- Best overall: NordVPN
- Best for speed: ExpressVPN
- Best for free users: CyberGhost VPN
- Best for customizability: Private Internet Access
- Best for multiple device users: Surfshark
Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers in the world. As of October 2026, it accounted for 66.98% of the global desktop browser market. Chrome includes a versatile library of browser extensions, which boost its functionality. One commonly used extension is a virtual private network (VPN), which helps protect browsing activity by routing browser traffic through a secure connection and masking the user’s IP address.
Choosing the right VPN extension for Chrome can be challenging, as features and security vary. I’ve listed some of the best Chrome VPN extensions available in 2026 to help you decide based on their features and our hands-on experience.
Best Chrome VPN extensions in 2026: Comparison table
Below is a quick summary of the features commonly found in the top Chrome VPN extensions.
| Product | Ad blocker | Split tunneling | Number of connections | Number of servers | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Yes | Yes | 10 | 8,400+ in 167+ countries | Starts at $3.49/month |
| ExpressVPN | Yes | Yes | 10-14 | 214 server locations in 113 countries | Starts at $2.99/month |
| CyberGhost VPN | Yes | No in the Chrome extension | 7 | 8 servers in 4 countries with the free extension; 9,600+ with the paid service | Free / Starts at $2.19/month |
| Private Internet Access | Yes | Yes | Unlimited | Server count undisclosed; 180 locations in 113 countries | Starts at $2.03/month |
| Surfshark | Yes | Yes | Unlimited | 4,500+ in 100 countries | Starts at $2.49/month |
Best Chrome VPN extensions
Read on for our picks of the best Chrome VPNs, why I chose them, and how they can add to your Chrome browser experience.
NordVPN: Best overall
Since it’s one of the best VPN providers today, I recommend NordVPN. NordVPN offers a feature-rich Chrome extension that gives you access to a massive 8,400+ server network across more than 167 countries. It also includes essential security features such as split tunneling, a kill switch, and protection against WebRTC leaks. To me, a noteworthy feature in NordVPN is its Threat Protection feature, which protects against intrusive ads, trackers, unsafe connections, and malicious sites.
Why I chose NordVPN
I chose NordVPN’s Chrome extension, as it offers an all-around VPN service that affords both top-tier security and speed. I also think it offers a great balance of security features, ease-of-use, and reliability. The inclusion of a split-tunneling feature within the extension itself is a standout for me, as it makes personalizing the VPN experience very accessible.
This allows users to easily customize which websites they want to route via the VPN and which they want to pass through the internet service provider.
Pricing
NordVPN offers three plans: Basic, Complete, and Prime. Basic includes the VPN service, while Complete adds security tools, a password manager, and cloud storage. Prime includes additional identity protection services. Below is a summary of the current pricing for all three plans:
- Basic: $14.99/month for a monthly subscription, $4.99/month for one year, or $3.49/month for two years.
- Complete: $19.99/month for a monthly subscription, $5.99/month for one year, or $3.99/month for two years.
- Prime: $29.99/month for a monthly subscription, $8.99/month for one year, or $6.99/month for two years.
I recommend choosing NordVPN’s Basic plan because it includes the VPN service and essential security features without the additional bundled services. The annual and two-year subscriptions include three bonus months, with the full introductory amount billed upfront. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee. Prices are introductory rates and increase upon renewal.
Features
- 8,400+ server network in 167+ countries.
- Threat Protection security feature.
- Built-in kill switch.
- No logs policy.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Consistently fast and stable speeds. | On the expensive side. |
| Unlimited bandwidth. | |
| Protects against intrusive ads and malware. | |
| Well-designed user interface. | |
| Easy split tunneling within the extension. |
In our review of NordVPN’s desktop app, the VPN received a score of 4.7 out of 5 stars. To learn more, read the full NordVPN review.
Visit NordVPN
ExpressVPN: Best for speed
If you prioritize speed, I suggest ExpressVPN. Its Chrome extension can work independently as a browser-only VPN proxy or act as a remote control for the full desktop application.
As of November 2026, ExpressVPN offers access to 214 server locations in 113 countries.
For those looking for a password manager, ExpressVPN’s Advanced and Express Pro subscriptions also include its ExpressKeys password management service at no additional cost.
With that bundled in, I think ExpressVPN provides a solid argument as a viable VPN to at least look into.
Why I chose ExpressVPN
While ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension no longer requires the desktop app, I like that it can still control the full VPN application. This is impressive, given that most extensions are watered-down versions of the full app. During my time with it, ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension provided the same fast and pleasant user experience as the app itself.
