Best Chrome VPN extension of 2024 (2024)

Regardless of whether you use a VPN on a full-time basis or every so often, combining it with your Chrome browser can massively streamline your online experience. Chrome is the most popular browser there is, and works nicely alongside some of the industry's best VPNs so you can access secure servers from the comfort of your Chrome tabs.

However, there are tons of VPNs out there to choose from, and nobody has the time to sift through them all. I've got 3 years of experience putting VPNs to the test, and I've rounded up the best free and premium options in this here article.

To help you find your perfect match, I took into consideration each provider's security tools, speeds, unblocking capabilities, and how their Chrome app differs in comparison to their desktop variants. With that said, let's dig into the top 5 Chrome VPN extensions.

The three best Chrome VPN extensions in 2024

Want a quick answer? Check out the best Chrome VPN extensions in 2024 below:

The best Chrome VPN extensions of 2024

See how my top picks compare in my detailed analysis. I'll cover what I like (and dislike) about each service, my most recent test results, and any reasons you might be better off avoiding a particular VPN.

The best Chrome VPN extension overall

ExpressVPN apps are all a delight to use. They look great, features are exactly where you'd expect them to be, and you don't have to be a VPN veteran to get set up. The Chrome VPN extension is no exception. In fact, it's a full-blown extension and not just a mere proxy—which sets it apart from most of the competition.

Right from the get-go, you can tell that the Chrome extension has all the usability and smarts you'd expect from ExpressVPN's full-blown Windows and Mac clients. So, you can immediately connect to a server, change your location, and alter settings in the extension itself. That's a nice quality-of-life feature that makes navigating around the app much easier.

► Try ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

In terms of security, ExpressVPN is hard to beat. The service sticks to a strict no-logs policy and isn't interested in keeping tabs on what you get up to online—which is exactly what I like to see. Your data will also be covered by robust encryption, and you can even prevent HTML5 geolocation from revealing your real location while using HTTPS Everywhere to automatically force connections to the HTTPS versions of websites whenever they're available.

There are a few things to keep in mind if you're planning on investing in an ExpressVPN subscription—and price is one of them. An ExpressVPN plan doesn't come cheap, although I think you're getting a wealth of tools and battle-tested security in return. Still, ExpressVPN's subscriptions might be out of your price range, and it's worth checking out PIA for a more budget-friendly alternative. Also, you can't use the ExpressVPN browser extension without having the appropriate ExpressVPN desktop app installed as well. If this is a red flag, then there are standalone Chrome extensions that can be used instead.

ExpressVPN is virtually unbeaten when it comes to unblocking international streaming content, however. So, if the main reason for kitting your Chrome browser out with a VPN is to see what's on Netflix elsewhere, then you're in luck. ExpressVPN works like a charm with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and smaller regional services.

ExpressVPN is the full package—and it's not hard to see why it claims the top spot in so many of my rankings. It manages to combine superfast speeds with easy-to-use security tools, and a real Chrome extension that's more than a proxy. So, if you're intrigued, you'll want to check out its 30-day money-back guarantee today.

The best cheap Chrome VPN extension

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a veteran of the industry and one of the most secure VPNs I've put to the test. Something that jumped out at me immediately was the quality of its Chrome extension. They genuinely add value—which is saying something, considering how affordable PIA is as well, especially when opting for its 2-year plan.

The Chrome app has some awesome security tools, including a feature that prevents the sites you visit from accessing your location, camera, and microphone. The VPN can also put a stop to WebRTC leaks that would otherwise cause you to leave an identifiable trail across the net. That's strong stuff, especially when you consider that most extensions are merely stripped-back versions of their full-fat counterparts.

▶ Try Private Internet Access on unlimited devices.

Trustworthy VPNs aren't always easy to find—not when the market is flooded with duds that don't value your privacy. PIA is different, however, and packs rock-solid encryption that'll keep prying eyes at bay. I also like that PIA's apps are all open-source. That means you can check out the code yourself if you're in the mood to spot vulnerabilities and see whether the provider is sticking to its security claims.

However, you'll need to keep in mind that the PIA extension only covers Chrome browser traffic. Outside of Chrome, it just isn't as fleshed out as ExpressVPN in terms of versatile tools—but the fact that PIA is an audited no-logs provider shouldn't be understated.

There's better news when it comes to streaming—especially if you're looking for a reliable Netflix VPN that can all access BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime. PIA is one of just a handful of services that unblocked everything I tested in every region. Essentially, you'll never run out of shows and movies to watch (or old favorites to revisit).

PIA can't quite keep up with the likes of NordVPN and Surfshark when it comes to performance, but that doesn't mean it moves at a snail's pace. I recorded WireGuard speeds of 360 Mbps in my testing—which should be enough for most things you get up to in your browser.

The best free Chrome VPN extension

Some VPN providers are a little shaky when it comes to browser extensions—but not Windscribe. It's in its element. The service takes the 'freemium model' to its Chrome extension, which is great news, as it means there's a solid free VPN on offer that you can install in just a few seconds (literally).

I'm also impressed by how many server locations Windscribe offers up to its free users. You'll get 11 choices (including the US, UK, Canada, and Germany), making it an awesome streaming VPN that can also unblock social media platforms and news outlets.

▶ Try Windscribe for free today.

Free users get a 2 GB monthly data cap, but you can increase this to 10 GB if you're happy to hand over your email address. That's pretty generous, and becomes even more impressive when you pair it with Windscribe's blistering speeds. The VPN managed to max out my testing line—and it's a proactive service that's keen to keep improving its performance, too.

There are some pretty nifty security tools included in the Windscribe offering. One of my favorites is the ad and malware-blocking. These are must-have features for any browser VPN, seeing as the internet is stuffed with threats, and Windscribe's tools go the extra mile by keeping trackers, fake news, and adult content at bay.

