The best VPN extensions for Chrome in 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

Virtual private networks (VPNs)are excellent tools to mask your activities online, change your location, prevent eavesdropping, and avoid age verification checks. Many VPN providers also offer their subscribers browser-based solutions, typically in the form of browser extensions. These might be the best option if you just want to quickly mask your IP address during an online session.

An estimated68% of internet usersfavor Chrome as their browser, beating rivals including Safari, Edge, and Firefox. As one of the dominant browsers out there, it makes sense to augment it with a trustworthy, useful VPN extension. In this guide, I have ranked thebest VPNextensions for Chrome, including services like ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

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What is the best Chrome VPN right now?

My pick for the best Chrome VPN overall isExpressVPNdue to its excellent speed, stability, and vast server network. The efficient Chrome extension isn’t intrusive and doesn’t drastically slow down your internet connection.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more affordable VPN solution, consider Surfshark at just $2 per month thanks to the company’s current promotion. It’s not as fast, but it is reliable, offers a reasonable server selection, and is unobtrusive.

At ZDNET, we’vetested every reputable VPN on the marketalongside new VPN projects, rigorously evaluating speed, number of servers, security features, and price. I monitor VPN solutions, conduct frequent speed tests, try out new services, and examine customer feedback to ensure I recommend only the best options available.

In our February update, we added the latest speed test data for download and upload speeds for each of our top picks.

Best Chrome VPN extensions in 2026

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ExpressVPN is one of the most widely used VPNs and offers my favorite Chrome extension as part of its subscription package. In our Feb. 2026 VPN testing, ExpressVPN had a download speed of 645.77 Mbps and an upload speed of 95.23 Mbps, compared to a starting download speed of 776.47 Mbps and a starting upload speed of 108.11 Mbps.

Why we like it:Its Chrome extension has garnered many positive reviews, with thousands of users issuing high scores.

While overall performance may vary depending on your internet connection and which server you’re connecting to, ExpressVPN is fast and reliable. Based on my frequent tests, I consider ExpressVPN one of the fastest VPNs around, as it consistently provides rapid speeds and quick connection times. The Chrome extension is a great addition to the overall service.

ExpressVPN’s Android and iOS apps have also been for an improved user experience, and the company is currently exploring quantum-safe for the future.

Review:ExpressVPN review

When I used the extension, I noted little change to speeds, and it was unobtrusive. This is an important consideration for VPN extension usage, given the numerous pop-ups and notifications we already have to contend with.

ExpressVPN supports many platforms and has an extensive list of protocols to choose from. The company also has servers in more countries than many providers on this list, so you’ll have plenty of location options. It’s good for streaming and worth trying out if you want to access your home libraries on the go through the Chrome browser. For example, I tested it out with Plex and encountered no issues.

Who it’s for: Anyone who wants an unobtrusive, fast, and reliable VPN service compatible with the Chrome browser.

To use the accompanying extension, you will need an ExpressVPN subscription. ExpressVPN’s two-year plan is $5 per month, with four months of free VPN access added to the length of your contract. Alternatively, its annual plan costs $6.67 per month with three months of free access.

Who should look elsewhere: Despite the usually higher price point, customers say ExpressVPN is simple, fast, and easy to use. Still, if ExpressVPN’s subscription costs are more than you are willing to pay, consider one of my other favorites.

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Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market and offers consistently low pricing on longer-term contracts. In my speed testing, I found Surfshark’s performance reasonable, especially considering the price point. In my Feb. 2026 VPN testing, Surfshark had a download speed of 691.27 Mbps and an upload speed of 93.59 Mbps, compared to a starting download speed of 776.47 Mbps and a starting upload speed of 108.11 Mbps.

Why we like it:The VPN and its extension come standard with useful connectivity and security features, along with a cookie and ad-blocker, a masked email generator, split tunneling (Bypasser), a double VPN option (MultiHop), and other options. Premium plans offer more, such as malware and webcam protection, as well asIncogni data removal.

