Compared to Edge or Firefox, Chrome is not people’s favorite choice for privacy. Sure, you’re getting a few security tools here and there but the fact that it stores so much data is frightening. In a way, we can see why many of you want a free VPN for Chrome.
VPNs tend to encrypt your traffic and mask your online activities. And with this in place, it’s a surefire way of protecting your privacy. Let’s not forget about the VPN’s ability to change your IP, allowing you to unblock various streaming services and foreign TV channels.
Keep in mind that today, we’re talking about a free VPN Chrome extension, or better said – extensions. However, the providers of these extensions also offer desktop/mobile apps. We recommend combining them for the best possible effect and maximum security.
Now that you know the focal point of this article, let’s delve deeper and see what’s on today’s menu.
Best Free VPN for Chrome: Our Top 3 for 2024
We’ll divide this article into two parts. First, we’ll discuss 100% free VPN extensions for Chrome.
What does this mean?
Well, it means the Chrome extension is separated from the VPN in a way, so it’s completely free and requires no previous payment. These extensions are less feature-rich, though.
They function more like proxies which aren’t the same as VPNs. Still, they possess various features to encrypt your traffic, change your IP, and prevent WebRTC leaking. The second part will address paid extensions that you can use for free on Chrome with a little trick.
For now, let’s focus on our favorite free VPNs for Chrome including:
- CyberGhost
- Private Internet Access
- Atlas VPN
Our mini-reviews of each extension are below.
1. CyberGhost
The best free Chrome VPN of 2024 is CyberGhost. We found this one to be quite handy, easy to use, and surprisingly dependable. Its extension is free to download and comes with a few server locations, AES-256 encryption, and WebRTC blocking.
This extension is more proxy-like, as said, so it’s not perfect. However, we found it to be fast enough for day-to-day browsing on Chrome, with the exception of streaming, which mostly won’t work. Another key point is that CyberGhost is a premium VPN by default, and if you want, you can use it as well.
We like its no-logs policy, which ensures absolute privacy, along with features like a kill switch and WireGuard support available in desktop/mobile apps. Its free VPN for Chrome is great but when combined with the paid subscription and an app, you get even more.
In this case, the service offers streaming/torrenting servers, IPv6 leak protection, and even an ad blocker. While we’re at it, even its free Chrome extension can block some ads while you enjoy watching YouTube or gambling online, for example.
CyberGhost’s paid plans aren’t expensive either. For one, they come with 9,500 servers in nearly 100 countries, with 24/7 live chat support, 7 simultaneous connections, fast speeds, and unlimited traffic. Should you decide to get one of the plans, there’s a discount waiting for you.
We’re talking about cheap long-term plans with a 45-day refund policy. These plans usually cost in the neighborhood of $2/mo, which is pretty affordable. But if you want, you can stick to its free VPN extension for Chrome and enjoy limited features.
Download CyberGhost for Chrome
Pros
- 100% free VPN for Chrome
- No-logging policy
- Very easy to install and use
- Desktop app with 9,500 servers
- A 45-day refund policy
Cons
- Its Chrome extension is lacking in features
- No obfuscation
2. Private Internet Access
PIA VPN is a sister company of CyberGhost. Similarities are, therefore, not coincidental. In the same fashion, this premium service offers a completely free VPN for Chrome, which allows you to perform limited actions with a few handy features.
In the premium version, the service packs 30,000 servers in about 90 countries. Here, you get a few locations only but with WebRTC blocking and IP cloaking. We like that this free Chrome VPN extension even includes something called URL Whitelister.
This lets you whitelist the URL that won’t use a VPN – a bit like split tunneling in the desktop/mobile version of the app. Another vital feature is PIA MACE, which is a solid ad blocker. It’s not better than CyberSec in NordVPN but it’s solid for getting rid of pop-ups and ads on some sites.
Needless to say, the extension uses 256-bit AES encryption to encrypt your in-browser traffic. Still, it’s very lacking in features and you don’t get the same experience as on the desktop app. Purchasing the VPN gives you access to this very app where you’ll find plenty of other functionalities.
