Best VPNs for Chromebook in 2023
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Kristina Jarusevičiūtė
Writer
Chromebooks are considered generally secure because of the automatic updates, system recovery, sandboxing, and other security features of Chrome OS. However, they don’t ensure complete privacy when you’re online – that’s what a VPN is for.
Using a VPN with Chromebook ensures that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or hackers can’t peek at what you’re doing online. Additionally, a Chromebook VPN protects your data, be it personal or business, so you can even work remotely in peace. Not to mention the ability to access geo-restricted sites and platforms.
But how do you choose which VPN is right for your device? We tested various services and gathered a list of the best VPNs for Chromebook. Keep on reading to find out the top providers in terms of features, speeds, pricing, and more.
Top 5 best VPNs for Chromebook
- NordVPN – best VPN choice for your Chromebook
- Surfshark – Chromebook VPN with unlimited connections
- Atlas VPN – great VPN for Chrome OS with user-friendly apps
- ExpressVPN – server-loaded Chromebook VPN
- CyberGhost – fast choice for Chromebook devices
What makes the best Chromebook VPN?
The most suitable VPN for Chromebook is one that can ensure first-class privacy and security so there are no gaps for threats to lurk in. Here’s what you should pay attention to when choosing the best Chromebook VPN:
| Android app: | Intuitive, functional, bug-free |
| Encryption: | AES-256 or ChaCha20 |
| Fast tunneling protocols: | WireGuard, NordLynx, Lightway |
| Security features: | Kill switch, ad and tracker blocker |
| Privacy: | Independently audited no-logs policy |
- Dedicated Chromebook app. Make sure the VPN you choose has a dedicated app for Chromebooks. If not, at least make sure it guarantees an easy-to-use Android app that you can download on your device.
- Security and privacy. VPNs for such devices must have a clear no-logging policy in place… even better if it’s audited. Plus, it should provide you with a reliable kill switch and additional security features, such as malicious threat protection.
- Speed. You don’t want to compromise internet speeds for the sake of privacy. For that reason, make sure you research or use our speed test tool to find out whether the Chromebook VPN of your choice can guarantee high speed retention rates.
- Streaming capabilities. If entertainment is what you’re after, then the VPN of your choice should ensure buffering-free streaming. It should also unblock global libraries of at least some streaming platforms that you already have.
- Price. The best Chromebook VPNs don’t tend to be overpriced. Usually, even if they have a massive server network and loads of features, you can still get them pretty cheap and for multiple devices.
The best VPNs for Chromebook in 2023 – our detailed list
In order to have the best browsing experience with Chromebook, it’s crucial to have a VPN service that is secure, reliable, and private. We tested 32 VPN providers and evaluated their security, feature selection, compatibility with Chromebooks, and pricing. Below are the best VPNs to use with Google Chromebook:
1. NordVPN – best VPN for Chromebook in 2023
| Based in: | Panama |
| Servers/countries: | 5,800+ servers in 60 countries |
| Works with: | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | 🔥Get NordVPN with 68% OFF + 3 months FREE!🔥 |
NordVPN is the best VPN for Chromebook because it has a dedicated and easy-to-use app for Google Chromebooks. It ensures an unmatched mix of security features, competitive speeds, and affordable prices.
Servers and apps. The app allows you to configure it for your convenience, and you can also enjoy a massive server network of 5,800+ servers in 60 countries.
Security. NordVPN’s privacy policy states that they don’t log your private information or online activities. And since it has been audited by the PwC auditing firm twice, you can be sure of its word. NordVPN includes a trustworthy kill switch that prevents data leaks. There’s also the threat protection feature which secures your device from malicious threats.
Speed. NordVPN can also be easily declared one of the fastest VPNs out there. Part of it is thanks to its proprietary NordLynx protocol, which managed to retain around 95% of initial internet speeds.
Streaming. Since the VPN is extra fast, you can enjoy a buffering-free streaming experience as well. NordVPN can unblock various streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more.
Pricing. NordVPN is very affordable. Prices start at just $3.19/month for 6 simultaneous connections with a 30-day money-back guarantee included. Android users can even claim a 7-day free trial.