Unfortunately, Windscribe's customer support lets it down a little. There's no 24/7 live chat—meaning you're not guaranteed a quick answer. You can ping the team via email or by using the dedicated subreddit, which is a decent substitute, but it'd still be nice to connect to an agent as issues crop up.

Of course, in an ideal world, Windscribe wants you to be so impressed that you'll go on to sign up for its Pro plan. It's a little pricier than the competition, but you'll get unlimited simultaneous connections to play with and access to more than 100 server locations spread out over 69 countries.

Best of the rest

NordVPN has carved out a stellar reputation in the VPN sphere thanks to its super-speedy, and security-conscious, service, and the same goes for its Chrome extension... mostly. Install the app, and you'll get access to NordVPN's roster of tools—including CyberSec, which will block ads and ensure you don't happen across any malware-laden sites.

I particularly like that the Chrome app is lightweight and easy to install. So, if you're new to the world of VPNs, you might want to take your first steps with NordVPN. It only takes a few clicks to get started, and then you'll have your pick of servers in 60 locations.

▶ Try NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pivoting to some of the downsides, and as I mentioned previously, NordVPN's Chrome app is a proxy (and I'd recommend sticking to ExpressVPN if you want a fully-baked extension). Also, I did some digging on the Chrome Web Store and was surprised to see that NordVPN's app scores pretty low. Some reviewers claim that it's buggy, though I didn't run into any issues during my own testing, but it's something to keep in mind.

Generally speaking, however, NordVPN is a show-stopped—and one of the fastest VPNs I've ever used. During my most recent round of testing, the provider hit speeds of over 950 Mbps, with a WireGuard connection, making it more than quick enough to handle data-intensive tasks. So, whether you want to stream in HD, hop into video calls, or do a spot of torrenting, NordVPN won't slow you down.

I had no trouble unblocking streaming services with NordVPN, too, and it's a particularly good pick for fans of Netflix. You'll be able to browse through the full catalog of international libraries just by switching servers, which comes in handy if you want to keep up with local favorites when traveling overseas. NordVPN also accesses BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and smaller regional services without any hassle, which is exactly what I like to see.

It's also great to see that NordVPN has invested in an independent third-party audit of its services. That means you don't have to take its no-logs claims on good faith alone. To shore up its security offering, NordVPN offers built-in antivirus protection, and users on the Complete plan can check out a password manager, secure cloud storage, and data breach scanner.

Something that immediately impressed me about Hotspot Shield is the sheer number of tools available for users—even if you're using the VPN as a Chrome extension. For example, if you add sites to the Auto Protect list, Hotspot Shield will automatically connect you to a server whenever you access them. I was also glad to see that the Chrome extension includes split tunneling—a must-have if you plan to use Hotspot Shield as a torrenting VPN.

Chrome users also get access to ad, cookie, tracker, and malware blockers, which can help boost your overall digital security, no matter where you end up on the internet. Unfortunately, Hotspot Shield hasn't undertaken any third-party audits—which means there's no credible way to verify that the VPN is sticking to its no logs claims. If you'd rather not take its word on blind faith, you'll want to stick to ExpressVPN.

▶ Try Hotspot Shield for free, plus a 45-day money-back guarantee

Hotspot Shield has its very own protocol: Catapult Hydra. It's touted as a super-speedy and secure alternative to usual OpenVPN and WireGuard, but my most recent tests saw it clock speeds of around 190 Mbps in the US. Compare that to the 570 Mbps I saw when I switched to WireGuard, and you have to question whether the hype is justified. Still, Hotspot Shield is a pretty awesome VPN for Netflix that can access all sorts of international content libraries without a hitch.

As I mentioned earlier, Hotspot Shield takes the cake when it comes to torrenting, too. All of its servers support P2P traffic—which isn't something you'll see often. So, you'll be able to maximize performance by connecting to a nearby server, and still enjoy secure file sharing (without bandwidth restrictions).

I also like how straightforward the Hotspot Shield Chrome extension is to use. It's basically plug-and-play. With an Elite plan, you'll automatically be connected to the optimal server with the fastest connection speed, so you don't have to go scrolling through the server list yourself.

Alternatively, you can check out the free version of Hotspot Shield and put the service to the test without parting with a penny. As is the case with most free services, however, you'll be limited to one measly server in the US and a 500 MB daily data allowance.

How to choose a VPN

There are a lot of VPNs out there, and trying to compare them all would probably take more time than anyone has to spare. So, the first thing to consider when picking out a Chrome VPN extension is your own unique use case; what are you going to be using it for?

Are you planning on unblocking international Netflix libraries? Do you need extra protection while gaming or torrenting? Or are you simply looking for a service that'll keep you safe during your day-to-day browsing? No matter your priority, here are a few factors that'll help you make up your mind.

Security: a VPN that doesn't have your privacy in mind just isn't worth using. You'll want strong OpenVPN or WireGuard encryption and, if they're available, extra tools like a kill switch, which ensure you don't leak any personal information.

Performance: is there anything more frustrating than a slow internet connection? Top VPNs have a negligible impact on your overall speeds, and you'll want a nimble service that can keep up with any streaming, gaming, or torrenting you plan on doing.

Price: some VPNs are more expensive than others, so you'll need to set (and stick to) a budget when weighing your options. There are reliable services available at every price point, and even a few free providers—but remember, these come with serious limitations like data caps and fewer server locations.

Ease of use: one of the best things about Chrome VPN extensions is the fact that they're so lightweight; all the tools you need are right there in your browser. So, from setup to server swapping, look for a service with a sleek UI.

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