Some of them include WireGuard/Open VPN protocols, port forwarding, Shadowsocks, and a few streaming/torrenting servers. Not to mention that its clients will encrypt your entire traffic, not just traffic in the browser, making them far better options.
And to make things better, Private Internet Access isn’t overly expensive – it’s a tad cheaper than CyberGhost actually. You can get its special discount using the button below and receive a 30-day money-back guarantee. That way, you get the best of both worlds – a free Chrome VPN extension AND a fleshed-out app.
Pros
- WebRTC blocking
- Access to 30,000 servers in the desktop app
- URL Whitelister
- AES-256 encryption
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons
- Not the fastest option
- Its extension won’t offer many functions
- Poor streaming capabilities
3. Atlas VPN
In last place in this ranking of the best free VPNs for Chrome, we have Atlas VPN.
Visiting this provider’s site, we can see it doesn’t offer a free Chrome VPN. In fact, it has no extensions at all! Then why did we opt for it? Simply put, it has a free VPN application that will, either way, protect Chrome as well, since it encrypts all traffic.
We think this option works wonderfully even though it’s not Chrome-oriented, per se. Atlas VPN comes with stellar performance and excellent security. Offering AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and WireGuard, your connection is both speedy and safe.
Even better is that a no-logs policy is in place, and Atlas VPN works in tandem with NordVPN, so you can only imagine its level of quality. Despite being free, it also works with some streaming services and torrenting is allowed, as long as you can swallow its 5 GB monthly bandwidth limit.
Sadly, the VPN also gives you just 3 server locations, out of which, 2 are in the US and 1 is in the Netherlands. The provider has no simultaneous connections either, so protecting multiple devices at the same time is possible only if you buy it.
This time, you’ll get unlimited connections as is the case with PIA. Atlas VPN does offer a premium plan but we don’t recommend buying it if you seek the best performance. PIA and CyberGhost are better, and so are the VPNs that we’ll present below.
As a free VPN for Chrome, there’s not much to complain about. And if you can’t get over its lack of an extension, you can combine it with CyberGhost or Private Internet Access and get the best of both sides.
For more info about the provider, kindly check our Atlas VPN analysis.
Pros
- Solid performance for a free Chrome VPN
- WireGuard support
- Torrenting is allowed
- An automatic kill switch
Cons
- Limited to 5 GB of bandwidth a month
- No dedicated Chrome extension
- 24/7 live chat support only for premium users
- No MultiHop+ servers in the free version
Free Chrome VPN for 30 Days: What’s the Trick?
If you find the previous Chrome VPN extensions lacking, you’re absolutely right. They are indeed not perfect but at least, they’re free, safe, and secure. However, you might be looking for something else. More servers, perhaps, or even faster speeds, better security, and streaming capabilities.
In that case, you’re facing a selection of paid options. Don’t want to pay? Well, if you haven’t heard of a way to use paid VPNs for free, let us present you with a little trick before divulging our next list.
The providers we present below offer a 30-day money-back guarantee – all of them. This feature lets you purchase the VPN, use it for 30 days, and get a refund. Of course, since these extensions are premium, previous purchase is mandatory, as they’re tied to their desktop apps which are also paid.
The trick revolves around using our buttons to get special discounts – if you want. From there, you’ll buy the VPN, install it, and use it as you normally would. Then, right before the first 30 days expire, you’ll contact the support team, ask for a refund, and get your money back.
Don’t worry. They will give you a refund with no questions asked, just as long as you don’t abuse the trick. It’s okay to purchase the service once and get a refund. But if you do it several times, chances are they’ll refuse your request and you’ll just cancel the subscription instead.
The good news is that we presented 3 VPNs, so by combining all of them, you can get up to 90 days of free use. This is our go-to option when talking about the best free VPN for Chrome. And in a second, you’ll see why.
Best Free Chrome VPNs for Up to 30 Days
With our trick out of the way, our favorite free VPN providers for Chrome include:
- ExpressVPN
- NordVPN
- Surfshark
Once again, our analyses for each option are below, so let’s go through them together.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has an astonishing Chrome VPN extension that gives you full access to all of the 3,000 servers in 105 countries. In addition, it works in correlation with the desktop app, which lets you access that app directly to use more features like split tunneling, a kill switch, or protocol selection.
