Best Free VPNs for Chrome in 2024

Google Chrome, while popular, is riddled with security flaws that could inadvertently expose your identity to other internet users.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) protects your internet connection by encasing it in a “tunnel” of encryption, keeping your online activities from being tracked and monitored by third-party bad boys, such as hackers, the government, and even your own Internet Service Provider.

How Does a VPN Help Protect My Chrome Activities?

While outside observers may be able to detect that you’re connected to a VPN (and there are ways around that), they won’t be able to track your actual online travels while you’re connected to the VPN.

In addition to keeping your online activities under the radar, a VPN also has the ability to make it look as if you’re connecting from another geographical location. It does this by assigning your device a fresh IP address.

This makes it appear as if you’re connecting from another part of the world, granting you access to geo-controlled content that might normally be inaccessible in your area.

There are hundreds (at least) of VPNs that offer services for Chrome-compatible device platforms. Included among these VPN providers are numerous “free” VPNs.

Are Free VPNs “Worth It”?

Sure, free VPNs are attractive, mostly due to that “free” part. However, are free VPNs really free? Or, are there hidden costs and other “gotchas”?

You’ll find that free VPNs are far from private. Some freebie VPNs have been caught inserting cookies and ads into their customers’ browsing sessions, while others will track your online travels and sell the information to the highest bidder. Also, when you use a free VPN, you’ll find that your server selection is greatly lacking, as are the provider’s download speeds.

In this article, I’ll tell you about the “free” VPNs available for use with Chrome. I’ll also share how you can get free VPN service from a reliable paid VPN provider, which comes in particularly handy for those who are looking for short-term VPN protection.

Below, I discuss the top seven VPNs for use with Chrome and how to give their features a try for free. It should be noted that browser extensions, such as those offered by most of these providers, only protect your browser-based activities. The rest of the apps and services on your device will use a normal and unprotected connection to the internet.

How to Use a VPN With Chrome

To protect your Chrome browsing with a VPN, do the following:

1. Subscribe to your VPN provider of choice (NordVPN is my #1).
2. Install the provider’s app on your favorite device. You can also install a Chrome browser extension (when available) to provide quick protection for your browsing sessions. (CyberGhost offers a free browser extension.)
3. Log in to the VPN.
4. Select a VPN server and connect to it.
5. Enjoy your newly protected and enhanced web browsing.

WANT TO TRY A RELIABLE VPN RISK-FREE?

Each of the VPNs on this list offer risk-free trials that allow using them with no restrictions for at least a month. (Note: You do have to pay upfront for these VPNs.) This provides an excellent way to try any of the VPN providers with no risk whatsoever, as you can get your money refunded any time before the free trial period runs out.

Best “Free” VPNs for Chrome

While I do testing on multiple browser platforms, Chrome is my daily-driver browser. This means much of the testing I did was performed during my normal work day. The seven providers listed below offered the best risk-free VPN service for Chrome:

1. NordVPN: #1 “free” VPN for Chrome. This top provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on its comprehensive VPN services. The provider’s reliable online security and privacy protections, large global server network, reliable app support, Chrome extension, fast speeds, and much more, add up to an excellent way to protect your Chrome browsing.
2. Surfshark: Best VPN for users on a budget. This provider offers a fast-growing global server network that provides well-protected connections to geo-fenced content, reliable apps, and a Chrome extension, fast download speeds, and more. Offers a 30-day, risk-free money-back trial period.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium VPN protection. This premium VPN provider offers top-notch online security and protection for an admittedly premium price. A 30-day money-back guarantee allows plenty of time to try out the provider’s fast connections, excellent apps and Chrome compatibility, top-notch online security and privacy, and large server network.
4. CyberGhost: Good option for rookie VPN users. CyberGhost should prove to be an attractive option for less-experienced VPN users. The easy-to-use VPN provider offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, providing more than enough time to try out the provider’s impressive global server network, easy-to-use apps, and FREE Chrome extension, and top-notch online security and privacy.
5. Private Internet Access: Reliable VPN protection for Chrome. PIA provides excellent online protection via its mid-sized global server network, which also provides access to geo-controlled online content. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
6. PrivateVPN: Small but powerful VPN. This provider’s network is admittedly rather small. However, it has quickly gained a reputation for offering fast, well-protected, and reliable connections, with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can give it a trial.
7. Atlas VPN: Unlimited protection for Chrome. You and your group can protect as many Chrome-compatible connected devices as you’d all like, thanks to Atlas VPN’s unlimited simultaneous connections policy. 30-day money-back guarantee available.

