Best Chrome VPN extensions in 2023

Adding a good VPN extension to your Google Chrome browser might be a lifesaver. With the best VPN, not only can you hide your IP address, but you can also bypass numerous web restrictions, block ads, and avoid malware.

As a result, you not only receive more privacy but also become much safer while browsing.

Yet, it happens that many Chrome VPN extensions fail to improve your browsing experience. Promised security tools work by fits and starts or don’t do their job at all.

With that in mind, we've tested and found 5 VPN add-ons that will be splendid for your Chrome browser. See the best VPN Chrome extensions down below.

Top 5 best Chrome VPN extensions

1. NordVPN – the best VPN extension for Chrome
2. Surfshark – blazing-fast Chrome VPN extension
3. Ivacy VPN – VPN for Chrome with strong security features
4. ExpressVPN – secure VPN extension for Chrome
5. CyberGhost – free VPN proxy for Chrome

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What to look for in the best VPN for Chrome?

It’s always easier to get the best product when you know what you need. The same rule applies to VPNs.

To know the essentials to pay attention to when choosing a VPN extension for your Google Chrome browser, you can count on the list below:

• Security and privacy. Adding a VPN extension should guarantee you secure and private time spent online. Meaning, you should look for a trustworthy Chrome VPN that would offer you unbreakable encryption and an audited no-logs policy.
• Extra features. When choosing a VPN for Chrome, a hidden IP address and encrypted internet traffic are not enough for a fully secured internet connection. To feel the real weight of high-quality protection, a VPN should have the split tunneling feature, a dark web monitor, an ad blocker, and more.
• Accessibility. Chrome browser is popular among various devices. So it’s not a fancy wish to use a protected browser on all of your gadgets. Therefore, choose a provider that allows you to secure unlimited or at least several devices.
• Intuitive interface. Adding an extension to your Google Chrome browser should be a nearly-effortless experience. Therefore, make sure your VPN offers an intuitive interface.

The best Chrome VPN extensions in 2023 – overview

We looked through numerous VPNs and eliminated the ones that don't have Google Chrome extensions. Then, we tested them for everyday use and checked what security features they have in place. The following list is what our total findings boil down to.

1. NordVPN – best Chrome VPN extension overall

Visit NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the best VPNs that offers Chrome VPN extensions. Their extension blocks WebRTC communication protocols that rely on Javascript. These are dangerous because they may leak your IP address. So, even if you’re using a VPN client, it won’t hurt to install the extension alongside.

Not that long ago, NordVPN added Bypass List, which works as browser-level split tunneling. You can add specific websites to the list, and it will exclude them when you’re browsing, connecting directly. It works best with banking websites, as they sometimes return errors when you’re connecting via VPN.

In addition, the NordVPN Chrome proxy extension also has a CyberSec toggle. This lets you filter out the websites before they’re even loaded. It automatically blocks malware and phishing sites. This feature doesn’t even require downloading and installing the NordVPN app.

Their extension is a simple but effective tool to bypass geo-restricted website blocks and increase your overall online privacy. All your browser traffic will be encrypted with Transport Layer Security (TLS 1.2) protocol. So, whatever you’re doing online will stay for your eyes only.

You can get NordVPN for as low as $3.49/month, additionally, there’s a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – the most resilient Chrome VPN extension

Visit Surfshark

Surfshark comes as an extremely secure but fantastically cheap VPN that also has an extension for Google Chrome. The extension itself is straightforward and minimal, so you’ll be able to connect to your server of choice quickly.

You'll be able to pick from the same servers you get on their app. It’s even possible to enable the Clear Web feature, which works as a filter for malware and phishing websites. This covers all the bases if you need a lightweight solution.

Moreover, the extension was separately audited by Cure53 penetration testers. This adds an additional degree of confidence that you’re using a safe cybersecurity tool. Not to mention that it has its entertainment uses as well. For example, it unblocks Netflix and other streaming platforms.

When you’re also factoring in a very affordable price, that’s a very hard package to resist.

Surfshark is one of the most budget-friendly providers and the subscription will cost you only $2.30 per month. You can try it out without any risk with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find more information about this provider in our Surfshark VPN review.

