Updated on: April 11, 2024
Only 3 Steps (Quick + Easy) to Access Google Search Labs from Anywhere in 2024:
- Step 1: Download and install a VPN. ExpressVPN is my top pick thanks to its 20+ server locations in the US, fast connection speeds, advanced security features, and risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Step 2: Connect to a VPN server. Since Google Search Labs is only available in the US, make sure you’re connecting to a US server; otherwise, you won’t be able to access it.
- Step 3: Log into Google Search Labs. Type in your user information, and you’ll be ready to test experimental Google features!
Google Search Labs lets users test new Google features like generative AI in search, coding tips, an “Add to Sheets” function, and more, but it’s US-only. The company uses geo-blocking to prevent access from outside of the US, which can be a problem when traveling.
Fortunately, the easy solution is to use a VPN. A VPN masks your IP address and gives you a new one from a different location. By connecting to a US server, Google Search Labs will believe that you’re really in the US.
That said, not all VPNs are created equal. Unfortunately, not all VPNs work with Google Search Labs, and many that do have other drawbacks such as slow speeds, low-quality apps or user interfaces, and poor security/privacy features.
I tested dozens of VPNs to find the best ones for accessing Google Search Labs. My favorite is ExpressVPN, as it works with Google Search Labs 100% of the time, has lightning-fast speeds, provides access to 20+ US servers, offers great security features, and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NOTE: Access to Google Search Labs may be restricted in your current location. Before accessing Google Search Labs, please ensure it’s legal to use Google Search Labs in your region and that you’re following all relevant local laws and regulations. Click here to find out where Google Search Labs is available.
How to Access Google Search Labs on Any Device
Windows PC or Mac Computer
- Select a VPN that ensures access to Google Search Labs. I recommend ExpressVPN due to its user-friendly apps and lightning-fast speeds.
- Download and install the VPN’s desktop app. Simply follow the on-screen instructions, choose your start-up settings, and you’ll be set up within a few minutes.
- Launch the app, choose a US server, and visit Google Search Labs. Once connected, click the Labs icon in the Chrome desktop app.
iPhone or iPad
- Choose a VPN compatible with Google Search Labs and iOS. I recommend ExpressVPN, as its iOS app is really user-friendly.
- Download and set up the VPN app. Search for the app in the Apple store and download it. Then make an account.
- Connect to a US server and navigate to Google Search Labs. Open up the Google app and sign up for the Google Search Labs waitlist.
Android Smartphone or Tablet
- Pick a VPN known for working with Google services. ExpressVPN’s large server network, unmatched security features, and fast browsing speeds for Android make it my top pick.
- Install the VPN app. Use the Google Play Store to download ExpressVPN and set up the app by following the instructions.
- Select a US server and go to Google Search Labs: With your VPN on, open up the Google App and click the Labs icon to sign up for the waitlist.
Best VPNs for Accessing Google Search Labs in 2024
Quick summary of the best VPNs for accessing Google Search Labs in 2024:
- 🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best overall VPN for accessing Google Search Labs (fastest speeds & great security).
- 🥈2. Private Internet Access — Secure VPN with an excellent ad and malicious website blocker for Google Search Labs.
- 🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — User-friendly VPN for Google Search Labs with great automation options.
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Accessing Google Search Labs in 2024
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for accessing Google Search Labs. You can easily connect to a US server and start using Google Search Labs — it works 100% of the time. Plus, it has great security and privacy features, lightning-fast speeds, user-friendly apps, and more.
I really enjoyed using ExpressVPN’s desktop and mobile apps. Whether you’re accessing it on a desktop or a mobile device, its intuitive interface makes it easy to connect to a US server and use Google Search Labs. You can set favorites, see your most recent connections, and more. My favorite feature is Shortcuts, which I tested by setting up a shortcut to my Google Chrome app, so I could instantly access Google Search Labs when I connected to a server.
I also like ExpressVPN Keys (a password manager) and Threat Manager. The former protects all of your Google log-ins and passwords while browsing with Google Search Labs, while the latter secures your browsing activities by blocking access to malicious sites and trackers.
