6 Best Free VPN Chrome Extensions & Apps: Trusted in 2024

It’s hard to know which free VPN for Chrome offers the best protection for your browsing. Some free Chrome VPNs and extensions lack essential security features, and some even log and sell your data to third parties. Moreover, many free "VPN” Chrome extensions are actually basic web proxies, which means they don’t encrypt your data at all.

Reliable and secure free VPNs for Chrome do exist, though — it just takes some digging to find them. To save you time, I’ve tested over 60 free VPNs to find the ones with the best apps and extensions for Chrome. I found a few great options, but the overall consensus is that a low-cost premium VPN is always a safer, more reliable option.

ExpressVPN and its Chrome extension performed the best among all the VPNs I tested. Although it’s not free, it doesn’t limit you like the 100% free VPNs tend to. It gives you access to its entire server network, plus consistently fast speeds for lag-free browsing and streaming. You can also try it with Chrome risk-free — if it doesn’t work for you, you can get a refund within 30 days.

Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free VPNs for Chrome in 2024

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

Best Free VPNs for Chrome — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Best Chrome VPN With Full-Featured Security to Keep You Safe

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested April 2024

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try ExpressVPN >

www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension performed the best in all my tests. It’s not 100% free, but it offers much more than the totally free extensions I tested. It works like a remote control for the VPN app — it protects your browsing sessions along with your entire device.

Most free VPN extensions aren’t full VPNs — they’re just proxies that don’t offer the same level of security. However, ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension keeps you safe online with encryption, IP/DNS/WebRTC leak protection, and a kill switch. Plus, it offers browser-focused features like HTTPS Everywhere. This automatically redirects you to the safest version of any website.

ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension is super easy to use — I set it up within 2 minutes

It also worked with every popular streaming service I tested it with. From my location in the UK, I watched Match of The Day on BBC iPlayer and streamed Disney+, Prime Video, and Sky Sports with no issues. My US colleague tested it with Hulu and Max and streamed The Out-Laws on Netflix US hassle-free. Free Chrome VPNs often don’t have the resources to work with streaming platforms.

Note that while you can theoretically use a VPN to access streaming platforms and content not available in your country, doing so would likely violate the terms of use of your chosen service. It may also be considered copyright infringement. The vpnMentor team does not condone using a VPN in a way that would break the law.

ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension is the fastest I’ve tested. I never experienced a drop of more than 4% on nearby UK servers. Even its Tokyo server (thousands of miles away) dropped no more than 32%. Most free Chrome VPNs dip speeds by 40-80%, depending on distance, so ExpressVPN is worth its price for a smooth Chrome browsing experience.

Although you have to pay upfront, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. Every plan includes the VPN apps and the Chrome extension. If you find it’s not for you, getting your refund is easy — I tested it myself using its 24/7 live chat. The rep didn’t pressure me to stay, and I got my money back after 2 days.

Useful Features

• Lightway protocol. ExpressVPN has its own protocol (Lightway) that’s both secure and speed-optimized. That makes it ideal for data-heavy Chrome activities, like streaming, P2P downloading, and gaming. These activities are all supported on every server, too.
• Privacy-focused. ExpressVPN has an audited no-logs policy and is headquartered in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, so your online activity won’t be traced back to you. Plus, its RAM-based servers (TrustedServer technology) delete user data from previous sessions with each reboot to prevent data retrieval.
• Split tunneling. This feature allows you to route some of your traffic through ExpressVPN while routing other applications through your standard unencrypted connection. I used it to protect my Chrome sessions through the VPN while using my banking app on my regular connection.
• Block WebRTC. WebRTC powers real-time chat (like live chat and video calls), but it has a known vulnerability that exposes your IP address even when using a VPN, presenting a significant security risk to your Chrome browsing. The ExpressVPN Chrome extension lets you block this traffic with a simple toggle.
• Geolocation spoofing. With the Chrome extension, you can also block HTML5 geolocation from showing your whereabouts, providing greater privacy for your browsing sessions.