3. Ivacy VPN – excellent value Chrome VPN

Visit Ivacy VPN

Ivacy VPN is a great VPN, offering top-notch security, excellent performance, solid streaming functionality, and most importantly – an excellent Chrome VPN extension putting all of these things in one package.

The Ivacy VPN Chrome add-on will give you fully encrypted online connection. This includes military grade AES-256 encryption, WebRTC leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that Ivacy doesn’t hold any information about your browsing activity at all – so you can browse freely.

The premium version of Ivacy VPN also includes secure download features. This gives you real-time security as you browse and save files on Chrome – the platform scans your incoming downloads for viruses or malware.

This VPN is an excellent choice for streaming – you’ll be able to choose from more than 5700 servers in 68 countries and watch worldwide libraries of your favorite streaming platforms.

But there’s one more thing exciting about Ivacy – its price. Starting at $1.00/month, it’s an excellent value VPN for Chrome. Plus, with apps for Windows, macOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire devices, it can secure much more than just your browser. You can try it out risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find more details about this provider in our Ivacy VPN review.

4. ExpressVPN – secure VPN extension for Chrome

Visit ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is another secure VPN extension for the Chrome browser. It’s very easy to set up and use, and comes in different languages, making it more accessible for more people.

You’re fully protected with this extension with the AES-256 data encryption, has a strict no-logs policy, and works with WebRTC blocking. So, it’s fully capable of making you anonymous online and preventing websites from discovering your IP address and real location.

Another great feature is the location spoofing feature, which will make sure that geolocation data matches the server IP address location. So, not only can you connect to 3000+ servers in 94 countries, but also have the same geo-tag.

More so, to prevent you from visiting malicious sites, the ExpressVPN Chrome extension will redirect you to more secure HTTPS versions of the sites that you’re visiting. Also, there's a Threat manager feature that blocks all tracker and other online threats from targeting your data.

ExpressVPN is also a good pick for a streaming VPN. It has great connection speed results, and unblocks all of the popular streaming sites, including Netflix, HBO Max, and others.

You can purchase ExpressVPN for $6.67/month and cover up to 5 devices at once. To try this service out, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Learn more in our ExpressVPN review.

5. CyberGhost – free VPN proxy for Chrome

Visit CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost offers a free VPN proxy for the Chrome browser. This version doesn’t have all the features included in the paid subscription plans, but it's a truly secure and reliable VPN add-on to the browser.

The free CyberGhost proxy doesn’t require you to make an account, it offers no bandwidth limits, so you can enjoy seamless and secure browsing. More so, it uses AES-256 encryption, has a strict no-logs policy, and provides WebRTC leak protection.

More so, free proxy blocks online tracking and malicious content. It also unblocks geo-restricted sites, however, you only get access to 8 servers in 4 countries. So, if you want to get full access to 9700+ servers in 91 countries, you have to invest in the paid subscription.

The premium CyberGhost subscription also provides support for up to 7 devices simultaneously, including different browsers, has an automatic kill switch, all of the tunneling protocols, 24/7 live chat support, and many other features.

You can purchase a CyberGhost premium subscription for $2.19/month and enjoy a risk-free extra long 45-day money-back guarantee.

Learn more in our CyberGhost review.

How we selected and tested these Chrome VPNs

Although all browser extensions seem similar from the outset, there are quite a lot of things that you have to factor in. You’ll be relying on a third party for your browser connection, which may include some sensitive details being passed around. So, here’s what you should look for:

• Security and privacy. Naturally, the first thing on your list should be privacy and security. You don’t want your traffic going through unsecured channels. Getting a trustworthy VPN service provider that is equally as impressive in technical aspects and privacy policy is the way to go.
• Compatibility. Not all VPN providers have browser extensions. This is something that you should find out in advance to avoid disappointments down the line. If there is a plugin for Firefox, this doesn’t automatically mean that Chrome proxy extension is available by default.
• Features. Nowadays, you wouldn’t amaze anyone by saying that your tool routes your connection through safer passages. The users are used to getting extra bonuses that make these extensions worthwhile. This can range from malware website filters or tracking blocks – everything helps.
• Speed. Average daily Internet usage patterns usually involve videos, music, and photos, which all require significant bandwidth. You won’t get a huge mileage from the tool if it significantly slows you down.
• Countries and servers. There is a direct link between the server coverage and the stability of the service. If there’s plenty of servers to choose from, it isn’t such a big deal if some of them are disabled for scheduled maintenance. So, for a user, this means not only a better variety but also a better user experience.
• Price. The average monthly VPN subscription price is around ~$5. This works as a helpful measuring unit to determine whether the service offers more than you’d expect. If the price costs twice as much but isn’t adding much in other departments, it’s probably not a good deal.

Why do I need a VPN extension for Chrome?

The main reason you’d want to use the Chrome extension is that it solves some built-in problems. Even if you’re using a safe VPN app but are combining it with a vulnerable browser, your whole setup cannot be called secure.

One part of the problem is WebRTC leaks. They occur by establishing channels between your browser and the visited server. So, it’s a technology that makes real-time exchanges possible, which is why websites like Omegle work. However, its flaw is that these exchanges sometimes bypass your encrypted VPN tunnel and use your actual IP address. This is enough to expose your identity.

More importantly, your browser is the primary method you contact the internet. Therefore, securing your browser with a VPN is a great way to hide what you're up to from your ISP, government, or cybercriminals.

How do I add a VPN extension to Chrome?

If you’ve never done it, installing an extension on your Chrome browser couldn’t be any easier. Though, if you’re using a VPN, there are some key steps that you shouldn’t forget, which may be omitted in other guides.

1. Pick a VPN service provider. You can choose from our list or find another tool you like. Take a look at our top choice – NordVPN, now 63% off.

2. Register for an account and pay for your subscription. You now have a VPN service account.

3. Head to the Google Chrome web store with the browser on the device that you’ll be using.

4. Click on the “Search the store” bar and type in the provider that you’ve chosen

5. Find the extension and press the "Add to Chrome" button

6. You’ll have to log in to the extension with the credentials you set up while creating the VPN account.

7. Once you log in and connect to your server of choice, you can enjoy a much safer browsing experience with Chrome.

Try a VPN for Chrome today

Are Chrome VPN extensions safe?

Yes, VPN Chrome extensions are safe. But what you should know beforehand is that every browser extension that you download is sandboxed. This means that as long as you give no permissions for the plugin you downloaded, it's sitting quietly and isolated from all other processes running in the foreground.

Google itself is curating the Chrome store, so every submission gets reviewed. These procedures eliminate a larger chunk of extensions that are straight-up malware.

However, that is not to say that the system is foolproof. Even if a program from the outset seems trustworthy, some providers lie about their privacy policies. For this reason, you shouldn’t experiment with sketchy VPN extensions, as it may backfire. And remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

How to check if a Chrome extension is safe?

Usually, your best bet is to rely on reputation. For example, all the services we recommend are respected and have a years-long track-record of being secure.

For the tech-savvy, if the extension is open-source, the best thing you could do is peek at their source code. This should give you a pretty good idea of how the under the hood components work and enabled during your usage.

Though, this will work with only a small amount of available extensions. The majority of trustworthy VPNs will be closed-source. This isn’t a dealbreaker, as you can always Google about previous data leaks, find independent audit findings. These sources can build a reasonable degree of confidence to call a particular VPN service extension safe to use.

Bottom line

There are many cases when the Chrome browser can’t be substituted. For example, on ChromeOS, you’re pretty much stuck with it. In other cases, you might have gotten so used to it that going to another browser isn’t really an option you’re willing to go through.

Still, even in those cases, there are ways to improve the central component of your digital life, that is, your browser. A VPN extension for Chrome is the least you could do for it. This option won’t fix Google’s tracking but can be a start to leave fewer breadcrumbs that could be traced back to you.

Our top pick for Chrome is NordVPN. It ensures privacy by encrypting your data and protecting you from data leaks. But that’s not all – you’re also secured from malicious sites and can access geo-restricted services.

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