I understand that finding the right VPN provider can be slightly confusing and laborious. That’s why I have carried out extensive research to find the best VPNs in the business. I evaluated and ranked the VPNs on this list using the following criteria:

• Risk-free money-back guarantee
• Apps for Chrome-compatible platforms
• Bonus for Chrome browser extension
• Security and privacy protections
• Fast, no-data-cap connections
• Global server network
• Customer support offerings

Want to find out more about the criteria I used? Scroll down the page to the methodology testing section for some extra information.

So, without further ado, here are the top seven “free” VPNs to use with Chrome:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN sits at the top of this list thanks to the provider’s reliable compatibility with Chrome, as well as its top-notch online security and privacy features.

The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of time to sample the VPN’s wares.

NordVPN offers Windows, macOS (includes native support for M1/M2 Macs), iOS, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire, Chromebook, and Linux apps that offer connections protected using AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, as well as a kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection. The provider can also block malware and ads, while offering an obfuscated server option to disguise your VPN traffic as normal browser activity.

In addition to native apps, the provider offers a Chrome browser extension that protects your web browsing. (Edge and Firefox extensions are also available if that’s how you roll.) The provider also works well with a variety of routers.

Up to six devices can concurrently connect to the provider’s servers on a single set of login credentials.

All NordVPN-provided connections are protected by government-grade encryption. In addition, the provider keeps your activities from being inadvertently exposed, thanks to kill switch protection. IP/DNS leak prevention is also available.

A strict no-server-logs-ever policy and Bitcoin payment option should ease most privacy concerns that you might have.

Plus, NordVPN’s owned-and-operated servers mean there is no need for third-party contractors, meaning they won’t have access to your personal information. The provider also runs all servers 100% from RAM, with no data ever being written to a physical hard drive. This ensures that all data is completely and securely wiped when a server is shutdown or restarted.

The provider delivers fast download speeds, scoring top five speeds in recent VPN connection speeds testing. The provider doesn’t break a sweat in providing enough bandwidth for all of your favorite online activities, including streaming, gaming, and file sharing. No bandwidth throttling or data caps to worry about with this provider.

NordVPN’s global server coverage boasts 5,500+ servers in close to 60 countries.

Its always-available customer support includes various options, including email support, 24/7 live chat, and a searchable support library.

THE BEST “FREE” CHROME VPN:NordVPN provides top-notch VPN protection for all of your Chrome browsing at a reasonable price. The VPN service delivers super-fast connections that are well protected. Excellent privacy protections and comprehensive customer support add to the value. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark customers are not only well-protected when it comes to their browsing activities, but are also covered with a 30-day money-back guarantee on all Surfshark service options. The provider offers bargain-priced subscription options as well.

In addition to a Chrome (and Edge and Firefox) browser extension, the provider offers apps for the Android, Amazon Fire TV, iOS, macOS (with native Apple Silicon support), Linux, and Windows device platforms. Depending on the version of Chromebook you own, its Android app may also work. The provider’s services are also compatible with numerous router makes and models.

An unlimited simultaneous connection allowance means that you’ll always have protection available for all of your connected devices.

Surfshark’s connection protection includes government-grade AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. The provider’s MultiHop feature can route a user’s internet connection through a duo of VPN servers for doubled encryption and anonymity.

