Updated on: October 29, 2024
Short on time? Here’s the best free VPN for Google Chrome in 2024:
- 🥇 ExpressVPN : It’s not free, but ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Google Chrome in 2024, and it has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free. ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN on the market, has industry-leading security features, and comes with an excellent Google Chrome extension.
Using a free VPN for Chrome lets you browse the web securely without breaking the bank. Unfortunately, a lot of free VPNs either don’t have a Chrome extension or have one but lack great security practices or useful features — this makes it tricky to find a good free VPN that has a free Chrome extension.
However, after thorough research, I found several good free VPNs for Google Chrome. I can confirm that all of them provide decent speeds, include strong security, offer multiple server locations, and have great features. Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
TRY EXPRESSVPN FOR GOOGLE CHROME
Quick Summary of the Best Free VPNs for Google Chrome
Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Google Chrome in 2024
ExpressVPN is without a doubt the best overall VPN for Google Chrome in 2024. While it doesn’t have a free plan, it offers affordable long-term plans and backs all subscriptions with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Its Google Chrome extension has all of the core features of the client app, as it’s basically a remote control for the VPN app on your device. This means you’ll need to have the VPN app installed on your device to use the browser extension — still, unlike most extensions that only secure the browser’s traffic, ExpressVPN’s extension secures all of the internet traffic on your device.
I like how user-friendly the extension is. Its Smart Location tool lets you connect to the fastest server with just a single click. I’m also a fan of the Recent Location feature, which shows your two most recently used locations on the home screen so you can connect to them with 1 click. There’s also a search bar to find a specific server in seconds.
I really like that the extension also includes an automatic connection option called “Connect on Browser Launch”. This means you don’t have to manually connect to the VPN’s extension every time you open your browser. To make it work, you just have to turn it on with your desired location selected. Then, disable and re-enable its permissions in your extensions — Proton VPN is the only other VPN on this list that offers a similar auto-connect feature for the browser.
The VPN also has great security. The Chrome extension has been independently audited twice (most recently in 2022). There’s also ExpressVPN Keys, a free password manager that stores your passwords in a secure digital vault, auto-fills login details when you sign into your online accounts, and generates strong passwords.
What’s more, the Chrome extension also stops HTML5 geolocation from revealing your physical location, blocks WebRTC to prevent IP leaks, and automatically connects you to the more secure HTTPS version of websites. The rest of the VPNs on my list only block WebRTC leaks.
This is also the fastest VPN out there. In my speed tests, web pages always loaded instantly, I never had to wait for YouTube or Netflix videos to load, and I didn’t experience any buffering, even when watching content in 4K.
ExpressVPN is great for safely streaming your favorite content on Google Chrome since its extension supports streaming (the only one on my list that does). It can access 10+ Netflix libraries and 100+ other streaming services, including Amazon Prime, Disney+, and Max. The Chrome extension is great for gaming and torrenting, too.
ExpressVPN has paid plans that start at $4.99 / month. This is a bit more expensive than some other VPNs, but in my opinion, it’s worth it because this is the best VPN on the market.
Bottom Line:
ExpressVPN is my top VPN for Google Chrome. Its speeds are unmatched for browsing and streaming, it provides high-end security, it’s very user-friendly, and it works with 100+ streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more. It’s not free, but it does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free.
Read the full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. CyberGhost VPN — Best Free VPN Extension for Google Chrome
CyberGhost VPN’s app isn’t free, but its Google Chrome extension is — and it’s really good. It has no speed limits, provides unlimited data for browsing, and gives you access to servers in the US, Romania, the Netherlands, and Germany.
The VPN has great speeds. In my speed tests, web pages loaded immediately, and I encountered very minimal buffering while watching YouTube videos in HD.
When it comes to security, CyberGhost VPN’s extension is also excellent. It encrypts your data, protects you from IP leaks, and its no-logs policy has been independently audited. Furthermore, the provider has advanced security features like perfect forward secrecy and RAM-only servers. Plus, it releases regular transparency reports detailing all legal requests for information it received and how it was unable to comply as it doesn’t retain user data.
