We can all agree that the Internet is a complete universe in and of itself, replete with a plethora of resources. However, many offerings are geoblocked, making them unavailable to anyone outside of those locations. Sometimes, authorities at the national level will block access to particular materials.
Whatever the case may be, a virtual private network (VPN) is the key to unlocking the restricted content. It protects users’ privacy and anonymity online by hiding their IP address, which is especially useful when using public Wi-Fi. Many cybercriminals will target your device at this location.
The finest virtual private networks (VPNs) for the Chrome web browser are detailed below for anyone who uses Chrome to access the Internet.
Top Chrome VPN Add-ons, Free and Paid
A VPN A virtual private network (VPN) Chrome extension operates within the browser itself. You may get the benefits of a virtual private network (VPN) without downloading a third-party program. To protect your data from hackers and monitoring software, use a virtual private network (VPN) browser add-on that encrypts your data and redirects it through a remote server.
Due to the growing popularity and knowledge of virtual private networks, the Chrome Web Store now hosts hundreds, if not thousands, of VPN extensions for the browser. For this guide, we put a number of VPNs through their paces, both well-known and otherwise, and the results were surprising. The vast majority of free VPNs are not secure, have bandwidth caps, and slow down your connection. As an added bonus, many of them make money by selling your data to shady third parties, which can compromise your security.
Our goal in compiling this list is to help you choose a VPN extension for Chrome that meets your needs in terms of ease of use, security, privacy, and download speed.
Windscribe VPN
When it comes to free VPN Chrome extensions, I use Windscribe, and it’s one of my top picks. Like many of the other choices, Windscribe can hide your IP address, prevent websites from tracking you, and circumvent filters. To access all of its functions, however, the desktop version must be installed.
After signing up and verifying your email address, the free plan provides 10 GB of data volume each month. Unlimited data and access to servers in more than 112 cities across 69 countries are included in the Pro plan.
In addition to these capabilities, Windscribe also allows you to block website notifications and monitor cookies without storing any information on their server. If you enjoy using the add-on, you can also get the VPN for other operating systems and devices.
If the free edition had more than 10 GB of storage space, I would have used it. In addition, I was unable to connect to certain servers and had to manually switch servers when using the service.
Pros:
Access blocked websites and contents
Website cookie monitoring
No data is kept in Windscribe server
Cons:
Free plan is limited to 10 GB
Requires users to sign in to use the service
CyberGhost VPN
The CyberGhost Virtual Private Network A Chrome add-on can bypass filters and encrypt all of your web traffic in a matter of seconds. We included it because it uses the Ethereum blockchain to encrypt your traffic, making it a top choice among Chrome VPNs. Don’t worry; this safety net won’t cost you a penny. Once you install this extension on Chrome, it will be accessible immediately.
The extension’s settings can be accessed from the tab labeled “Extensions” after installation. After choosing a location, users can turn it on by pressing the power button. CyberGhost can secure your privacy on public Wi-Fi networks, unblock geo-restricted content, and mask your IP address.
Up to seven devices can be connected at once with the premium plan, and the service guarantees that no information will be retained on their servers. Despite the VPN’s assurances that it will keep you safe online, the free edition does not include protection against webRTC leaks or Flash content. Furthermore, there are not many sites from which to choose.
Pros:
Built on Ethereum blockchain.
Hide IP address of the devices
Access geo-restricted websites
Securely connect with Wi-Fi
Cons:
Can only choose from 4 locations on the free version.
Free VPN ZenMate
ZenMate is an intriguing option if you need a free VPN. Fast internet access and anonymity are both possible when you conceal your IP address. The VPN connection was quick and completely concealed my identity. There are more than 80 options to pick from, but just four are accessible in the free version.
In addition to providing robust encryption for your data, ZenMate VPN’s limitless bandwidth is one of its strongest features.
ZenMate also conceals your IP address when web browsing. Access popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney Plus, and YouTube with ZenMate’s specialized streaming service section. It is claimed that ZenMate does not keep any logs of user activities, according to a rigorous zero-logging policy.