On the privacy end of things, a strict no-server-logs policy and a cryptocurrency payment option have things covered.

The provider’s download speeds provide plenty of oomph for all of your favorite online activities, with no data cap or bandwidth limitation to be found.

While Surfshark had a tiny global server network just a short while back, that’s no longer a problem, as the Surfshark network now boasts over 3,200 servers in approximately 95 countries around the globe.

Surfshark also offers additional protective services, including truly private search, antivirus, and data breach alerts.

Customer support is an always-available kind of thing, with a 24/7 live chat option, a searchable support library and FAQ section, and a contact form.

BEST FOR BUDGET-MINDED CHROME USERS:Surfshark’s bargain-basement pricing makes it an attractive VPN option for budget-minded Chrome users. There are fast connections and top-notch online security and privacy features, as well as an unlimited simultaneous connections allowance. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all of its subscription plans.

Chromebook, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire, macOS (with native support for M1/M2 Macs), iOS, Linux, and Windows apps all make the scene at ExpressVPN. The provider’s apps and its Chrome browser extension all offer a “Smart Location” feature that allows you to connect quickly to the best-performing VPN server in your region. The provider also offers extensions for the Edge and Firefox browsers.

Extensive router compatibility is available if the provider’s somewhat low five concurrent connections aren’t enough for your needs.

ExpressVPN’s government-grade AES 256-bit encryption, IP/DNS leak, and automatic kill switch protection work together to keep your online activities incognito. The service’s strict no-logs policy and a Bitcoin subscription payment option helps keep your privacy protected.

In addition to all of the above, the provider’s proprietary “TrustedServer” technology runs all VPN server operations from RAM, never writing any data to a physical hard drive. This means that all information is wiped from the server whenever it is rebooted.

ExpressVPN’s connections are blazingly-fast, scoring in the top five in my most recent testing, making it an excellent choice for streaming, gaming, and file sharing. Unlimited bandwidth and no data caps make it easy to enjoy your favorite online pastimes all month long.

The provider boasts an impressive global server network of 3,000+ servers located in 94+ countries.

Customer support is always there when you need it, with a 24/7 live chat option, email support, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a searchable support library.

RELIABLE “FREE” VPN PROTECTION FOR CHROME:ExpressVPN offers somewhat expensive, but comprehensive VPN protection for your Chrome-based browsing. The provider’s easy-to-use apps and browser extension, fast connections, strong encryption, and excellent privacy protections make it worth a try. A 30-day money-back guarantee takes the risk out of checking the provider out.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee on its 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year subscriptions, but those who opt for a monthly commitment will have only 14 days to ask for a refund.

This provider is an excellent option for users who are new to VPN use. CyberGhost’s apps are easy to install and use, and it has all Chrome browser platforms covered. Android, Android TV, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, macOS, and Linux apps are available.

Plus, CyberGhost offers a free Chrome browser extension, although the provider allows access to only eight servers in four countries, and doesn’t provide reliable access to Netflix and other streaming services. A Firefox extension is also available.

Up to seven devices can concurrently connect on a single CyberGhost account. Users who require more connections than that can take advantage of the provider’s excellent router features.

The provider protects its customers’ connections with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and IP/DNS leak prevention. In addition, ad and malware blocking is available, as is the ability to force websites to serve up secure versions of their pages if available.

A strict no-log-collection policy and Bitcoin payment option for subscriptions have things covered on the privacy end of things.

Not only are CyberGhost connections well-protected, but they are also fast. The provider’s download speeds can easily handle streaming audio and video, sharing files, and any other popular online activity. No data caps or bandwidth restrictions with this provider.

CyberGhost has a HUGE global server network, boasting 8,900+ servers stationed in 90+ countries around the globe. Some of those servers are optimized for streaming and file sharing.

In addition to quality VPN protection, CyberGhost offers additional protective features, including Windows virus and malware protection, warnings when your email address is exposed in a data breach, a password manager, and more.

