Best VPNs for Microsoft Edge Browser

Edge is a relatively new browser that Microsoft launched in 2015 on Windows 10 and the Xbox One. Subsequently, in 2017, Microsoft released the browser for mobile platforms iOS and Android.

As of November 2020, stats from Net Market Share show that Microsoft Edge is currently the 2nd most popular browser, with a market share of 9.71%.

If you’re a fan of Microsoft Edge and use it for browsing online, you may be considering using a VPN alongside the browser.

VPNs have many benefits, such as offering greater privacy, unblocking restricted streaming sites from anywhere in the world (such as Netflix or BBC iPlayer), and stopping Microsoft and others online from tracking your online activity.

In this article, I’ll be sharing information about and reviewing the 6 top VPNs for use with the Microsoft Edge browser.

How to Use a VPN With Microsoft Edge

To use a VPN with Microsoft Edge, follow the simple steps outlined below.

1. Sign up with a VPN provider that can offer strong security features, such as top-level encryption and a no-logs policy. I’ve rated NordVPN as the best VPN for Microsoft Edge.
2. Download and install the VPN app from your VPN provider’s website.
3. Launch the VPN app and connect to one of the VPN servers on the provider’s network.
4. Launch Microsoft Edge. Now all traffic going to and from your device and through the browser will be fully encrypted and private.

Note: Most VPNs Don’t Offer Browser Extensions for Microsoft Edge

The majority of VPNs do not offer a dedicated browser extension for Microsoft Edge at the moment, so prepare to be disappointed if that’s something you’re looking for.

Despite this, you can still protect all traffic going through Microsoft Edge with a full desktop or mobile VPN app on your device. This offers the advantage of not only securing your online activity inside the Microsoft Edge browser but your whole device as well.

I would always recommend using a VPN provider’s app over a proxy extension that works on the browser alone.

Many of the apps running in the background on your computer are connected to the internet on a constant basis, so this is a potential source of information for people to monitor and steal. A VPN app will provide protection against this threat.

Since the browser is available on the Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android platforms, all of the VPNs we’ll discuss will offer native apps for those platforms. Luckily, those aren’t too difficult to find, as those platforms are the 4 most popular device platforms in use today.

Best VPNs for Microsoft Edge

Below you can find quick summaries of my top picks for the best VPNs for the Microsoft Edge browser.

1. NordVPN: This top option for Microsoft Edge provides excellent privacy and online security to keep your online browsing habits undercover. Works well with a number of streaming services.
2. Surfshark: This low-price leader delivers comprehensive online protection with fast speeds that won’t slow down your browsing experience. It offers enhanced security with the best available encryption standards and allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
3. ExpressVPN: This provider offers fast connections, top-notch security and privacy, and the ability to unblock numerous international streaming services
4. CyberGhost: CyberGhost scores high in the ease-of-use category, as well as in the security and privacy arenas. It also gives users access to streaming and downloading-optimized servers.
5. PrivateVPN: A fast VPN that offers excellent levels of security and privacy. It offers great online security protection features, such as a kill switch and IP and DNS leak protection.
6. IPVanish: IPVanish owns and operates its own server network, offering more control over privacy and security. It provides fast download speeds and allows unlimited simultaneous connections on a single set of user credentials.

All VPN providers on this list do the following:

• Work well with Microsoft Edge
• Deliver fast connection speeds
• Provide strong security and encryption protections
• Offer good global server coverage
• Unblock streaming sites like Netflix and BBC iPlayer
• Provide reliable, easy-to-use apps

Best VPNs for Microsoft Edge – Summary table

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Microsoft Edge.

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Here are my top 6 picks for the best VPNs for Microsoft Edge.

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN is the top choice for users keen to find a VPN provider that provides top-notch security and privacy for their Microsoft Edge browser sessions. The provider also offers reasonably-priced multi-year subscription options.

NordVPN provides the fastest speeds on this list of 6. Their speeds are more than up to most any online activities you may engage in.

The provider uses banking-level encryption to protect your internet connection from being observed by prying eyes. This includes all of your Edge browsing traffic. A kill switch option, as well as IPv6 and DNS leak protection, add to the defenses.

Privacy is well covered here, thanks to the provider’s total lack of server logs and numerous cryptocurrency subscription payment options.

NordVPN offers one of the largest server networks of any VPN provider. At the time of writing, the network comprises over 5,500 servers in nearly 60 countries.

