Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
- RELATED:
- Best VPNs
- Best Android VPNs
- Best Free VPNs
- Best Cheap VPNs
- Best iPhone VPNs
- Best Mac VPNs
Best for Premium Features
NordVPN
4.5 Outstanding
- Multi-hop, split tunneling, and Tor connections
- Excellent design
- Traffic routing and file-sharing with Meshnet
- Built-in antivirus tools
- Expensive
- Lackluster malware-blocking results
- Limited utility of free Meshnet traffic routing
The NordVPN Chrome extension blocks ads and webRTC and lets you select websites to bypass the encrypted connection. It's a solid choice, though the design is slightly claustrophobic compared with its desktop app.
NordVPN's Chrome extension can have specific websites bypass the encrypted connection. The extension also includes ad-blocking, which was effective in our testing. We like that NordVPN includes a pause button; this lets you shut off the connection and automatically reconnect it after a preset period of time. We weren't able to stream Netflix while connected to a US server, but we could stream content from a UK based server, so those who want both stream unblocking and privacy protection will be well-suited with Nord.
Blocks Ads
Simultaneous VPN Connections6
500+ Servers
Server Locations111 Countries
Geographically Diverse Servers
Free Version
Free Version Data LimitNo Free Version
GET IT NOW
Learn More
NordVPN Review
Best for Surfshark One Subscribers
Surfshark VPN
4.0 Excellent
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Large global server presence
- Multi-hop and split tunneling tools
- Intriguing potential in Surfshark Nexus
- High monthly price
- Some issues with IP rotator feature in testing
- Privacy policy needs clarification
For better or worse, Surfshark manages to cram a visual clone of its desktop VPN app into its Chrome extension. The result is a bit overwhelming compared with the competition, but it makes up for that with numerous features such as ad and webRTC blocking, a website bypass tool, and the security features from Surfkshark One.
The Surfshark Chrome extension is nearly identical to its desktop app in terms of design and includes several of the Surfshark One features as well. Those familiar with Surfshark's other apps will find themselves at home here. Like others, Surfshark lets you specify sites you want to bypass the encrypted connection. The extension also blocks webRTC and ads—which it did well in testing. We were able to stream Netflix while connected to a US server.
Blocks Ads
Simultaneous VPN ConnectionsUnlimited
500+ Servers
Server Locations100 Countries
Geographically Diverse Servers
Free Version
Free Version Data LimitNo Free Version
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Surfshark VPN Review
Best for Newbies
TunnelBear VPN
4.0 Excellent
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Excellent privacy policies
- Annual independent audits
- Friendly, approachable design (with bears!)
- No multi-hop connections
- Split tunneling not available on all platforms
- Data limit on free subscription
TunnelBear's Chrome extension has all the friendliness and simplicity we've come to expect from the company. It lacks features found in other extensions, but many of those live in TunnelBear's standalone ad and tracker blocker. In testing, we were only able to stream a limited subset of content on Netflix while connected to US or UK servers.
TunnelBear smartly brings its trademark simple style to its Chrome extension, so those who love its friendly ursine mascot won't find themselves missing him here. Unlike the other services mentioned here, you log into the TunnelBear Chrome extension through the company's website, which we found to be a smoother onboarding process. TunnelBear's extension mimics the design of its desktop app and includes the former's micro mode, which removes the map view.
Blocks Ads
Simultaneous VPN ConnectionsUnlimited
500+ Servers
Server Locations23 Countries
Geographically Diverse Servers
Free Version
Free Version Data Limit500MB - 1.5GB Per Month
GET IT NOW
Learn More
TunnelBear VPN Review
Best for VPN Purists
ExpressVPN
4.0 Excellent
- Large, diversely distributed fleet of servers
- Strong privacy and security practices
- Split tunneling
- Stylish interface
- Expensive compared with VPNs with similar feature sets
- No multi-hop connections
ExpressVPN is unique in that it is a true VPN. However, it requires that you install the full-blown ExpressVPN desktop app. As a result, it's both more capable and completely different from the other options listed here.
If you don't feel comfortable using a Chrome extension instead of a dedicated VPN, ExpressVPN is the service for you.
Blocks Ads
Simultaneous VPN Connections5
500+ Servers
Server Locations105 Countries
Geographically Diverse Servers
Free Version
Free Version Data LimitNo Free Version
GET IT NOW
Learn More
ExpressVPN Review
Best for Network Tinkering
Private Internet Access VPN
4.0 Excellent
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Split tunneling and multi-hop
- Numerous server locations
- Completed third-party audit
- Expensive
- No free version
Private Internet Access brings its maximalist approach from its desktop app to its Chrome extension. It blocks ads and webRTC, lets you have some sites bypass the connection, and offers far more control than the competition. The extension can force HTTPS connections and block ads and trackers. You can easily mark sites to bypass the encrypted connection. We found that Netflix was blocked while we were connected to a US server but available when we connected to a UK server.