2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers to Watch Popular Platforms With Chrome

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost offers optimized servers for streaming on your Chrome browser. These servers are maintained for specific platforms like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu, and more. I tested its Netflix UK server from within the country using Chrome and could stream from the library in under 10 seconds — I watched in Ultra HD without any lag.

CyberGhost lets you save your country’s streaming server so you can connect quickly for future use

Unlike many free Chrome VPNs, CyberGhost has fast speeds and unlimited data, so you don’t have to worry about lag or being cut off mid-stream. When I tested 11 nearby servers in the UK, I had an average speed loss of only 7%. I regularly got more than 50% speed losses from Tokyo, though, so long-distance speeds aren’t as impressive as ExpressVPN’s.

While CyberGhost isn’t a free VPN, it does offer a completely free Chrome extension. You can start using it without even signing up. Keep in mind that it’s more limited than the full VPN app, and you'll only have access to servers in the US, Romania, Germany, and the Netherlands. But if you’re looking for a reputable and completely free Chrome VPN extension, this is a good pick.

If you want to test the full app, you can try CyberGhost free for up to 45 days, provided you opt for a long-term plan. If you’re not totally satisfied, you can ask customer support for a full refund.

Useful Features

• 7 device connections. This makes CyberGhost ideal for families or households as it means everyone can protect their Chrome sessions without having to log out of any devices.
• NoSpy servers. These dedicated servers are located inside CyberGhost’s headquarters in Romania. Because CyberGhost owns these servers and their physical location, there’s a vastly reduced risk of unauthorized third-party access.
• Smart rules. You can automate CyberGhost with rules for specific functions. I set mine to start Chrome whenever I connected to the VPN so I could start browsing securely with a single click.
• Block Content. This built-in feature effectively blocks trackers and malware. Chrome is currently developing ways to limit blocking extensions, so this is a great backup to have as it filters websites before they reach your browser.

3. Proton VPN — Free VPN App With Unlimited Data to Browse Chrome Without Interruptions

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Proton VPN >

www.Proton VPN.com

Proton VPN offers a completely free VPN without any data or speed restrictions, so you can safely browse on Chrome without interruptions. I found this particularly impressive since most free VPNs limit your data to a few gigabytes per month (at best!) and cap your speeds.

For a free VPN, it also offers surprisingly robust security features. Proton VPN keeps your data private with a strict no-logs policy and offers the same military-grade encryption and strong protocols you’d expect from a paid app. So, despite Proton VPN being free, I was confident my information was safe from Chrome’s data harvesting.

All Proton VPN’s apps are open-source and independently audited, offering peace of mind for Chrome

During my tests, I was disappointed that Proton VPN’s free servers didn’t work with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other popular streaming platforms. There’s no dedicated Chrome extension with the free plan either, so I had to use the desktop app to manage my Chrome browsing. It’s easy to use though, so it’s not too much hassle to switch between the browser and the VPN app.

Useful Features

• Easy-to-use app. You can use its Quick Connect button to automatically connect to the best free nearby server. Plus, you can create profiles to save personalized lists of servers and preferred protocols. To protect my privacy while using Chrome, I set up a profile that connects me to a server in Switzerland on the fastest protocol with just one click.
• No ads. Proton VPN’s free version is not supported by ads, so I wasn’t annoyed by third-party pop-ups in the VPN app. Chrome has enough ads already — I don’t need to see more! In addition, its paid version also has an ad and malware blocker called NetShield.
• Router support. Proton VPN is one of the very few free VPNs that can be installed on routers so you can protect your Chrome sessions on all connected devices. By following a tutorial on its website, I could set it up on my DD-WRT router in less than 10 minutes.

4. Avira Phantom VPN — Easy-to-Use App Secures Chrome on All Your Compatible Devices

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome More

Try Avira Phantom VPN >

www.avira.com

Avira Phantom VPN and its extension are intuitive and easy to grasp, making this VPN a great way to protect your everyday Chrome browsing. I could connect to the VPN with a single click in my tests — both the VPN and the extension automatically connected me to the best server.

