8 Best VPN Chrome Extensions for 2023

If you primarily browse the internet using Google Chrome, a VPN Chrome extension can offer a convenient, lightweight way to secure your online activities directly from your browser. Regardless of the platform, a VPN is indispensable for online activities today.

This article will delve into the world of VPN Chrome extensions, providing an expert, in-depth look at the top eight options available today. We will discuss key features, pros and cons, pricing, and why they deserve a spot on this list. 

Without further ado, here are the 8 Best VPN Chrome Extensions to get you started.

1. NordVPN Chrome Extension

NordVPN's Chrome extension offers a range of key features that make it stand out among the best VPN extensions available. It ensures robust security with military-grade encryption. Access to a vast network of servers enables users to bypass geo-restrictions effortlessly. 

The extension provides fast and stable connections for seamless browsing and streaming. With its CyberSec feature, NordVPN blocks intrusive ads and malware, enhancing online safety. The Double VPN feature adds an extra layer of security by routing data through two servers. 

Overall, NordVPN's Chrome extension excels in security, accessibility, and performance.

Website: www.nordvpn.com

Pricing

NordVPN offers flexible pricing plans to suit different needs. The plans include 1-month, 1-year, and 2-year subscription periods. Discounts are available for longer term commitments. The competitive pricing provides excellent value for the features and security offered.

2. Surfshark Chrome Extension

Surfshark's Chrome Extension is a powerful tool that brings the exceptional features and security of Surfshark VPN directly to the Chrome browser. Its user-friendly interface and robust capabilities offer a seamless and secure browsing experience.

The VPN Chrome Extension from Surfshark includes MultiHop, CleanWeb, and Whitelister features. This helps ensure a secure and customizable browsing experience. Add Surfshark's affordable pricing, extensive server network, and fast connections, and you get one of the best VPN Chrome Extensions available.

Pricing

Surfshark offers flexible pricing plans, including monthly, yearly, and biennial subscription options. The plans are cost-effective and provide excellent value for the wide range of features and capabilities offered by Surfshark's Chrome Extension.

Website: www.surfshark.com

3. ExpressVPN Chrome Extension

ExpressVPN's Chrome Extension boasts many vital features that enhance privacy, security, and accessibility. The extension provides robust encryption, safeguarding user data and online activities from potential threats. 

It also features a user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and customize settings according to individual preferences. ExpressVPN's Chrome Extension also supports split tunneling, enabling users to choose which websites or apps should be encrypted through the VPN.

Pricing

ExpressVPN offers various pricing plans, including monthly, yearly, and biennial subscriptions. While it may have a higher price point than some competitors, the extensive features, robust security, and excellent performance justify the cost for many users.

Website: www.expressvpn.com

4. CyberGhost VPN Chrome Extension

CyberGhost Chrome Extension is a feature-packed VPN tool designed specifically for the Chrome browser. It offers essential features that utilize strong encryption protocols, ensuring user data remains secure and protected. 

The highlight of CyberGhost is its extensive server network across numerous countries. That helps bypass geo-restrictions and access region-locked content effortlessly. The user-friendly interface makes connecting to the desired server and customizing settings easy. 

CyberGhost's Chrome Extension also includes ad and malware blocking, providing extra safety while browsing. Additionally, it delivers fast and reliable connections, ensuring smooth performance for streaming, browsing, and downloading activities.

Pricing

CyberGhost surprisingly comes at a low monthly price of $2.11 if you're willing to sign up for their two-year plan. Otherwise, be prepared to fork out as much as $12.99/mo for month-to-month subscriptions.

Website: www.cyberghost.com

5. ProtonVPN Chrome Extension

The ProtonVPN VPN Chrome Extension is a robust tool designed to provide users with enhanced security and privacy within the Chrome browser. It utilizes strong encryption protocols to protect user data and online activities. 

The user-friendly interface allows for easy installation and connection to VPN servers, providing a seamless browsing experience. ProtonVPN follows a strict no-logs policy, ensuring user data is not stored or monitored. Additionally, the extension offers a free version with limited features, allowing users to experience the benefits of a VPN at no cost. 

ProtonVPN's Chrome Extension deserves a place on the Best VPN Chrome Extensions list due to its strong encryption, user-friendly interface, no-logs policy, availability of a free version, and competitive pricing.

Pricing

ProtonVPN offers competitive pricing options for its Chrome Extension, including monthly, yearly, and two-year plans. The plans provide affordability while offering a high level of security and performance.

