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, I’ll give you a rundown of the best VPN browser extensions and explain how these services help keep you safe online.

Before I 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 my recommendations also offers a robust native app to shield your entire digital ecosystem, whether you’re on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, or beyond.

Below, you’ll find a quick rundown of my top VPN browser extensions. If any stand out to you, just scroll down for a closer look.

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

1. NordVPN My 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 This zero-logs provider has a fantastic reputation for privacy. Supports various browsers, including Firefox and Chrome. Solid everyday potential with strong unblocking ability and P2P support.
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. I 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 should now be browsing safely.
6. Having problems getting connected? I’d suggest reaching out to your VPN’s customer support team for more advice.

How I 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, I 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 I performed multiple speed tests throughout the day and tested each service on day-to-day activities like gaming, watching TV, and torrenting.
• Connection support: First off, I checked which browsers each VPN had extensions for. Then, I looked into their simultaneous connection limits and whether they support split tunneling, since having more options is always good.
• Security and privacy: Just because you’re using a browser extension doesn’t mean you can afford to compromise on security. I make sure that VPNs offer the same high standard of privacy in their extensions that you expect from their regular apps.
• Ease of use: I’m a big fan of VPNs that go out of their way to streamline the user experience. For instance, they may have task-specific servers, 24/7 customer support, or onboarding systems that explain complex features in a way that even total beginners 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. I tested VPNs against a gauntlet of stubborn services, including Disney+, Peacock, and Netflix.

This is just an overview; you can read more about how I tested and ranked my top VPNs – and see the results of these tests – in the methodology section later on. First, let’s take a closer look at the VPNs that impressed me.

Best VPN browser extensions: Compared

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

Best VPN browser extensions

Below, I’ll walk you through what each of my top browser extension VPNs has to offer, based on my first-hand experiences using each service.

Here’s my list of the best VPN browser extensions

1. NordVPN

Mar 2026

NordVPN is my first choice for anyone who needs an in-browser VPN. It recently reworked its browser extensions, adding 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 is on hand 24/7 via live chat.

My next task was to find out just how quick NordVPN really is. I 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 my 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 my first choice VPN. Its plugins are 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 the 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? I ran 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 the 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 low-cost VPN, with something to prove. It boasts superfast speeds, unlimited simultaneous connections, and a powerful security suite. Best of all, every subscription 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 across 120+ countries, and this VPN works consistently with Netflix, iPlayer, and a range of other popular streaming platforms.

I tested ProtonVPN’s fastest-available servers at three different times of day. This service delivered an average speed of 169.52 Mbps with a respectable 9 Mbps of fluctuation throughout the day. This makes it the third-fastest provider in my list, and much faster than is needed for everyday tasks like watching TV or gaming.

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, macOS, 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 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 120 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 (14 if you go for the Pro plan). Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat.

ExpressVPN’s custom Lightway protocol aims to be quicker than OpenVPN. To see if it succeeds, I tested its quickest-available US server in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon. This provider achieved an average speed of 136.59 Mbps with less than 2 Mbps of fluctuation. In other words, it’s not just fast, it’s ultra-reliable too.

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 near 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. A fast and versatile service that works anywhere and comes with 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 have over 3,200 servers covering 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, I’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. If you need assistance, support staff are on hand 24 hours per day via live chat.

IPVanish uses 10 Gbps servers, so in theory, it should be faster than most of its rivals. With that in mind, I 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. Here are my full test results:

I liked that IPVanish’s Secure Browser extension didn’t require any configuration or setup; it just automatically keeps 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 1 TB 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 I was able to stream geo-restricted content on 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 service delivered pretty impressive results in my latest round of speed tests too, with an average speed of 131.42 Mbps. That’s fast enough to download a 1 GB file in around a minute, play fast-paced online games, or stream multiple 4K videos at the same time. It could be more consistent, though, with one result a full 45 Mbps slower than the others. Here are my full test results:

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 extensions can even spoof your GPS location, preventing websites from cross-referencing your IP address’ location with GPS data. 

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, a strong set of security features, the ability to access a huge number of region-locked streaming platforms, and easy-to-use apps. Not only that, but there’s a 31-day money-back guarantee too!

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, I’d suggest using the VPN. When I tried CyberGhost’s American servers, I 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?

Most free browser plugins aren’t worth the time you’d spend installing them. To begin with, most free VPNs have strict bandwidth limits, very small networks, and queuing systems to help deal with the fact that they have more users than they can support.

So, how do free VPN providers make money? There are several ways, including getting you to upgrade to a paid subscription, injecting ads into the sites you visit, or simply selling details of your online activities to advertisers. That doesn’t make much sense, given that the whole point of a VPN is to enhance your 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, I’ve even seen cases where Trojans like this are 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 I’ve 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