ExpressVPN’s plans start at $6.67 / month, which is a little pricier than other options but well worth the value it provides. Plus, you can try it out risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access — Excellent Ad Blocker for Safe Browsing With Google Search Labs
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a secure VPN for browsing with Google Search Labs. I particularly liked its built-in ad blocker, PIA MACE — it’s the best one on the market. On top of removing annoying ads and pop-ups, it even blocks malware-ridden websites, preventing you from accidentally accessing a fake and malicious website when using Google Search Labs while browsing.
PIA also has dedicated IPs, which can greatly improve your browsing experience since you won’t have to complete so many reCAPTCHA’s while surfing the web with Google Search Labs — they’re available in 8+ US states, including New York, Chicago, Texas, and California.
PIA is one of my favorite VPNs for browsing on mobile devices using Google Search Labs. Its Android and iOS apps are really intuitive and easy to use, but they also offer a ton of customization options. I like how easy they make it to search for a specific US state (it has a server location in every single one).
Private Internet Access’s plans are affordable ($2.03 / month) and come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Private Internet Access review
🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — User-friendly VPN for Google Search Labs With Automations
CyberGhost VPN is a particularly user-friendly VPN. It has plenty of different automation options that are really useful for using Google Search Labs. For example, I set up the VPN to automatically open my Google Chrome app once I connect to a server. Or, you could ask the VPN to automatically connect to a US server when you open the Chrome browser, so you can use Google Search Labs automatically.
CyberGhost is a fast VPN with 10+ US server locations to choose from. When I tested it, I was able to navigate to the Google Search Labs website and try out some experimental features.
CyberGhost VPN’s plans start at $2.03 / month. Long-term plans have a 45-day money-back guarantee, while the monthly plans come with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost VPN review
Comparison of the Best VPNs for Accessing Google Search Labs in 2024
How to Choose the Best VPN for Accessing Google Search Labs in 2024
- Ensure the VPN provides consistent access to Google Search Labs. Google, with its advanced infrastructure, can often detect and block many VPNs. Look for options like ExpressVPN that work reliably with Google Search Labs from anywhere.
- Find VPNs with fast connection speeds. All VPNs will somewhat affect your internet speed due to their encryption methods. However, the best ones will hardly be noticeable. Each VPN on my list is able to maintain fast speeds.
- Look for VPNs that are user-friendly. Look for an intuitive design coupled with easy navigation to make using your VPN simple.
- Choose a VPN with great security and privacy. Browsing the web is usually safe, but your activities should still be secure and private. I only chose VPNs with essential security features like leak protection, a no-logs policy, 256-bit AES encryption (military-grade), and a kill switch that disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops to protect your data.
- Consider the overall value. You should always compare plans and VPNs to find one that offers a good balance of features and price. The VPNs I recommend all have affordable plans, extra features like ad blockers and password managers, and money-back guarantees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Google Search Labs available?
Unfortunately, Google Search Labs is only available in the US. There’s currently no information on whether Google plans on extending the availability to other countries in the future. So, if you travel outside of the US, you’ll need to use a quality VPN to connect to a server in the States to access Google Search Labs.
Will a free VPN work for accessing Google Search Labs?
Some may work, but I don’t recommend using a free VPN. Most free VPNs have serious drawbacks compared to premium options like ExpressVPN. Most free VPNs will struggle with bypassing Google’s security infrastructure, won’t have very good speeds, may limit your data usage, and lack important security features like a no-logs policy and a kill switch.
What is the best VPN for accessing Google Search Labs?
ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN for accessing Google Search Labs from anywhere. It has plenty of server options in the US, works with Google Search Labs all the time, has user-friendly apps, offers excellent security and privacy options for browsing the web, and has really great speeds. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Why can’t I access Google Search Labs from abroad?
Google uses geo-blocks to prevent people outside the US from accessing it. Like many tech companies, Google often rolls out new services like Search Labs in specific regions before making them globally available. To make sure they’re kept region-locked, they use geo-blocking technology, which can’t be beaten without a top VPN.
This is usually due to a variety of reasons ranging from regional testing, licensing agreements, or regulatory considerations. Using a VPN can help you bypass these geographical restrictions, regardless of why they’re in place, while you travel internationally.
