To help you choose, I tested dozens of free VPNs to find the best for Google Chrome. However, you may be frustrated by their limitations if you need a VPN with great unblocking abilities and unlimited bandwidth. That’s why I prefer a premium service like ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN has a Chrome extension with global servers and fast speeds that no free VPN can match. You can try ExpressVPN with Google Chrome risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, getting a refund is hassle-free. Try ExpressVPN with Chrome risk-free
Quick Guide: Best Free VPNs for Google Chrome in 2023
The Best Free VPNs for Google Chrome (Tested January 2023)
1. ExpressVPN — Unique Chrome Extension Features for Added Privacy and Unblocking Power
Although it’s not a free service, ExpressVPN offers plenty of features that most free VPN Chrome Extensions lack. Primarily this involves its unlimited bandwidth and huge high-speed server infrastructure, but also some extension-specific features. One feature that’s well worth highlighting is HTML5 geospoofing, which is not even in ExpressVPN’s regular desktop app. It’s a powerful way to bypass the tricks that websites use to see your real location, even when you’re connected to a VPN. If you’re having trouble accessing streaming sites or unblocking other content, this, together with WebRTC blocking, can ensure rock-solid performance and privacy. ExpressVPN has over 3000 servers in more than 94 countries, all of which offer excellent speeds and reliable connections. While testing the Chrome extension, I was able to quickly connect to a nearby server and start watching my favorite Netflix series in full HD with no buffering. And thanks to ExpressVPN’s split-tunneling feature, I streamed through Google Chrome while running my other apps through my regular internet connection. In fact, you can access many streaming services with ExpressVPN, including: In terms of security features, ExpressVPN keeps your Chrome traffic secure using the following methods:
Military-grade encryption protects your data from being observed by third parties like hackers or your ISP Kill switch —automatically blocks your internet connection in case of a server disconnect TrustedServer Technology uses RAM-based servers which are incapable of long-term data retention and wipe themselves after every reboot Independently audited no-log policy is proof that none of your traffic is ever stored on a server Leak protection prevents IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks to keep your data secure
After installation, simply click the large power button to connect to the fastest server using the Smart Location feature or search for an individual country. I used both connection methods to secure my Chrome browser and had no issues. Once connected, your browsing history is kept private with features like WebRTC blocking, location spoofing, and HTTPS Everywhere, which automatically forces websites to use a more secure HTTPS connection when possible. All of these features mean that ExpressVPN isn’t the cheapest premium VPN on the market. However, you can get 49% off the yearly plan (plus 3 free months) at $6.67/month, which is an excellent deal for a fully-featured VPN. You don’t have to take my word for it. You can buy ExpressVPN in confidence since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Unlike other VPNs, ExpressVPN even has a “no questions asked” refund policy. When I tested it myself, my refund was approved in less than 1 minute over live chat — and the money was back in my account in just 4 days. Try ExpressVPN with Chrome
2. CyberGhost — Free Chrome Extension Provides Fast Speeds and Blocks Malicious Sites
CyberGhost’s Chrome browser extension is 100% free — there’s no sign-up required at all! The one-click installation was simple, and I was connected to a CyberGhost server in less than 5 minutes. From the free extension, I could connect to servers in Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and the US. These connections were almost instant, so my browser was secure in no time at all. While some browser extensions cap speeds, I found CyberGhost had reliably fast speeds across all available server locations. During my tests, my speeds reached an impressive 108Mbps — just 6% slower than my regular speed of 115Mbps. As I expected, distant servers had slower speeds, averaging around 50Mbps. While this effectively cut my speed in half, CyberGhost’s connection was fast enough to browse and stream online without lag or interruptions. CyberGhost can stream from multiple streaming sites, including: I was impressed that CyberGhost’s extension secured my online traffic easily. I ran multiple leak tests to ensure my data was safe within the encrypted connection, and CyberGhost passed every test — there were no data leaks. I even checked reports that CyberGhost doesn’t protect against WebRTC leaks and can confirm that I didn’t encounter any WebRTC leaks during my tests. On top of this, CyberGhost’s Chrome extension includes the following security features:
Military-grade encryption scrambles your traffic so no one can eavesdrop on it Audited no-logs policy proves that CyberGhost doesn’t collect or store any data Malicious content blocker detects and blocks malware on websites and in downloads Tracking blocker prevents sites from tracking you across the web
