7 Best Free VPN Extensions For Chrome In 2024

In today’s digital age, online privacy and security have become of paramount concern to Internet users around the world. With increasing threats of cyber attacks, data breaches, and government surveillance, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) has become essential. VPNs encrypt your Internet connection, ensuring that your online activities remain private and secure. While many VPN options are available, finding the best free VPN for Chrome can be difficult.

Today’s article aims to comprehensively analyze the top 7 free VPN extensions for Chrome browsers, highlighting their features, performance, and suitability for different needs. After reading this article completely, you will be able to choose the right free VPNs for you.

7 Best free VPNs for Chrome in 2024

Discover the Top Free VPNs for Chrome in 2024

ExpressVPN: Although not entirely free, it offers a premium experience with a trial period
NordVPN: Offers a free trial and is known for its reliability.
Surfshark: Provides secure and fast browsing.
Bitdefender VPN: A trustworthy choice for Chrome users.
Norton Secure VPN: Highly secure and free.
CyberGhost VPN: Known for its excellent speeds and unlimited data, it’s one of the best free VPN extensions for Google Chrome.
Windscribe: A feature-rich free Chrome extension.

1. ExpressVPN

Best Chrome VPN With Robust Security Features And Excellent Speeds

ExpressVPN: A top-tier VPN service.
ExpressVPN offers a 30-day free trial.
user-friendly and supports up to 8 devices.

making it suitable for torrenting, unblocking streaming services, and enhancing privacy by blocking online trackers.

ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension stands out for its comprehensive security features and exceptional performance. Unlike most free VPN extensions, ExpressVPN offers robust encryption, leak protection, and browser-focused features like HTTPS Everywhere. With a vast server network, it ensures reliable access to geo-restricted content without compromising speed.

Key Features:

Fully-equipped Chrome extension: Offers fast, secure browsing with encryption and leak protection.
Works With: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.
Free Version: No, but offers a free trial.
Data Cap: Unlimited.
Server Coverage: 3000 servers in 105 countries

Pros & Cons

Pros:

30-day free trial
Extensive server network for global access.
User-friendly Chrome extension
Unblocks restricted content
30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

Expensive subscription
No free version

Subscribe to ExpressVPN, add the extension to Chrome, and experience unrestricted browsing with robust security measures.

2. Surfshark VPN

Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial
30-day money-back guarantee.
unlimited simultaneous connections, it’s a family-friendly option.

Features

Free Version: No, but has a free trial.
Data Cap: Unlimited.
Server Coverage: 3200 servers in 100 countries.
Current Deal: Test Surfshark VPN for free for 7 days.

Benefits

Affordable subscription plans.
Easy-to-use Chrome extension with quick-connect functionality.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Free trial available
Generous money-back guarantee
Effective Chrome VPN
Unlimited simultaneous connections

Cons:

No completely free version
The cheapest subscription may have limited features

Obtaining and using Surfshark VPN for Chrome is simple. Subscribe, add the extension, and click ‘Quick-connect’ to start browsing securely.

3. CyberGhost

CyberGhost excels in providing optimized servers for streaming on Chrome, offering fast speeds and unlimited data. While it’s not entirely free, its Chrome browser extension provides access to a limited server network, making it a reliable choice for streaming enthusiasts.

Key Features:

Optimized streaming servers: Ensures seamless streaming of popular platforms like Netflix and Disney+.
Server Network: 11,690 servers in 100 countries.
Connection Speed: Most users won’t experience significant slowdowns.
Data Cap: Unlimited
Works With: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.
Free Trial: 45-day money-back guarantee.

CyberGhost is a reliable choice for unblocking websites.

Server Locations: CyberGhost offers free servers in Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and the United States. Additionally, they have paid servers across 58 countries.
Encryption Standards: The service uses robust 256-bit AES encryption.
Privacy: While CyberGhost logs connection attempts, it anonymizes them. Importantly, it doesn’t log your actual internet traffic or IP addresses.
Pricing: You can use the Chrome extension for free. Paid subscriptions start at $12.99 per month or $5.99 per month billed annually.

Behind the scenes, CyberGhost’s Chrome extension leverages the Ethereum blockchain, ensuring strong privacy. However, be aware that it’s not secure for accessing Flash content and may not effectively protect against webRTC leaks. Additionally, it’s not the best choice for unblocking streaming sites.