For users looking to access TV shows and other geo-restricted content, then NordVPN performs well and can unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime TV and Hulu from almost anywhere on the planet.

There are apps available for devices operating on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Linux, and Android TV devices. The provider also works with multiple types of routers. Users can have 6 simultaneous connections with one subscription.

BEST MICROSOFT EDGE VPN:NordVPN is the best VPN option for Microsoft Edge users. The provider delivers strong performance and security at an affordable price. There is top-level encryption and an absolute no-logs policy, so user privacy is assured. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark has quickly established itself as a top budget-priced VPN provider, with leading security and privacy features capable of protecting web traffic in the Microsoft Edge browser and across your entire device.

Surfshark’s connection speeds can easily handle anything you can throw at them, providing fast access to downloads, streaming services, and more.

There’s bank-grade encryption on all connections, meaning your data remains secure against hackers and surveillance. IP and DNS leak protection and a kill switch on all platforms add extra layers of privacy.

A strict no-logs policy means there are no worries about information about your online activities being shared with others. Cryptocurrency options protect your payment info.

Surfshark’s global network of servers continues to grow quickly, offering 3,200+ servers located in over 64 countries around the globe.

Users looking to access geo-blocked content can bypass the restrictions of most censored websites and streaming services. At the time of writing, Surfshark can unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more. Connection speeds are also excellent and good for streaming TV online.

Surfshark VPN offers easy-to-use apps from the iOS, Android, Android TV, Linux, macOS, Windows, and Amazon Fire platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. Router compatibility also makes the list.

One of the big benefits of Surfshark is that it offers unlimited simultaneous connections to the VPN with a single subscription.

HAS THE BUDGET EDGE:Surfshark is the best budget-priced VPN option, offering a fast-growing server network, unlimited connections, and easy-to-use apps. Security features are impressive, and there’s access to some of the most popular streaming services, including Netflix from almost anywhere in the world. 30-day money-back refund policy.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN delivers fast speeds and is a great option for users looking for top encryption standards. The provider has a large network of servers to choose from and the ability to unblock restricted content from almost anywhere around the world.

ExpressVPN’s connection speeds are some of the best around. The provider’s connections can easily handle popular online pastimes like video streaming, gaming and sharing files.

ExpressVPN gets high marks for security, as it uses military-grade encryption to protect its users’ connections. The provider also uses kill switch protection, as well as IPv6 and DNS leak protections.

Privacy is well taken care of, thanks to a strict no-logs policy and the provider’s willingness to accept Bitcoin in return for its considerable services.

There’s a large selection of servers in the ExpressVPN network. Currently, the provider offers 3,000+ servers in 94 countries. This gives users more options in unblocking content, finding servers closer to them and improving connection speeds.

ExpressVPN works impressively with the major TV streaming platforms and can unblock geo-restricted streams from Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and many more.

Apps are available for all major operating systems, including the macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, Windows, Linux, and Amazon Fire devices. ExpressVPN is the only provider on this list to offer an Edge browser extension. Plus, the service is compatible with numerous router makes and models.

You can have up to 5 simultaneous connections on a single set of login credentials.

OFFERS MICROSOFT EDGE EXTENSION:ExpressVPN is the only VPN to offer a browser extension for Microsoft Edge. The provider also offers robust security features and quick connection speeds, and it can help you navigate around most geo-restrictions with ease. While the provider is priced a bit expensively, a 30-day money-back guarantee allows trying it risk-free.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a great option for first-time VPN users looking to protect their connection while browsing the internet, streaming content, and downloading large files with Microsoft Edge.

CyberGhost’s fast connection speeds are easily up to any activity you enjoy while using Edge. Streaming video, even 4K streams, play back quickly and smoothly.

When using CyberGhost, not even your ISP will be able to track or monitor your online activity. The VPN includes a kill switch and DNS and IP leak protection, along with government-grade encryption, to protect all of your online activities through the Microsoft Edge browser and all other apps on your device.

CyberGhost stores no metadata or traffic logs, and this helps protect the privacy of users. A Bitcoin payment option helps keep your subscription info completely undercover.

A choice of over 6,200+ servers located in 89+ countries allows CyberGhost users to unblock a large number of major TV streaming services, including Netflix libraries from around the world. Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, and ESPN+ are just a few of the other streaming services CyberGhost unblocks with its streaming-optimized server options.