The extension closely mimics the desktop app as well, which makes using it a joy. In the Settings menu, you’ll find the option to spoof your location and masking your physical address for getting over various geo-blocks. There’s the option to block WebRTC too, which helps remove unwanted leaks.
We like its streaming capabilities – probably the best among all VPN extensions. This app works with Netflix and many times, it’s more reliable than Windows VPN applications! Combined with the desktop app that offers even the Lightway VPN protocol, this extension is extremely potent.
The desktop app, on the other hand, allows for effortless torrenting. Plus, there’s a no-logging policy with several audits, ensuring your privacy is never jeopardized. ExpressVPN offers a few more advanced features, such as Private DNS and TrustedServer Technology.
The latter refers to RAM-based servers, another handy function for privacy. Private DNS means ExpressVPN uses an in-house DNS server to handle your requests, removing your ISP from the equation. ExpressVPN is also the fastest option on today’s list.
This will give you an edge when streaming in 4K or even gaming online. Lastly, you get 8 simultaneous connections along with diligent 24/7 live chat support. Our button below lets you claim its 49% discount and 3 free months for the annual plan, fully refundable in the first 30 days.
Pros
- Unlimited traffic
- A desktop-like free Chrome VPN extension
- Split tunneling
- WebRTC leak prevention
- Lightway VPN protocol
- Private DNS
- The fastest speeds
Con
- No ad blocker
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is another VPN with RAM servers, offering incredible performance. First, it can be used as a free VPN for Chrome for 30 days, and second, it offers all of the necessities for safe and secure browsing. Its users can access the full server list, with 5,500 servers in 60 countries.
The Quick Connect feature lets you connect to the fastest server in a second, which makes it very simple to use. Even better is that the app is littered with features you won’t find in ExpressVPN. Aside from stopping WebRTC leaks, you also get Threat Protection Lite.
This feature blocks ads and malicious sites – even the most stubborn ones. Then, there’s “Warnings”, a feature that informs you if a site you’re visiting isn’t secure. We also like the Split Tunneling option, which lets you exclude certain websites/domains/IPs from using a VPN tunnel.
Of course, since you’ll pay for it and get a refund, you can also access the desktop app. It will offer protocol selection where you can choose from NordLynx or OpenVPN, along with full threat protection with an ad blocker, antivirus, and anti-malware. Speaking of the desktop application, NordVPN is one of the best VPNs compatible with Chromebooks.
The desktop client even boasts double VPN servers, plus obfuscated servers for circumventing censorship in China. As the best free VPN for Chrome for 30 days, NordVPN also offers P2P servers that you can use for torrenting. But what about streaming?
Well, the VPN is among the best in this regard and will safely unblock pretty much anything you throw at it. To obtain a special discount on NordVPN, use the button below. Get it and enjoy up to 6 simultaneous connections and one of the most awesome free Chrome VPN extensions out there.
Pros
- Fully-featured browser extension
- Access to 5,500 servers from the browser app
- Threat Protection Lite
- NordLynx protocol
- Double VPN servers
- Streaming ability is top-notch
Cons
- Expensive short-term plans
- Seldom connection problems
3. Surfshark
Lastly, we should talk about Surfshark, as one of the top free Chrome VPN extensions. This one is truly majestic, with 3,200 servers in 100 countries and a boatload of features. Being a premium service that you can use for free for 30 days, you can expect a pretty much desktop-like experience.
It comes with an ad blocker, pop-up blocker, data breach alert, and even malware alert. This will help you get rid of annoyances and malignancies that can infect your PC. Surfshark even allows you to use a Static IP in the extension, which no other VPN on this list offers.
While the antivirus feature is available in the desktop app, its Alert feature i.e. email monitoring can be enabled in the extension. To top it all up, there’s this Surfshark Search option, which allows for truly anonymous browsing akin to your incognito window but with true privacy.
Now, you’re wondering if Surfshark stores logs – of course not! This is further enhanced by AES-256 encryption with additional options like Bypass, WebRTC blocking, and a kill switch on the desktop/mobile apps. Speaking of them, these apps also come with WireGuard and NoBorders.