Unlike CyberGhost’s full VPN app, the browser extension doesn’t protect your entire connection — only your web browser. It also doesn’t have a kill switch, meaning your data will be at risk if the server connection is interrupted. While my connection was stable, this could be an issue for you if you’re in a location with less reliable internet connectivity. As a totally free extension, CyberGhost for Chrome is a good choice for keeping your online activity and IP address secure while browsing. It’s easy to use and takes minutes to download and set up, but it won’t protect your whole device and doesn’t support streaming or torrenting. For these features, I recommend that you try CyberGhost risk-free for 45 days with its money-back guarantee. Try CyberGhost for free with Chrome
3. Proton VPN — Unlimited Free Monthly Data With Access to Servers in 3 Countries
Proton VPN is one of the only free VPN apps that give you unlimited monthly data. This means you can use Chrome anonymously and securely without worrying about your data usage. You can stream and browse as much as you want with no caps. Note that Proton VPN doesn’t offer a Chrome extension, but for a free VPN, it offers so much that it’s well worth including here (and your Chrome traffic will run through it regardless). Proton VPN’s map interface makes it easy to choose the right server location. As a free user, you’re limited to 3 server options, but you can see the range of server locations available to paying members. You should strongly consider a paid plan if you want the highest speeds for streaming content in Chrome or even online gaming, like playing Warzone with a VPN. Although Proton VPN’s free plan only allows 1 device connection at a time, you can bypass this by setting it up on your router. With a router setup, it won’t matter how many devices you connect at once — they’ll only count as 1 device! Most other free VPNs don’t support this, making it impressive, especially since it supports genuinely unlimited data. It comes from Proton Technologies, one of the most reputable firms in the cybersecurity space, and maintains a clear zero-log policy. Based in Switzerland, Proton VPN benefits from some of the world’s strongest privacy laws and falls outside the sphere of the 14-eyes surveillance alliance. It also offers multiple powerful security features, including:
AES-256-bit encryption secures your connection Kill switch prevents unencrypted data leakage if your server connection drops Strict no-logs policy has been independently audited by Securitum
If streaming is a priority, you should know that I struggled to connect to Netflix using Proton VPN’s free service. Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu are only available for premium users, but free options like YouTube or Crackle work well. While testing the service, I watched a movie on Crackle and only experienced buffering during ad breaks. Proton VPN’s free service limits speeds, P2P file sharing, and the number of devices you can connect. That said, you won’t find many free VPNs offering unlimited bandwidth, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you don’t need a VPN with extensive streaming capabilities. You can browse Google Chrome with Proton VPN for free, with the option to upgrade or change your subscription anytime through your account dashboard. Try Proton VPN for free with Chrome
4. Hotspot Shield — Easy Installation With No Sign-Up but Only 1 Free Server Location
Hotspot Shield has an impressive browser extension that requires zero sign-up. Just download the extension from the Chrome Web Store, and you can connect instantly. The free plan currently only allows access to the US server, which can lead to sluggish connections due to high server traffic. I was impressed by the extension’s optional security features, including:
Ad, malware, and cookie blocking WebRTC blocking prevents leaks of your IP and DNS address Tracker blocking disables analytic trackers Sword protection feeds false information to web trackers
While testing Hotspot Shield, I could watch YouTube videos with no advertisements. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to torrent or access streaming services like Netflix. I attempted to stream from my Netflix account while connected to Hotspot Shield’s browser extension and was blocked by a notification prompting me to upgrade to a premium plan to access it. While this is disappointing, it’s also not unreasonable for a free service to restrict this activity. You should know that Hotspot Shield has a questionable privacy and logging policy. According to the terms and conditions, it stores connection timestamps and device-specific information (device type, OS version, network information, etc.), which can be too invasive for privacy-conscious users. While I’m relieved that HotSpot Shield doesn’t record browsing history, the amount of data it collects is not ideal. If you’re worried about maintaining your privacy and anonymity, you may want to use a different service. Data collection concerns aside, Hotspot Shield still offers a capable free VPN extension. Although it doesn’t support streaming platforms like Netflix, Hotspot Shield is still a good free VPN Chrome extension for casual browsing on public WiFi networks. You can easily download Hotspot Shield and see if it meets your needs. Secure Chrome with Hotspot Shield
5. Hide.me — Unlimited Data and Zero Ads When Using Chrome
