Best VPN browser extensions: Hassle-free security

Are you hoping to secure your Chromebook? Maybe you’re using a device that has limited app-installation permissions, or perhaps you’re simply just low on storage space. The good news is that most major VPNs offer extensions that run directly from your browser. Today, we’ll give you a rundown of the best VPN browser extensions and explain how these services help keep you safe online.

Before we begin, it’s important to note the difference between a browser extension and a full VPN app. Extensions only protect your web browser but won’t encrypt data from your streaming services, gaming apps, or torrent client. The good news is that each of our recommendations also offers a robust native app to shield your entire digital ecosystem, whether you’re on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, or beyond.

In this post, we review the best VPNs with browser extensions and explain why each is worth your time. Here’s a quick summary in case you’re in a rush:

Based on our real-world testing, here are the best VPN browser extensions:

1. NordVPN Our top browser extension VPN. Super fast, highly secure, and packed with features. Supports Chrome, Firefox, and Firefox for Android. Plus, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee to test it out worry-free.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Browser Extensions.
2. Surfshark Best budget VPN with browser extensions. An affordable yet high-quality service with top-notch security and privacy features. A great choice for those who don’t want to compromise on protection. Extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
3. ProtonVPN Advanced VPN dedicated to user privacy. Extensions for various browsers, including Firefox and Chrome. A great choice for streaming Netflix, torrenting, and making video calls.
4. ExpressVPN Known for its advanced geo-location spoofing capabilities, this VPN allows you to access content from around the world with ease. It’s a powerhouse and offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
5. IPVanish A speedy, security-first VPN with extensions for Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. Boasts strong unblocking ability and unlimited connections.
6. PureVPN With servers in 65+ countries, PureVPN is a fantastic choice for accessing content from around the globe. It’s affordable, user-friendly, and offers excellent privacy features.
7. CyberGhost This beginner-friendly service offers high speeds, a great set of security features, and the ability to access virtually every major streaming platform.

How to use a VPN browser extension

Getting started with a VPN browser extension is easier than you might think. Just follow the simple steps below, and you’ll be up and running in minutes.

Here’s how to use a VPN browser extension:

1. Sign up with a VPN provider from the list below. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install the extension from your browser’s official store or from the VPN provider’s website.
3. Open the extension and log in.
4. Select a server and connect.
5. That’s it! You’re now browsing safely.

How we chose the top VPN browser extensions

Not all VPNs make browser extensions, and not all VPN browser extensions are worth your time. To separate the best from the rest, our team developed an extensive testing process that focuses on five key areas:

• Speed: Your VPN has to be fast enough to handle any task you throw at it. That’s why we perform multiple speed tests throughout the day and see how they hold up to everyday tasks like video calling or playing games.
• Connection support: Our team looks into how many browser extensions each VPN offers, their maximum simultaneous connection allowance, and whether they support split tunneling, since having a more versatile service is always a good thing.
• Security and privacy: Just because you’re using a browser extension doesn’t mean you can afford to compromise on security. We make sure that VPNs offer the same high standard of privacy in their extensions that we expect from their regular apps.
• Ease of use: We’re big fans of providers that make their services as streamlined as possible. This may be by offering task-specific servers, 24/7 support, or even just strong onboarding processes that explain how advanced features work in ways novices will understand.
• Streaming: This is one of the most popular reasons for using a VPN, so it’s important that the service you choose is actually capable of accessing your favorite streaming platforms.

This is just an overview, but you can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend, and see the results of these tests, in the methodology section below.

Best VPN browser extensions compared

We’ve tested and compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for browser extensions.

Best VPN browser extensions

At Comparitech, we personally use a huge number of VPNs, putting them through rigorous tests to ensure they’re up to our standards and your needs. The following reviews are based on those first-hand experiences.

