Anyone who logs into a public Wi-Fi network or surfs the internet without protection quickly runs the risk of exposing their data. A VPN for Chrome can help and allows you to surf the web securely and anonymously — directly via the Google Chrome browser without having to install any additional software.
But how does a Chrome VPN differ from other VPN services, which providers are recommended, and how secure are free solutions? We explain.
What makes a Chrome VPN different from other VPN providers?
A Chrome VPN, or more precisely a VPN Chrome extension, only protects the data traffic in the browser, while a classic VPN app encrypts all of the device’s internet traffic. This means that a VPN Chrome extension is quicker and easier to install, but offers less security.
A free Chrome VPN, in particular, can harbor data protection risks, as some providers track user data or display advertising. If you want comprehensive protection for all online activities, you should use a full-fledged VPN software instead. You can find a comparison of the best VPN services here.
What is a Chrome VPN extension?
A Chrome VPN extension is a small add-on that is installed via the Chrome Web Store. With a VPN for Chrome, you can bypass geoblocking and anonymize data traffic in the browser, but the protection remains limited to Chrome.
How do I install a Chrome VPN extension via the Chrome Web Store?
- Start Google Chrome and open the Chrome Web Store.
- Enter “Chrome VPN”, “Chrome VPN Extension,” or the name of a specific VPN provider (e.g. CyberGhost VPN, NordVPN) in the search field.
- Click on the desired VPN Chrome extension and select “Add.”
- Confirm the installation by clicking on “Add extension.” After installation, the VPN icon appears to the right of the address bar.
- Click on the icon to open the Chrome VPN extension.
- Log in with your VPN account (for paid services) or use the free version.
- Select a server location and activate the VPN to surf anonymously and securely. The VPN extension will indicate when the connection has been successfully established.
You can switch the Chrome VPN extension on or off at any time using the icon in the address bar.
You can call up a Chrome VPN at any time via the browser extensions and switch it on or off.
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Which providers offer Chrome-compatible VPN extensions?
Most well-known VPN providers also offer a Chrome VPN extension, i.e. browser extensions that are specifically compatible with Chrome. Here is a small selection:
CyberGhost Chrome
The CyberGhost Chrome extension is particularly suitable for streaming enthusiasts, as the provider offers specialized servers for Netflix, Hulu, and more. The VPN extension offers a user-friendly interface with one-click connect and is therefore ideal for VPN newbies. However, if you want more server locations and higher speeds, you will need to upgrade to the paid version.
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the best-known and most trusted VPN providers in the world. The Chrome VPN extension offers an intuitive user interface and is aimed at security-conscious users who want maximum anonymity. Thanks to its numerous high-speed servers, it is a top choice for streaming, data protection, and secure surfing on public Wi-Fi. It is not free, however.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is one of the few Chrome VPN extensions that offers a genuine free version without a bandwidth limit. The provider from Switzerland places the highest value on data protection and is open source, so anyone can check the code. ProtonVPN is an excellent choice for users looking for maximum security without incurring any costs — however, the server options are severely limited in the free version.
Urban VPN
Urban VPN is one of the few completely free VPNs available for Google Chrome. It is easy to use, but there are concerns about data protection as the platform is funded by advertising revenue. Users should be aware that free VPNs could potentially sell their data — a risk that many paid services exclude.
Hola VPN
Hola VPN is one of the most controversial VPN Chrome extensions. The service works as a peer-to-peer VPN, which means that other users can surf via your connection — a huge potential security risk. Users who value data protection should therefore avoid Hola VPN. The advantage, however, is that the extension is completely free and very easy to use.
ZenMate VPN
ZenMate VPN is a very popular free Chrome VPN with a limited basic version. The server selection is okay and the connections are stable, but the speeds can fluctuate in the free version. For more solid performance, we recommend the paid version.
Browsec VPN
Browsec VPN is a widely used Chrome VPN extension that offers both a free and a premium version. Four server locations are available in the free version, while the paid version offers a larger selection and faster connections. Browsec VPN is a solid choice, especially for geoblocking and anonymous surfing.
Are there free alternatives to Chrome VPN?
Yes, there are several free alternatives to a Chrome VPN extension. Opera VPN, for example, like a Chrome VPN, only protects browser data traffic (in the Opera browser) and for Mozilla Firefox fans there is Mozilla VPN (albeit for a fee). Other alternatives are the Tor Browser or Brave Browser with Tor mode. If you prefer a freemium VPN, you can use Windscribe Free (10GB per month) or TunnelBear Free (2GB per month).
Are free VPNs for Chrome secure?
A free Chrome VPN can be handy for anonymous surfing and geoblocking, but often comes with risks. Many free VPN Chrome extensions are financed by advertising or the sale of user data, which jeopardizes data protection. In addition, free Chrome VPN services are often slower and have limited server locations, which makes streaming and downloads more difficult.
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What costs can be expected when using a Chrome VPN?
The cost of a Chrome VPN extension depends on the provider. There are free VPN Chrome services such as ProtonVPN, which are free but often come with restrictions such as limited servers or slower speeds. Freemium models, such as CyberGhost VPN, offer a basic version for free, while the premium version costs around $2 to $8 per month. Full-fledged VPN Chrome services such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN or Surfshark cost between $4 and $10 per month and offer maximum security and dedicated software for the entire device.
Which operating systems and devices work with a Chrome VPN?
A Google Chrome VPN is compatible with almost all devices that run the Chrome browser, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS. However, a Chrome VPN extension cannot be used directly on Android or iOS, as mobile browsers do not support classic extensions. In this case, you must either use dedicated VPN apps from well-known VPN providers or use the integrated VPN in the mobile Opera browser.
Further reading: Can VPNs really save you money on hotels? I tested them to find out