Based on our years of testing and using VPNs on various operating systems and browsers, these are the key factors you should consider when choosing a Chrome VPN:
Chrome compatibility
If you’re looking for a Chrome VPN, your main consideration will be whether the VPN offers a Chrome extension. Most of the best VPN providers offer plugins for Chrome and other browsers, but some don’t. Check to see if the VPN you’re considering offers a Chrome extension before you buy. Alternatively, you can use your VPN provider’s native device app for platforms like Windows, macOS, Android, iOS/iPadOS, and Linux, which works with the Chrome browser installed.
Privacy
A VPN Chrome extension doesn’t offer the same level of privacy as a full VPN app, but you’ll still get basic privacy protection with the plugin, as it provides browser encryption and hides your IP address from the websites you visit. A VPN browser extension typically acts as a proxy and only protects traffic that passes through the browser itself, whereas a full VPN app protects all traffic that passes through your device. An important privacy feature to look out for in a VPN browser extension is WebRTC blocking, which can help prevent your IP address (and location) from leaking to the websites you visit. Since a VPN browser extension primarily acts as a proxy, it’s great for streaming and hiding your IP address, but you shouldn’t rely on it for airtight privacy other than browsing securely over HTTPS. For full privacy protection across your device, with solid AES 256-bit or chacha20 encryption standards, you should use a full VPN app.
We recommend a VPN with an audited no-logging policy – while it’s impossible to fully verify a VPN company’s zero-logging claims, it’s still an important sign of trust. Most people should be happy with a solid no-logging policy, but folks with serious privacy concerns, like asylum seekers, political activists, or investigative journalists, might want to take things a step further by choosing a VPN provider with a jurisdiction outside of the Five, Nine, and 14 Eyes data-sharing alliances.
You should also look for modern encryption (AES-256 or Chacha20, depending on the protocol, such as Wirguard or OpenVPN) in a full VPN app. A reliable VPN app should have a kill switch that turns off your internet if your VPN unexpectedly disconnects. Split tunneling is a feature that allows you to selectively use your VPN connection for some apps but not others, such as routing the Google Chrome web browser through the VPN while turning off the Steam Games client for faster download speeds.
Dedicated VPN servers can improve your privacy. Double HOP or Multi-Hop uses two VPN connections to make it even harder to trace traffic back to its source compared to a single VPN tunnel. Tor over VPN servers (or Onion over VPN) rely on TOR – the onion router – to make it harder to trace internet traffic back to its source. Obfuscated servers try to hide the fact that you are using a VPN, which can be handy in situations like school Wi-Fi where VPNs may not work properly, or when traveling to countries where VPNs are throttled. Think about your privacy needs and make sure your VPN provider offers these conveniences.
Speed
Because they are lightweight versions of their respective VPN apps, VPN browser extensions can offer faster speeds than a full VPN app. If you’re streaming, video conferencing, or gaming and only need basic browser privacy, using a browser extension can be a great way to get faster speeds.
Server network
A large server network can be beneficial, especially if you want to unblock streaming content from all over the world. Check the VPN provider’s server list to make sure it offers servers in the locations you want to stream content from. The best VPN providers offer anywhere from 90 to 100-plus countries to choose from, but even among top-tier VPNs, their coverage in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia will likely vary wildly from provider to provider. You should also make sure that your VPN provider actually unblocks the streaming sites you expect. The best way to check is to take advantage of a money-back guarantee and test the VPN during its refund period. If you can’t access the streaming sites you want, you can always get your money back and try a different VPN instead.
Pay
If you’re on a budget, the price of your VPN will be an important consideration. Most VPNs cost around $10 to $15 per month, but if you opt for an annual subscription plan, you can enjoy bigger savings and better overall value. You can get a budget-friendly VPN for around $40 to $60 per year, while more expensive options can reach $150 per year.
Customer support
Most of the best VPNs have helpful customer support options that are available 24/7. If you want answers from a real person, look for a provider that offers live chat or email support. If you want to find help on your own, look for a provider that has an extensive help section/knowledge base on their website that includes FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and setup instructions.