Unfortunately, CyberGhost VPN’s Chrome extension doesn’t support streaming. If this is important to you, consider getting its VPN app, which is one of the best VPNs for streaming in 2024 — it provides dedicated streaming servers that can access 50+ other streaming sites, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Max (ExpressVPN provides better variety, though, since it works with 100+ streaming apps).
Adding CyberGhost VPN’s extension to your browser is really easy — it shouldn’t take more than 1–2 minutes to do it. You don’t even need to sign up for an account. And the extension is dead simple to use since it only has a server selection menu and a power button.
CyberGhost VPN’s plans start at a very affordable $2.19 / month. Upgrading to its premium plans gets you access to servers in 100 countries, as well as its dedicated streaming, torrenting, and gaming servers, and much more. It backs its long-term plans with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
CyberGhost VPN has the best free Google Chrome extension out there. It’s fast, secure, and very easy to use. If you like the extension, consider purchasing a subscription for its VPN app, which will get you access to more servers, streaming, torrenting, and gaming support, and more. Its long-term plans are backed by a lengthy 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full CyberGhost VPN review
Editors' Note: CyberGhost and this site are in the same ownership group.
🥉3. Proton VPN — Fast and Secure Free VPN App With Unlimited Data
Proton VPN’s free VPN app is great for browsing on Google Chrome. It’s one of the only free VPN apps that offers unlimited data. It also provides access to servers in 5 countries, including Romania, Poland, the Netherlands, Japan, and the US.
I really like using Proton VPN’s free Chrome extension. It has an auto-connect on browser launch option like ExpressVPN, offers the same number of free server locations as the app (5), and automatically chooses the best one for you — though, this might be frustrating if you want to choose a specific server.
This provider’s connection speeds are quite fast. I rarely had to wait for websites to load, and HD videos generally finished loading in 2–3 seconds. But I got slightly faster speeds with ExpressVPN and CyberGhost VPN.
It also has high-end security features, such as full leak protection, perfect forward secrecy, and full-disk encryption, which keeps all data on a server safe even if it’s compromised. I like that the VPN has open-source apps as well, so anyone can check the code for vulnerabilities. Additionally, the provider’s no-logs policy has been independently audited.
Proton VPN’s premium plans that start at $3.59 / month. These plans provide access to more servers, streaming support, split-tunneling, and additional security features. There’s also a prorated 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Proton VPN has fast, secure, and easy-to-use free apps and Chrome extension with unlimited data. Upgrading to a premium plan provides access to more servers, streaming support, split-tunneling, and more. All paid plans are backed by a prorated 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Proton VPN review
4. hide.me — Best Free VPN App for Google Chrome
hide.me has both a pretty good free VPN app and a free Google Chrome extension. Its free app is one of my favorites — it offers unlimited bandwidth and provides access to servers in 8 countries. Its Chrome extension also offers unlimited data, but it only provides access to 3 servers in Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands. There’s also an Automatic setting that chooses the best server for you, but I don’t like that it doesn’t then show you what location you’re using.
I got pretty fast speeds using hide.me’s extension. While I was browsing, most websites loaded instantly, and HD videos loaded in just 2–3 seconds. However, it’s not as fast as ExpressVPN.
hide.me’s app is pretty intuitive to use. But I dislike how none of the settings in the extension have explanations, which can be confusing for people new to VPNs.
hide.me also provides decent security and privacy — it offers full leak protection and uses RAM-only servers and perfect forward secrecy. That said, its Chrome extension doesn’t encrypt your data — unlike CyberGhost VPN’s extension.
This provider’s free plan doesn’t support streaming, so you’ll have to upgrade to a premium plan to stream with hide.me.
Hide.me’s paid plans start at $2.39 / month. By upgrading to a premium plan, you get access to 2,300+ servers in 58 countries, streaming support, and more. All of its subscriptions are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
hide.me is a pretty good free VPN for Google Chrome. Both its app and Chrome extension are free and offer unlimited bandwidth – the only difference between them is that the app provides 8 server locations, while the extension only includes 3 server locations. Its paid version gets you access to all of its servers and streaming support. All subscriptions are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
5. Hotspot Shield — Great Google Chrome Extension With Cool Extras
Hotspot Shield’s Google Chrome extension comes with some great features, such as an ad and malware blocker, and Sword, which keeps your web activity private by feeding trackers fake information. It also comes with a decent free VPN app. However, only the free VPN app has unlimited data — the free extension limits you to 250 MB per day, though you can double it to 500 MB per day if you create a free account. Also, the free extension only lets you use a server in the US, while the free app lets you use servers in the US, UK, and Singapore.
