The Best VPNs for Chrome 2024

Finding a virtual private network with a Google Chrome extension can make using a virtual private network more convenient.
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Best Overall

4.6
Editorial Rating
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On Surfshark's website

Surfshark
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Best for Ample Server Options

5.0
Editorial Rating
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On NordVPN's website

NordVPN
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Best Free Browser Extension

5.0
Editorial Rating
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On Proton VPN's website

Proton VPN
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If you’re looking for a virtual private network (VPN) for Chrome, then we believe Surfshark has the best Google VPN extension. It's user-friendly and it has a bunch of functionality as an extension for Chrome. 

We also found NordVPN and Proton VPN to be standout VPN extensions for Chrome. Depending on your VPN usage, you may have different standards on what qualifies as the best, so we’re going to look at several factors, including ease of use, price, number of servers, and more.

In this article
The best VPNs for Google Chrome 2024
Top 3 VPN services for Chrome compared
Surfshark: Best overall
NordVPN: Best for ample server locations
Proton VPN: Best free browser extension
Honorable mentions
How we tested the best Chrome VPNs
Best VPNs for Chrome FAQs
Bottom line: The best VPNs for Google Chrome

The best VPNs for Google Chrome

Top 3 VPN services for Chrome compared

VPN
Surfshark
Best for Chrome

NordVPN

Proton VPN
Starting price Starts at $2.19/mo (billed every two years) Starts at $3.39/mo (billed every two years) Starts at $4.49/mo (billed every two years)
Money-back guarantee
Chrome extension
Streaming support Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, DAZN, and more Yes — Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, DAZN, and more Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, DAZN, and more
Learn more Get Surfshark

Read Surfshark Review

Get NordVPN

Read NordVPN Review

Get Proton VPN

Read Proton VPN Review

If you’re using a VPN inside of Chrome, your other internet traffic might not be encrypted unless you turn on the VPN through its accompanying desktop app.

Surfshark: Best overall

Unlimited Device Protection and Large Server Network
4.6
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Surfshark's website
VPN
Surfshark
7 day free trial on 12 and 24 month plans
  • All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
  • Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
  • One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support

Who it’s best for

Surfshark is a great VPN provider if you’re going to be using it mostly inside Chrome. It offers a lot of functionality inside its Chrome extension, so you don’t have to worry about opening the actual desktop app. From the Chrome extension, Surfshark includes an ad blocker, pop-up blocker, data breach alerts, and malware alerts.

What we liked

We really liked the overall user experience of Surfshark’s Chrome extension, as it offered the most robust dashboard of the Chrome extensions discussed. The extension also gave us ample options and settings to make it work for our needs, including an ad blocker and a pop-up blocker known as CleanWeb. You can easily toggle these settings on and off from the Chrome dashboard.

Surfshark's dashboard for Google Chrome.

We also really appreciated the safety warning that Surfshark puts on sites that had a data breach or another incident. Not only does Surfshark alert you about the data breach, but it also gives you key information, including the incident date, the number of exposed accounts, and the data that was exposed.

A Surfshark data breach alert you with key information, including the incident date, the number of exposed accounts, and the data that was exposed.

Surfshark also released a new product in 2022, called Incogni, which removes your data from online databases. Although this service comes with the highest Surfshark tier, it's a helpful solution if you want to have your information removed based on the GDPR or other privacy policies.

Details on Surfshark's Incogni feature, which removes your data from online databases

What we didn’t like

We didn’t like that Surfshark’s company headquarters is in the Netherlands. The Netherlands’ membership in the Nine Eyes and 14 Eyes alliance could affect your overall privacy if the government requests information about your VPN usage. While VPNs are legal, countries in these alliances could request user data from VPN providers to help with investigations.

Surfshark specs

Price range $2.19–$17.95/mo
Money-back guarantee Yes — 30 days
Number of servers 3,200+ in 100 countries
Number of connected devices Unlimited
VPN protocol WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN
No-logs policy No logs
Unblocks Netflix? Yes
Torrenting support Yes
Learn more Get Surfshark

Read Surfshark Review

NordVPN: Best for ample server locations

Customizable Coverage That is Simple to Use
5.0
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On NordVPN's website
VPN
NordVPN
Up to 72% off 2-year plans + a Saily eSIM data gift
  • Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
  • Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
  • 3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices

Who it’s best for

NordVPN is a top pick for us for a variety of reasons. Like Surfshark, NordVPN doesn’t have a free plan but the price for NordVPN won’t break the bank. 

It also offers a variety of features to make it even more valuable for your internet privacy and safety. NordVPN comes with an ad blocker, double VPN servers for an extra layer of privacy, dark web monitoring, and more. Many of these features have to be turned on or set up through the desktop app instead of the Chrome app.

What we liked

One reason we like NordVPN is that there was minimal change in overall performance when we tested our internet speeds with the app turned on. We also like that NordVPN offers extra security features to help users stay safe online. From inside the Chrome extension, you can turn on Threat Protection to block ads, trackers, and malicious websites. From inside the desktop app, you also get dark web monitoring, a kill switch, and a smart DNS. NordVPN also has a mobile app to protect your mobile internet privacy.

The NordVPN Chrome extension was easy to use inside Chrome. The desktop application is also very intuitive and makes it easy to connect to VPN servers around the world. NordVPN’s server network has more than 6,100 server locations in over 60 countries, so you shouldn’t have any problem finding a VPN connection that works for your needs.

NordVPN’s interface also makes it simple to change locations. While we were testing the product, we noticed that NordVPN connects quickly and seamlessly so you can change servers without too much of a delay to your internet connection.

NordVPN's Google Chrome dashboard.

What we didn’t like

While the Chrome extension is beneficial, to really customize the VPN, you need to download the NordVPN app on your computer. This gives you more settings and privacy options to help protect you. Your internet activity outside of Chrome is also not protected unless you turn on the VPN through the app.

