We’ve provided a detailed list for those in need of an effective and free Chrome VPN. Discover which VPN or VPN Chrome extensions are the best for you.
Our top picks for the Best Free VPN for Chrome are:
- ProtonVPN: The best free VPN for Chrome
- NordVPN: Trying premium Chrome VPN for free
- Surfshark: Trying fastest premium Chrome VPN for free
- Windscribe: The best free VPN for Netflix
- Hotspot Shield VPN: Lightning-fast free VPN for Chrome
Below is an in-depth explanation of why we picked these VPNs. If you want limitless, premium VPN, we recommend NordVPN.
NordVPN
A solid, reliable free VPN for Chrome is difficult to find. Through our years of testing VPN services, we’ve come to realize that many free VPNs are bloated with malware, unwanted ads, and trackers.
This doesn’t mean there are zero free and perfectly safe VPNs. As long as you keep your eyes peeled for a VPN with stringent security features and a solid privacy policy, then you can safely surf the web at no cost.
To save you some time searching, however, we’re sharing our list of the best free Chrome VPNs available today.
How to Use the Best VPN for Chrome
Using a VPN is essential to maintain your online privacy while browsing the web with Chrome. A VPN reroutes your internet connection through an external server, so websites and apps don’t see your real IP address.
Our step-by-step guide below will explain how you can use a VPN for Chrome:
- Get a subscription to one of the best free VPNs for Chrome, like ProtonVPN, or try a premium VPN like NordVPN for free.
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From$ 3.399.3- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
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- Download and install the VPN software.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a VPN server.
- Start the Chrome browser
- Browse Chrome with enhanced privacy and security.
Instead of the VPN app you can also download a VPN Chrome extension. Below we will explain the difference between a VPN and VPN Chrome Extension.
What’s the Difference Between a VPN and a VPN Chrome Extension?
The VPN services recommended on this list come as fully downloadable apps for your desktop. However, their Chrome extension counterparts are almost always proxies. The difference between them is where the traffic is being run.
When using a desktop client, all your computer traffic is encrypted. This includes all your other activities, like watching on the Netflix desktop app, talking to family over the Skype client, and downloading torrents.
Meanwhile, when you use a VPN browser extension, only your browser traffic is affected by the VPN. ChromeOS is the only exception so far to this. This is because Google provides an API that allows VPN extensions on Chrome to function as a standard VPN on ChromeOS.
So, which one should you download? We recommend downloading a full VPN client so all your activities are encrypted and protected, including your web browsing, gaming, torrenting, and streaming.
Our List of the Best Free VPNs for Chrome
Free VPNs almost always come with limitations. Because the service is free, VPN companies can’t or won’t provide the same level of quality that you’d see with a paid VPN.
Regardless, it’s still possible to find a good free VPN for Chrome. Especially on Google’s browser, it can be vital to hide your IP address. Below, you’ll find the very best free VPNS for Chrome:
| VPN |  |  |  |  | |
| Servers | 1-100 | 5000+ | 3000-5000 | Unspecified | 3000-5000 |
| Operating systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, Proprietary | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, Catapult Hydra |
| Compatibilities |        | | | | |
| Money-back guarantee | None Offered | Money-back guarantee, 30 Days | Money-back guarantee, 30 Days | Money-back guarantee, 3 Days | Money-back guarantee, 45 Days |
| Visit Proton VPN Free | Visit NordVPN | Visit Surfshark | Visit Windscribe VPN | Visit Hotspot Shield |
Let’s now take a closer look at the best free VPNs for Chrome.
1. ProtonVPN: The Best Free VPN for Chrome
Key Features:
- Free servers in 5 countries
- AES-256 encryption
- Strict no-logs policy
- Unlimited monthly data usage
- OpenVPN protocol
Our top choice for the best free VPN on Chrome is ProtonVPN. Not only is it fast and secure, but it also offers unlimited bandwidth data usage — something other free VPNs rarely offer. Partnered with its strict no-logs policy, ProtonVPN is a top choice for the privacy-minded.
Military-grade AES-256 encryption will keep your connection secure while you browse online using Google Chrome. Other features include a kill switch for unexpected disconnects and the OpenVPN protocol which provides a mid-level tunnel for additional connection speed and protection.