Website: www.protonvpn.com

6. ZenMate VPN Chrome Extension

ZenMate's VPN Chrome Extension offers vital features that prioritize security, privacy, and accessibility. It ensures strong encryption and privacy protection, safeguarding user data and online activities. With an extensive server network spread across numerous countries, users can enjoy global access and bypass geo-restrictions. 

The user-friendly interface allows for easy installation, connection, and customization of settings, ensuring a hassle-free browsing experience. ZenMate's Chrome Extension provides fast and reliable connections, enabling smooth performance during browsing, streaming, and downloading activities.

Pricing

ZenMate offers various pricing plans for its Chrome Extension, including monthly and yearly subscriptions. The plans are designed to offer cost-effectiveness while providing a high level of security and performance.

Website: www.zenmate.com

7. TorGuard Chrome VPN Extension

TorGuard's VPN Chrome Extension offers a range of key features that prioritize security, privacy, and accessibility. It employs strong encryption and security protocols to protect user data and online activities. 

The main problem with TorGuard remains in its less user-friendly interface. Despite several attempts, their interface still looks a bit outdated. However, it allows for seamless installation, connection, and customization of settings. 

TorGuard's Chrome Extension also offers a dedicated IP option for users who seek added privacy and control over their online presence. Additionally, the extension provides fast and reliable connections.

Pricing

TorGuard offers various pricing plans for its Chrome Extension, including monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual subscriptions. The plans provide flexibility and offer different levels of features and performance based on your needs.

Website: www.torguard.net

8. Hotspot Shield Chrome VPN Extension

As part of the illustrious Hotspot Shield family, widely acclaimed for its speedy VPN services and robust security features, this Chrome extension is designed to integrate seamlessly into your browser.

Hotspot Shield's VPN Chrome Extension's lightweight design ensures that your browsing speed remains blazing fast while the military-grade encryption wraps your data in an impregnable fortress. Even users new to VPNs will find it incredibly easy to navigate. 

Pricing

Hotspot Shield offers a free and a premium version of its Chrome Extension. The premium version provides access to the full features and enhanced performance. Pricing options are available for monthly and annual subscriptions, with the latter offering cost savings.

Website: www.hotspotshield.com

How to Choose The Best VPN Extension for Chrome

Selecting the perfect VPN Chrome extension requires careful consideration of several key factors, each of which plays a crucial role in determining your online experience and the level of security you receive. 

Let's delve deeper into these aspects:

VPN Speed and Performance

One of the critical aspects of a VPN Chrome extension is how it affects your browser's performance and speed. Opt for a lightweight extension that doesn't hog your system’s resources. 

This ensures your browser remains snappy and responsive, even when the VPN is active. Moreover, choose a VPN with a good reputation for providing fast connection speeds to avoid lags while streaming or downloading content.

Security and Encryption

The primary purpose of using a VPN is to secure your online activities. Ensure that your VPN extension uses robust encryption standards like AES-256 to protect your data from hackers and snoopers. 

Also, look for features like a kill switch, which automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, ensuring your data never travels unencrypted. Remember that many VPNs will offer fewer features on their browser extensions compared to their native apps.

Privacy Policies

A trustworthy VPN should have a transparent privacy policy stating they do not log or store your online activities. This “no-logs” policy ensures no data links back to you even if the VPN provider is subpoenaed or hacked. Be wary of VPNs that aren't clear about their logging policies or those that store personal data for prolonged periods.

Browser Compatibility and User Interface

The VPN extension should be fully compatible with your Chrome browser, not affecting any other functionalities. Also, its user interface should be intuitive and easy to navigate, even for beginners.

Unblock Geo-Restricted Content

A good VPN extension should bypass geographical restrictions, allowing you to access content unavailable in your region. Whether you want to watch a series only available on a foreign version of a streaming platform or access a blocked news site, your VPN should be able to accommodate these needs.

How to Install a VPN Chrome Extension

Setting up a VPN Extension on your Chrome browser is a straightforward process that can be accomplished in just a few steps. Whether you're a first-time VPN user or simply new to using a VPN with Chrome, we'll walk you through the process. 

Here's a simplified step-by-step guide on installing a VPN extension on Google Chrome:

Step 1: Visit the Chrome Web Store

Open Google Chrome and navigate to the Chrome Web Store. You can do this by typing “Chrome Web Store” into your search bar, clicking the first result, or navigating directly to https://chrome.google.com/webstore.

Step 2: Search for the VPN Extension

Once you're in the Chrome Web Store, use the search bar in the upper left corner to search for your chosen VPN service. For example, if you've chosen NordVPN, type “NordVPN” into the search bar.