After installing the extension on Chrome, you can use it without entering your login information. However, you will not be safeguarded from vulnerabilities in Flash Player and WebRTC.
Pros:
Dedicated section for streaming section
Zero logs ensure no data is tracked
Fast browsing
Cons:
Only 4 locations are available with the free version.
No protection from security threats by Flash Player and WebRTC
Free VPN for Chrome by VeePN
Free VPN for Chrome by VeePN is an excellent option if you’re seeking for a free Chrome VPN. Obviously, you can tell what it is from the name. You can browse the restricted sites without any problems, and your traffic and bandwidth are unlimited.
The free VPN extension for Chrome not only unblocks geo-restricted content but also shields your browsing activity from hackers and other trackers. Six servers are available in the free version, but more than 2900 servers in 89 countries are available in the subscription version.
It promises to have a rigorous no-logs policy and 24/7 dependable customer support, and it filters advertisements, trackers, and malware. I also like that this VPN add-on did not necessitate registration on my part. Instead, it requires no complicated configuration before you can begin using it. I should note, though, that I had an extension that cautioned me against using the VPN if I already had other VPN extensions installed in Chrome.
Pros:
Easy set-up
Strict no log policy
Access to 6 free servers
Cons:
May not work properly with some VPN extensions
Astar VPN
Astar VPN is an easy-to-use virtual private network that enables you to remain anonymous when browsing the web and sharing files with people in other countries. When you use Astar VPN, your online activity is concealed from prying eyes since your IP address is changed and your connection is encrypted.
By using our service, you can access content that is normally unavailable in your area and avoid censorship and regional restrictions. Even though the free edition only provides access to two servers, you can still connect to a wide variety of fast servers. Due to the restricted number of servers, this could be an issue for some users, and it could also conflict with other proxy add-ons.
Pros:
Surf web anonymously
Access blocked websites
Encrypt data
Cons:
Access to only two free servers
Browsec VPN
Browsec is another great VPN addon for Chrome that we recommend. It shields you from harmful websites and gives you the freedom to surf in complete anonymity. Browsec allows you to access any website, including those that have restricted access. Your IP address will be concealed, and the information will be encrypted, during this process.
Browsec’s main feature is its wide selection of free server locations, many of which offer quicker browsing speeds. Furthermore, you will not be restricted by a data cap, allowing you unrestricted access to any websites or media streams. The premium edition, while expensive, offers more features beyond those available in the free version.
Pros:
Mask IP address
Encrypt data
Access blocked content
Many locations to access
Cons:
Premium plans are a bit pricey
Hotspot Shield Free VPN Proxy
If you’re using Google Chrome and seeking for a free VPN addon, HotSpot Shield may be a decent option for you. Hotspot’s lack of data and time constraints is one of its primary selling points. The free servers in Germany, Russia, Canada, and the Netherlands are available to users. Those that require additional features can pay for a premium subscription and have access to servers in India, Singapore, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States.
AES employs a 256-bit key length to encrypt your data for maximum safety and confidentiality. The software may keep track of everything you do, including what websites you visit and when, but it won’t save your IP address or traffic data. In most cases, connections are quick, but those to far-flung servers may be slower. Hotspot’s permanent free accounts and paid subscriptions upon setup are two features I appreciated, as was the absence of premium subscription pressure.
You may start using the app after installing the extension and going through the five-screen tutorial. The free version includes a cookie blocker, malware blocker, RTC protection, and a utility called Sword that generates phony traffic to protect your identity when browsing, and it allows you to select the server at installation time. But a more creative layout would have been appreciated.
Pros:
Strong encryption protocol
Free permanent account
Easy installation process
Cons:
Collects aggregated activity logs
UI could have been better
Hola VPN
Hola VPN is another widely used VPN extension for Google Chrome that lets you visit sites that your government has prohibited or blacklisted. The add-on is available for no cost and requires no registration. Using the add-on is as simple as installing it in Chrome. The free version only gives you restricted access to most websites; if you want unlimited access, you’ll need to upgrade to the paid version.