For more information, visit our NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark – Chromebook VPN for unlimited devices
| Based in: | The Netherlands |
| Servers/countries: | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Works with: | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | 🔥Get 82% OFF Surfshark + 2 months FREE🔥 |
Surfshark is another powerful VPN for Chromebook because of its blazing-fast speeds and low pricing options. Not to mention that it allows unlimited simultaneous connections and has an app compatible with Chromebook.
Servers and apps. The app is a convenient solution that offers simple navigation. Plus, it's loaded with servers and has over 3,200 of them in 100 countries.
Security. Surfshark’s no-logging policy clearly states that they don’t collect user data. In terms of security, your data is always protected with a functional kill switch. It temporarily shuts down your internet connection if your VPN drops.
Speed. This VPN also uses the WireGuard protocol, which provides a great combination of speed and security. So it’s no wonder that on average, Surfshark can retain around 86% of your initial internet speeds.
Streaming. If you’re a movie buff, Surfshark is a great solution for streaming. It can bypass geo-restrictions or unlock libraries on such platforms as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more
Pricing. Surfshark’s prices are very attractive, starting at just$2.30/month. It’s one of the cheapest premium VPNs you can find, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee included.
Explore our Surfshark VPN review or delve into the Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison for a comprehensive analysis.
3. Atlas VPN – great VPN for ChromeOS
| Based in: | United States |
| Servers/Countries: | 1,000+ servers in 42 countries |
| Works with: | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, Amazon Fire Stick |
| Current deal: | 🔥Get Atlas VPN, now 85% OFF + 3 months FREE!🔥 |
Another great VPN for Chromebook devices that we chose is Atlas VPN. Tech newbies will enjoy simple app navigation, while movie buffs – its streaming capabilities. Although Atlas VPN doesn’t have a Chrome OS app, its Android app is a great alternative.
Servers and apps. The 1,000+ servers across 42 countries will get you connected to anywhere around the world, even if the fleet is smaller.
Security. Aside from a market-standard kill switch, Atlas VPN has an interesting feature called SafeSwap. It rotates your IP address while you’re connected – it works like an extra security step. The process is seamless, so you won’t notice any visible speed drops. Like most top providers, Atlas VPN has a clear no-logging policy and no prior reputational spots. At the same time, it could use a security audit.
Speed. The server network together with the WireGuard protocol of Atlas VPN ensures great speed retention rates. During our tests, Atlas VPN managed to retain (on average) around 80% of initial internet speeds.
Streaming. If you’re one to stream movies on your Chromebook, this VPN is a solid choice for you. We managed to bypass geo-restrictions on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and other platforms.
Pricing. You can get Atlas VPN for as cheap as $1.82/month when getting a 2-year subscription. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee for those who change their mind.
To learn more about features, read our Atlas VPN review.
4. ExpressVPN – Chromebook VPN with loads of servers
| Based in: | British Virgin Islands |
| Servers/countries: | 3,000+ servers in 94 countries |
| Works with: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | 🔥Get ExpressVPN, now 49% OFF the 1-year plan!🔥 |
ExpressVPN is a great pick for Chromebook users due to its many features and solid performance. You get its Android app with all the features of ExpressVPN available.
Servers and apps. ExpressVPN has a huge server network. There are over 3,000 servers in 94 countries – you can connect to any corner of the world.
Security. With ExpressVPN, you’re getting a reliable kill switch to prevent data leaks. There’s also a threat manager that blocks tracking and malicious activity.
Speed. Speaking of speeds, ExpressVPN uses the proprietary Lightway protocol. That’s part of the reason why its performance is great. With this protocol, our tests showed an average of 77% speed retention rates. So your Chromebook won’t be visibly slowed down.
Streaming. If you often watch streaming platforms on your Chromebook, ExpressVPN helps access more content. It can unblock libraries on Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more. There’s even a Smart DNS feature available for streaming content on devices that don’t support VPNs.
Pricing. ExpressVPN prices start from $6.67/month. While the price is a bit higher, you can connect 8 devices. And if anything, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee available.
Explore our Express VPN review or do a NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison to make a well-informed decision.