In addition, ExpressVPN and its Chrome extension are, in my opinion, among the better-looking applications around. If nice UI design matters to you, I’m confident ExpressVPN’s extension will be a good fit.
Pricing
ExpressVPN has three plans: Basic, Advanced, and Express Pro. Each is available with monthly, annual, or two-year billing. Here’s the current introductory pricing for its two-year subscriptions, which include four bonus months:
- Basic: Starting at $2.99/month, billed at $83.72 for the first 28 months.
- Advanced: Starting at $4.49/month, billed at $125.72 for the first 28 months.
- Express Pro: Starting at $7.49/month, billed at $209.72 for the first 28 months.
The two-year subscriptions renew annually after the introductory period. ExpressVPN also offers a three-day free trial through its Android and iOS apps. New customers who subscribe directly through its website receive a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Features
- RAM-only server technology.
- Available in 17 languages.
- No-logs policy and more than 20 third-party audits.
- Network Lock kill switch.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast and reliable speeds. | Pricing is on the higher end. |
| Easy-to-use, pleasant-looking interface. | Extension requires ExpressVPN desktop app to be installed. |
| Ability to connect to specific city servers. | Lacks a more affordable two- or three-year subscription plan. |
| Servers across 113 countries. |
In our review, ExpressVPN received a 4.4 out of 5 stars. For more information, read the full ExpressVPN review.
Visit ExpressVPN
CyberGhost VPN: Best for free users
For those who don’t want to spend money on a full-fledged VPN, I feel like CyberGhost’s VPN Proxy extension is a good solution. It offers a hidden IP address, blocking against malicious content and online data encryption. It’s also completely free to use.
It’s important to note that, through CyberGhost’s VPN Chrome extension, you will only have access to eight servers in four countries.
If you feel that CyberGhost VPN’s Chrome extension is a good fit for your needs, I highly suggest purchasing the full desktop app. This is especially true if you value having an extensive server network: A paid CyberGhost VPN subscription currently provides access to more than 9,600 servers across 100 countries.
Why I chose CyberGhost VPN
I have CyberGhost VPN on this list for its completely free Chrome extension. While most VPN Chrome extensions require an active paid subscription to work, CyberGhost offers a cost-effective way to unblock restricted content and get some basic protection via its VPN Proxy. I also find it a convenient way to try out CyberGhost’s VPN implementation without having to pay for its full desktop VPN client.
Pricing
Aside from its free Chrome extension, CyberGhost offers three paid subscription options:
- Monthly: $12.99/month.
- Six months: $6.99/month, billed at $41.94 every six months.
- Two years plus four bonus months: $2.19/month, billed at $61.32 for the first 28 months.
The monthly subscription includes a 14-day money-back guarantee, while the six-month and two-year options include a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Features
- Encrypted browser traffic, including on public Wi-Fi.
- Hidden IP address.
- No logs policy.
- Access to geo-restricted websites.
- Blocks malicious online content.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Chrome extension is completely free to use. | Free version only gives you access to eight servers in four countries. |
| Unlimited bandwidth. | No built-in kill switch. |
| Simple on and off Chrome extension. |
In our review of CyberGhost VPN’s desktop app, the VPN received 4.3 stars out of 5. For more information, read the full CyberGhost VPN review.
Visit CyberGhost VPN
Private Internet Access: Best for customizability
Another prominent VPN Chrome extension I recommend is Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN. It brings useful privacy and security features such as anti-tracking tools, ad blocking, and WebRTC protection. I personally like it for its stable VPN connection and reasonably fast speeds.
PIA allows for unlimited device connections, making it a good choice for users who want to protect multiple devices. I know this is a big consideration, especially for more budget-oriented users.
Why I chose PIA VPN
PIA VPN’s Chrome extension earns its place on my list for its customizable VPN experience. During setup, the PIA extension allowed me to toggle personalized security settings such as blocking camera or microphone access, disabling credit card autofills, and disabling third-party cookies. As a tinkerer myself, this kind of customization is very much appreciated. The PIA Chrome extension also includes the ability to save your favorite settings.
You can even set specific websites to run outside of the VPN’s protected connection and bookmark menus you want to view at the top of the extension.
Pricing
PIA VPN offers a seven-day free trial on annual subscriptions through the Apple App Store and a three-day free trial on monthly and annual subscriptions through Google Play. New users who subscribe through its website instead receive a 30-day money-back guarantee. Subscription prices are as follows:
- Monthly: $11.95/month.
- One year: $3.99/month, billed at $47.88 annually.
- Three years plus four bonus months: $2.03/month, billed at $81.20 for the first 40 months, with the subscription renewing at $81.20 every three years.