Avira Phantom VPN has an intuitive interface, making it a great option for beginners

I had decent speeds when I tested Avira Phantom VPN’s free servers. I found an average speed drop of 17% on local UK servers. That doesn’t rival premium services like ExpressVPN, but it’s very healthy for a completely free service.

Even though these speeds would be great for streaming local TV shows and movies on Chrome, Avira Phantom VPN’s data cap is far too small for that. It has a data cap of 500MB per month (or 1GB total if you sign up with your email address). This is just enough for checking your email, updating social media, or downloading small files, but nothing more.

Note that the Chrome extension wasn’t available on the Chrome Web Store at the time of writing, but you can use the free VPN app to secure your browsing sessions.

Useful Features

• Unlimited simultaneous connections. The free version of Avira Phantom allows you to connect unlimited devices simultaneously. Most free VPNs only work with one device at a time, so this is a great way to protect your household’s Chrome browsing on a budget.
• Good device compatibility. You can use Avira Phantom VPN on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, so you can use Chrome safely at home and on the go.

5. hide.me — Customizable Security Features for Safe Browsing on Chrome

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try hide.me VPN >

www.hide.me

Your Chrome browsing data is well protected with hide.me’s robust security features. You can use WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols. WireGuard is typically faster, but I had a speed drop of around 14% on local UK servers. It’s not as fast as ExpressVPN, but it’s not bad, either.

You can even use the split tunnel feature on Apple devices — not many VPNs offer this!

There’s a generous unlimited data cap with hide.me’s free plan, but you can connect to servers in only 8 locations. These include Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, Singapore, and the US (East and West). This meant that, during my tests, I was occasionally connected to a really slow long-distance server. You’ll also only be able to use it on 1 device.

That said, its Chrome extension also offers unlimited data — but it’s only a proxy. That means it can change your IP address but won’t encrypt your data. It also didn’t work with any streaming services that the team and I tested from our respective countries. Still, it’s better than no VPN at all.

Useful Features

• Stealth Guard. You can block Chrome from going online without the VPN. This feature is vital on networks with firewalls and heavy restrictions. Plus, if you forget to turn your VPN on sometimes (like I do), this is a really handy safety net.
• 24/7 live chat. If you run into any issues, you can get help at any time of day. Most free VPNs don’t have the resources to run this kind of customer support, so it’s great to have this available.

6. Hotspot Shield — Proprietary Hydra Protocol for Fast Browsing on Google Chrome

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Hotspot Shield >

www.HotspotShield.com

Hotspot Shield’s unique Hydra protocol offers good speeds over long distances, so it’s a good choice for interruption-free browsing on Chrome. I found an average drop of 38% on servers in Singapore, which isn’t bad for a free VPN.

Hotspot Shield’s Chrome extension has multiple security features. In my tests, I could block WebRTC traffic, ads, malware, cookies, and trackers. However, like hide.me, the Chrome extension is only a proxy. Plus, it only offers one location in the US.

My main issue is that Hotspot Shield logs your bandwidth usage and session duration. However, all this data is anonymized, so none of it can be traced back to you. You also don’t need to set up an account to use the free version of the app or the Chrome extension.

Useful Features

• Unlimited data. Hotspot Shield’s free VPN app offers unlimited data, allowing endless protection for your Chrome browsing. However, if you use the free Chrome extension without signing up, you're limited to only 250MB of data per day. If you create an account or sign in to the extension, this daily limit is increased to 500MB.
• Sword. This feature generates fake web activity to feed trackers and obfuscate your real online activity to keep your actual online behavior private from prying eyes.

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

Quick Comparison Table: Free Chrome VPN Features

This table offers a swift comparison of key features of the best free VPNs for Chrome, including some information about their Chrome extensions. It shows average speeds, monthly data caps, and server locations. The WebRTC column indicates whether the VPN can block WebRTC to provide an additional layer of security.