Hide.me is a robust free service with no ads or bandwidth throttling. Its security features guarantee your browsing activity is anonymous and protected while you’re using Google Chrome. While connected to Hide.me’s Chrome extension, you can choose from 3 different servers or automatically connect to the fastest. I could quickly connect to servers in Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands. Although the free version of the app limits data usage to 10GB per month, the extension offers unlimited data. Hide.me offers AES 256-bit encryption and DNS leak protection. It never stores your personal information and only keeps non-persistent logs for troubleshooting purposes. It erases this data every few hours, but you can also ask for your data to be deleted instantly upon request. In fact, Hide.me surprised me with some security features that you don’t always see with a free VPN, including:
Split tunneling directs only specific traffic via the VPN connection so you can decide what you want to be protected Kill switch disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops out Access to IKev2, OpenVPN, and SoftEther protocols lets you find a balance between speed and security
To encrypt your connection using the Hide.me browser extension, you must enable SOCKS (Socket Secure). If you don’t enable SOCKS, your data will not be encrypted but your IP address will be hidden. While testing Hide.me with SOCKS enabled, I was able to browse the web and access sensitive information like my bank account securely. The Hide.me free Chrome extension is very simple, offering a small window with a clear button to connect to the VPN. You can download Hide.me on Google Chrome for free. Get Hide.me for free now
6. TunnelBear — 500MB Free Monthly Data and 47 Server Countries on Chrome Extension
TunnelBear’s Chrome extension is very easy to use. Just download TunnelBear from the Chrome Web Store, sign in or create an account, and connect to one of the servers in 47 countries. Note that the 3000 servers make up the whole network, not just the free selection — the main difference between the free and paid plans is the bandwidth allowance. Although it doesn’t have the additional security of some other extensions, TunnelBear keeps your location anonymous and protects your data. In addition to this, Tunnelbear includes the following security features:
Annual independent audits by reputable cybersecurity firm Cure53 have consistently verified its no-log policy Kill switch blocks unsecured traffic in case your connection is disrupted
The Center for Democracy & Technology has also confirmed TunnelBear’s claims of providing full disk encryption, intrusion protection, and malware scans, further bolstering the VPN’s trustworthiness. I ran several DNS leak tests to ensure my IP address was secure, and TunnelBear passed every time. Interestingly, I was able to watch Netflix US with TunnelBear. However, with only 500MB of data per month, it’s difficult to stream even a single episode of a Netflix show to the end. This means TunnelBear’s free version isn’t great for streaming or downloading. However, the free version can unblock: While I was disappointed by its data limitations, security features like Vigilant Mode and military-grade encryption still make TunnelBear a great option for casual safe browsing and data protection on public WiFi networks. You can download TunnelBear for free and try it for yourself. Try Tunnelbear for free with Chrome
Easy Comparison Table: 2023’s Best Free VPNs for Google Chrome
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Warning! Avoid These Free Chrome VPNs
Most free Chrome VPN extensions are severely limited in their functionality. They impose data caps, throttle your bandwidth, have small server networks, and have poor unblocking capabilities. Many free VPNs inject tracking cookies and generate revenue by running ads, which can be counterproductive for your privacy. Therefore, it’s important to ensure you only use a VPN you can trust. Here are a couple of free VPNs you should never use with Chrome:
How I Tested & Ranked the Best Free Chrome VPNs
Out of all the best VPNs in 2023, I focused on these key features to choose the best VPNs to use with Google Chrome:
Cross VPN
Cross VPN was flagged for containing potential trojan viruses by VirusTotal, a site that analyzes files and URLs to detect malware. Cross VPN has an AV-rank of 11, meaning it tested positive for malware on 11 different antivirus programs. Downloading this free VPN to use with Chrome puts your device at risk of being infected with malicious software.
Compatibility: The VPN should be widely compatible with most devices that can run Chrome, primarily Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, but also Chromebooks via a supported Android app. Security: Military-grade encryption, leak protection, a no-logs policy, and other additional security features should keep you Chrome traffic secure. Value: The VPN should still be worth using even with data caps, low server counts, and other restrictions that free VPNs and Chrome extensions put in place. Reliability: You should experience reliable connectivity, including being quickly connected to a server even if there’s a low server count. Customer Support: Customer support for free users should be useful and fast enough to solve problems should they arise.
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How to Add a VPN Extension on Google Chrome
To activate the VPN, tap on the Extension icon in the top right corner of the browser window and select the VPN extension. Some VPNs may require you to sign in to your account before you can activate it.