The Chrome extension from Private Internet Access is very similar to its desktop and mobile apps, with a slate of tiles you can add or remove from the extension's window. Those searching for deep settings customization, especially for a Chrome extension, will find themselves sated with PIA. This extension has the most extensive settings of any we tested, letting you block access to your webcam or mic, and much more besides.
Blocks Ads
Simultaneous VPN ConnectionsUnlimited
500+ Servers
Server Locations84 Countries
Geographically Diverse Servers
Free Version
Free Version Data LimitNo Free Version
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Private Internet Access VPN Review
Best Company Transparency
Windscribe VPN
4.5 Outstanding
- Industry-leading company transparency and communication
- Large number of payment options
- Best free plan of any VPN we've tested
- Helpful AI support bot
- Open Netflix access in all regions benchmarked
- Unlimited number of simultaneous connections and devices
- Anonymous signup allowed
- Middling speed results
Windscribe is one of the most honest, openly transparent VPN providers we've seen in the market for a long time. From its user data retention policies to its stellar scores in many of our benchmarks save a few, Windscribe represents a forward-looking operation that strives to provide a seamless, but strong, addition to your Chrome browser experience.
Those who are first and foremost concerned with what happens with their Chrome browser traffic will feel safe trusting their information to Windscribe, which keeps as few logs as we've seen in some of the other top options on this list.
Blocks Ads
Simultaneous VPN ConnectionsUnlimited
500+ Servers
Server Locations69 Countries
Geographically Diverse Servers
Free Version
Free Version Data Limit10GB Per Month
Learn More
Windscribe VPN Review
Buying Guide: The Best VPN Extensions for Chrome in 2024
Most Chrome Browser VPNs (Probably) Aren't VPNs
With exceedingly rare exceptions, a Chrome browser extension from a VPN service is not actually a VPN in the traditional sense. It's more aptly described as a VPN with a split tunnel activated solely for the browser and no other applications on your device.
While a locally installed VPN uses a VPN protocol to encrypt all the traffic from your device and route it through a VPN server, a VPN browser extension can only encrypt and route the traffic from your browser. This keeps your ISP from seeing what you're up to (and they can see a lot) while you're using that browser, making you harder to track online by hiding your IP address. Rerouting your traffic can also unblock some websites and sometimes let you access streaming content from other countries.
All the other web traffic generated by your machine—from apps, the OS itself, everything—travels over unencrypted wires as usual. If you're only concerned about unblocking online content or adding additional privacy to your web browsing, a split tunnel is fine.
The Best VPN Services for 2022
We confirmed that all the services listed here only encrypt browser traffic. Irritatingly, most VPNs do not make it clear that their Chrome extensions are anything other than a full-fledged VPN. Mostdonote that their product will protect your browser traffic, but not all of them say it willonlyprotect your browser traffic. Granted, this distinction is confusing, but VPN services should do a better job of explaining exactly what these tools do.
The one exception to this is ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN describes its Chrome extension as a "remote control" for your VPN, which seems pretty accurate. To use the ExpressVPN Chrome extension, you must first download and log in to the ExpressVPN desktop app. Once you do that, you can use either the desktop app or the Chrome extension to control your VPN connection.
This is a real VPN connection that affects not just your browser traffic but also all the web traffic from your device. Conveniently, you don't need the ExpressVPN desktop app open to use the Chrome extension. If you want actual VPN protection for your machine controlled by your browser, ExpressVPN is your best option.
Can You Trust Chrome VPN Extensions?
By default, all Chrome extensions have access to more or less of your browser data. That can be a privacy concern on its own. Chrome VPN extensions do more and could grant the VPN service remarkable insight into your traffic. All your browser traffic will flow through the VPN service's servers, so it's important you trust the service you settle on.
When we review VPN services, we look through the privacy policies issued by the VPN companies for any potential risks. We also check whether the companies issue transparency reports about their interactions with law enforcement.
Several VPN services commission third-party audits that examine their infrastructure and ability to stick to their privacy policies. While we acknowledge audits are imperfect tools, we think they offer the best way to get insight into how these services operate under the hood.
Recommended by Our Editors
Do I Really Need a VPN at Home?
The Best Google Chrome Extensions for Online Safety and Security
Sluggish Browser? Here's How to Speed Up Google Chrome
Should You Use a Chrome VPN Extension?
Without question, the desktop app provided by a VPN provides better protection with more features and options than a browser extension. A standalone VPN app encrypts all the traffic from your machine and lets you use all the features and privacy tools that are part of your subscription. There's nothing you can do with a VPN service extension for Chrome that you can't do, and perhaps do better, with a true desktop VPN app.
That said, there are some use cases where Chrome extensions from VPN services can shine. If you're using a machine without permission to install software, you may still be able to log into your Chrome account and use the extension. It's also useful if you really don't want to hide or protect anything but your browser traffic or if you use ChromeOS as your primary operating system.
What Is Two-Factor Authentication?
Whatever you decide, remember that a VPN cannot protect you from every threat to your security and privacy. We strongly recommend you useantivirus softwareand apassword managerand enablemulti-factor authenticationwherever it's available.
Max Eddy contributed to this article.