NordVPN specs

Price range $3.39–$15.99/mo
Money-back guarantee Yes, 30 days
Number of servers 6,100+ in 60+ countries
Number of simultaneous connections 6
VPN protocol OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, NordLynx
No-logs policy No logs
Unblocks Netflix? Yes
Torrenting support Yes
Learn more Get NordVPN

Read NordVPN Review

Proton VPN: Best free browser extension

5.0
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Proton VPN's website
VPN
Proton VPN
  • Easy to use
  • A strict no-logs policy that’s been tested in court
  • More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost

Who it’s best for

Proton VPN is the only one of the three VPNs reviewed here that has a free option. The free Proton VPN plan has limited capabilities, but it could work for someone looking to add privacy to their browsing while on a budget. Note that Proton VPN does warn users that the free version may not be capable of streaming Netflix with the VPN.

Proton VPN is also a good solution for someone who is looking for a free VPN plan but doesn’t need extensive server options. If you need more server options, Proton VPN has a few different subscriptions, so you can purchase the one that works best for you.

Proton VPN's dashboard for its Google Chrome extension.

What we liked

Overall, Proton VPN is easy to use from inside Chrome. The extension is simple, giving you the ability to quickly connect to servers all over the world. You can set Proton VPN to automatically connect when you’re using Chrome.

If you’re looking for a bit more support from your VPN, Proton VPN has a few great add-ons, including Proton Mail for encrypted email, Proton Calendar for an encrypted calendar, and Proton Drive for cloud storage. These extras are all included with the Proton VPN Unlimited plan.

What we didn’t like

Proton VPN is the most expensive VPN option that we tested with Chrome. There is a free version, but it's limited, so you may need to buy one of its paid plans, which can be more expensive than other options. Proton VPN also has limited flexibility inside the Chrome extension, so you’ll need to download the desktop version to get all the features.

Proton VPN specs

Price range $4.99–$9.99/mo
Free version Yes
Number of servers 3,200+ in 70+ countries
Number of simultaneous connections Up to 10
VPN protocol OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, Stealth
No-logs policy No logs
Unblocks Netflix? Yes
Torrenting support Yes
Learn more Get Proton VPN

Read Proton VPN Review

Honorable mentions

Surfshark, NordVPN, and Proton VPN aren't the only VPN services that offer an extension for Chrome. If you're still seeking the best VPN extension for you, here are some alternatives:

  • ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN offers everything you need from a VPN, including fast speeds, lots of streaming support, and extensive compatibility. It also has a strict no-logs policy, so you can rest assured that your browsing will remain private.

    Get ExpressVPN | Read Our ExpressVPN Review

  • CyberGhost: CyberGhost has a substantial number of servers — more than 10,000 throughout the world. It also offers specialty servers for different purposes including streaming, gaming, torrenting, and more. 

    Get CyberGhost | Read Our CyberGhost Review

How we tested the best Chrome VPNs

To find the best VPN extensions for Google Chrome, we researched VPNs that touted Google Chrome extensions, and then we evaluated those VPNs based on overall features, price, and server count. Once we narrowed down our top five, we downloaded the desktop app and Chrome extension for each one and tested them for speed, ease of use, and overall features inside the desktop app and while inside Chrome.

Best VPNs for Chrome FAQs


+

What are the best free Chrome VPN extensions?

There are a few free VPNs to try when using Chrome, including Proton VPN. However, as with many free accounts, there is limited server access, less data privacy, and other limitations to using the VPN.


+

Does Chrome have a built-in VPN?

Google Chrome offers a VPN with Google One, but it's basic at best. From the Google Play Store, you can download a VPN Chrome extension, which adds VPN functionality to the browser.


+

How do you enable a VPN on Chrome?

To enable a VPN with Chrome, head to the VPN’s website or the Chrome Web Store to download the browser extension. Once installed, you can control the VPN from inside your Chrome browser by using the extensions to the right of the search bar.


+

Does Google know if I use a VPN?

A VPN hides your IP address and internet service provider (ISP) information from websites when you’re connected to a VPN, so Google does not know that you’re using a VPN.

Bottom line: The best VPNs for Google Chrome

Using a VPN with a Chrome extension can add convenience to your internet usage and boost your overall privacy. Overall, we were impressed with NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN. While Proton VPN offers a free, limited solution, its paid versions are all worth the cost. The Chrome VPN apps we selected have a variety of additional features to help increase your privacy and cybersecurity while browsing.

We were most impressed with Surfshark for its overall interface, ease of use inside of Chrome, and added features, like the safety warnings that pop up while browsing different sites.

3 best VPNs for Chrome 2024

Starting price Best for Learn more

Surfshark
Starts at $3.39/mo (billed every two years) Best overall Get Surfshark

Read Surfshark Review


NordVPN
Starts at $3.39/mo (billed every two years) Best for ample server options Get NordVPN

Read NordVPN Review


Proton VPN
Starts at $4.49/mo (billed every two years) Best free browser extension Get Proton VPN
Read Proton VPN Review


Unlimited Device Protection and Large Server Network
4.6
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Surfshark's website
VPN
Surfshark
7 day free trial on 12 and 24 month plans
  • All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
  • Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
  • One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
Author Details
Andrew Strom Adams is a freelance writer focused on online privacy and digital security. He writes on various topics to help individuals protect themselves on the internet. Andrew has worked in legal marketing, technology, and startups. He has more than 12 years of experience in marketing and communications. He holds an M.B.A. from Westminster College and a B.A. in journalism from Oklahoma Baptist University. When he’s not writing, he’s playing with his two kids or watching reality TV.

Citations

[1] Most Popular Web Browsers in 2023