With ProtonVPN, you get access to servers in five countries, which isn’t bad for a free VPN. Though, if you want additional server locations, you’ll need to upgrade to their premium tier.
For more information on the premium version, check out our full review on ProtonVPN.
2. NordVPN: Trying Premium Chrome VPN for Free
Key Features:
- Access to 6441 servers in 111 countries.
- Military-grade encryption
- User-friendly Chrome extension
- No-logs policy
- Great speeds
- Perfect for streaming
- 30 day money back guarantee.
NordVPN is a good choice if you need the best VPN for Chrome. This VPN is not for free, but for a small price you get military-grade encryption, great speeds and advanced security features. You can test this VPN for 7 days free of charge.
NordVPN provides its users with unlimited data usage, a large network of servers, and amazing protection and reliability — all at a manageable monthly price.
NordVPN has an easy-to-use and lightweight Chrome extension that hides your IP address and protects your data. If your primary concern is speed and security, NordVPN is a tremendous choice.
NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This NordVPN-trial makes it an excellent choice with an easy opt-out option. —-You can use NordVPN on Chrome for free for at least a month and then either cancel the subscription or, if you’re satisfied, just continue with the paid plan.
For more information on NordVPN, you can check out our in-depth NordVPN review.
3. Surfshark: Trying Fastest Premium Chrome VPN for Free
Key Features:
- Military-grade encryption
- Excellent speed
- (3200+ servers
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 30 day money back guarantee
- no data logging
Surfshark is one of the fastest and cheapest VPNs. Surfshark offers an easy Chrome extension setup.
This cheap VPN Chrome extension encrypts data with AES-256 encryption. The Chrome extension will hide your real IP and block online tracking and malicious content. It will allow you to unblock streaming services like Netflix US.
Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy and offers unlimited bandwidth.
Surfshark provides users with a kill switch, split tunneling and a lot more for only a small amount per month.
Surfshark has a 30 day money back guarantee. Use the Surfshark trial to try this VPN for Chrome for free!
Check out our extensive Surfshark review to find out more benefits from this premium VPN.
4. Windscribe: The Best Free VPN for Netflix
Key Features:
- Servers available in 11 locations
- AES-256 encryption
- No logs policy
- 10 GB of monthly data
- Comes with a malware-blocking tool
Finally, a free VPN service that offers access to Netflix. Windscribe tears down the walls to blocked sites you would otherwise not have been granted access. Not only that, but it offers a trustworthy security suite to put your mind at ease while browsing.
Users will be able to browse safe and secure with military-grade encryption, utilizing their 10 GB per month data cap, with a kill switch fail-safe feature, and R.O.B.E.R.T. — a malware blocking tool that comes with the VPN client and works on Chrome. In addition to this, Windscribe keeps a no-logs policy.
Windscribe is even so generous as to offer 11 different countries with server locations: Germany, US, Canada, France, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Switzerland, UK, Turkey, and Hong Kong. This is even more than our top choice ProtonVPN.
Windscribe is a great choice for those looking to unblock Netflix. The free version works consistently well at unblocking UK Netflix and can access up to 6 libraries. For even more regions, Windscribe Pro can unblock up to 32 libraries.
Check out our extensive Windscribe review for more information.
5. Hotspot Shield: Lightning-fast Free VPN for Chrome
Key Features:
- Only provides a server in the US
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Catapult Hydra tunnel
- DNS leak protection
- Has a Chrome extension
In a twist from the norm, Hotspot Shield offers 500 MB per day instead of the standard 10 GB per month. Plus, the lightning-fast speeds implemented by the Catapult Hydra tunneling protocol will make it easier for those browsing on the go.
What’s not so great about Hotspot Shield is that free users can only connect to US servers. Though, the security features such as 256-bit AES encryption and IP/DNS leak protection, as well as a kill switch feature, make it one of the better-protected VPNs.
What is great is that Hotspot Shield offers Chrome users an extension in addition to an application, which makes getting it to work that much easier. All you need to do is add the extension to Chrome. Just don’t expect access to any blocked streaming websites unless you plan to pony up for the premium service.
Once you reach the point where you need more than 500 MB in a day, Hotspot Shield does offer a paid upgrade. The premium Hotspot Shield option will not only provide unlimited bandwidth but also access to over 115 virtual locations from which to connect.