4. NordVPN

NordVPN is a secure and reliable option, offering a 7-day free trial with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Its extensive network comprises over 6100 servers across 67 countries, ensuring optimal connectivity.

Features of

Free Version: No, but includes a free trial.
Data Cap: Unlimited.
Server Coverage: 6100 servers in 67 countries.
Current Deal: Try NordVPN for free for 7 days.

Benefits

Secure connectivity, ideal for public Wi-Fi usage.
No user data logging ensures anonymity.
Straightforward Chrome extension installation process.

Pros:

6 simultaneous connections
Extensions for Chrome, Opera, and other browsers
Free trial available
30-day money-back guarantee
User-friendly interface
No data logging

Cons:

No completely free version

Installing the NordVPN Chrome extension is a breeze. Simply download NordVPN, add it to Chrome from the web store, and log in to your account.

5. Bitdefender VPN: Secure Free Version Chrome VPN

Bitdefender VPN earns its spot with a time-unlimited free version and robust privacy features. Despite lacking a Chrome extension, its cybersecurity prowess is commendable.

Features

Free Version: Yes.
Data Cap: Unlimited.
Server Coverage: 4000 servers in 53 countries.
Current Deal: Get up to 43% OFF Bitdefender VPN.

Benefits

Strong security measures, including AES-256 encryption.
Fast connection speeds with WireGuard protocol.
Bundled with top-tier antivirus options.

Bitdefender VPN: This VPN service offers a 30-day free trial along with Norton 360 antivirus. While it lacks a dedicated Chrome extension, you can still use it as an app on various devices. Additionally, consider downloading the Norton Safe Search Enhanced Chrome extension, which provides comprehensive web security features similar to a VPN.

Pricing options:

30-day free trial with Norton 360 antivirus.
Norton Secure VPN subscription starts from $2.49/month.

Pros:

Long free trial
Highly secure VPN
Integration with Norton 360 antivirus
Easy installation and usage

Cons:

No dedicated Chrome extension
No free version

Read More…

6. Norton Secure VPN

This VPN service offers a 30-day free trial along with Norton 360 antivirus. While it lacks a dedicated Chrome extension, you can still use it as an app on various devices. Additionally, consider downloading the Norton Safe Search Enhanced Chrome extension, which provides comprehensive web security features similar to a VPN.

Pricing:

30-day free trial with Norton 360 antivirus.
Norton Secure VPN subscription starts from $2.49/month.

Pros:

Long free trial
Highly secure VPN
Integration with Norton 360 antivirus
Easy installation and usage

Cons:

No dedicated Chrome extension
No free version

7. Windscribe: Versatile Server Locations

Windscribe offers a range of server locations to suit your needs:

Free Server Locations: These include the US, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and the UK.
Paid Server Locations: For those seeking a broader global reach, Windscribe provides dedicated “Windflix” servers designed specifically to unblock Netflix.

Key Features:

Encryption Standards: Windscribe employs robust 256-bit AES encryption.
Privacy: While it collects connection logs, it does not track your traffic or IP addresses.
Connection Speed: Keep in mind that distant servers may exhibit noticeable lag.
Pricing: Windscribe offers freemium plans, and paid subscriptions start at $9 per month or $4.08 per month billed annually.

How It Works:

Installation: Install Windscribe and sign up.
Automatic Connection: Upon creating your free account, you’re instantly connected.
Data Optimization: Windscribe maximizes your 2GB of free data. By default, it uses “Cruise Control,” which conserves your data until you encounter a blocked website. When that happens, Windscribe activates itself, selecting the appropriate server location for access.

Netflix-Friendly Custom Servers: Windscribe’s tailored servers work seamlessly with Netflix. This VPN is an excellent choice if your main goal is accessing different Netflix regions.

Blocked Websites and VPNs: Websites like YouTube and Netflix continually challenge VPN users. If you frequently unblock content or need to bypass particularly VPN-resistant sites, consider opting for a paid VPN service.

Conclusion

Opting for a free, or more accurately, a freemium VPN is certainly a superior choice compared to not using a VPN at all. Such a VPN can enhance your online security by encrypting your data and offering additional features like a kill switch or an ad blocker.

Choosing the right free VPN for Chrome depends on personal preferences and needs. If security and reliability are paramount, it is worth investing in a paid VPN. However, free VPNs can meet your basic needs if you are on a limited budget and are willing to compromise on some features.