Tips on Choosing the Best Free VPN for Chrome

These are the most important features a free VPN for Chrome should have. You can use this as a checklist to help you make the best decision. However, I made sure all the VPNs in this list have the following features:

• Risk-free trial. You shouldn’t have to commit to a subscription right away to use a free VPN. All the VPNs I shortlisted are either completely free or have a reliable money-back guarantee.
• Advanced security and privacy features. All the VPNs on this list offer essential security features and don’t store any identifiable data. Keep in mind that using the VPN app is often a safer choice than using a Chrome extension since almost all VPN extensions are normally just proxies. A rare exception is ExpressVPN’s extension, which works as a remote control for the full app, so it protects all your traffic, not just Chrome.
• Fast speeds and enough data. To browse content on Google Chrome without annoying slowdowns, you should look for a VPN with good speeds and enough data. I checked data limits and tested speeds to ensure you can browse without interruptions.
• Reliability. Many free Chrome VPNs or extensions have reliability issues with frequent slowdowns or disconnections. However, I made sure to only choose ones that offer stable, reliable connections.
• Chrome compatibility. I ensured that all the free VPNs I included offer native apps for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. Most of them also have a browser extension for Chrome, too. If you're running ChromeOS, then the Android version of the VPN should be compatible.
• Good customer support. If you have a question or problem with the VPN, you shouldn’t have to wait for too long to get help. It’s best if a VPN has 24/7 live chat, which most free VPNs don’t offer. I ensured that all these VPNs offer customer support or an extensive knowledge base.

Expert Tip: Most Free VPNs for Chrome Aren’t Safe

Most free VPNs aren’t trustworthy. Installing a free VPN without conducting thorough research to confirm its safety may jeopardize your online security. I’ve tested every VPN in this list to ensure they’re safe to use.

While testing, I found many free Chrome VPNs with safety risks. These are the security issues you need to watch out for:

• Logging and selling your data. Free VPNs often make a profit by selling your personal information to third parties, which essentially defeats the purpose of using a VPN in the first place. Be sure to choose a VPN with a strict zero-logs policy so your personal information is actually kept safe.
• Data leaks due to weak security features. Since free VPNs often don’t have the resources to update their software and server infrastructure, IP/DNS data leaks can occur. Moreover, they often miss essential security features such as a kill switch and military-grade encryption.
• Viruses and malware. Some free VPNs have malware and viruses embedded in their app. Furthermore, because most free VPNs rely on advertising to make a profit, they often bombard you with ads, which could increase the risk of infecting your device.

Free VPNs to Avoid

The following free VPNs are unsafe and should be avoided. These VPNs can potentially distribute your data to third parties or be laden with malicious software and viruses.

• Hola. Not an actual VPN but a P2P network, meaning that users share their IP address with everyone on the network. If someone does anything illegal, you could be held accountable. Plus, it logs your browsing data and shares it with third parties.
• CrossVPN. Keeps logs of your personal information (such as your browsing, location, and devices). The app also tested positive for malware on 11 antivirus programs.

Other VPNs to avoid include: Stealth VPN, Totally Free VPN, DotVPN, FreeVPN, OkVPN, EasyVPN, SuperVPN, ArchieVPN, HatVPN, sFly Network Booster, One Click VPN, Fast Secure Payment, BetternetVPN, and TurboVPN.

Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.

FAQs on Free VPNs for Chrome

What is the best free VPN that I can use with Netflix on Google Chrome?

Unfortunately, none of the 100% free VPNs worked with Netflix. Most free VPNs don’t have the resources to work consistently with streaming platforms. While a few free VPNs let me watch my Netflix library in my Chrome browser, they weren’t very reliable, and I couldn’t watch for long before hitting the data cap.

That's why I always recommend using a low-cost premium VPN that comes with a money-back guarantee instead. They’re way more reliable for streaming Netflix and dozens of other platforms, like Disney+, Paramount+, and BBC iPlayer. They also won’t limit your speeds or data, so you can stream in high quality without lag.

Do any free Chrome VPNs work in India?

Yes, free Chrome VPNs can work in India. However, I only recommend using a Chrome VPN with a verified no-logs policy to protect your privacy.