There are easy-to-use apps available for all of the operating systems compatible with Microsoft Edge (Android, iOS, Mac and Windows). Apps are also available for other device platforms. (Android TV, Linux, and Amazon Fire devices.)

In addition, the provider offers support for various types of routers. Users can simultaneously connect up to 7 devices on one set of login credentials.

GOOD OPTION FOR ROOKIE VPN USERS:CyberGhost encrypts Microsoft Edge browser traffic and all other traffic going to and from your device via its easy-to-use apps. Streaming is excellent thanks to rapid connection speeds and comprehensive global server coverage. A no-logs policy enhances your privacy. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. PrivateVPN

This recent addition to the VPN provider ranks does an excellent job of protecting all information going to and from their Microsoft Edge browser and the rest of your device’s activities. PrivateVPN is a reliable performer with top security features.

PrivateVPN has very fast connection speeds, making it a great choice for those who want to use the VPN for streaming and accessing geo-restricted content in HD and 4K.

PrivateVPN uses military-grade encryption, which is impossible for hackers to crack, meaning your online data is always secure. IP and DNS leak protection, as well as an internet kill switch, are also built into the provider’s apps.

A “no traffic logs or metadata logs” policy means the VPN never stores or records your online activity. Bitcoin is an available payment option, meaning you can keep your payment info completely incognito.

This provider has a smaller network of servers than other providers, with 150 currently available, but those servers are located in over 60 countries, offering access to Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer.

While the provider’s app selection is a bit limited, there are apps available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, so the provider does have all of the Microsoft Edge-compatible platforms covered.

GREAT PROTECTION:PrivateVPN offers strong security and privacy features, and it can easily protect all your Microsoft Edge traffic with top encryption standards. This provider also offers some of the best VPN connection speeds available, along with access to a number of popular streaming platforms. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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6. IPVanish

For users who are looking for an extra security edge from a VPN to protect their web traffic in the Microsoft Edge browser and the rest of their devices, IPVanish could prove to be a top attraction.

IPVanish’s connection speeds are some of the fastest on this list, providing plenty of horsepower for any Microsoft Edge-based activity, including gaming, streaming 4K video, and more.

There are plenty of security features built into this VPN’s apps, including military-grade encryption. There’s also a kill switch available on desktop versions of the VPN app, in addition to IPv6 and DNS leak protection.

IPVanish owns its own server network, giving it more control over privacy and security features, and this can be a big plus for some users. Plus, the VPN follows a strict no-logs policy. However, no Bitcoin payment option is available.

The provider has over 1,300 servers in more than 60 countries across the globe, offering users a good amount of choice in where they want to connect. The service unblocks Netflix in the U.S. and U.K., although it is a bit hit-or-miss. BBC iPlayer is also accessible using the provider.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, and Chrome OS devices (bit nor browser extensions). The provider also offers excellent router compatibility. You can connect an unlimited number of devices to the provider’s VPN servers at one time.

OFFERS EXTRA LAYER OF PRIVACY:IPVanish offers a generous 10 connections with a single subscription, so users can cover all of their devices. There’s top security and privacy  features, including top-level encryption, self-owned servers and a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read my full review of IPVanish. 

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Can I Use a Free VPN With Microsoft Edge?

While you can certainly find free VPNs that work with Microsoft Edge, you’ll likely not be happy with their performance or the protection they offer.

When it comes to performance, most free VPNs are lacking. They are known to offer a limited selection of servers, reducing their content-unblocking abilities. Many free VPNs don’t allow you to select a VPN server, instead connecting you to the first av ailable server.

Once you’re connected, many sans-cost VPNs will throttle your connection speeds or restrict your activities by imposing daily or monthly data caps. None of what I just wrote adds up to a satisfying online experience.

Online security and privacy are also questionable when it comes to free VPNs.

Since “free” VPN providers don’t charge their customers for their services, they need to find another way to earn money. Some providers do so by logging their users’ online activities and then selling that information to the highest bidder.

Other freebie providers earn money by injecting unwanted advertisements and tracking cookies into their users’ browser sessions. (And those tracking cookies stick around, even after you’ve disconnected from the VPN.)

For these reasons, I strongly advise against using a free VPN. For just a few dollars a month, you can gain reliable online protection, while enhancing your ability to access content around the globe. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Why Using a VPN App Is Better Than Using a Browser Extension

While the issue is close to being moot – due to the fact that not many VPN providers offer an extension for the Microsoft Edge browser –  the following information will become more valuable in the future, as more providers offer protection for the browser.