5. CyberGhost – great Chromebook VPN with excellent speeds
| Based in: | Romania |
| Servers/countries: | 9,600+ servers in 91 countries |
| Works with: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | 🔥Get CyberGhost VPN, now 84% OFF + 3 months FREE🔥 |
If you’re looking for an affordable solution for Chromebook, CyberGhost is what you need.
Servers and apps. There’s no dedicated Chromebook app, but the Android one is just as great. With this VPN, you get a wide selection of servers – over 9,600 of them in 91 countries. This will help you find plenty of servers that aren’t overcrowded and can deliver excellent performance.
Security. In terms of security, with CyberGhost you get a functional kill switch. Aside from that, there’s an ad blocker that prevents annoyances while browsing. And if specialized servers are what you’re looking for, there are some for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
Speed. CyberGhost promises some excellent speeds with its WireGuard protocol. On average, it retained 86% of initial connection speeds. Even if you’re streaming or playing games on your Chromebook, you won’t have trouble with performance.
Streaming. With CyberGhost, you can even bypass geo-restrictions on plenty of streaming sites. This includes Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more.
Pricing. CyberGhost prices start at $2.11/month. This VPN also allows connecting up to 7 devices per account. Plus, you don’t have to instantly commit long-term – there’s a 45-day money-back guarantee available.
To find out more, visit our CyberGhost review.
6. IPVanish – intuitive and speedy VPN for Chromebook
| Based in: | United States |
| Servers/countries: | 2,200+ servers in 52 countries |
| Works with: | Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS |
| Current deal: | 🔥Get 75% OFF IPVanish!🔥 |
IPVanish is another solid VPN Chromebook choice for users. You can get its intuitive app through the Google Play Store and enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections on top of solid speeds. It’s a great solution if you want to share the VPN with friends and family.
Servers and apps. IPVanish has a server fleet of over 2,200 servers in 52 countries. Such huge numbers let you virtually travel through any part of the world. And you won’t trip over overcrowded servers only.
Security. You can use the traffic obfuscation feature if you don’t want anyone to know you’re using a VPN. In terms of privacy, IPVanish does collect your email address and billing information, which isn’t ideal. However, your online activities and other personal information are not logged.
Speed. Combine this with the WireGuard protocol of IPVanish and you’ll have some decent VPN speeds. That’s exactly what our tests showed – it managed to retain around 80% of initial internet speeds.
Streaming. You can use the high speeds to enjoy buffering-free streaming of geo-restricted content libraries. This includes Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, and more.
Pricing. IPVanish prices start at $2.99/month. Be aware that only the annual subscription includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For more information, visit our IPVanish review.
7. Ivacy VPN – secure VPN for Chromebook
| Based in: | Singapore |
| Servers/countries: | 5,700+ servers in 68 countries |
| Works with: | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | 🔥Get Ivacy VPN, now 90% OFF + gift!🔥 |
Ivacy VPN is a convenient option for Chromebook devices as it offers 10 simultaneous connections, a great Android app, and solid security features.
Servers and apps. While there’s no app specifically designed for Chromebook, the Android app works wonders. It’s very easy to navigate, and you’re going to get a server network of over 5,700 of them in 68 countries.
Security. Ivacy VPN has a clear no-logs policy available – it doesn’t collect any data related to your online browsing. It even supports anonymous payments, so you don’t have to leave any data about yourself. One of the features that Ivacy VPN offers is Secure Download. It monitors what you download in real-time and looks for harmful or malicious content. So not only is your data protected from prying eyes, but you’re also secured from malicious threats.
Speed. One of Ivacy VPN’s drawbacks is that it doesn’t support the WireGuard protocol. That being said, the speeds of its OpenVPN protocol are solid. The VPN managed to retain around 32% of initial speeds on average.
Streaming. You can use Ivacy VPN to unblock such streaming services as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Youtube and more.
Pricing. Prices of Ivacy VPN start at $1.00/month. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it for a month risk-free.
You can learn more in our Ivacy VPN review.
How we selected and tested these Chromebook VPNs
We had several vital features in mind when putting together this list. From important features to basics that need to be ticked off, here’s what to look out for when selecting the best VPN for Chromebook.