Support options include 24/7 live chat, a searchable support library, and a trouble ticket tracking system.

EASY-TO-USE FREE CHROME EXTENSION:CyberGhost’s easy-to-use yet powerful app offerings and free Chrome browser extension make it a valid option for first-time VPN users. Fast, well-protected connections offer easy access to geo-controlled content via its impressive global server network. A no-risk, 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) provides comprehensive protection for Chrome browsers, along with other browser and device platforms.

The provider’s global service network boasts 3,300+ servers stationed in more than 80 countries. Well-protected access to geo-controlled content from most areas of the globe is the rule here.

In addition to Chrome extensions, Opera and Firefox browser extensions are also available from the provider. Native app support includes offerings for the Android, Android TV, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux device platforms. Compatibility with multiple router makes and models are also available.

Users can connect up to 10 devices at once to PIA servers.

While PIA’s connection speeds are certainly not the fastest around, the connections provide more than enough bandwidth for your favorite online activities. No data caps or bandwidth throttling to deal with here.

Banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention, and kill switch protection keep your online antics incognito. Ad, tracker, malware, and malicious site blocking are also available.

PIA servers run 100% user log free, and the provider also accepts Bitcoin as subscription payment, protecting both your usage and payment privacy.

Live support chat, a trouble ticket tracking form, and a searchable support database have you covered in your time of need.

RELIABLE CHROME VPN PROTECTION:Private Internet Access offers reliable protection for Chrome browser users, as well as protecting other browsers and devices. The provider’s connection protection keeps all of your browsing undercover. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN’s admittedly small server network punches above its weight, providing comprehensive protection for all of your browser-related activities.

The provider delivers above-average connection speeds, easily handling your favorite online browsing. Data caps and bandwidth throttling are not an issue here.

The provider’s server count is admittedly a bit lacking (200+ servers well-distributed among 60+ countries). However, it does reliably unlock content in the countries where it has servers.

While the provider does not offer browser extensions for Chrome or any other browsers, it does offer apps for the macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android platforms, which are all Chrome browser-compatible platforms. Excellent router features are available to protect all of your connected devices. Up to 10 simultaneous connections are allowed.

Banking-grade encryption protects all PrivateVPN-provided connections, along with a kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection. A “Stealth VPN” feature keeps your VPN usage undercover by disguising it as normal browser traffic.

PrivateVPN saves no user logs of any kind, and they also accept Bitcoin, scoring well in the privacy protections column.

Customer support options include live chat and a “Contact Us” form. While an FAQ section is available, it isn’t searchable.

GREAT CONNECTION SPEEDS:PrivateVPN’s small but powerful server network offers fast connections that are well-protected from outsiders. This provider also offers multiple options for advanced users. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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7. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN’s fast, well-protected connections make it a hit with Chrome browser users, even though it lacks any browser extensions.

The provider’s global server network is on the small side, with a mere 750+ servers spread thinly around 40+ countries. That said, the network provides reliable access to geo-controlled content.

Atlas VPN provides connections with speeds measuring in the top 10 in my latest connection speed tests, meaning you’ll have no worries about data caps or bandwidth limitations shutting you down when using this provider.

Banking-grade encryption, kill switch protection, IP/DNS leak prevention, and other protective features keep your online activities incognito. The provider’s Safebrowse and Safebrowse Plus features block online perils and pesky ads.

All Atlas VPN servers are 100% user log free, so there are no records of your online travels to come back and bite you later. Unfortunately, cryptocurrency users will need to look elsewhere for VPN protection.

Unfortunately, browser extensions are currently unavailable. The provider also is missing Linux and router support. Native app support is available for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows devices. The provider says the missing features are currently under development.

The provider puts no limit on the number of devices that a user can connect to Atlas VPN’s servers at once.

Live agent chat is available. Unfortunately, access is limited to paying customers. However, email, a contact form, and a support library are available to all users.

