ExpressVPN announces new hybrid browser extension

ExpressVPN announces new Meta Quest VPN app — (Image credit: ExpressVPN)

ExpressVPN is one of the few VPNs to offer easy-to-use apps for pretty much every platform, and it’s bringing its world-class privacy and security to the mixed-reality space through its latest partnership with Meta Quest. The provider has rolled out a dedicated ExpressVPN app for Meta Quest.

Additionally, to make digital privacy more seamless, ExpressVPN – which we rank as one of the best VPNs – has also announced a first-of-its-kind hybrid proxy-VPN browser extension, combining a lightweight proxy and full-device VPN remote control into a single interface.

How will ExpressVPN work on MetaQuest?

ExpressVPN will work on Meta Quest through its dedicated VPN app, bringing full-device VPN protection – similar to what’s already available on Android, iOS, and PC – to the VR headset environment.

In addition to full-device protection through the app, ExpressVPN’s latest proxy-VPN hybrid browser extension will soon be available on Meta Quest as well, allowing users to protect browser traffic without downloading the VPN app or affecting the rest of the device.

The VPN provider says this is an early but strong example of how it is moving toward enhancing protection for browser-only environments and devices that may not support traditional VPN apps.

ExpressVPN in VR via Meta Quest — (Image credit: ExpressVPN)

What is ExpressVPN's new hybrid browser extension?

ExpressVPN’s hybrid VPN extension includes two modes – browser-only and full-device protection – and allows you to switch between them with a single click.

"Most VPNs make you choose: either a simple browser proxy or a full-device app. Our new hybrid browser extension does both in a single tool," said Shay Peretz, Group Chief Operating Officer at ExpressVPN

Up until now, you could protect your browser traffic via a proxy, but you would need to use a full VPN app if you wanted to protect every app on your device. ExpressVPN’s latest hybrid browser extension simplifies that by combining both capabilities into a single tool, saving you extra downloads and management effort.

Additionally, ExpressVPN’s hybrid browser extension comes with something known as Smart Routing, which lets you set site-specific rules based on your browsing patterns and behavior.

For example, you can assign different VPN locations to different websites or groups of websites. You can create these rules by entering specific URLs or by selecting an entire country, which applies the rule to all localized domains from that country. For example, if you choose Italy, the rules will apply to every site with the “.it” domain. Think of it as split tunneling for the browser.

Additionally, ExpressVPN – one of the most secure VPNs – continues to offer its world-renowned privacy features through its hybrid VPN extension as well. These include HTML5 geolocation control, a wide server network, WebRTC leak protection, post-quantum encryption, as well as support for ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol.

ExpressVON's hybrid browser extension — (Image credit: ExpressVPN)

When will ExpressVPN's hybrid browser extension be available?

ExpressVPN’s hybrid browser extension is currently being rolled out across the provider’s browser products, and you can install it from the Chrome Web Store or the Firefox Add-ons library.

It will also soon be available to Meta Quest users through the Meta App Store.

You can check the setup guides for your specific browser or device on ExpressVPN’s support site.

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Krishi is a VPN writer covering buying guides, how-to's, and other cybersecurity content here at Tom's Guide. His expertise lies in reviewing products and software, from VPNs, online browsers, and antivirus solutions to smartphones and laptops. As a tech fanatic, Krishi also loves writing about the latest happenings in the world of cybersecurity, AI, and software.

With contributions from

Olivia PowellTech Software Commissioning Editor

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