That’s because the Indian government requires all VPNs with servers in the country to collect and store user data for up to 5 years. Most VPNs with a strict no-logs policy will not use physical servers in India or any other country that requires mandatory data collection.

Will a free VPN for Chrome slow down my browsing speed?

Yes, all VPNs will slow down your browsing speed to some extent. That’s because it connects to a remote server to relay your data. However, free VPNs tend to cause more significant speed drops than paid ones since they offer fewer servers, so they can be slow due to crowding. However, all free VPNs on my list gave speeds above 10Mbps, so they are fast enough to browse the web.

What’s the best free Chrome VPN extension for PC and Mac?

While all the Chrome extensions on this list are good for PC and Mac, ExpressVPN is the best. Its extension offers the full security as that of a VPN client, while others are just browser extensions with more limited functionality. ExpressVPN isn't free, but it does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can test it without any financial risk.

If you're looking for a 100% free option and security is not an issue, you can use CyberGhost's Chrome VPN extension. It doesn't even require signing up and offers servers in 4 countries.

Are free VPNs or Chrome extensions safe?

Not all free Chrome VPNs or extensions are safe, but a few are. Many free VPNs available have weak security features, and some even sell your data to third parties that can compromise your personal information. I made sure that this list only includes the safest free VPNs and extensions for Chrome.

Always download a VPN or its extension from the VPN’s official website. If you’re getting a VPN extension from the Chrome Web Store, always confirm that it's an official product by checking its developer under Details. This will help you to avoid malicious extensions using similar names.

Is Incognito Mode as safe as using a free VPN for Google Chrome?

No, because Incognito mode doesn't encrypt your traffic or hide your IP address like a VPN does. Even Chrome itself states that your ISP, websites you visit, and your employer or school can still track your online activities in an Incognito browser. To avoid tracking and stay private online, it's important to use a trustworthy VPN for Chrome.

Keep in mind that Chrome blocks extensions when using Incognito. To override this, go to Settings > Preferences > Extensions. Find the VPN extension and click Details. Now you can toggle on the Allow in Incognito button.

Can I use a proxy instead of a free VPN?

Yes, but they’re really limited. A proxy doesn’t encrypt your data and thus doesn’t keep you safe like a VPN does. They both hide your IP address, but only a VPN protects your data with encryption. Moreover, A VPN secures your entire device, while a proxy works on an application level (so it will only work in Chrome itself).

You have to be careful since many free proxies for Chrome claim to have the same features as a VPN. There are also many unreliable free VPNs out there — they can log and sell your personal information or even have malware-embedded apps. I tried and tested all the free VPNs in this list and only listed those that are reliable, safe, and trustworthy.

Which free VPN for Chrome has the most servers?

Unfortunately, every free VPN on this list (and in general) limits what locations you can use. Out of the completely free VPNs I listed, hide.me offers the most server locations (8 in total), but only 3 on its free Chrome extension.

Although not completely free, ExpressVPN offers servers in 105 countries (on both the app and the Chrome extension), meaning it has the biggest global coverage of all the VPNs I shortlisted. You can try it risk-free since it offers a money-back guarantee.

Does Chrome or Chromebook have a built-in free VPN?

No, neither Chrome nor Chromebook has a built-in free VPN. Chromebook does have built-in IKEv2 support, but you’ll still need to connect to a VPN server to use it. To protect your data, take a look at my top recommended VPNs that are compatible with Chrome and Chromebook.

Get the Best Free VPN for Chrome

Many free VPNs pose risks, which is why my team and I tested dozens of services to find those that are safe to use. My list includes the best free VPNs for Chrome, and while they’re all safe to use, they do come with limitations, such as data and bandwidth caps and small server networks.

That's why I recommend ExpressVPN. It offers military-grade security, unlimited data, the best Chrome browser extension I’ve seen, and a high-speed global server network. While it’s not 100% free, it does come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test ExpressVPN without risk. If you’re not happy, claiming a refund is straightforward.

To summarize, the best VPNs for Chrome with money-back guarantees are...

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