Based on our years of testing and using VPNs across operating systems and browsers, these are the top factors you should consider when choosing a VPN for Chrome:
Platform compatibility
If you’re looking for a VPN for Chrome, your primary consideration will be whether the VPN offers a Chrome extension. Most of the top VPN providers offer plugins for Chrome and other browsers, but some do not. Check that the VPN you’re considering offers a Chrome extension before purchasing. Alternatively, you can use your VPN provider's native device app for platforms like Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS/iPadOS and Linux, which works with an installed Chrome browser.
Privacy
A VPN’s Chrome extension doesn’t deliver the same level of privacy that a full VPN app does, but you’ll still get basic privacy protections through the plugin because it provides browser encryption and hides your IP address from the websites you visit. An important privacy feature to look out for in your VPN’s browser extension is WebRTC blocking, which can help prevent your IP address (and location) from leaking to the websites you’re visiting.
Speed
Because they’re lightweight versions of their respective VPN apps, VPN browser extensions can offer faster speeds than the full VPN app. If you’re streaming, video conferencing or gaming, and only need basic browser privacy, then using the browser extension can be a great way to get faster speeds.
Server network
A large network of servers can be beneficial, especially if you’re looking to unblock streaming content from around the world. Check the VPN provider’s list of servers to ensure that it offers servers in locations from which you want to stream content.
Cost
If you’re on a budget, then the price of your VPN will be an important consideration. Most VPNs cost around $10 to $14 per month, but you can enjoy greater savings and an overall better value if you opt for a yearly subscription plan. You can get a budget-friendly VPN for about $40 to $60 a year, but more expensive options can run up to $100 a year.
Customer support
Most of the best VPNs have helpful customer support options that are available around the clock. If you prefer getting answers from a real human, look for a provider that offers live chat or email support. If you prefer to find help on your own, look for a provider that has an extensive help section/knowledge base on its website that includes FAQs, troubleshooting guides and setup instructions.
The main difference between a VPN browser extension and a VPN app is that the VPN’s Chrome extension will only protect your traffic through the Chrome browser, whereas a VPN app works on the operating system level and will protect all online traffic running through all applications on your device. Be aware that a VPN’s browser extension works essentially like a proxy and doesn’t actually encrypt your traffic through a VPN tunnel. Rather, it creates a secure, encrypted browser connection and changes your IP address to that of the proxy server you’re connecting through.
Basically, a VPN browser extension is a stripped-down version of a full VPN app that doesn’t offer the same level of privacy protection and typically doesn’t offer the full suite of features that a VPN app does. A browser extension is a good option if you simply want basic privacy protections and to hide your true IP address while browsing the internet or streaming content through your browser. (It’s also usually faster for streaming due to its lightweight nature.) A VPN browser plugin is also a good option if you just want to run a quick private browsing session on a library computer where you can’t download a full VPN app.
If you want the full level of privacy protection offered by your VPN, you should use the VPN provider's app. You can even use your VPN’s app in conjunction with its browser extension to leverage the app’s privacy protections with the browser extension’s browser-specific protections. Additionally, if offered by your VPN provider, you can use the app’s split-tunneling feature to protect only your Chrome browser traffic through the full VPN tunnel.
Your VPN provider probably has a plugin for other Chromium-based browsers
The open-source engine Chromium powers Google Chrome, along with several other browsers, including Brave, Vivaldi, Opera and Edge. Luckily, your VPN provider probably offers a browser extension for other Chromium-based web browsers. For example, ExpressVPN features plugins for Google Chrome, Brave and Edge. You can typically find a plugin in the Chrome app store that works on your preferred Chromium browser. I easily added the ExpressVPN plugin to Brave and Edge, for instance. Even if your VPN provider doesn’t advertise a plugin on its website, we recommend checking the Chrome store in your Chromium-powered browser of choice.
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