Users enjoy its unlimited simultaneous connections too, which helps protect every device. Surfshark indeed works on all platforms, so maximum compatibility is guaranteed. Its downsides, however, include a bit slower speeds and a kill switch that isn’t the most reliable.
On the other hand, Surfshark is incredibly affordable and wallet-friendly. You can use it as a free Chrome VPN extension for 30 days and purchase it for as low as ~$2/mo. Getting a refund is always an option in the first 30 days, but once you get the taste of it, most likely, that won’t cross your mind.
Pros
- All 3,000 servers are available in the extension
- It can block ads and pop-ups
- Email monitoring for additional security
- Unlimited connections per account
- Affordable prices for premium users
Cons
- It could be slightly faster
- The kill switch sometimes fails
How to Use a Free VPN for Chrome
With the 6 free VPNs for Chrome presenteed, you now have plenty of options to consider. But if you already made up your mind and you selected one, the question is how to install and use it. In this part of the guide, we’ll show you an easy way to use a free VPN for Chrome – follow the steps below.
- Visit the Google Chrome store.
- Search for the name of the VPN – for example, CyberGhost.
- Click on the VPN that appears.
- Look for the blue button that says “Add to Chrome.” Click on it once.
- When prompted, confirm that you want to install it and wait for a few seconds.
- The extension should now be ready to use, so open it and connect to the server. If needed, log in/sign up beforehand.
If you’re using one of the Chrome extensions from the bottom list, the procedure is, more or less, the same. However, you’ll need to subscribe to a VPN first, which you can do through the buttons scattered throughout the article.
Once the subscription is in place, you can get the extension the same way. Go to Chrome Web Store, search for the name of the provider, and click “Add to Chrome.” You’ll need to sign in with the email and password provided during the subscription process.
After that, you’re free to connect to any server or use any feature from the app. Don’t forget to ask for a refund in the first 30 days, though. If you go overboard and miss this period, you won’t be able to get your money back, and by extension (no pun intended), you aren’t using the service for free.
Conclusion
Securing your connection with a VPN is imperative these days. Whether you’re using a free VPN for Chrome or a desktop/mobile app, the benefits are obvious. Added encryption with the option to change your IP results in a staggeringly good internet experience at any moment.
You can not only stay safe online but also get over geo-blocks and access the content you want. Using CyberGhost, PIA, or Atlas VPN yields fewer benefits, as we’re talking about really free Chrome VPN providers. If you want to experience true benefits, we advise using ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark.
These three offer phenomenal performance, thousands of servers, and streaming/torrenting capabilities. While not free at first, they can be used risk-free for 30 days without losing money. Plus, you can combine them and get up to 90 days of use in total, for exactly $0.00 with a refund.
Did you decide already? Don’t wait – your security is at stake!
FAQ about Free VPNs for Chrome
Finishing off this in-depth guide, let us address a few more questions.
Can I use a free VPN extension for Chrome on other browsers?
Believe it or not, you can. All providers we presented have extensions for Firefox, Brave, and even Edge. Edge, as of recently, supports almost all Chrome extensions, so it’s easy to install them the same way. We have a complete guide on that in our Edge VPN comparison where we presented a few great providers.
Does Google Chrome have a free VPN?
If you think about an in-built VPN, then no. Something like this is available in Brave, a Chromium-based browser with the Brave Firewall package. It’s not free, however, as it includes a few other security tidbits to help you browse safely.
For us, it’s not worth the money and you’re better off with a more versatile service like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, or NordVPN.
Is a free VPN for Chrome safe?
It depends on the provider in question. If we’re talking about the 6 options from our list, safety should be your last concern. None of them store logs and they’re equipped with all the security features your mind can fathom. Of course, there are providers that couldn’t care less about your security.
Which free Chrome VPNs to avoid?
And this brings us to the question of which free Chrome VPNs to avoid. There are quite a few of them but we’d like to present these:
- Hola VPN
- Urban VPN
- Hotspot Shield
- SuperVPN
- iNinja VPN, and many others.
These VPN providers offer 100% free services for Chrome… but at the cost of your privacy. They’re notorious for keeping logs but also not securing your connection correctly. As such, we strongly recommend avoiding them if you don’t want to jeopardize your privacy and security.