In the area of online security, it is important to make informed decisions. Evaluate your needs and carefully consider the pros and cons before choosing the VPN that best matches your needs in The 7 Best Free VPN Extensions for chrome we’ve outlined.

Free vs. Paid VPNs: What You Need to Know

When it comes to VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), there are two main categories

Paid VPNs:

These are subscription-based services. They maintain their servers, employ staff, and incur various operational costs to provide you with a secure VPN experience. In other words, you pay for the peace of mind that comes with robust privacy and security features. If safeguarding your data is a top priority, consider opting for a paid VPN. One highly recommended choice is ExpressVPN.

Free VPNs:

These services don’t charge a monthly fee, but they still need to sustain themselves. How do they manage it? Well, some free VPNs monetize by selling your browsing data to third parties. Others bombard you with ads, which can be annoying and even risky if those ads contain malware. Additionally, some free VPNs are essentially lite versions of their paid counterparts.

In a nutshell, invest in a paid VPN if privacy and security are paramount. But if you’re just looking to bypass site restrictions without spending a dime, explore the free options with caution.

How to Choosing the Best Free VPN Extensions for Chrome

Selecting the right free VPN for Chrome can be crucial. Here’s a checklist of essential features to consider, ensuring you make an informed decision. I’ve personally verified that all the VPNs listed here meet these criteria:

Risk-free Trial

You shouldn’t feel compelled to commit to a subscription right away for a free VPN. The VPNs in this list are either completely free or offer a reliable money-back guarantee.

Advanced Security and Privacy Features

All VPNs here provide essential security features and uphold strict no-logs policies. It’s worth noting that using a VPN app generally offers more security than a Chrome extension since most extensions function as proxies. A rare exception is ExpressVPN’s extension, which acts as a remote control for the full app, ensuring all your traffic is protected, not just Chrome.

Fast Speeds and Sufficient Data

To browse seamlessly on Chrome, look for a VPN with good speeds and ample data. I’ve checked data limits and conducted speed tests to ensure uninterrupted browsing.

Chrome Compatibility

Every VPN listed offers native apps for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android, and most also have a Chrome browser extension. If you’re using ChromeOS, ensure the VPN’s Android version is compatible.

Reliable Customer Support

In case of queries or issues, prompt assistance is vital. While most free VPNs lack 24/7 live chat support, all listed here offer customer support or extensive knowledge bases.

Free Chrome VPNs to Avoid

Certain free VPNs are unsafe and should be avoided. They may compromise data privacy or contain malicious software:

Hola: Not a VPN but a P2P network, Hola shares user IP addresses with others, potentially leading to legal consequences. It logs browsing data and shares it with third parties.
CrossVPN: This VPN logs personal data and tests positive for malware.
Others to Avoid: Stealth VPN, Totally Free VPN, DotVPN, FreeVPN, OkVPN, EasyVPN, SuperVPN, ArchieVPN, HatVPN, sFly Network Booster, One Click VPN, Fast Secure Payment, BetternetVPN, TurboVPN.

How to Set Up a Chrome VPN in 3 Easy Steps

Setting up a Chrome VPN is straightforward:

Download a VPN: ExpressVPN is recommended for its robust security, extensive server network, and Chrome extension.
Connect to a Server: Opt for a nearby server for optimal speeds.
Start Browsing: Your online activity is now protected across Chrome and other web-based apps.

FAQs

Are free VPNs for Chrome safe to use?

While free VPNs offer basic security features, they may not provide the same level of protection as premium services. It’s essential to research and choose reputable providers with strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy.

Will a free VPN for Chrome slow down browsing speed?

Yes, all VPNs induce some speed reduction due to data relays through remote servers. While free VPNs may cause more significant slowdowns due to server limitations, those listed here maintain speeds above 10Mbps for smooth browsing.

Can I use free VPNs for Chrome on multiple devices?

Most free VPNs limit simultaneous connections, typically allowing usage on one device at a time. Users should review the provider’s terms of service to understand device limitations.

Can I stream content using free VPNs for Chrome?

Some free VPNs offer streaming-optimized servers, but their performance may vary. It’s recommended to opt for premium services if streaming high-quality content is a priority.

What is the best free VPN for Netflix on Google Chrome?

Unfortunately, none of the 100% free VPNs consistently work with Netflix. While a few allow limited Netflix access, they’re unreliable due to data caps. Premium VPNs offer more reliable streaming options across various platforms without speed or data limitations.