Features
- Blocks unauthorized webcam and mic access.
- Ad and tracker blocking.
- WebRTC protection.
- No logs policy.
- Prevents sites from accessing location info.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited device connections. | U.S.-based operations and surveillance practices. |
| Customizable VPN experience. | |
| Latency shown within the server list. | |
| Bypass list in the extension itself. |
In our review, PIA VPN received 4.2 out of 5 stars. For more information, read the full Private Internet Access (PIA) review.
Visit PIA VPN
Surfshark: Best for multiple device users
For users looking to support a number of devices, I recommend Surfshark. With its dedicated Chrome extension, you gain access to its suite of more than 4,500 servers in 100 countries. In my experience, Surfshark offers fast speeds and a well-designed desktop application. Surfshark’s full VPN apps also support security protocols including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec, while its Chrome extension protects browser traffic separately.
On top of that, it has two value-laden propositions: its affordable pricing and support for unlimited simultaneous device connections. This lets you connect all of your devices at the same time without purchasing another subscription. To me, this is a meaningful feature that really helps set Surfshark apart from the competition.
Why I chose Surfshark
I selected Surfshark, as it offers unlimited device connections with all three of its paid subscription plans. Like PIA VPN, Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections is an underrated value proposition, as it eliminates the need to pay for an additional plan in order to protect more devices. I know this is particularly important if you or your business uses multiple devices in your workflow.
Pricing
Surfshark offers three subscription tiers with monthly, annual, and two-year billing options.
- Starter: $16.45/month for monthly billing, $2.99/month for one year, or $2.49/month for two years.
- One: $18.95/month for monthly billing, $2.99/month for one year, or $2.49/month for two years.
- One+: $21.85/month for monthly billing, $6.99/month for one year, or $3.99/month for two years.
Annual and two-year promotional plans include three bonus months and are billed upfront. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, while eligible new users can access a seven-day free trial.
Features
- Ad and malware blocker.
- Unlimited device connections.
- No activity logs policy.
- WebRTC leak protection.
- Includes cookie pop-up blocker.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive server suite spread across 100 countries. | Reported to have sluggish speeds during peak times. |
| Allows for multiple devices on a single subscription. |
In our review of Surfshark’s desktop app, the VPN received 4.6 stars out of 5. For more information, read the full Surfshark VPN review.
Visit Surfshark
More about Cloud Security
Key features of VPNs for Chrome
The following are key features that I recommend you consider when looking for a Chrome VPN extension.
One-click connection
Having a one-click connect/disconnect button is a simple but underrated feature that most Chrome VPN extensions should have. This button shouldn’t be hidden under menus or multiple options and must be easy to activate from the Chrome extensions panel.
Multi-device support
Another essential feature for Chrome VPN extensions is multi-device support. If you use Chrome as your primary browser, having the VPN extension available on multiple devices is important. This allows you to have uniform protection and security across all your devices that run Chrome, be it your laptop, smartphone, or tablet.
No-logs policy
A quality VPN provider should have a clear no-logs policy. VPNs are mainly used to protect sensitive user data. Through a no-logs policy, users can be assured that none of their personal data or identifiable information is recorded by the VPN provider. This may include data such as IP addresses, browsing history, and session durations. Having a no-logs policy that’s verified by an independent security audit is also an important consideration. This gives users hard evidence confirming whether or not VPNs adhere to their own no-logs policies.
How do I choose the best VPN extension for Chrome?
When choosing a Chrome VPN extension, it’s important to consider a few factors. First, you should take a look at a VPN vendor’s security features and if they have a verified no-logs policy. The presence of strong encryption is crucial, given that this is what primarily protects your browsing data. A no-logs policy also ensures that the VPN isn’t keeping track of any of your activities or information.
You should likewise consider how many devices you want to secure via a Chrome VPN extension and whether a particular vendor offers the number of device connections you need. In addition, a VPN extension that includes ad, malware, and tracker blocking will help remove intrusive content and improve your overall browsing experience.
Methodology
This round-up of the best Chrome VPN extensions was originally written by Franklin Okeke and updated by Luis Millares and Liz Ticong. In both versions, essential features of the listed Chrome VPN extensions were assessed, such as security features, pricing, and ease-of-use. Information from the vendor, reputable reviews, and user testimonials were also used to supplement our analysis.
In this article, our analysis of each Chrome VPN extension was updated to include findings from our hands-on experiences and real-world testing. The star rating from each VPN’s individual review was also incorporated.
Related reading: From NordVPN and Surfshark to Proton VPN and Mullvad, explore our picks for the best no-log VPNs in 2026.