From the search results, find the official extension for your VPN service. Be cautious of extensions with similar names – they may not be the official extension from your VPN provider.

Step 3: Install the VPN Extension

Click on the extension to open its detail page. Here, you'll see an “Add to Chrome” button. Click this button to install the extension. A dialogue box will pop up, asking you to confirm the installation. Click “Add extension.”

Step 4: Configure the Extension

After the installation, you'll see the VPN icon in the top right corner of your Chrome browser. Click this icon to open the VPN. You'll be prompted to log in (or create an account if you haven't already).

Step 5: Connect to a VPN Server

Once logged in, you can connect to a VPN server. This is usually as simple as clicking a “Connect” button. Some VPNs allow you to choose your server location, while others connect you automatically to the fastest server.

Why You Need a VPN Chrome Extension

You might be wondering, “Why should I use a VPN extension in Chrome? Aren't VPN apps enough?” While VPN apps provide robust protection, a VPN extension with your Chrome browser offers specific advantages that enhance your online experience. 

Here are some reasons why you should consider using a VPN Chrome extension:

Enhanced Privacy and Security

Using a VPN extension for Chrome is one of the best ways to secure your online activities directly from your browser. It encrypts your internet traffic, making it difficult for third parties to monitor your online activities. 

Access to Geo-restricted Content

A VPN extension can mask your IP address and make it appear like you're browsing from a different location. This feature lets you bypass geographical restrictions on particular websites or online services set. For instance, you can access streaming content only available in certain regions.

Seamless Integration and Ease of Use

VPN extensions for Chrome are designed to work seamlessly with your browser. They're typically more straightforward to use than standalone VPN apps, as you can quickly turn your VPN connection on and off or switch between different server locations from your browser toolbar. 

Speed and Performance

Some users find that a VPN extension provides better performance and speed than a VPN app, especially when only specific browser-related tasks require VPN use. A VPN extension can often offer faster speeds by encrypting only your browser traffic instead of all the data going in and out of your device.

Save System Resources

Running a VPN app on your device encrypts all your internet traffic, which can consume significant system resources, especially if you're doing data-intensive tasks. A VPN extension, on the other hand, only encrypts your browser traffic, which can be less demanding on your system resources.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with VPN Chrome Extensions

While VPN Chrome extensions offer great convenience and security, users sometimes encounter issues when using them. But don't worry; most of these problems have straightforward solutions. 

Here, we'll address some common issues and provide steps to resolve them.

Issue 1: VPN Extension Not Connecting

Sometimes, your VPN extension might refuse to connect to a server, leaving you unprotected. This could be due to various issues, including network problems or outdated software.

Solutions:

• Check your internet connection to ensure it is stable.
• Try to connect to a different server location.
• Update your VPN extension to the latest version.
• Restart your browser or device.

Issue 2: Slow Internet Speed

A common issue with VPNs is that they can sometimes slow down your internet speed due to the encryption process and the distance between you and the VPN server.

Solutions:

• Switch to a server closer to your location.
• Check if your VPN extension has a feature for selecting the fastest server automatically.
• If the slowdown is significant, contact your VPN provider's support team for assistance.

Issue 3: Unable to Access Geo-Restricted Content

Sometimes, even when connected to a VPN, you might be unable to access geo-restricted content. This could be because the website has detected and blocked your VPN, or there might be a problem with the VPN server you're connected to.

Solutions:

• Try connecting to a different server in the same country.
• Clear your browser's cache and cookies, as they might contain location information.
• Contact your VPN provider for advice – they may have specific servers to access certain services.

Issue 4: Extension Crashing or Not Loading Properly

Sometimes, the extension may crash or fail to load correctly, causing frustration and leaving you unprotected.

Solutions:

• Update your Chrome browser to the latest version.
• Remove and reinstall the VPN extension.
• Check for any known issues with the VPN extension by visiting the provider's website or contacting their support team.

Final Thoughts: Navigate the Web Securely with Top VPN Chrome Extensions

VPN Chrome extensions are handy tools that offer a streamlined solution for securing your browser activity and accessing geo-restricted content. From NordVPN's impressive speed to Surfshark's unlimited device connections, we've explored several brands that cater to diverse needs.

Remember, the best VPN Chrome extension for you will depend on your unique requirements and preferences—speed, security, server options, or price. Each extension on this list brings something valuable, making them all worthy contenders.

However, while these extensions provide robust security for your browser, they don't protect the rest of your device's internet traffic. Use a device-based VPN app if you need comprehensive protection beyond your browser.

Frequently Asked Questions