The Top 3 VPN Extensions for Google Chrome

Whether you want to surf the web more securely or stream content from abroad, there are few ways around using a VPN. As if the sheer number of providers didn't make things hard enough, each offers different services and features, including browser extensions.

But aren't VPN clients and browser extensions the same thing? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using browser plugins? And which VPN extension is the best for Google Chrome? Below, we'll answer all of these questions for you.

In contrast to a VPN client, a browser extension does not create a VPN connection, meaning that those services which claim to be doing so aren't exactly being upfront.

VPN clients are programs installed on your computer, specifically, your operating system, which, when activated, route all Internet traffic from your computer through a secure VPN tunnel to the Internet. This contrasts with browser extensions, which create a proxy connection between your browser and the VPN server (or client, if installed on your computer).

Beyond differences as regards functionality, the types of encryption used by clients and browser extensions also vary. For example, VPN clients make use of protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard, which encrypt all data traffic sent by your device or computer. On the other hand, a browser extension typically doesn't offer such robust encryption, relying instead upon HTML, again, only on the browser level.

Put briefly: A VPN client protects all data traffic sent by your computer or device, doing so with more powerful encryption, whereas a browser extension only encrypts traffic from your browser using (comparatively) weaker encryption. Of course, there are exceptions, but for most clients and extensions, this generally holds true.

Without further ado, we give you our Top 3 VPN extensions for Google Chrome:

Google Chrome is the most widely used browser in the world, a fact attributable, at least in part, to its flexibility and adaptability. Most VPN providers offer Chrome extensions, however, their performances are not always uniform. The list below shows the advantages and disadvantages of each of our Top 3, and how they compare with one another.

ExpressVPN made a strong showing in our comprehensive evaluation, securing second place, with its browser extension impressing us as well. Before continuing, we should mention that ExpressVPN's browser extension is not a stand-alone piece of software, but can only be used in conjunction with the provider's client. As such, it is much more an integrated 'remote control' for the main client than a browser plugin that creates proxy connections to the client.

This has the disadvantage that it cannot be used independently of the program's client. However, in our eyes, its advantages far outweigh this solitary shortcoming: ExpressVPN's Chrome extension unifies desktop and browser, offering not only protection for the latter, but also the rest of your data traffic, and that at high speeds with the strongest-possible OpenVPN encryption. This means that you can also shield P2P programs or other apps with your browser's VPN connection.

ExpressVPN's Chrome extension also comes equipped with additional security features such as "HTTPS Everywhere", which ensures that, when possible, you automatically connect to the secure HTTPS version of a website.

The extension's interface is identical to that of its desktop counterpart. Next to the big "Connect" button, it's possible to select from all server locations or recommended servers. You can also set the extension to automatically connect to a VPN whenever you start Chrome. For any other options or settings though, you'll need to head over to the desktop client.

ExpressVPN is one of the best VPN providers, and its Chrome extension doesn't fall short of this mark, with its comfort, speed, and security making it the best all-rounder.

Windscribe staked out a place in the upper half of our sample, scoring highly, at least in part, thanks to its excellent free version. Its Chrome extension also left a good impression, but in contrast to ExpressVPN's, only encrypts what goes on in your browser. With that said, you can see the desktop client's VPN connection in its interface.

Should you activate both simultaneously, you'll engage "Double Hop" mode. This routes your data traffic through two separate proxy servers, ensuring even greater security.

That isn't all though: Windscribe's extension also comes with an integrated ad blocker and a variety of features that aren't limited to paying subscribers. With "Location Warp" and "Time Warp", for example, it's possible to take control over your proxy connection's GPS and time settings. "Split Personality" rotates Chrome's user agent, minimizing your susceptibility to browser fingerprinting.

Windscribe offers an excellent Chrome extension, and owing to its low cost (free) is more than worth taking a look at.

NordVPN took first place in our evaluation and its Chrome extension was one of the best we assessed. Particularly in terms of security, epitomized by its "CyberSec" feature, the extension also serves as an ad and malware blocker, to say nothing of its protection against WebRTC leaks. With "Quick Connect", you can establish an instant VPN connection to a specific country, or choose one from a list of the last three countries you've connected to.

Settings are somewhat limited, however: Alongside "CyberSec", and "Block WebRTC", you're only given a whitelist ("Bypass List"), which your proxy should circumvent.

NordVPN's Chrome extension creates HTTPS-encrypted proxy connections in a matter of seconds and operates independently from the desktop client, which doesn't even need to be installed. As noted above, the downside to this is that only your browser traffic is secured when using the extension.

NordVPN is one of the fastest VPN services on the market, and its browser extension doesn't disappoint. For those who want to establish a proxy connection in the shortest time possible, look no further.

Most VPN providers offer browser extensions for Google Chrome. Owing to its global popularity, the browser is often the first for which developers design extensions. Detailed reviews of 22 of the best VPN services can be found in our exhaustive and authoritative comparison.

Below, we've provided a list of all services from our sample which offer Chrome extensions:

Among these Top 3, similarly to our exhaustive VPN comparison, only premium and freemium providers were considered. However, in your own search for a VPN provider, you'll most likely happen across "free" services, especially as mobile apps or browser extensions. Unfortunately, as the old saying goes "If you're not paying for a product, the product is you", and most of these use the data you supply to support and expand their operations.

Particularly in a software segment that emphasizes security and privacy, we've made a conscious choice to only focus on those services which must be paid for or offer freemium, or limited versions of their software. Should you still opt for a "free" service, we recommend carefully reading up on the provider, as well as what is installed on your device or operating system when using their service.