The method of protecting the Chrome browser is not always the same for Chrome and Chromebook. While a Chromebook is essentially a machine designed to run Chrome, we’ll discuss the differences.
The desktop Chrome browser for PCs and Macs is best protected by VPN apps designed for those operating systems. We took a closer look at Best VPN for Mac and Best VPN for Windowsthis will help.
You are essentially installing a VPN application that runs in the background and protects all network traffic. Chrome Extensions Available for Most Popular VPN service allows you to enable and disable features, and provides additional protection against WebRTC leaks.
For iOS and Android, users will need to install the app device-wide. Chrome for mobile doesn’t support extensions, so apps based on your device are your best defense.
If you want to protect your Chromebook, the Chrome browser extension is not enough. The way most VPN providers recommend you protect your Chromebook is by installing the provider’s Android app. Android apps now run on most modern Chromebooks, but older Chromebooks don’t always have that capability. Be sure to check each vendor’s compatibility list. When you install Android apps on your Chromebook, you’re generally protected.
Also: Best Free VPNs (And Why You Get What You Pay For)
Finally, for Linux devices running Chrome, several vendors provide Linux binaries, but the most common method is to install VPN software on the router, then run all the traffic. through that router. That doesn’t help mobile Linux users, but it’s a start.
Check out our favorite VPN services for Chrome and Chromebook.
- Fast loading speed
- Tons of server locations
- Compatible with a large number of platforms
- Limited to 5 simultaneous connections
- Price than other options
ExpressVPN Specifications
- Chrome Extensions: Correct
- Chrome Web Store Rating: 4.7/5, 2,346 reviews
- concurrent connection: 5 or unlimited with router app
- Off switch: Correct
- Communication: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and more and more
- Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs
- Nation: ninety four
- Money back guarantee: 30 days
Read reviews: ExpressVPN Review
ExpressVPN is one of the most widely used VPNs out there, it supports an incredible number of platforms and has a multitude of protocols to choose from. The operating systems on which it works include all standards: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. But there are several other platforms that ExpressVPN supports, including:
- Chrome browser
- firefox
- Kindle Fire
- Linux
- router
- Amazon Fire TV
- Android TV
- Chromecast with Google TV
- PlayStation
- apple tv
- Xbox
- Nintendo Switch
Also: How to set up and use ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has servers in more countries than any other provider on this list, so you won’t be short of options to choose from. While overall performance will vary depending on your internet connection and the server you’re connecting to, ExpressVPN is fast and reliable.
Exclusive offers: Get three more months for free
ExpressVPN has one clear and transparent privacy policy. It does not log any of your browsing or destination data. Therefore, no identifying information is kept on file. However, it does keep a log of the date you connected, the amount of data transferred, and the location of the VPN server you connected to.
- Simple app
- Fast and reliable connection
- Vast server network
- Only 6 simultaneous connections
NordVPN Specifications
- Chrome Extensions: Correct
- Chrome Web Store Rating: 3.6/5, 2,970 reviews
- concurrent connection: 6
- Off switch: Correct
- Communication: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge
- Logging: None, except for payment data
- Nation: 59
- Money back guarantee: 30 days
NordVPN is one of the most popular consumer VPNs, and it has a number of capabilities that go beyond a basic VPN. It supports P2P file sharing and is one of the Top VPN for torrenting. For added security, you can route your connection through a second server, called a dual VPN. It also supports all major platforms and operating systems, so you should be able to use NordVPN to secure the majority of your devices outside of your Chromebook or Chrome browser.
Read reviews: Our NordVPN Review
in us NordVPN Review, we found the service to be pretty good, only reducing download speeds by about 28%. And its connection is reliable and fast, so it’s no surprise that NordVPN also landed on us. Best VPN for Streaming list is good. If you’re not sure if NordVPN is right for you, you can always try it out and get a full 30-day refund if you’re not satisfied.
Also: How to set up and use NordVPN
NordVPN is currently having a fall sale and offers an additional three months free with a two-year plan. This reduces the average monthly cost to $3.09/month ($107.73 upfront).
