Google Chrome is a user-friendly browser that includes a library of extensions to expand its capabilities. One popular type of Chrome extension is a virtual private network (VPN).
VPNs encrypt your traffic and route it through a remote server, keeping your activity and data private. However, not all VPNs are created equal. Read our comprehensive guide to select the best VPN for Chrome for your needs and budget.
Related: Best VPNs for Australians
NordVPN is a fast and secure VPN service with a range of additional security features that add plenty of value for Australian users.
On Nord VPN’s Secure website
The Forbes Advisor Small Business team is committed to bringing you unbiased rankings and information with full editorial independence. We use product data, strategic methodologies and expert insights to inform all of our content and guide you in making the best decisions for your Australian business.
We reviewed multiple VPNs using a complex methodology to help you find the five best VPN Chrome extensions. Our ratings looked at several factors, such as annual price, quality of features, customer reviews and recognition and an in-depth review by our panel of experts. Finally, our Australian-based editorial team applied an additional layer of research and insight to ensure relevance for local users.
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
A VPN Chrome extension is a type of VPN that runs in your web browser. It’s a convenient and easy way to get the benefits of a VPN without having to install a separate app.
When considering which VPN to choose for your Chrome browser, there are several factors to keep in mind. Some VPNs work best via an app downloaded to your computer or device versus a browser extension. In general, you’ll want to make sure the VPN you choose offers military-grade encryption, a large number of servers in various locations, fast speeds and 24/7 customer support.
When choosing a VPN for Chrome, there are certain features that you should always look for. These include features, such as military-grade encryption, fast speeds, lots of servers, split tunnelling and a no-logs policy. Most of the higher-end VPNs will have many, if not all, of the features listed below. You will want to weigh the advantages of each provider carefully to ensure you get the best possible protection for the purposes you require.
Your VPN should be compatible with your device as well as your operating system. A VPN that supports multiple operating systems and devices is ideal. This way you can use it on your desktop, laptop, mobile device and even smart TV. Additionally, how many devices can your VPN subscription support? If you plan to use it on multiple devices, make sure the VPN you choose allows for simultaneous connections.
You’ll need to consider pricing and plans. Most VPNs offer multiple plans with various features so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. Some providers even offer free plans with limited features, but keep in mind that these will not offer the same level of security as a paid plan.
When selecting a VPN, check to see how many servers it has and where they are located. Having access to a large number of servers in various locations will give you more options for finding faster speeds and accessing geo-restricted content. Additionally, make sure the VPN has servers in any country where you plan to travel so that you can access the internet securely while abroad.
To determine the best VPN extensions for Chrome users, Forbes Advisor looked at a number of factors. We considered cost, reputation, customer reviews, number of servers and server locations, speed, security features and customer support. We also looked at the number of IP addresses each service offered. These metrics were then weighted and scored to determine the rank of each of the leading Chrome extensions on the market today.
Here is a more in-depth look at the criteria we used to determine the best VPN extensions for Chrome.
For pricing, we looked at the per-month pricing and the overall price when paying annually that a provider charged and considered them against the other competitors and whether they were cheap or expensive in relation to others. Also, those VPNs that offered a free trial of its service were given bonus points in our rankings. This accounted for 15% of our weighted scoring.
VPNs should provide users with a feature-rich experience and we looked at each provider’s plan and what came with them. We looked for features that we considered essential for a VPN to offer and then additional ones that fell into the nice-to-have category. The must-have features we looked for include ad blockers, AES 256 encryption, more than 200 servers overall and servers in 20 or more countries and allowing for five or more connections at the same time. Some nice-to-have features we liked to see included offering a dedicated IP address and a Google Chrome Marketplace extension. We weighted features at 40% of our total score.
We considered what real users of these VPN for Chrome extensions thought about them by turning to third-party review sites. We looked for providers that had several reviews on each site, especially those that were at least 3.5 out of 5, to give us the fullest picture of reality and reduce bias. These reviews accounted for 10% of the total score.
Based on those same reviews, our panel of experts looked at additional criteria to come to a final conclusion about the best options for VPNs for Chrome extensions. These criteria included popularity, ease of use, stand-out features and value for the price. Altogether, this expert analysis made up 35% of the total score.
Finally, we checked that the VPNs were available and suitable for Australian users. We looked at customer support for local customers, features and accesibility.
Additional research by Anna Rey
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There are a number of VPNs for Chrome that may suit your needs. Express VPN uses military-grade encryption to protect your data. Its split tunnelling function works great for added security, and there are no connection or activity logs. Plus, it has servers in 94 countries, so you can access geo-restricted sites from anywhere. Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPN solutions, especially for the first year of service. You get unlimited simultaneous connections, 24/7 customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee. IPVanish also provides unlimited simultaneous connections, no logs and 40,000 IP addresses. This means you can access content from all over the world.
There’s no built-in Chrome VPN. However, there are many Chrome extensions that allow you to get the benefits of a VPN without having to install a separate app.
Yes, there are a number of free Chrome VPN extensions available, such as Hotspot Shield. However, these tend to have fewer features and slower speeds than paid options.
To set up a VPN on Chrome, you need to install a Chrome extension. Most providers will have step-by-step instructions for doing this on their website, or you can find a VPN through the Chrome Web Store. Once you have the extension installed, simply log in and select a server. Then, your data will be protected.
Yes, Chrome VPN extensions can be safe to use. However, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re selecting a reputable provider with a strong security protocol. Be sure to check for customer reviews and look for features, such as military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, multiple protocols and a kill switch. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to enjoy secure, private browsing on any device.
Yes, you can use a VPN for Chrome on Android devices. Most providers offer dedicated apps for Android so you can connect to their network and keep your data safe. However, if you’re using an Android device that doesn’t support VPN apps, you can always use a Chrome extension instead. Just make sure it’s compatible with your device.
For most VPN Chrome extensions, you’ll need to create an account with the VPN service to use the extension. However, some require no account, such as free VPN for Chrome.
If you don’t have a VPN or can’t download one because you’re using a public computer, you can use a public web proxy. These services allow you to access blocked websites by acting as an intermediary between your computer and the website in question. However, bear in mind that free public web proxies are not as secure as VPNs and may have limited functionality. It’s also worth noting that some websites can detect and block web proxies, so using them to access restricted content may not always be successful.
A VPN can help you access websites and services that are blocked in your country. It also provides a secure connection to the internet, meaning no one can see what you’re doing or intercept your data. You can also use a VPN to bypass geo-restricted content, including streaming services, such as the US version of Netflix and Hulu. Additionally, a VPN can allow you to access public Wi-Fi networks safely and securely.
There are a range of 100% free ‘VPNs’ that are set up for Chrome, including the much-hyped ‘SetupVPN’, which promises unlimited bandwidth and military encryption—although users are limited to 15-minute blocks of usage. As many critics have pointed out, it’s not technically a VPN—it’s more a Chrome extension—and it is not great for advanced VPN features, such as torrenting. There have been complaints too that it has stopped working after the most recent update. If you want complete peace of mind, it’s worth investing in a paid VPN.