UNLIMITED VPN PROTECTION:Atlas VPN provides unlimited access to protected connections to content in many areas of the globe. Comprehensive online protection for an unlimited number of devices is provided. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Atlas VPN.

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Methodology for Assessing “Free” VPNs for Google Chrome

Users looking for reliable protection for their Google Chrome browsing sessions will soon find that not every VPN provider will offer the necessary features.

The critical features of VPN providers that merit consideration include:

• Ease of use: Easy-to-use VPN apps allow users to quickly connect to a VPN server and start browsing in Chrome. Ideally, a provider will offer a Chrome browser extension. However, as long as app support is available for your device, you’ll be covered. The VPNs on my list offer easy-to-use apps for popular devices.
• Connection speed: Fast connections are a must for a truly enjoyable browsing experience. Slow connections can lead to long loading times, long buffering when streaming, and other irritating issues. I test VPN connection speed on a regular basis, to ensure that each VPN on my list offers fast download speeds.
• Streaming access: Reliable access to geo-fenced streaming content is a must for an enjoyable streaming experience. The VPNs on this list offer reliable access to Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Twitch, and many other streamers.
• Global server network: A large global server network is an advantage, no matter what online activity you enjoy. It’s a definite plus if the provider has a large number of servers stationed in a single country, as that helps prevent a single server from being slowed by too many users connecting to it at once.
• Value: A VPN’s cost shouldn’t be out of line with the services it offers. All of the VPNs I include on my lists offer an excellent return on investment.
• Security and privacy: A VPN should offer (at the very least) banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. None of the providers on my list save server logs linked to your online activities.

While the list above seems extensive, my research doesn’t end here. The list above includes only some of the features that I consider during my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. My data-driven approach provides a better understanding of VPNs and their services. This allows me to recommend only VPNs that are a good fit for my readers’ online activities.

Is a Truly Free VPN a Good Option for Use With Chrome?

You’ll find that absolutely “free” VPNs have plenty of hidden costs and drawbacks.

Many free VPNs offer limited device support, and this includes Chrome browser extensions. Make sure to check on this if you prefer using a browser extension to protect your Chrome sessions.

Even a free VPN has to make money to pay salaries and keep the lights on. Many freebie providers will do this by logging their users’ online activities and then selling that information to advertisers or other nosy parties.

Other free providers have been caught inserting unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browsing sessions. (And those naughty cookies will keep on tracking your online activities, even if you are disconnected from the VPN’s network.)

You’ll also find that free VPNs are incredibly inconvenient to use.

First off, you could be forced to cool your virtual heels for a while before being allowed to connect to a free provider’s server network. Then, you’ll likely be faced with a tiny selection of servers, or find that you are automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choice.

Once you’re allowed to connect, you’ll find that your connection speeds have been greatly slowed, and your data usage is limited, thanks to daily or monthly caps.

As you can see, truly free VPNs have plenty of hidden costs that can in the long run end up costing you more than the few bucks you’ll spend on a paid VPN. On a budget? Find yourself a cheap VPN from my list.

Conclusion

Chrome users who are considering a “free” VPN provider are strongly advised to consider the hidden costs of “free” services.

All of the Virtual Private Network providers in this article offer a risk-free money-back guarantee that ensures you’ll have a no-risk opportunity to try all of these VPNs.

A quality paid VPN provider protects your online activities from being monitored and recorded, keeps no logs of any kind, and never injects unwanted tracking cookies or ads into your browser sessions. Quality VPNs also provide reliable access to geo-hemmed content around the globe, while providing fast download speeds.

Chrome users are urged to investigate all that NordVPN offers. The provider offers fast, well-protected connections from a large global server network, providing reliable access to your favorite geo-fenced content from around the world for all of your Chrome-compatible devices. In addition to impressive native app support, the provider also offers a Chrome browser extension.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.

Free VPNs for Chrome FAQs