This VPN caps your speeds but is still pretty fast — in my tests, sites took 3 seconds to load, and HD videos loaded in 4–5 seconds. That said, CyberGhost VPN and hide.me don’t cap speeds at all on their free plans.
Hotspot Shield provides decent security. It encrypts your data, has DNS leak protection, and uses perfect forward secrecy. However, it doesn’t use RAM-only servers. Also, I don’t like how its free plan might allow advertisers to access your data.
Hotspot Shield’s best value plan starts at $6.66 / month. Upgrading gets you access to 3,200+ servers in 85 countries, optimized servers for streaming and gaming, and more. All of its plans are backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Hotspot Shield has a free, feature-rich Chrome extension. It protects you from ads and malware and also prevents trackers from spying on you. It also has a decent free VPN app with unlimited data. Its premium plans give you access to more servers and streaming support. It backs all purchases with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Hotspot Shield review
Quick Comparison Table
Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
I followed our approved testing methodology for VPNs to make my list of the best free VPNs for Google Chrome. To make the cut, each VPN had to have a good free plan with strong security, a user-friendly Chrome extension, a decent data allowance, and more. Check out the exact criteria I used when making my list below:
- I only chose VPNs with a good Google Chrome extension. VPN extensions are lightweight and user-friendly, but they may offer less security and fewer features compared to full VPN apps, as they only protect browser activity instead of your entire internet traffic. ExpressVPN stands out by offering both outstanding apps and a highly secure Google Chrome extension, providing a comprehensive and secure browsing experience.
- I looked for strong security features. All the VPNs on this list include essential security features like military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, a no-logs policy (the VPN doesn’t log your online activity), or a kill switch, which disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops.
- I searched for VPNs with a large free server network. Many VPNs limit the server locations available to free users, which typically results in overloaded servers that slow your connection speeds. I only chose VPNs with multiple free locations on the app and/or Chrome extension. For example, the free version of hide.me provides connections to servers in 5+ countries.
- I selected VPNs with a high data cap. Many free VPNs limit how much data you can use per day or per month. CyberGhost VPN and hide.me both allow unlimited data on their free Chrome extensions.
- I only recommended VPNs with affordable premium plans. In case you ever want to upgrade to a paid plan, the VPNs on my list have reasonably priced premium plans and back all purchases with a money-back guarantee.
Risks & Disadvantages of Using a Free VPN
- Slow connection speeds. Many free VPNs limit your connection speeds on their app and Chrome extension. ExpressVPN doesn’t and is the fastest VPN on the market.
- Weak security. Free VPNs often lack essential security features, such as full leak protection or a kill switch, which could compromise your online anonymity. And some free Google Chrome extensions hide your IP address but don’t provide encryption.
- Poor privacy. Some free VPNs keep logs of your online activity, such as what websites you visit and what files you download. Then, they sell this information to advertisers, who use it to serve you targeted ads.
- Data caps. VPNs usually limit how much data free users can use per month or per day. CyberGhost VPN and hide.me, however, both allow unlimited data on their free Chrome extensions.
- Small server network. Most free VPNs offer a very limited selection of server locations. This means you could face overcrowded servers or be forced to connect to a distant server, both of which reduces your speeds. For example, Hotspot Shield only has 1 server location (the US), while CyberGhost VPN and hide.me offer 4 and 3 locations, respectively.
- No streaming support. Few VPNs allow you to stream on their free plans. Those that do often provide too little data, have very slow speeds, or don’t work with popular streaming services. None of the free Chrome extensions on my list support streaming.
Free vs. Paid VPNs for Google Chrome
The free VPNs I discuss here include essential security features like 256-bit AES encryption, which is the industry standard for data protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy to prevent the VPN from keeping records of your online activities. Some free VPNs even have advanced features like leak protection, RAM-only servers for better privacy, and perfect forward secrecy.