We have tested this VPN extensively. Check our Hotspot Shield review for all our test results.
What You Should Be Looking For in a Free Chrome VPN
You should first and foremost look for quality. Make sure that you are only downloading your VPN browser extension from a well-known service provider. Attempting to download from lesser-known providers or sketchy websites could lead to unwanted complications, potential online dangers, and malware.
Next, you’ll need to ensure that you only download the official VPN apps. Third-party unofficial VPN apps carry the same chance for problems as shady, lesser-known VPN providers. You should only be downloading VPN apps directly from the VPN service provider’s official website.
If you still feel you need more, there’s always the option to upgrade to a premium VPN with more added features and fewer limitations.
The best premium VPNs are those that don’t take a toll on your wallet while still providing security and stability you’re not likely to find in a freemium version. We feel that the paid option that gives the best bang for your buck is NordVPN.
Click on the button below to try NordVPN and profit from a 72% discount.
Why Do You Need a VPN for Chrome?
You need a VPN to stay safe online while browsing the web with Chrome. VPNs encrypt your traffic and let you browse safe and anonymous.
A VPN for Chrome increases your online privacy. When connected to a VPN server your IP address is hidden. This way your online traffic can never be traced to you.
Using a VPN on Chrome can also help you bypass geo-restrictions and unblock streaming services that may be restricted in your region.
Is a Free VPN Enough?
Do not expect a free VPN to perform as well as a premium VPN. Free VPNs come with data limits, a limited number of available servers and locations, and minimal features. Free VPN chrome extensions are also not made for consistent use but rather for the occasional social media scroll or Google search.
If you’re hoping to find a reliable VPN solution, we suggest upgrading to a premium paid VPN. This will offer you a better assortment of servers and connections, increase the stock of available features, and tend to come without data limits.
Recap: The Best Free VPNs for Chrome
A free VPN for Chrome is tempting, particularly because of the price point. However, choosing one irresponsibly can carry as much risk as not having a VPN at all.
Be it a VPN or VPN extension, using one of these we’ve detailed in our list wouldn’t be a terrible decision. With all of the free features our list provides — military-grade encryption, strong privacy policies, Netflix access, and next-gen tunneling protocols — you could end up with a highly secure VPN at no cost.
Understand, a free Chrome VPN will never hold a candle to paid VPN. In fact, we’d highly recommend, if it’s within budget, to seek out a more premium VPN like NordVPN.
NordVPN is #1 in our Best VPN list. NordVPN provides additional security, stability, and speed to your connection while offering unlimited data, more locations, and all at an affordable price.
Also check out our article Best vpn for Chrome for other Premium recommendations for Chrome.
Do you have questions about the best free VPN for Chrome? Check out our FAQ section below. Just click a question to view the answer.
Yes, you need a VPN if you are looking for increased online security and increased online privacy. A VPN can also help bypassing geo-restrictions.
A free VPN for Chrome can work, but free VPN’s are often limited. If you want to use the VPN Chrome extension regularly we suggest upgrading to a premium paid VPN like NordVPN.
Our recommendation for the best free VPN for Chrome is ProtonVPN. It offers unlimited monthly bandwidth, fast and secure connections, and carries a very strict no-logs policy.
To browse safely on Chrome, you can install a VPN extension. A VPN extension encrypts your browser traffic but nothing else. Some VPNs offer extensions on the Chrome Web Store, though if you want complete safety, we recommend downloading a VPN client for your mobile or computer.
A VPN hides your IP and block online tracking.
Yes, ProtonVPN is a 100% free VPN for Chrome.
Yes, ProtonVPN is a good free VPN for Chrome. This VPN is fast and secure and offers unlimited bandwidth data usage.
Hello!
Thanks for your article.
I've tried to install Proton VPN "for Chrome" but I can't find a Chrome browser extension but a Windows and other systems apps.
Is there a version for Chrome?
Thanks
Hi! Thank you for your comment! There is no specific browser extension for ProtonVPN, since protection for Chrome is already included within the general VPN. If you install the free version of Proton, connect to a VPN server, and open Chrome then, you'll automatically be protected within your browser (and outside of it, so it's actually safer and more complete than a browser extension!).