- Compatibility. Ideally, your chosen VPN will have an app that’s optimized specifically for Chrome OS. Failing that, a strong Android app that works well on Chromebook will still do the job.
- Speed. Fast connections make your online life more convenient. The fastest VPNs deliver speedy connections, so you can get the best out of streaming, gaming, torrenting, and everything else you do online. To test the provider's speed, we start with a base speed of 300Mbps. Then we connect to different protocols on VPN and torrent a file of around 3 GB in size.
- Streaming capabilities. Using a VPN for streaming is one of the most popular uses of this service, yet not all do the job equally well. So we tested a number of VPNs and shortlisted top VPNs for Chromebook that can get around the geo-restrictions of all major streaming platforms. For example, Surfshark can unlock 28 Netflix libraries.
- Price. Nobody wants to feel ripped off. In this list, we have included some of the cheapest VPNs on the market. Our suggested options are light on your wallet, yet don’t compromise when it comes to service and quality.
- Security and privacy. With all sorts of online threats and snoopers looking for your data, security and privacy are key. These VPNs offer robust security to keep you safe and anonymous.
Why do I need a VPN on my Chromebook?
If you’re using a Chromebook there are a few reasons why you might need a virtual private network (VPN). Here are the most common ones:
- Remove restrictions on a school Chromebook. Schools can be quite strict regarding the types of websites you can access on their network. It’s highly likely that entertainment websites will be blocked. With a VPN set up on your Chromebook, you can connect through a VPN server and get around any blocks that might be in place.
- Unblock streaming sites. Chromebooks aren’t the most powerful computers, so many people use them solely for things like streaming. With a VPN set up, you can get around geo-blocking and access the different global content libraries of streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
- Increase privacy and security. A VPN makes sure nobody can monitor your online activity, so you’re free to do whatever you want. This is great for security: if your IP address is hidden and your data is encrypted, you get greater protection from hackers and spies.
How to setup a VPN on a Chromebook
Setting up a VPN on your Chromebook is pretty easy, and there are two main methods of doing so. You can simply download it from the Google Play app store, use the sideloading method, or install the VPN as a browser extension.
Here are simple step-by-step instructions for the installation methods.
Download a VPN for Chromebook
1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Search for your chosen VPN’s app and install it, we recommend NordVPN, off 68% now.
3. Open the VPN app and log in.
4. Connect to your preferred server.
Using a VPN on Chromebook via a browser extension:
- Go to your chosen VPN’s website, and find the link for the browser extension of your choice. We recommend NordVPN, now 68% OFF!
- Install the extension
- Click on the extension icon, and log in
- Connect to your preferred proxy server
Can I use a VPN on a school Chromebook?
The simple answer is yes. Using a VPN an a school Chromebook is not illegal or forbidden in any shape or form. VPNs are very useful tools that keep your internet connection secure and private, while public networks. They’re also great for accessing content that may be limited on your school Chromebook.
However, in some instances, the school might have an official statement noting that the use of a VPN on your school Chromebook is not allowed. If that’s the case, check with your school's administration to see if you can use the VPN.
How to get a VPN on a school Chromebook
Your school might block third-party downloads or the Google Play Store altogether, so you won’t be able to download a VPN app. However, there is a way to manually get a VPN on a school Chromebook using a CA certificate from your VPN provider:
- Get a CA certificate from your VPN and store it on your Chromebook
- Open Chrome and type in chrome://settings/certificates
- Click on the “authorities” button at the top of page
- Click on “Import” and select the CA certificate
- Follow the instructions
- Click on your account at the bottom right of the page
- Choose “Settings”
- Go to Network and select “Add a connection”
- Click “Add OpenVPN/L2TP”
- Type in the required information and click “connect”
Why is my VPN not working on Chromebook?
Running into issues regarding successfully connecting Chromebook to your VPN is common. There might be several reasons why your VPN is not working on Chromebook. Make sure you rule out the general connection issues that might be hindering the Internet connection and its stability.