Here’s our list of the best VPN browser extensions

1. NordVPN

Dec 2025

NordVPN is our first choice for anyone who needs an in-browser VPN. It recently reworked its browser extensions, adding in a new navigational sidebar and the ability to sync your timezone to match your chosen server’s location. There are 8,000+ servers in over 120 countries, with automatic ad and malware-blocking, as well as split-tunneling support (the ability to let certain traffic from websites pass through unencrypted). Support staff are on-hand 24/7 via live chat.

Our next task was to find out just how quick NordVPN really is. We performed three speed tests (in the morning, at midday, and in the afternoon) using a 250 Mbps connection since that’s the average for American household broadband. NordVPN achieved an average speed of 200.65 Mbps, making it the fastest provider in this list. It was remarkably consistent too, which means NordVPN is a great choice for streaming, torrenting, or making video calls. Here are our full test results:

NordVPN boasts exceptional privacy credentials, having been audited several times. It uses unbreakable encryption, blocks DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, and keeps you safe from ads, trackers, and malicious downloads. There’s even a kill switch and automatic connection feature. Most importantly, this provider refuses to keep any logs of your activities. It’s versatile too, working in high-censorship countries like China and allowing you to access stubborn platforms like Netflix and Hulu abroad.

The NordVPN browser extension is available for Chrome, Firefox, and Firefox for Android. There are full apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, plus you can manually install NordVPN on just about any router.

BEST BROWSER EXTENSION:NordVPN is our top choice VPN. Its plugin is a powerful yet easy way to protect your browser and access blocked content. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, making this a risk-free option.

Read our full NordVPN review here, or check out our video review below.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the best budget VPN extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. It operates more than 4,500 servers in 100 countries and can reliably access virtually any streaming platform from Netflix to Amazon Prime Video. This VPN lets you secure every device you own at the same time, offers 24/7 live chat in case you run into any problems, and works in places with extreme digital censorship, such as the UAE, Russia, or China. Not bad considering its very attractive price point!

So how fast is this provider really? Our team performed a series of speed tests using Surfshark’s American servers to check both its top speeds and its consistency. Surfshark achieved an average speed of 190.55 Mbps, which is a fantastic result. With speeds like this, you shouldn’t have any issues streaming live TV, playing online games, or downloading large files. The table has our full test results:

This service comes with all manner of security features. For starters, it can tell you if the site you’re on has suffered a data breach. There’s also 256-bit encryption as well as protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, a kill switch, and even a NoBorders feature you can use to freely browse the internet in countries with strict online censorship. Surfshark doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, but if you’re worried about privacy, you can always pay in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Ripple. If you need any help, you can reach support 24/7 via live chat.

Surfshark provides apps for iOS, Windows, Android, macOS, and Linux devices. If you’d prefer, you can also manually install it on supported home routers.

The Surfshark browser extension is available for Chrome, Firefox, and MS Edge.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a cheap yet powerful VPN, with strong security features, exceptionally high speeds, and a total lack of connection limits. As if that wasn’t enough, it even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

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3. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is another high-quality service offering extensions for any Chromium or Firefox-based browser including Chrome, LibreWolf, Brave, Microsoft Edge, and Vivaldi. This extension provides a convenient way to secure your browsing without needing to open the full application; however, you should note that the browser provides an HTTPS proxy rather than a full encrypted connection. There are 15,000 servers spread 120+ countries and this VPN even works with Netflix!

In previous performance tests, ProtonVPN has usually done quite well. However, it’s vital we regularly retest, since providers are always upgrading their networks. Following three tests at different times of day, ProtonVPN delivered an average result of 169.52 Mbps. As such, it’s the third-fastest VPN in this list, and more than capable of handling day to day tasks like streaming, making calls, or gaming. Let’s take a closer look at those test results:

ProtonVPN has a versatile browser extension with leak protection, split tunneling support, and even the ability to connect automatically. Its full apps are even more secure thanks to their unbreakable encryption, stealth mode, kill switch, and specialty servers (including some designed for torrenting and streaming), There’s even port forwarding functionality at no additional cost! ProtonVPN follows a strict no-logs policy and has been audited to prove it.

