Best VPN for Chrome 2025

Based on our years of testing and using VPNs across operating systems and browsers, these are the main factors you should consider when choosing a VPN for Chrome:

Platform compatibility

If you’re looking for a VPN for Chrome, your primary consideration will be whether the VPN offers a Chrome extension. Most major VPN providers offer plugins for Chrome and other browsers, but some do not. Check that the VPN you’re considering offers a Chrome extension before you buy. Alternatively, you can use your VPN provider’s native app for platforms such as Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS/iPadOS and Linux, which works with an installed Chrome browser.

Privacy

A VPN’s Chrome extension doesn’t provide the same level of privacy as a full VPN app, but you’ll still have basic privacy protection through the plugin because it provides browser encryption and hides your IP address from websites that visit An important privacy feature to look out for in your VPN browser extension is WebRTC blocking, which can help prevent your IP address (and location) from leaking to the websites you visit. We recommend a VPN with an audited no-logging policy – while zero logging is difficult to fully verifyit is still an important trust signal. Most people should be content with a solid no-logs policy, but people with serious privacy concerns, such as asylum seekers, political activists or investigative journalists, may want to take things a step further. increasingly opting for a VPN provider with off-site jurisdiction. Five, Nine and 14 Eyes data sharing alliances.

You should also look for modern encryption (AES-256 or ChaCha20, depending on a protocolsuch as WireGuard or OpenVPN). A reliable VPN must have a kill switchwhich shuts down your Internet if your virtual private network disconnects unexpectedly. Split tunnel is a neat privacy feature that lets you selectively use a VPN connection for some apps but not others, like routing your Google Chrome web browser through a VPN while blocking your Steam game client in order faster download speed.

Specialized VPN servers can improve your privacy. Double hop o multi-hop uses two VPN connections to make it even more difficult to route your traffic back to its source compared to a single VPN tunnel. Tor over VPN (or Onion over VPN) servers rely on it Thor — The Onion Router — to make it harder to trace your Internet traffic to its source. Obfuscated servers try to hide the fact that you are using a VPN, which can be useful in situations like the one above Wi-Fi school where a VPN may not work properly, or when traveling to countries where VPNs are frowned upon. Think about your privacy needs and make sure your VPN provider offers these services.

Speed

Because they are lightweight versions of their respective VPN apps, VPN browser extensions can offer faster speeds than full VPN apps. If you’re into streaming, video conferencing or gaming, and just need basic browser privacy, then using browser extensions can be a great way to get faster speeds.

Server network

A large network of servers can be beneficial, especially if you are trying to unblock streaming content from around the world. Check the VPN provider’s server list to make sure they offer servers in the locations you want to stream content from.

Cost

If you’re on a budget, then the price of your VPN will be an important consideration. Most VPNs cost around $10 to $15 per month, but you can enjoy bigger savings and better overall value if you opt for an annual subscription plan. You can get a budget-friendly VPN for around $40 to $60 a year, but the more expensive options can reach up to $100 a year.

Customer support

Most of the best VPNs have helpful customer support options that are available around the clock. If you’d rather get answers from a real human, look for a provider that offers live chat or email support. If you prefer to find help yourself, look for a provider that has an extensive help/knowledge base section on their website that includes FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and installation instructions.