When using a VPN provider’s app, all internet-related activities are protected from observation. Any app that connects to the net will have its data protected by the VPN provider’s encryption.

However, when you use a VPN browser extension, only the data being sent to and from your browser is encrypted. None of your devices’ other online activities are protected from prying eyes.

While a VPN browser extension is convenient, providing quick one-click protection for your browser session, it’s easy to forget that only your browser activity is encrypted. That’s why it’s best to use a VPN app, so all of your activities will be encrypted.

Which Browser Is Right for You?

When considering which browser is the best fit for your needs, there are a number of factors that bear consideration.

These factors can include such things as compatibility with your operating system, speed, the browser’s built-in security features, compatibility with plugins or extensions you might need to use, and more.

Below, I’ll discuss each of the major browser platforms, then list the pros and cons of each browser. You may or may not find that there’s a better match for you than Microsoft Edge.

The Onion Router (TOR)

The Onion Router (TOR) browser is considered to be one of the most secure and private browsers available today.

Traffic in the Tor browser is routed to random relay points around the globe, making your original IP address and your online activities difficult to track. The browser also blocks tracking cookies and doesn’t save any data about your browsing sessions.

On the cons side of the ledger, because the Tor Browser relays your connection through multiple points, its performance is much slower than that of the other browsers on this list.

The Tor Browser is available on all major device platforms, including the iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux device platforms.

Microsoft Edge

The Microsoft Edge browser is the most recent addition to the browser scene. Here’s some info in addition to what I’ve covered in this article.

Microsoft Edge’s speed is comparable to that of the Chrome browser, and it supports browser extensions much like Chrome (as we’ll see next).

The browser continues to offer an integrated Adobe Flash player, leaving open a security hole that continues to bewilder browser users to this day. However, Edge does offer improved blocking of malware and phishing websites.

Google Chrome

Google Chrome is the most popular browser platform available today, with over 1 billion users worldwide.

The browser offers reliable performance, and users have numerous customization options via a wide variety of browser extensions (including extensions from numerous VPN providers).

Privacy is a concern for many users, as Google is the default search engine in Chrome, allowing the search giant to track your searches and to collect and analyze browser activity. If privacy is your #1 consideration, I strongly advise you to look elsewhere for your browsing needs.

System resources can also be a concern with Google. While things have improved in recent years, Google is still a resource-hungry beast, willing to steal a large amount of both processor cycles and available RAM.

Mozilla Firefox

While Mozilla Firefox is a light and fast browser, it still offers a high level of functionality via browser extensions, much like Google’s Chrome browser. (Numerous VPN providers also offer extensions for Firefox.)

The browser is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, and numerous other platforms.

Firefox is light on system resource use, especially when compared to Google Chrome. This has made it an attractive option for users with older computers that might sport slower processors or lack the RAM found in newer laptops.

Firefox’s security offerings have improved over the years, and the Mozilla Foundation offers a “bug bounty” to researchers who discover severe security issues with Firefox.

Parent company Mozilla Foundation is a non-profit organization and doesn’t track and sell user data as some other companies do. (::COUGH!:: GOOGLE! ::COUGH!::)

Safari

Safari is the default browser on Apple’s iOS and macOS device platforms. The browser is not available on other platforms, making it an Apple-only experience.

While the platform does offer the ability to use extensions, to my knowledge, no VPNs offer an extension for use with the platform. (There are only a small number of extensions available for the browser.) ExpressVPN had offered one, but the extension is no longer available on the provider’s website.

The browser is one of the most secure “normal” browsers available for the Mac platform, and it also has a small footprint when it comes to system resources like RAM.

The browser’s lack of extensions compared to other browser platforms means it offers less flexibility than other browsers. However, on the flip side, the browser does an excellent job of warning users about malicious websites, malware, and phishing attempts.

Conclusion

There are a number of options for Microsoft Edge browser users who are looking for the best way to provide protection for their online activities. However, only one VPN provider can be named “the best.”

NordVPN is my #1 choice for use with the Microsoft Edge browser. The provider works well with Edge while providing fast connection speeds, top-notch global server coverage, and optimal security and privacy protections for all Edge-compatible device platforms.

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

 

“Microsoft Edge” by Uday Krk licensed under Pexels License