The VPN’s apps are compatible with various platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Fire TV, and Linux, ensuring access on any device. It’s also possible to manually install this VPN on your router (check its website for instructions).

SECURE AND PRIVATE:ProtonVPN is an advanced VPN dedicated to user privacy. It has browser extensions for various browsers, including Firefox and Chrome. Apps come with a no-logs policy, AES encryption, a kill switch, and obfuscation. Works to get an IP address in more than 100 countries. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our ProtonVPN review.

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4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN does things a little differently because its extension simply allows you to control the full VPN app from within your favorite browser. This makes it quick and easy to change location as needed, and on that note, this VPN has servers in around 105 countries. It’s able to access stubborn geo-blocked platforms like Hulu and sidestep the world’s strictest digital censorship, plus you can connect 10 devices at a time on the Basic plan. Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat.

ExpressVPN has its own protocol, Lightway, that claims to be faster and more secure than OpenVPN. To see if that’s true, we put this VPN to the test on several occasions, keeping a close eye on its speed, reliability, and how much it slowed down during peak times. ExpressVPN had an average speed of 136.59 Mbps, which places it firmly amongst the quickest providers we’ve seen. No matter whether you’re hoping to watch live TV, download large files, or video call with friends, ExpressVPN is up to the challenge. Take a look:

Since ExpressVPN’s extension is just a front for the main VPN app, you’ll benefit from the full set of security features, including unbreakable AES encryption, a kill switch, automatic ad and tracker-blocking, and obfuscation that kicks in as needed based on your location. There’s also protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, plus a no-logs policy that’s been audited almost two dozen times. There is one advantage of its extension, though: it delivers fake information to geolocation APIs, which are often used by websites to track your location (and your fake location will always be nearby your chosen VPN server).

The ExpressVPN extension is available for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Its apps are available for iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Linux. There’s also custom router firmware in case you’d like to protect every device on your home network.

ADVANCED PROTECTION:ExpressVPN's browser extension offers privacy and security benefits not found in any other VPN plugin. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. IPVanish

IPVanish is a veteran provider that recently expanded its network to cover more than 100 countries. It’s a solid choice for anyone hoping to protect their browser traffic and won’t be stopped by most online restrictions. In fact, we’ve had great results using it to access platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Peacock from abroad. There’s no connection limit either, something very few VPNs can say.

IPVanish uses 10 Gbps servers, so in theory, it should be faster than most of its rivals. To find out if that’s true, our experts ran three speed tests (in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon) using a 250 Mbps connection. IPVanish achieved an average speed of 144.56 Mbps, which is almost 10 times the recommended speed for streaming 4K content. Suffice to say, it’s more than capable of handling day to day browsing. The table below shows all of our test results:

The secure browser extension doesn’t actually provide any customizable security features, but it does keep you safe using powerful encryption, automatic ad and tracker-blocking, and automatic history-deletion. Naturally, IPVanish refuses to keep logs of your online activities and has proven this with multiple independent audits.

IPVanish includes a secure browser for Chrome, Edge, Opera, and Firefox as part of its new Advanced plan (along with 1TB of file storage). There are also standard VPN apps for all major platforms, plus manual setup guides for most routers.

NOVICE-FRIENDLY VPN:IPVanish is quick, easy to use, and suitable for almost any task. It prioritizes your security and allows any number of connections, though won’t work in China. Longer subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

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6. PureVPN

PureVPN offers a simple and intuitive browser extension for Chrome and Firefox. There are roughly 6,500 servers spread across 65 countries, and our team was able to stream geo-restricted content and works with popular streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. This affordable service offers 24/7 assistance over live chat, allows you to connect up to 10 devices at the same time, and is easy enough for complete beginners to use. 

