A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can be used to protect your identity online, allowing you to browse completely anonymously, safe in the knowledge that no one can spy on you. It can also be used to access blocked websites online. Here, we share our favourite VPNs for Chrome.
What makes a VPN for Chrome different from other VPNs?
You can get a VPN in app form, which will be installed on your computer or mobile device and channel all of your internet activity from any browser through VPN servers. However, if you just want to use a VPN in one browser for certain activities, you can do so by installing a VPN Chrome extension.
This won’t keep your data as safe as a VPN app would, as it’s not going to encrypt the entirety of your internet use if some of it happens outside of the browser. But, if that doesn’t concern you too much, a browser extension will work as a lightweight solution.
In most cases, as they’re not protecting your entire computer, Chrome VPNs are actually encrypted proxies rather than fully-fledged VPNs. This means they have many VPN-like capabilities but aren’t able to route traffic from anything outside of your browser, such as programs and applications. For more information about VPNs and how they work, visit: What is a VPN?
If you would prefer a complete VPN app, check out our round-up of the best VPN services .
We also have articles outlining the best VPN for BBC iPlayer , the best VPN for Netflix and the best VPN for Android .
Best Chrome VPN extensions
NordVPN
The VPN we recommend most is NordVPN , so you’ll be pleased to hear that there is a NordVPN Chrome extension available too.
You’ll then be able to download the Chrome extension here , sign in to your account, and choose a server to connect to to begin using it to protect your web traffic through the browser. It’s a simple, easy-to-use tool that we would recommend.
Plus, thanks to the ability to have six simultaneous connections, you can choose to share your account with your family, or use one of the additional apps to add a VPN to your phone, tablet or computer.
If you want to find out more, check out our NordVPN review .
Read our full NordVPN review
ExpressVPN
Another of our favourite VPNs is ExpressVPN, and it too has a Chrome extension available.
With ExpressVPN, you’ll get access to a global VPN network with more than 2,000 servers across 94 countries, and those servers are known to be brilliantly fast, too.
It offers up to three simultaneous connections, and there are apps available for mobile devices as well as computers and even your router.
It’s reliable and easy to use, so is another VPN for Chrome we’d recommend.
Our ExpressVPN review offers more details.
Read our full ExpressVPN review
TunnelBear
There are only 22 countries available with TunnelBear, so whether it works for you might depend on what you intend to use it for, but the countries available are among the most popular so it’s unlikely you’ll find yourself unable to connect to the country you require.
You will, however, get the ability to connect via up to five devices at once, and there are mobile apps available in addition to PC and Mac software.
Find out more in our TunnelBear review .
Read our full TunnelBear review
Windscribe
Windscribe offers a free Chrome extension that adds ad and tracker blockers into the mix too.
We like Windscribe’s Cruise Control feature, which will choose a server location based on the website you’re trying to access, and there are various customisable privacy features that could come in handy, too.
The free version also offers 11 locations versus 50 in the Unlimited version, so you may find some are missing if you decide to try the Limited version first.
Zenmate
Our final recommendation is Zenmate, which too offers a Chrome extension with easy, one-click connect.
The cheapest is £2.05/$2.65 per month if you commit to two years, but there are one year and one month options too. Plus, you’ll get a 14 day money back guarantee.
Read our full Zenmate review
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