Users say they find Surfshark’s Chrome extension easy to install and operate and deem it an extension that “just works.” The Chrome extension also makes it easier to access services restricted by local internet service providers (ISPs).

Review:Surfshark VPN review

In terms of security, Surfshark is a solid choice. The company has recently introduced Surfshark Everlink, a system that attempts to reconfigure and repair VPN connections when they automatically drop. Unlike a kill switch, which blocks internet access to protect you if there is a sudden drop, Everlink aims to preserve your connection safely. It is available to all users, but you’ll need to use the WireGuard protocol.

In my testing, I found no data or domain name service (DNS) leaks. That said, Surfshark’s connection times and speeds can be slower than those of its competitors.

Alongside NordVPN, which Surfshark’s parent company Nord Security also owns, the VPN provider is experimenting withFastTrack, a route optimizer for fast connections. I’m yet to notice a difference on the test servers, but I can hope that connection times improve in the future.

Who it’s for: Surfshark is the best option if you need a solid VPN and extension combination at an affordable price point.

Surfshark pricing starts at $2 per month on a two-year plan, which includes three months free. You can sign up for a one-year contract at a starting price of $3.19 per month or get a month of access for $15.45. Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Who should look elsewhere: If you plan to prioritize speed in your decision on a new VPN solution, check out ExpressVPN or NordVPN.

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Windscribe is another recommended and popular option if you’re looking for a Chrome VPN extension.

Why we like it:Windscribe earned a 4.7 out of 5 rating on the Chrome Web Store and has over two million users. The reviews are generally positive, but some users report location detection issues related to Windscribe’s free option.

The free version offers up to 10GB of bandwidth per month, but you will need to sign up.

This VPN is one of mytop picksfor the best free VPNs on the market. You can access servers in 10 countries with a free account.

Who it’s for: Anyone looking for a free VPN with high Chrome extension ratings. There’s also an experimental Manifest V3 Chrome extension version available.

While you can always take advantage of Windscribe’s free plan, I also like the option to create customized plans based on your preferences. You can choose the server locations you want to connect to, billed at $1 per server per month or opt for a yearly plan priced at $5.75 per month.

Who should look elsewhere: Yearly plans are more expensive than many competing services, and there’s no option for two-year contracts. If you want a longer-term, reasonably priced service, consider NordVPN.

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NordVPN is one of the most popular VPNs and for good reason. And its Chrome extension has also received top marks from users. In my Feb. 2026 VPN testing, NordVPN had a download speed of 704.11 Mbps and an upload speed of 101.14 Mbps, compared to a starting download speed of 776.47 Mbps and a starting upload speed of 108.11 Mbps, making it the fastest option on this list.

Why we like it:NordVPN supports all the major platforms and operating systems, so you can use it to secure the vast majority of your devices. For extra protection, you can also route your connection through a second server, known as a double VPN.

Its most recent independent audit, conducted byCure53, found no client-side vulnerabilities in browser extensions, including Chrome. The audit revealed that the VPN functions as intended, although several vulnerabilities were identified and subsequently resolved.

In my latest speed tests, NordVPN performed exceptionally well and, together with ExpressVPN, offered the best speeds and stability. It’s also great for accessing streaming services with high success rates for accessing geo-blocked content.

Review:NordVPN review

The VPN provider offers 126 locations to choose from, and you can connect up to 10 devices to the service simultaneously.

Who it’s for: Customers say they like NordVPN’s speed, security, and impressive support. The Chrome extension is lightweight, and many users consider it reliable and a great addition to day-to-day browsing and tasks.

Combine this with a user-friendly dashboard, and I consider NordVPN to be one of the best ‘one-size-fits-all’ VPNs on the market. The Chrome extension is a bonus.

Who should look elsewhere: This VPN and its Chrome extension will suit most users, but if you prefer speed, ExpressVPN might be better. For a free option, Winscribe or Proton VPN will suit you.