This provider boasts a solid reputation where speed is concerned. We ran a series of performance tests, resulting in an average speed of 131.42 Mbps. That’s an incredible result, and well beyond what’s needed for streaming 4K video. However, it still has work to do regarding consistency; the afternoon result was a fully 45 Mbps slower than the noon test, which means your speeds could vary by up to 34 percent. Here are the full results of our testing:

There’s no need to worry about your privacy either. PureVPN follows a strict no-logs policy, has been audited on numerous occasions, and is based in the British Virgin Islands where there are no mandatory data-retention laws. It keeps you safe using unbreakable AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. Its browser etensions can even spoof your GPS location, helping make it seem like you’re actually wherever your chosen server is. 

PureVPN has apps for Linux (GUI and command-line), Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS too. Not only that but it can be manually installed on most routers.

PRIVACY FOCUSED:PureVPN has servers in over 65 countries uses AES encryption, and has great unblocking ability. 31-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PureVPN review.

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7. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is another strong choice given its browser extension can actually be used for free. There are limitations though, since this is really designed to funnel you towards the full VPN app. For instance, you only have four server locations and can’t change any settings. The VPN meanwhile, offers a network spanning 100+ countries, 24/7 live chat, and extensive customization options, plus the ability to unblock stubborn streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Prime Video.

The browser extension is reasonably quick but for the best results, we’d suggest using the VPN. When we tried CyberGhost’s American servers, our experts recorded an average speed of 141.28 Mbps. As such, it’s perfectly capable of helping you torrent safely, stream your favorite shows, and play online games. Let’s check out the rest of CyberGhost’s test results:

This provider keeps your online activities secure using its uncrackable AES encryption, kill switch, and automatic DNS and IPv6 leak protection. CyberGhost publishes regular transparency reports and refuses to keep any logs of your browsing habits. Its full apps also support split tunneling, routine automation, ad and tracker-blocking, and a basic form of obfuscation. In short, CyberGhost is a great way to protect yourself online, though its VPN is better than the browser extension.

The CyberGhost VPN Proxy extension is available for Chrome and Firefox. Apps are available for macOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and iOS. It’s also possible to manually install this VPN on your router, bypassing the seven device limit.

UPGRADE AND SAVE:CyberGhost subscriptions come with a ton more servers to choose from, and can access lots of sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more. Comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

What about free VPN browser plugins?

There are plenty, but the vast majority are not worth a second look. Free VPNs usually impose data caps, bandwidth limits, and queues on users, making it a slow grind to do anything other than basic text-based web browsing. You also get fewer servers to choose from, and those you do connect to are often congested by other free users.

Even free VPN providers need to make money to pay for server upkeep and other overhead costs. Their business models often entail siphoning off users’ personal details and browsing activity data, which can then be sold to advertisers. This contradicts the whole point of using a VPN in the first place: to improve online privacy.

Finally, hackers frequently disguise malware as free VPN services since they know that they’ll be able to trick plenty of victims. Unfortunately, we’ve even seen cases where Trojans like this are even available on major app stores, so there’s no easy way to tell if the service you’re considering using is actually safe or not. In short, it’s best to stick to paid providers. Your peace of mind is worth a few dollars per month.

VPN browser extensions vs. native apps

There’s some debate about whether VPN browser extensions actually constitute VPNs. In fact, most of them are HTTPS proxies. Only data sent to and from your web browser goes through the encrypted proxy. Internet traffic from other apps like Steam, Spotify, and your operating system is still sent through a direct, unencrypted connection. That includes DNS traffic, which can be used by your internet service provider to track your web history.

If you want full protection for your entire device, consider downloading and installing a native VPN app. All of the providers we recommended above make apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, plus a few others in some cases. These apps tunnel all the incoming and outgoing data from your entire device through the VPN server, not just your web browser.

On a related note, steer clear of VPN browser extensions that don’t require you to log in. Extensions that allow anyone to connect don’t have a strong authentication process in place, which makes them vulnerable to attacks by hackers.

VPN browser extensions: FAQs