Since most VPNs have at least an Android app, you’ll find that the majority of VPNs will work on your Chromebook. However, there are some VPNs that are known to offer substandard service as well as bad security practices and may even infect your Chromebook with malware.
Here are some VPNs you should avoid:
- TurboVPN. This VPN is well-known and popular, but it‘s also known to log your data. That can include your location, the devices you’re using the VPN on, and your IP address.
- CrossVPN. Many reports suggest CrossVPN carries malware that will infect your Chromebook. Avoid.
- HolaVPN. HolaVPN should be avoided, as it shares your idle bandwidth with other people. If they’re up to no good online, you could catch the blame.
- Betternet. This is a free VPN, but if you don’t pay in money, you pay in privacy. Betternet stores all sorts of your data, which is a big red flag.
- SuperVPN. Another VPN that has been reported as hiding malware. Also, SuperVPN stores your data.
Interestingly, a common denominator of the above VPNs is that they are all free, which brings us to our next point.
Is there a free VPN for Chromebook?
Yes, there are free VPNs for Chromebooks, but we don’t recommend using a completely free Chromebook VPN. Using a free VPN comes with many risks. For example, free VPN apps might be riddled with ads and sell user data to third parties. Plus, some unreliable free VPNs can just be malware in disguise.
An alternative option is using a reputable freemium VPN such as AtlasVPN. It is secure, can unblock a variety of content, and is compatible with Chromebook. However, the AtlasVPN free version also has a 5GB monthly data limit and only 3 server locations.
To escape freemium VPN limitations, we also recommend using free trials of premium VPN services:
- NordVPN – offers a 7-day free trial for Android, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Surfshark – has a 7-day free trial for mobile devices (Android and iOS) and Mac, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee
Conclusion
In a nutshell, if you’re interested in ramping up your online privacy, maximizing your content options no matter where you are, and staying secure online, getting a VPN for Chromebook is a no-brainer.
If you’re using a Chromebook at work, a VPN will help you get around content blocks to stream shows and play games when you’ve got some spare time between classes. If you’re at home downloading torrents, it will make sure your ISP and content owners won’t be able to see your activity.
According to our research, the best VPN for Chromebook is NordVPN – it has an excellent Chromebook app, as well as numerous servers to connect to. It can also unblock virtually anything online and offers extremely fast speeds.
With so much to gain and so little to spend, getting a VPN for your Chromebook is a must-do if you want to have a safe experience online.
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FAQ
What's the best VPN for Chromebook?
The best VPN for Google Chromebook is NordVPN. It’s a service that guarantees high security levels thanks to such features as threat protection and a reliable kill switch. On top of that, it doesn’t compromise speeds and is able to unblock various streaming platforms.
Do I need a Chromebook VPN extension?
No, because VPN extensions use proxies and not VPN connections. You’re better off using your chosen VPN’s Chromebook or Android app, as you’ll get better security, features, and ease of use.
Does Chromebook have a built-in VPN?
No, Chromebooks do not have a built-in VPN but they do have similar capabilities that you can use to connect to a VPN server. Yet, you’ll still need a server to connect to. Signing up for any of the tools on our list solves this issue.
What are the best free VPNs for Chromebook?
The best free VPN for Chromebook is AtlasVPN. It has 3 free server locations and can easily unblock any content on your Chromebook. The Android app is easily navigable, and you can always upgrade to a cheap premium plan if you need more features.
What VPNs work on school Chromebooks?
There are numerous VPN providers that perfectly work on school Chromebooks. We’ve chosen our top picks in this article, so make sure to check our shortlist. Some of the best VPNs for school Chromebooks are NordVPN or Surfshark.
How do I get a VPN for my school Chromebook?
There are 2 ways you could get a VPN for your school Chromebook. You could either turn to a free VPN for school Chromebook. However, due to limited functionalities and security features, we recommend simply purchasing one from a trusted provider like NordVPN.
Is NordVPN good for Chromebook?
Yes, NordVPN is an excellent VPN for Chromebook. It has a dedicated Chromebook app that includes features such as ad and tracker blocker, and more. NordVPN is also extremely fast thanks to NordLynx, and can unblock virtually any online content easily.
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