That said, if you’re unsure if NordVPN is the right choice, you can always try it and get a full refund within 30 days with the service’s money-back guarantee.

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When something is free, there’s usually a catch, and a VPN service is no exception. In Proton VPN’s case, its free service is backed by paid subscribers.

Why we like it:I don’t typically recommend free VPN options, as many providers will collect or sell your data in return. This practice undermines the entire point of the service. Fortunately, paid subscribers support Proton VPN’s free plan, and the company prioritizes consumer security and privacy, applying the same layers of protection to both free and paid accounts.

In my Feb. 2026 VPN testing, Proton VPN had a download speed of 561.84 Mbps and an upload speed of 103.18 Mbps, compared to a starting download speed of 776.47 Mbps and a starting upload speed of 108.11 Mbps.

Also:The best free VPNs

There are limited server options available and support for only one device on the free Proton VPN plan, but free users can also take advantage of the service’s Chrome extension.

Proton VPN has recentlyupgradedNetShield, its built-in ad-blocker, to capture more phishing attempts, and its mobile apps have also been rebuilt to reduce battery drain.

Swiss data privacy laws protect the VPN service; however, a proposed surveillance bill is in the works, which has led Proton VPN to imply that it may leave the country. Despite this, Proton VPN downloads surged in the charts recently following the activation of the U.K.’s controversial Online Safety Act, which has resulted in widespread censorship and website blocks when visitors refuse to verify their age.

Who it’s for: Casual online users who want free VPN access, protection while using Chrome, and a way to avoid censorship.

Proton VPN’s Chrome extension and overall reviews are mixed, but many complaints are about the restrictions on the free option. You can take this how you will, but many users still say that this VPN is secure and fast enough that few notice any speed changes when enabled.

Who should look elsewhere: If you want an alternative free option, check out Windscribe.

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Best VPN for Chrome	Best price	Chrome Web Store rating	Simultaneous connections
ExpressVPN	$2.44 per month on a two-year plan	4.5	10-14
Surfshark VPN	$1.99 per month on a two-year plan	4.0	Unlimited
Windscribe	Free or custom plans. Fixed plans start at $5.75 per month	4.7	Unlimited
NordVPN	$2.69 per month on a two-year plan	4.2	10
Proton VPN	Free or $2.99 per month on a two-year contract	3.6	1-10, varies by plan

Incognito mode can help boost your privacy, but not in the same way a VPN or VPN extension will. Incognito mode reduces the collection of data during a browsing session. It helps protect your privacy by deleting logs and information after a session, which can be useful if you share a device with others. As Google’s April 2024 court settlement showed, Chrome’s Incognito mode isn’t particularly effective.

In comparison, a VPN encrypts your connection, disguises your online activities, and masks your IP address. Using a VPN or a VPN extension and then launching a private browsing session can be complementary but relying on just one or the other isn’t as effective.

A VPN extension is best when you want to hide your IP address and mask your internet traffic during short browsing sessions.

Remember that you will only have protection enabled for the browser with the extension enabled. If you have a Chrome VPN extension, only data passing through the Chrome browser will be encrypted, and not any requests sent via Edge or Safari, and so on.

A standalone VPN app grants you far more protection, as it can provide blanket coverage across all browser sessions and online services. The trade-off is that VPN apps are more likely to slow down your internet speed. Still, we recommend that unless there is a particular reason for using only an extension, you should consider using a VPN’s full set of features.

How do I set up my Chrome VPN?

Go to your VPN provider’s website or the official Chrome Web Store. Find your VPN and click the “Add to Chrome” button.

You should get a notice explaining what the extension does and can do. If you are happy to proceed, click Add Extension. If not, click Cancel.

Lastly, sign in with your VPN credentials. Remember that you can click the extension’s icon anytime to enable or disable it.

