Using one of the best VPNs for Google Chrome is the easiest way to add security and privacy to your browsing without slowing things down.
With just a lightweight extension, you can hide your IP, unblock streaming services, and stay safer on public Wi-Fi, all directly inside Chrome.
The 3 best VPNs at a glance
In our most recent update to the best Chrome VPN extensions, we made sure that all the information was as up-to-date as possible, as well as streamlining the page to make it easier to read.
The best Chrome VPN extensions in 2025
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The best Chrome VPN app
ExpressVPN takes the top spot in our Chrome VPN rankings because it blends speed, privacy, and simplicity better than any other service. The extension works as a remote control for the full app, which means you get protection across your entire device with one click in Chrome. That makes it a smarter choice than browser-only add-ons that leave other apps exposed.
What makes ExpressVPN especially useful for Chrome users is its Lightway Turbo protocol, designed for fast, reliable connections. In our latest tests, it hit 1,617Mbps on nearby servers and 1,230Mbps on long-haul US connections, comfortably outpacing most competitors and making it one of the fastest VPNs.
As one of the best streaming VPNs, it unblocked Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney Plus without issue, making it one of the strongest picks for streaming inside Chrome.
Privacy is another area where ExpressVPN stands out. It runs on RAM-only servers, publishes independent audits, and only requires an email address to sign up. If you value anonymity, you can even pay with cryptocurrency. Plus, ExpressVPN's track record of no-logs audits means you can use it safe in the knowledge that your data will never be stored or shared.
Not everything is perfect; ExpressVPN is more expensive than rivals like Surfshark, although the introduction of new pricing tiers has reduced ExpressVPN's price from around $5 per month to around $3.50 month for a two-year subscription. If you're after the best value for large households, Surfshark may be the better choice. But when it comes to Chrome performance, ExpressVPN's speeds and streaming access give it an edge.
Ultimately, ExpressVPN's Chrome extension is polished, secure, and impressively fast. Pair that with its strong unblocking power and proven privacy practices, and you've got the best option for anyone who wants a VPN that just works in Chrome.
See how ExpressVPN compares with the competition risk-free for 30 days by using its money-back guarantee.
The best overall VPN
NordVPN takes the top spot in out list of the best VPN services, and earns second place thanks to its balance of performance and deep security features. The Chrome extension is lightweight and user-friendly, but under the hood it connects you to the same full-featured network as the desktop app. That means you get robust protection across browsing, streaming, and even public Wi-Fi without compromising usability.
Its key strength is the NordLynx protocol (a custom take on WireGuard) that delivers excellent speeds. In our most recent tests, NordVPN reached 901Mbps on nearby servers and 514Mbps on US connections, keeping pace with top performers while staying stable for streaming. In practice, Netflix, Disney Plus, and regional libraries unlocked smoothly through Chrome.
NordVPN also shines when it comes to privacy as one of the most private VPNs. It's based in Panama, operates a strict no-logs policy verified by independent third-party audits, and runs on RAM-based servers for extra safety. You only need minimal details to sign up, and cryptocurrency payments are supported. ExpressVPN also supports crypto, but NordVPN offers a more affordable long-term plan, with prices starting from around $3 per month for a two-year subscription, if cost is a key factor.
The drawbacks are limited. It caps connections at 10 devices which should be enough to cover all of your devices, but does feel a little stingy when compares to Surfshark's unlimited simultaneous connections.
Additionally, while NordVPN is very fast, ExpressVPN's Lightway Turbo protocol still edged ahead in our testing. If outright top speed is your priority, ExpressVPN remains a stronger choice.
Still, NordVPN stands out as the most complete package after ExpressVPN: fast, secure, and packed with features like split tunneling, ad and tracker blocking, and a strong global network. For Chrome users who want power with value, it's an excellent choice.
The best free Chrome VPN extension
Windscribe stands out as the rare free Chrome VPN that actually feels reliable. While most no-cost options cut corners on speed or privacy, this extension manages to deliver secure browsing with enough flexibility to be genuinely useful, which has secured it a spot on our list of the best free VPNs. It installs quickly, is easy to run inside Chrome, and even adds extras like ad and tracker blocking to smooth out your day-to-day browsing.
Performance is where Windscribe impresses most. In our recent tests, it reached 840Mbps on nearby servers, a figure that rivals some paid competitors. That said, long-distance connections were less consistent, with Netflix US sometimes failing to unlock, although we'd still rate it as one of the best free Netflix VPNs. However, if trouble-free streaming is your top priority, ExpressVPN or NordVPN remain stronger choices.
Windscribe's privacy protections are solid, especially for a free plan. Sign-up only requires minimal details, and you can even stay anonymous if you choose a premium account with crypto payments. PrivadoVPN Free offers a similar setup, but Windscribe's track record of transparency reports makes it easier to trust.
There are clear limits: the free tier caps you at 10GB of data per month and just 14 server locations. That will suit casual users well enough, but frequent streamers will run into those ceilings quickly. At that point, low-cost paid options like Surfshark may deliver better overall value.
For anyone seeking a free Chrome VPN that's fast, functional, and secure, Windscribe remains the strongest pick. It's not without trade-offs, but it's far ahead of the pack of unreliable free rivals.
Other quality VPNs I've tested
Private Internet Access is one of the best cheap VPNs and a strong Chrome VPN choice for anyone who wants more control over how their VPN works. Unlike lightweight extensions that strip back options, PIA's Chrome add-on lets you fine-tune settings while still being quick to run inside the browser. That balance of simplicity and customization is why it earns a place in our top five.
