Of course, not all VPN browser extensions were created equal. While some VPN providers have full-feature browser extensions for Chrome, others appear to have designed their extensions as an afterthought.
We put together this list of the top 10 best VPN Chrome extensions to help you make a more informed decision.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the king of VPN providers in most respects, and this is certainly the case when it comes to VPN Chrome extensions. Its attractive ‘dark mode’ shows a list of about six to eight preferred servers – including smart location, recent locations, and recommended locations – that you can connect to with one click, with another 160+ servers in 94 countries available in the main menu. The extension includes all ExpressVPN security features, including blocking of WebRTC leaks (a type of vulnerability found in Chrome and other browsers that can expose your real IP address to third parties).
Top feature: Automatically redirect you to the most secure HTTPS version of the sites you visit.
Get 12 months + 3 months free when you sign up for Express VPN now!
2. NordVPN
The NordVPN Chrome extension secures your browsing activity without reducing your speed, protects your IP from being exposed by disabling the WebRTC protocol, and blocks malicious websites. With 5,000+ servers in 60 countries, it is one of the most expansive VPN extensions for Chrome on the market. NordVPN doesn’t place any bandwidth limits, so you can push your connection to the max with its app or Chrome browser extension.
Top feature: CyberSec feature prevents you from accessing malware-hosting websites on your Chrome browser.
3. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access’s VPN extension offers the same fast download speeds, encrypted connection, and global network of thousands of servers in 78 countries as its desktop app. PIA says its military-grade encryption, backed by its open-source VPN protocols, blocks millions of malware and phishing sites a day. It has a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is great if you’re looking for a risk-free trial of a top VPN extension.
Top feature: Users looking for total anonymity can pay with cryptocurrency or gift cards.
4. Norton Secure VPN
Norton Secure VPN comes attached to the Norton name, which means that you get the infrastructure and customer service associated with an experienced industry heavyweight like Norton. Norton Secure VPN is seamless on desktop and mobile devices. Even beyond encryption, Norton Secure VPN's Chrome extension is built by NortonLifeLock–a trusted leader in consumer cybersecurity–and is loaded with features like Split Tunnelling, a Kill Switch, Compromised Network Detection, and more.
Top feature: Norton Secure VPN anonymizes your cookie data to help block online advertisers.
5. SurfShark
SurfShark was named the best VPN for privacy in our list of the most secure VPNs, due to the fact that it operates in the British Virgin Islands, free from data retention laws that allows companies to force companies to hand over customer data. SurfShark’s VPN extension for Chrome contains all the usual privacy and security features, including military-grade encryption, a no-log policy, and masked IP. The extension provides access to 3,200+ servers in 65 countries.
Top feature: Allows you to whitelist important websites that block VPNs (e.g. some banks) while keeping VPN protection switched on for all other sites.
6. IPVanish
IPVanish is an excellent choice for anyone looking to secure their internet usage no matter where they are in the world. You can utilize its services to secure your connection - even when surfing on an unsecured Wifi channel - access all your favorite shows or channels, and keep important information safe.
Top feature: When you connect to a server, you actually see a bear tunneling to that server’s location on the map – a nice touch that adds to the user-friendliness of this extension.
7. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is known for its fast, secure VPN service, privacy features, and generous 45-day free trial. Its Chrome extension includes most of the security features of its desktop apps, including anonymous browsing, hidden IP, and blocking of online tracking and malicious content. Like other good VPN Chrome extensions, it includes WebRTC leak protection. The extension can be used free without subscribing to a paid plan, but it only gives you access to eight servers in four countries (whether you’re a paid subscriber or not).
Top feature: CyberGhost VPN secures your browsing activity with military-grade AES-256 encryption.
8. PureVPN
PureVPN is known for its fast speeds, and its Chrome extension is no different. The Pure VPN extension for Chrome offers fast internet access on servers in 30+ countries (as opposed to the PureVPN desktop app, which has 2,000+ servers in 140+ countries). Like any good VPN Chrome extension, the PureVPN extension includes 256-bit AES encryption, a no-logs policy, and unlimited bandwidth.
Top feature: Login to your Chrome PureVPN Chrome extension and apps on up to 10 devices at the same time.
9. ZenMate
ZenMate’s VPN Chrome extension has 4,100+ servers in 79 countries, all with military-grade encryption and a strict zero-log policy. This is one of the easiest VPN extensions to set up and use. To browse securely on Chrome, just open the ZenMate VPN extension, choose your preferred location, and click the ‘connect’ button. Like other good VPN providers, ZenMate conceals your real IP to protect sensitive information like your banking details and passwords.
Top feature: Bookmark your favorite servers to easily find and connect to them next time you open Chrome.
10. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is a Swiss-based VPN service that is big on privacy. From the creators of ProtonMail, the largest secure email service developed by CERN, ProtonVPN takes internet privacy to the next level. Features abound to keep your sessions secure and anonymous at all times.
Top feature: ProtonVPN is protected by Swiss data laws and has a 100% no-logging policy.
Bottom line
A VPN Chrome extension is the simplest and most effective way to get VPN coverage for all your Chrome browsing activity. If you use Google Chrome for most of your online activities, then we recommend comparing Chrome extensions from multiple providers before settling on one. To see our expert list of the best overall VPN providers, click here. Most of these providers offer free trial periods, enabling you to take their Chrome extensions for a test run.
