage. No matter what you choose, you can surf the internet safely knowing that you have the best protection possible. Stay tuned for future VPN updates!
There are several VPN options that factor in costs for every budget. To see what VPNs might be compatible with your device and Chrome browser, use this guide here at TheGameHaus.com.
Switching on your Chrome VPN extension is actually really easy. A full guide to the process, from download and installation to switching on, can be found here at TheGameHaus.com.
As you may know, there are free VPN extensions available on your Chrome browser, but how safe are they really? Our experts have answered your questions and debunked some common myths surrounding this topic.