Limited time offer: Get three more months for free
- A wide range of useful features
- Good price
- Unlimited connections
- Fewer features available for Apple devices
Surfshark VPN Specifications
- Chrome Extensions: Correct
- Chrome Web Store Rating: 2.9/5, 373 reviews
- concurrent connection: Infinite
- communication: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux
- Off switch: Correct
- Logging: None, except for payment data
- Money back guarantee: 30 days
This early year, Surfshark and Nord Security (NordVPN) merged, but they will continue to function as separate entities. And while Surfshark is the cheaper of the two, we found it to be on par with NordVPN in terms of speed, with only a 28% drop in downloads. However, Surfshark VPN’s connection time seems to be a bit slower.
Read reviews: Our Surfshark VPN Review
In terms of security, Surfing VPN is solid rock. We found no DNS leaks or IP leaks in our testing. To further reduce the risk of WebRTC leaks, Surfshark offers several browser plugins. In addition to the Chrome extension, there are plugins for Firefox and Microsoft Edge.
Surfshark VPN has a number of features that come standard with its service. Its CleanWeb engine blocks ads, trackers, and malware. You’ll also get access to split tunneling (Bypasser) and a dual VPN option (MultiHop) so you can route connections through two VPN servers at the same time. There are some inexpensive extras included with the Surfshark One plan, including a no-log search engine, data breach scanner, and antivirus software.
Also:
The Best VPN for Chrome is ExpressVPN. We found it to have great security features, consistent speed, and was appreciated by Chrome users. On top of that, ExpressVPN is compatible with a large number of devices and platforms outside of Chrome. So you should have no problem securing your internet traffic from all your devices with ExpressVPN.
| Best VPN for Chrome | Price | Kill the switch | Chrome Web Store Rating | concurrent connection |
| ExpressVPN | $6.67/month with 1 year & 3 months free plan | Correct | 4.7 | 5 |
| Surfing VPN | $2.30/month with 2 years & 2 months free plan | Correct | 3.6 | Infinite |
| NordVPN | $3.09/month with 2 years & 3 months free plan | Correct | 2.9 | 6 |
The best Chrome VPN for you will likely be the one you want to use for more than just your Chrome browser or Chromebook. Having a versatile VPN will give you the most value.
With that in mind, understanding why you need a VPN is the first step to finding the best VPN for you. Depending on what you’re looking for, here are some suggestions:
| Choose this VPN for Chrome… | If you want… |
| NordVPN | Fast and reliable connection |
| ExpressVPN | Top performance and features |
| Surfing VPN | Unlimited connections |
| Surfing VPN | the best valuable |
When we narrowed down our list of the best VPNs for Chrome, we started with some must-have basic features, such as a kill switch, no logs, and no leaks. We also looked at the number of server locations, platforms, and pricing.
With that in mind, there’s also some subjectivity in our rankings, so take our recommendations with a pinch of salt and try things out for yourself before making a final decision. With these VPNs (and most other reputable services), you’ll have 30 days to test the product and get a full refund if you don’t sell on the service.
The answer will vary slightly between vendors, but in general, a Chrome extension should give you in-browser control over your app. More importantly, sometimes websites use WebRTC maybe through the tunnel of VPN and get your actual IP address. Chrome extensions can often block that behavior.
No. While Chrome is one of the most secure and feature-packed browsers, Chrome doesn’t have a built-in VPN. For the most secure Chrome browser experience, you need to install a separate VPN.
All VPN services on this list are trusted and moderated by ZDNET. Services like NordVPN and ExpressVPN have been around for over a decade and provide the most secure and secure connections for Chrome and other browsers.
Yes, because Chrome extensions only work in Chrome. If you have any other internet connection outside of your browser, the Chrome extension will not protect that connection.
We analyzed and tested the top-rated VPNs on the Google Play Store to find out Best VPN for Android. We found NordVPN to be the best overall.
We found NordVPN to be Best VPN for iPhoneaccording to our analysis of concurrent connections, servers, logging, streaming service unlockability, and other useful factors.
The answer to this is the same as the answer to anyone asking how to stay protected on older devices: sometimes you just can’t. If your device can’t keep you safe online, don’t go online or upgrade your device. Sorry, but the upgrade costs a lot less than the damage it would do if you were the victim of identity theft.
If ExpressVPN, NordVPN or Surfshark VPN don’t feel right for you, no problem. Here are a few other VPN services that are considered safe and work well.