What’s the best VPN for Chrome on PC and Mac?
With its expansive network of servers, reliable security, and impressive speeds, ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Chrome on PC and Mac. It maintains a strict no-logging policy and does not track your IP address or web activity. It also uses military-grade encryption and a VPN kill switch to safeguard your data. One thing to keep in mind is that you can’t use the Chrome extension without having the ExpressVPN desktop app installed — but since this only takes a few minutes on both PC and Mac, it’s barely an inconvenience. You can test ExpressVPN out for yourself risk-free. If you don’t feel it’s right for you, you can get a full refund within the 30-day money-back guarantee period.
Are free VPNs for Chrome safe?
Some free VPNs for Chrome are safe, but most have data and speed limits and restrict the number of servers you can connect to. This is intentional, as free plans offered by premium service providers are often designed to encourage you to sign up for a paid subscription. Additionally, free VPNs are generally less safe and can leave you exposed to trackers, malware, and hackers. Some have even been known to track and sell user data to third-party advertisers. To avoid these limitations, your best bet is to try a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN. You can buy it with confidence thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you change your mind, you have 30 days to get a full refund.
Do I need a VPN if I use incognito mode?
Yes, incognito mode doesn’t encrypt your online activity or make you anonymous. When you go incognito, Chrome clearly states that your activity can still be seen by websites you visit, your ISP, and the network administrators (like your school or employer). Incognito mode is useful if you don’t want your browsing history or login details saved. If other people use Chrome on your device, they won’t be able to see which sites you’ve visited or log in to accounts you accessed while using incognito mode. In order to encrypt your data or hide your online activity from prying eyes, you need a reliable VPN even if you use incognito mode. ExpressVPN has military-grade encryption to ensure your privacy is protected while using incognito mode. You can try ExpressVPN on Google Chrome and if you’re not satisfied, you have up to 30 days to claim a refund.
Will a VPN slow down my speed on Chrome?
It depends. Even the best free VPNs offer only a small amount of servers, which can lead to overcrowding and limited resources being shared by many. In this case, speeds are extremely likely to slow down your overall internet speeds. In fact, this can even extend to paid VPNs that are simply lacking the server infrastructure to adequately cater to their customers. Generally, it’s likely that a VPN will at least moderately reduce your speeds since your traffic has to take an extra step on its route between you and wherever it’s coming from. Fortunately, with a nearby server and a quality VPN, this speed reduction should be practically imperceptible.
How do I use a VPN on Google Chrome in incognito mode?
Chrome blocks extensions when you’re using incognito mode. This is because the browser can’t ensure the extension isn’t tracking your online activity. If you use a secure free Chrome VPN extension, you can still use the extension in incognito mode. Here’s how: 5 Steps to Add a VPN Extension to Incognito Mode:
What’s the difference between free proxies and VPN extensions for Chrome?
A proxy is merely a server you can connect to to hide your real location. While proxies offer a lightweight way of getting around geo-blocks, they don’t measure up to the security and privacy benefits a VPN provides because they don’t actually encrypt your data. To make matters worse, many free proxies claim to provide the same service as VPN extensions but engage in shady activities such as selling user data and in rare cases, even pooling the processing power of its free users to launch botnet attacks. You’re much better off using a Chrome VPN extension from a trusted provider. ExpressVPN offers best-in-class security to keep your data safe while you browse, stream, or torrent. While it’s not a free service, you can buy ExpressVPN in confidence thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not fully satisfied with your purchase, you can get a full refund within 30 days.
Don’t Put Your Privacy at Risk — Protect Yourself With a Free Chrome VPN Extension!
Google Chrome’s security features are not strong enough to ensure security and privacy on their own. By using the VPNs on this list, you can bypass geo-restrictions without worrying about your data and online activity. But remember, most free VPNs have limitations. Subpar encryption may leave you vulnerable to malware attacks from cybercriminals. Data caps can restrict your ability to browse or stream your favorite content. Similarly, slow speeds will make you wait significantly longer for pages to load. If you aren’t sure which Chrome VPN app is right for you, I highly recommend ExpressVPN. It offers unlimited data, lightning-fast speeds and is 100% safe to use with Google Chrome. You can test ExpressVPN out for yourself, and if you’re not satisfied, you have up to 30 days to request a refund.