Hola may not be the best option for privacy-conscious users because it keeps track of your open tabs and navigations, reads cookies, and maintains local settings and cache data. This may be a deal breaker for many people, despite Hola’s claims to swiftly unlock websites and improve the user experience.
Get in touch with the service’s support team if you’d want to have your data erased. In addition, the VPN is unavailable to Indian customers because of a ban on its use in the country.
Pros:
No need to sign up
Access blocked content
Free plan available
Cons:
Free plan has a time limit
Your navigation history will be kept on the servers
Touch VPN
Touch VPN is another excellent, no-cost VPN option for Chrome. With just one click, you may connect to a safe virtual private network (VPN) and surf the web anonymously and securely. You can connect to servers in Sweden, the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, the United States, the Netherlands, and Canada for no cost, and you’ll also get limitless bandwidth.
Touch VPN makes it simple to view content blocked in your country, unblock popular sites like Facebook and YouTube, and secure your data while connected to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. In addition, Touch VPN hides your IP address, making it impossible for websites to identify you and tailor their content to you.
However, there are reports of a situation where the server establishes a connection but then shows completely different data to the user.
Pros:
Unlimited bandwidth
Get access to blocked websites
Mask IP address
Cons:
Connects to wrong server sometimes
1clickVPN
If you’re looking for the best free VPN for Google Chrome, 1clickVPN is an excellent option. You may use this VPN, like many of its rivals, to surf the web securely and anonymously. It’s easy to set up, and you won’t need a credit card or an account to start using it right away.
It’s a free VPN addon for Chrome, but it doesn’t bombard you with ads. This plugin will allow you to access any geoblocked content on any website. Your information is safe from prying eyes thanks to the SSL encryption that safeguards it. However, the free tier provides access to a single server.
Pros:
No limit on the session, speed, or bandwidth.
Uses strong SSL encryption.
Protection from data snoopers
Cons:
Only one server to connect.
Premium Virtual Private Network (VPN) add-ons for Google Chrome
Although there are numerous free VPN extensions available for Google Chrome, we recommend upgrading to a premium VPN service for optimal security, performance, and other benefits. Stronger security precautions, like higher-level encryption protocols and extra security features, are typically available with premium VPNs.
You also get access to a larger network of servers in multiple locations, which means a more stable and reliable connection and access to a wider range of content. Some VPN services even offer the possibility to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, a kill switch to protect user data in case of a connection failure, and ad-blocking features.
Overall, a premium VPN is a good choice for those who value increased security and performance when using the Internet. Now let us take a look at some of the most popular options you can consider.
ExpressVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service with fast connections, top-tier security, and a large number of server locations to choose from. It works with a broad variety of devices and is very user-friendly.
Secure and private web surfing is now possible with Surfshark VPN. It has many useful functions, such as a kill switch to delete data and an unlimited number of connected devices.
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a VPN service that provides a number of privacy-enhancing tools, such as a no-log policy and various levels of encryption, for a reasonable monthly fee.
With NordVPN, you may access a multitude of servers in a variety of locations with lightning speed. Customer service and ease of use are two areas where Nord VPN excels.
How to pick the best Virtual Private Network add-on for Google Chrome.
Privacy and anonymity are ensured by a cutting-edge VPN technology and a tried-and-true no-logging policy.
Check to see if the extension has servers in the nations of your choice; ideally, there would be hundreds of them.
While it’s tempting to go with unlimited bandwidth, consider whether you’d be better served by a plan with lower data restrictions.
When opting on a Chrome VPN addon, cost is an obvious consideration.
Free and unrestricted web surfing
We hope you found the best VPN Chrome addon for your needs from our recommendations. To help you decide which VPN extension for Chrome is best for you, we’ve highlighted both the extensions’ strengths and weaknesses. In the meanwhile, if you have any concerns, ideas, or questions, please share them below.