PIA's biggest appeal is its flexibility. The service offers features like split tunneling, ad and tracker blocking, and advanced encryption controls that give you more say over how your traffic is handled.
Privacy is another highlight. PIA is based in the US, which can raise eyebrows, but it has proven its no-logs policy in court not once but twice, and is one of the most secure VPNs on the market. Add to that open-source apps, frequent audits, quarterly transparency reports, and the option to pay with cryptocurrency, and you get a level of transparency that many competitors can't match. NordVPN and ExpressVPN also offer audited no-logs policies, but PIA's history of legal backing is unique reassurance.
There are trade-offs. PIA doesn't quite match ExpressVPN or NordVPN for speed, hitting 510Mbps on nearby servers and 229Mbps on US connections over WireGuard in our latest round of testing. While this isn't the fastest VPN we've seen, but more than enough for smooth browsing and HD streaming.
It's also a little less reliable when it comes to streaming, although it still has a place on our list of the best Netflix VPNs. Additionally, its interface can feel busier if you're just after a simple "one-click and forget" Chrome VPN. Surfshark, for example, is more beginner-friendly with unlimited devices and lower pricing.
Still, for Chrome users who like to tweak their VPNs settings, PIA is excellent. Its combination of customization, privacy tools, and proven no-logs credentials makes it a very trustworthy Chrome VPN.
CyberGhost rounds out our list as a Chrome VPN that prioritizes ease of use and streaming access. Its extension is stripped-back and simple, but underpinned by a large network and specialty servers that make it particularly appealing if you want to unlock shows and movies. For Chrome users who care more about entertainment than customization, it's a straightforward option.
Streaming is the clear highlight, with CyberGhost being featured on our list of the best Amazon Prime VPNs. Aside from Amazon Prime, CyberGhost reliably unblocked Netflix, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer in our recent checks, giving CyberGhost an advantage over free services like Windscribe.
In terms of speed, CyberGhost performed well, achieving peak speeds of 848Mbps on nearby servers and 505Mbps on long-haul US connections, which is more than fast enough for 4K streaming in Chrome.
CyberGhost also does well on transparency. It issues regular transparency reports, allows anonymous sign-up with minimal details, and accepts crypto payments. While it doesn't have the same court-proven no-logs history as PIA, its longer money-back guarantee is a unique selling point among the top providers.
There are some limits worth noting. CyberGhost's interface and feature set are more basic compared with ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Power users looking for advanced settings may find it lacking, and Surfshark remains a better value pick for large households thanks to its unlimited devices.
Still, CyberGhost delivers where it matters most for Chrome users who just want to stream safely and smoothly. With competitive speeds, a generous guarantee, and a clean extension, it's a reliable, no-fuss VPN that gets the job done.
Tested by
These are the experts who have tested, reviewed, and ranked the best Chrome VPN apps in this guide:
Mo has been in charge of Tom's Guide's VPN articles since 2020, and in that time he's helped test and review over 100 VPN providers for both Tom's Guide and TechRadar. He strongly believes that privacy, price, and ease of use all go hand in hand to make the very best VPN.
He's covered cybersecurity and tech in TechRadar, T3, and What Hi-Fi?, and you'll also find his work in titles from Watkins Publishing, and even the halls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Andy is a Staff Writer covering VPNs and privacy at Tom's Guide
You may have seen his name 'round these parts before, as he was previously a Trainee Writer at Tom's Guide where he specialized in gaming, AI and phones, but lent his hand to many topics. He then joined the team at T3 and became a streaming and computing guru, but has now returned to Tom's Guide to keep you safe online, and bring you the latest news in VPN and cyber security.
FAQs
Does Chrome have a VPN?
While Chrome is very well-featured, it doesn't offer a built-in VPN. However, that's not a problem as there are a huge number of browser VPNs to pick from – not least the top five above.
Thankfully, Chrome is also the perfect environment for a browser VPN to work in – it's stable, simple, easy to use and incredibly customisable, so there are some great Chrome VPNs that will work just as reliably as their standalone counterparts.
Is there a free Chrome VPN extension?
A free Chrome extension is a tempting prospect – browsing anonymity and data security for nothing sounds great. However, in practice these free services aren't as great as they seem.
The first thing to consider is where the free service is making its money. It's likely that you'll be seeing ads, or, more sinisterly, it could be skimming your data and selling it for profit. If that's happening, you're better off using no VPN at all.
There are some good free Chrome VPNs out there – like Windscribe at number 2 on this list – but on the whole you'll never be able to get a truly good all-round VPN experience unless you pay.
However, that doesn't have to break the bank. Surfshark, for example, offers a totally secure and fully-featured VPN service for less than $2.50 a month. While its Chrome VPN isn't powerful enough to feature on this list, it works well as a lightweight proxy extension – and at a price you'd barely notice, we think it's worth the investment.
What should the best Chrome VPN extension do?
A good Chrome VPN extension is one that's not only simple to install and use but also, ideally, offers some in-depth features too. While there are basic proxy versions which simply turn on and off within Chrome – and that's useful – we prefer more feature-rich options.
The option to pick the location you want to connect from is a really basic but helpful feature – perfect if you're looking to watch geo-restricted content in a tab and need a certain location selected.
Security features are also really helpful with blocking your location from websites, and blocking camera or microphone access are basic necessities. Extras we like to keep an eye out for are third-party cookie blocking, Flash blocking or disabling, WebRTC leak protection, hyperlink auditing and credit card auto-filling. Being able to unblocking geo-locked content is also useful.
Whichever option you go for, a VPN Chrome extension is only ever as good as the VPN behind – it so going for a fully fledged and feature-rich standalone VPN is always a good idea.
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.