Choose this VPN Chrome extension…	If you want…
ExpressVPN	The best Chrome VPN extension overall. ExpressVPN provides top-tier performance and features, with standout usability and speed — as well as a robust server network — but the typical monthly price point may deter some users.
Surfshark VPN	The most value from your VPN and Chrome extension. Surfshark offers reasonable speeds and a user-friendly interface at a consistently low price, making it one of my favorite budget VPNs. It’s reliable, has a large server network with plenty of countries to choose from, and a useful pause function.
Windscribe	A free VPN with the option of custom plans. The Windscribe proxy extension, which has garnered very high and positive Chrome extension reviews, also comes with an ad blocker, whitelisting, and location spoofing. An experimental extension is available for circumventing censorship and blocking trackers.
NordVPN	The best location and server network, with rapid connections and excellent speeds. NordVPN provides fast and reliable connections — currently being improved with AI technologies — and has a host of additional security solutions available, including threat protection.
Proton VPN	A trustworthy free VPN extension suitable for the Chrome browser. Proton VPN is the best option if you want a free Chrome VPN extension, but keep in mind that the free plan is limited in device support and server network. You can only use it to protect one device unless you subscribe.

If you’re hunting for a VPN service with a Chrome extension, consider the following factors:

Extension availability: I’ve listed VPNs with available Chrome extensions, but if you also want multi-browser compatibility, check out extension availability with any VPN vendor you’re interested in.
Speed:Every VPN performs differently, and every user experience differs. When you are testing a new VPN, keep your base speed in mind. Look out for VPN solutions with minimal speed loss, and if you want to try out multiple solutions, use their money-back guarantees.
Apps: VPN providers should offer compatibility for multiple platforms and operating systems. Take a look at the user interfaces, features, and compatibility offered by your chosen VPN provider before making a commitment.
Use cases: Your VPN selection should align with how you intend to use a VPN. For example, you may want one specifically for streaming geo-locked content, or you may need a VPN with a Chrome extension that is likely to circumvent censorship blocks. Consider these points before making your final choice.
Simultaneous connections: If you’re paying for a VPN, you will probably want to use it across multiple devices, such as a PC, smartphone, and TV. I recommend signing up for a plan supporting at least six devices. However, if you’re opting for a free plan, you will probably be limited to one device.
Trial periods:Before committing to a VPN provider, test them out with the service’s money-back guarantee period. Remember that most VPN providers will give you 30 days to cancel and secure a refund. Some even offer up to 45 days.

Many VPN providers recommended in this list have been subject to in-depth testing and reviews by members of our team. We’ve reviewed VPNs for years, spoken with their management and users, and developed a generally favorable impression of our top picks.

ZDNET tests VPN services from multiple locations, but we can’t test from all locations. Every home, community, local ISP, and nation has a different infrastructure.

I analyzed the best VPNs for Chrome below using the following criteria:

Performance:My top VPN recommendations must have a minimum level of performance. After all, there’s no point in using a VPN if your connection continually drops or lags.
Reliable extensions: As Chrome is my priority, I ensured that each recommendation has a Chrome extension available that users consider useful, stable, secure, and non-invasive.
Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit the number of devices you can connect to a service simultaneously. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, or smart TV you want to connect to a VPN, you need a service that allows at least five or six simultaneous connections.
Security: There’s no point in using a VPN unless its security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. I also ensured the development team behind each recommended VPN cares about making security improvements and patching reported bugs.
Kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from having an unprotected connection. It is an important feature for a VPN, as it protects you by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop.
Geo-blocks and streaming: I know VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you’re away from home. Considering these factors, I ensured that our top recommendations performed well and are unlikely to slow down your connection while you are streaming or torrenting.
Platforms: What systems and devices can you run the VPN on? My VPN recommendations naturally have to offer easy-to-use and intuitive app extensions, desktop software, and mobile apps.
Countries and servers: In how many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether there are enough — at least 60 or so — to provide variety.
Trial length and price: Each VPN I recommend has a solid money-back guarantee of at least 30 days.
Support: As with any subscription software, you may encounter problems with installing apps, using the service, renewing, or canceling. I list VPNs with a support team or support channels.

