The desktop Chrome browser for PCs and Macs is best protected by VPN applications designed for those operating systems. We’ve done a closer look at the best VPN for Macs and the best VPNs for Windows, which should help.
Essentially, you’re installing a VPN application that runs in the background and protects all network traffic. Chrome extensions are available for most of the popular VPN services that allow you to turn on and off features, and provide added protection against WebRTC leaks.
For iOS and Android, users will need to install a device-wide application. Mobile Chrome doesn’t support extensions, so your device-based app is your best defense.
If you want to protect a Chromebook, the Chrome browser extension isn’t enough. The way most VPN vendors recommend you protect your Chromebook is by installing the vendors’ Android app. Android apps now run on most modern Chromebooks, but older Chromebooks won’t always have that capability. Be sure to check each vendor’s compatibility list. Once you install the Android app on the Chromebook, you’re generally protected.
Also: Best free VPNs (and why you get what you pay for)
Finally, for Linux devices running Chrome, some vendors offer a Linux binary, but the most common method is to install VPN software on a router, and then run all traffic through that router. That doesn’t help for mobile Linux users, but it’s a start.
Let’s take a look at our favorite VPN services for Chrome and Chromebook.
Chrome extension: YesChrome Web Store rating: 4.7/5, 2,346 reviewsSimultaneous connections: 5 or unlimited with the router appKill switch: YesPlatforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and many moreLogging: No browsing logs, some connection logsCountries: 94Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Read the review: ExpressVPN review ExpressVPN is one of the most widely used VPNs out there, it supports an incredible amount of platforms and has a hefty ensemble of protocols to choose from. The operating systems it works with include all the standards: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. But there are a number of other platforms ExpressVPN supports, including: Also: How to set up and use ExpressVPN ExpressVPN has servers in more countries than any other provider on this list, so you’ll have no shortage of options to choose from. While overall performance will vary depending on your internet connection and which server you’re connecting to, ExpressVPN is fast and reliable. Exclusive offer: Get an extra three months free ExpressVPN has a clear and transparent privacy policy. It doesn’t log any of your browsing data or destinations. So no identifying information is kept on file. However, it maintains logs of the dates you connect, how much data is transferred, and the location of the VPN server you connected to.
Chrome extension: YesChrome Web Store rating: 3.6/5, 2,970 reviewsSimultaneous connections: 6Kill switch: YesPlatforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, Chrome, Firefox, EdgeLogging: None, except billing dataCountries: 59Money-back guarantee: 30 days
NordVPN is one of the most popular consumer VPNs, and it has a number of capabilities that go beyond a basic VPN. It supports P2P file sharing and is one of our top VPNs for torrenting. For extra security, you can route your connection through a second server, known as a double VPN. It also supports all of the major platforms and operating systems, so you’ll be able to use NordVPN to secure the vast majority of your devices outside of just Chromebooks or your Chrome browser. Read the review: Our NordVPN review In our NordVPN review, we found the service performed quite well, only reducing download speeds by around 28%. And its connection was reliable and fast, so it’s no surprise NordVPN also landed on our best VPN for streaming list as well. If you’re not sure if NordVPN will work for you, you can always try it and get a full refund within 30 days if you’re not satisfied. Also: How to set up and use NordVPN NordVPN is currently running an autumn sale and offering an additional three months for free with its two-year plan. This brings the average monthly cost down to $3.09/mo ($107.73 upfront). Limited-time offer: Get an extra three months free
Chrome extension: YesChrome Web Store rating: 2.9/5, 373 reviewsSimultaneous connections: UnlimitedPlatforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, LinuxKill switch: YesLogging: None, except billing dataMoney-back guarantee: 30 days
Earlier this year, Surfshark and Nord Security (NordVPN) merged, but they will continue to operate as separate entities. And although Surfshark is the cheaper of the two, we found it performed on par with NordVPN in terms of speed, only reducing downloads by 28%. However, Surfshark VPN’s connection times seemed to be a bit slower. Read the review: Our Surfshark VPN review In terms of security, Surfshark VPN is rock solid. We found no DNS leaks or IP leaks in our testing. To further reduce the risk of WebRTC leaks, Surfshark offers several browser plugins. Beyond its Chrome extension, there are plugins available for Firefox and Microsoft Edge. Surfshark VPN has a number of features that come standard with its service. Its CleanWeb tool blocks ads, trackers, and malware. You’ll also have access to split tunneling (Bypasser) and a double VPN option (MultiHop) so you can route connections through two VPN servers at the same time. There are a handful of inexpensive add-on features included in the Surfshark One bundle, including a non-logging search engine, a data breach scanner, and antivirus software. Also:
ExpressVPN vs. Surfshark vs. NordVPN: Which is best?NordVPN vs. Surfshark: Which VPN is best for you?
With that in mind, understanding why you need a VPN is the first step to finding the best fit for you. Depending on what you’re looking for, here are some suggestions: With that in mind, there is also some subjectivity in our rankings, so take our suggestions with a grain of salt and try things out for yourself before making a final decision. With these VPNs (and most other reputable services), you’ll have 30 days to give the product a test run and receive a full refund if you’re not sold on the service.