However, free VPNs typically fall short in other areas, especially when it comes to performance and extra features. Many of them limit bandwidth, resulting in throttled speeds that make browsing and streaming more difficult, or have data caps, which can be quickly used up with regular use. Additionally, free VPNs often lack good streaming or torrenting support.
For example, Hotspot Shield’s Chrome extension is free, but it limits you to 250 MB daily, while hide.me’s extension doesn’t have a data cap, but it doesn’t support streaming. Furthermore, Proton VPN doesn’t support streaming on the extension and doesn’t let you choose your server location. Finally, CyberGhost VPN only has 4 server locations to choose from.
Paid VPNs have unlimited bandwidth and higher speeds, making them much better for streaming and downloading. They also provide access to much larger server networks, which helps in finding the best possible connection. Moreover, premium VPNs have better security, and have extra perks like multiple simultaneous connections. Most importantly, they usually come with a money-back guarantee, allowing you to test their services risk-free.
Free VPNs for Google Chrome to Avoid
- AceVPN. AceVPN’s free plan is only available to bloggers, influencers, journalists, or similar professionals. Even if you qualify, you have to manually configure the VPN on your device, because it lacks native apps.
- TouchVPN. TouchVPN has a large server network, but it lacks many essential security features. It also has a restrictive 500 MB/day data cap, making it impractical for most online activities.
- Opera VPN. Opera VPN doesn’t have any advanced security or streaming support. What’s more, the free plan doesn’t secure any traffic outside of the Opera browser.
- Phone Guardian: Phone Guardian encrypts some data, it doesn’t change your IP address, and it doesn’t offer the typical security features of a VPN.
- Hola VPN: Hola VPN operates on a peer-to-peer basis, assigning users the IP addresses of other users instead of using a traditional server network. This is highly risky because it means someone could engage in illegal activities using your IP address.
- TurboVPN: TurboVPN hasn’t had any independent audits, and its no-logs policy isn’t well explained in its Privacy Policy.
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- Windscribe. Windscribe has a great free plan with 10 GB of data per month and even a free Chrome extension, but unfortunately, it may not be available for much longer since it “doesn’t follow best practices for Chrome extensions”, according to Google.
- TunnelBear. TunnelBear is an easy-to-use VPN that offers a free plan with unlimited connections and access to servers in 47 countries (including on the extension), but its Chrome extension doesn’t have any features or settings, and both the app and extension have a data cap of 2 GB per month.
- DroidVPN. DroidVPN is free to use, but it lacks a Chrome extension. Also, the free plan limits you to a measly 300 MB per day. What’s more, the VPN is missing a kill switch and leaks your DNS data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free VPN for Google Chrome?
Yes, there are some good free VPNs for Google Chrome. My top pick is CyberGhost VPN — its Chrome extension is 100% free, has no speed restrictions, offers unlimited data, and gives you access to 4 server locations (in the US, Romania, the Netherlands, and Germany). It also maintains fast speeds on both local and distant servers and has strong security features like leak protection, perfect forward secrecy, and RAM-only servers.
Does Google Chrome have a built-in VPN?
No, but you can install a great third-party VPN. I recommend getting ExpressVPN, which is the best overall VPN for Google Chrome in 2024. It has a really good Google Chrome extension, lightning-fast speeds, and some of the best security features in the industry. All of its plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out risk-free.
Are free VPNs safe?
Many free VPNs are pretty bad at protecting your privacy and security. This is because they’re often missing important security features. Additionally, some free VPNs keep logs of your online activity or IP address and sell this information to third parties, which may defeat the purpose of using a VPN in the first place.
I recommend getting an affordable premium VPN instead, like ExpressVPN. It has servers in 105 countries, blazing-fast speeds, top-of-the-line security features, and an excellent Google Chrome extension, which works with the provider’s VPN app to secure not only your browser’s traffic but all of the internet traffic on your device.
How do I use a VPN for Google Chrome?
Using a VPN on your Google Chrome browser is easy. First, sign up for a VPN with a good Google Chrome extension — I recommend ExpressVPN. Then, go to the Chrome Web Store and download its extension. Finally, open the extension and connect to a VPN server. You’re all set! Now, the VPN will protect all of your browser activity.