For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensiveVPN testing methodology page.

Latest news on VPNs

No. While Chrome is one of the safest and most well-featured browsers, it does not have a built-in VPN. Instead, it supports VPN use and VPN extensions. You’ll need to install a VPN to have the most secure experience on your Chrome browser.

All the VPN services on this list are trusted and vetted by ZDNET. The services we recommend have been around for a long time and provide the safest and most secure connections for Chrome and other browsers, or as standalone apps for your devices.

If you want to protect a Chromebook, the Chrome browser extension alone won’t necessarily be enough, especially if you switch between browsers. Most VPN vendors recommend you protect your Chromebook by installing their Android app. Android apps now run on most modern Chromebooks. Since older Chromebooks may not be supported, be sure to check each vendor’s compatibility list. Once you install the Android app on your Chromebook, you should be generally protected.

We recommend trying out ExpressVPN or NordVPN if you’re looking for a compatible service for your Chromebook.

The answer to this is much like the answer to anyone asking how to stay protected on old gear: Sometimes, you can’t. If your computer can’t keep you safe online, either don’t use the internet or seriously consider upgrading your hardware.

Once support and updates stop for legacy devices, you also won’t receive security fixes, and if your Chromebook is older and doesn’t have compatible Android apps, your options are limited. At a minimum, you shouldn’t use your Chromebook for any sensitive tasks, such as accessing a financial service or email account.

If you want it to, yes. You can connect to a VPN in your home country, sometimes your city,and still use the service to improve your security and privacy. Alternatively, you can pick a server in a completely different location. For example, if you’re trying to access a media source that is blocked in the EU due to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), appearing from the U.S. will remove this geo-linked block.

Yes, in most countries. VPNs are also often crucial tools for companies, as they allow more secure remote connections. However, consumer VPN use is restricted and state-controlled in some areas such as China and Russia. The services are banned entirely in other countries including Iraq and Belarus.

You get what you pay for, right? Well, sometimes. VPN pricing varies wildly, and monthly fees also depend on any additional features you have subscribed to, such as dedicated IP addresses, data breach scanning, or cyberinsurance. Others, such as Astrill, come at a high price but are known for being stable and generally very reliable in countries where VPN usage is challenging, including China.

Yes, unless you have downloaded a free Chrome VPN outside our recommendations. Chrome extensions are provided as an add-on service alongside PC and mobile apps. Theyaren’t usually available as a standalone option without signing up for a VPN plan.

To download a VPN extension for the Chrome browser, head over to the Chrome Web Store. You will also find direct links to Chrome extensions in the store on official VPN provider websites. Once you’ve found the extension you want, click the “Add to Chrome” button.

Latest updates

February 2026:In ZDNET’s February update, we added our most recent speed test results to each product’s description. We also updated the latest VPN news section.
August 2025: In ZDNET’s August update, we performed editorial changes, layout updates, and included news related to our top picks.
June 2025: In ZDNET’s June update, we performed substantial editorial and layout changes. We also changed our rankings, raising Surfshark and Windscribe in light of customer feedback.

Other VPN extensions we’ve tested

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TunnelBear is a worthy alternative if you’re looking to prioritize speed, and you want a VPN with support for unlimited devices. Paid plans begin at $4.17 per month and a free, limited option with 2GB of bandwidth is also available. The extension has garnered high positive feedback, but the latest update appears to have led to some error reports.

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Private Internet Access is a solid VPN that offers good speeds and stability. PIA has reasonable Chrome user feedback but many note its limited server selection. It costs only $2.03 per month, and you receive two months of free access if you sign up for a two-year contract.

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While we recommend these VPN extensions for the Chrome browser, if you’re looking for the full package to enhance your online security, check out our favorite VPNs of 2026, our top picks for mobile, and the best VPNs for travel.

The best VPN extensions for Chrome in 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

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