Club Benefits
A Chrome extension can pack all the power of a fully-fledged VPN (virtual private network) — IP masking, AES-256 encryption, and geo-spoofing technology — condensed into one lean package optimized for in-browser security.
The streamlined design of a VPN extension means it's easy to use and install while maintaining optimum connection speeds: a boon whether looking to stream Netflix in HD from abroad, conceal your IP address from third parties, or keep your Google searches private on public Wi-Fi.
Surfshark VPN is perennial favorite at Tom's Guide and brings its top-notch security and server infrastructure to a user-friendly Chrome extension. So, whether you’re looking to learn more about its uses, features, or simply need to know how to install it, our guide below has the answers you need.
What does a Chrome VPN extension do?
In most cases, a Chrome VPN extension provides the same ground-level functionality as a VPN app — although its security and privacy technology only shields internet traffic routed through the Chrome web browser.
All browser activity benefits from your main VPN’s encryption standards and fleet of worldwide servers, so you can exchange your real IP address for another and safely access geo-blocked services. While online, data like web pages visited and in-browser downloads are shielded from interception, scrambling everything so that your browsing habits remain hidden from cyber snoops.
You get convenience, consistent speeds, and targeted protection with a Chrome extension, albeit often with fewer bells and whistles of a full client you might have downloaded to your desktop.
And not all VPN Chrome extensions serve exactly the same purpose. For example, ExpressVPN’s browser plugin acts more like a remote controls for its full app, rather than a standalone tool in its own right.
6 things to know about Surfshark's Chrome extension — what the plugin includes
Packing the one-two punch of VPN protection and cybersecurity safeguards, Surfshark’s Chrome extension is finetuned to mitigate annoying, browser-based threats.
Take its CleanWeb tool. This feature neutralizes ads, trackers, and pop ups so you can maintain quick-fire connection speeds. It’s consequently a great buffer against malvertising: halting Trojans, spyware, and more from deploying their illicit payload on your device. And, with an enhanced suite of features including video ad and cookie pop-up blocker (exclusive to the extension), you get an even smoother online experience.
Unusually for a VPN proxy, it comes with an impressive degree of customization. One example is Surfshark’s Bypasser, a split tunneling tool that you access via the settings section of the dashboard.
Split tunneling lets you pick which sites avoid your VPN tunnel so you can connect to networks that prohibit VPN use and maintain optimum speeds, while extending a security blanket over everything else. A specific instance might be that you want to keep cookie pop-up blocker enabled but a certain website needs them to function. The solution? Add the site to Bypasser.
Auto-connect and WebRTC protection are two simple yet invaluable settings. Don’t have to give fraudsters a second thought with Auto-connect, which provides instant VPN protection the second you launch Chrome. It’s quick, convenient, and especially useful for anybody regularly using unsecured public Wi-Fi.
Meanwhile, WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) protection plugs IP leaks that occur regardless of whether or not your VPN’s connected — a common issue with browsers like Firefox and Chrome that use the WebRTC protocol.
When it comes to Surfshark’s data breach and malware alerts, forewarned is forearmed. This neat feature exclusively works with the Google search engine, putting a big red flag besides websites with a checkered reputation for… well, data breaches and malware! Given the facts, you can weight up the risks of clicking through on such links.
Finally, Dedicated IP is an optional add-on with a Surfshark sub, combining the stability of a static IP with your VPN client’s encryption technology.
Rather than sharing server IP addresses, you get an individual IP with which to access the web. Having a consistent IP gives you control over your digital identity, so you’ll encounter fewer security prompts and CAPTCHA requests as a result. Remote workers in particular can benefit from purchasing one, as many corporate networks only grant access to users with approved, whitelisted IP addresses.
How to install the Surfshark VPN Chrome extension
Installing Surfshark's Chrome VPN extension is fast and easy (plus: no admin rights required!). Simply follow the handful of steps we've detailed below:
- Sign up for a Surfshark VPN plan if you haven’t already.
- Log in to your Surfshark account
- Select “Apps & extensions” on the far left
- Select Chrome under the “Browser” heading
- In the Chrome Web Store, click the “Add to Chrome” button.
- The pop-up “Add ‘Surfshark VPN Extension?’” will appear. Click “Add Extension.”
- Hey presto! Your browser extension has been installed.
- One last thing: pin the extension to your browser dashboard. Just select the puzzle piece (extension) icon and click the pin icon next to Surfshark.
What else does Surfshark VPN offer?
While some VPNs cap your connections, Surfshark offers unlimited connections no matter what plan you chose. That allows you to protect not only all your compatible devices, but those of your entire household.
At an operational level, Surfshark’s audited no-logs policy and RAM-only infrastructure provides peace of mind about your data’s privacy — affirming it isn’t recorded and so cannot be sold or stolen.
Extra safeguards like Rotating IP helps dodge third party profiling and DDoS attacks, while Dynamic MultiHop encrypts your data twice so it’s harder for hackers to decode.
It’s often rated our best cheap VPN, but it doesn’t skimp on features. All tiers come kitted out with split tunneling, ad and cookie blockers, Alternative ID and a range of encryption protocols, to name a few things. Want antivirus protection? Upgrade to Surfshark One. Meanwhile, you’ll find Incogni on the Surfshark One Plus plan, which proactively takes your personal info out of the hands of data brokers.
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.
