With Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) becoming increasingly more popular, you’d think it’d be relatively simple to find one that’s fully compatible, efficient and safe with Chrome OS. This, however, isn’t necessarily the case.
While many VPNs excel in certain areas such as high streaming speeds and extensive compatibility, they often fall down when it comes to providing sufficient levels of privacy and security. This makes it a challenging task trying to find the ultimate, all-round VPN.
To make things easier, we’ve done the majority of the hard work for you, and compiled a list of some of the most efficient and hassle-free VPNs that work on Chromebooks.
Therefore, this guide will take an in-depth look at 10 of the best VPNs for Chromebooks, as well as a brief buyer’s guide and some of the most frequently asked questions.
Why Use A VPN For Your Chromebook?
Firstly, it’s important to establish why VPNs are important for your Chromebook. If you often use your Chromebook device on public WiFi networks, you can be susceptible to a wide range of hackers and phishing attacks that try to intercept your traffic and steal your data.
Even in the safety of your own home, you can still be at risk of data and privacy leaks if your traffic isn’t encrypted. By installing a VPN, you’re securing your internet connection and hiding your all-important IP address.
Therefore, even if a hacker happens to intercept some of your private data, it’ll be useless to them as the encryption makes your data completely unreadable. This also means that government agencies, your internet service provider, and other trackers can’t see what it is you’re doing online.
Furthermore, a VPN also helps you bypass geoblocks. So, by connecting to a server in another country, you can unblock a large number of restricted sites. Some of the most popular include Netflix US and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
OUR TOP PICK
If you’re looking for a fast, secure and flexible VPN, ExpressVPN should be at the very top of your list. ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers in 94 separate countries, allowing you to use its network to access all of your favorite sites from anywhere.
In terms of speed, there aren’t many VPNs that are better for the Chromebook. So, if you want to watch your favorite show in high definition on Netflix or play some online video games, you should be able to do so easily without any lagging.
If you’re worried about security on WiFi, ExpressVPN comes equipped with 256-bit encryption which hides you and your traffic, effectively shielding you from any potential data leaks. Furthermore, it also has an automatic kill switch, zero-logging policy and DNS/IP leak protection for maximum privacy.
On the topic of privacy, the TrustedServer technology used by ExpressVPN means that all servers utilize RAM instead of hard drive storage. In other words, this technology wipes all data at the end of every session, meaning that any trail of your activity is completely removed.
Finally, ExpressVPN has a dedicated Android app for your Chromebook as well as a Chrome extension for your browser. You can also install it on up to 5 different devices at the same time.
Key Features For ExpressVPN:
- Blazing quick speeds
- Works with popular streaming sites such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer and Disney+
- Over 3,000 servers in 94 countries
- For added security, 256-bit encryption and DNS & IP leak protection
- Dedicated Android app and useful Chrome extension
EDITORS CHOICE
For excellent global coverage, you won’t find a better VPN for your Chromebook than CyberGhost. This VPN has more than 6,993 servers in 91 countries, with servers optimized for both specific streaming platforms as well as P2P sharing.
Super-fast speeds make CyberGhost even more of an attractive option, allowing plenty of HD-quality streaming. Moreover, you can have up to 7 simultaneous connections at the same time to secure your various devices.
Just like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost has high-end security, including a strict no-logs policy, automatic kill switch and 256-bit encryption. With multiple security protocols and no restrictions, you have the freedom to decide which is the best for your Chromebook.
If you’re particularly conscious about privacy, you can connect to CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers. These offer extended bandwidth and additional security features, including independent operation and premium hardware.
Finally, CyberGhost’s Android app is easy to navigate and install on the Chromebook - even for those that aren’t particularly tech-savvy. It’ll only take a couple of minutes to set up, while there’s also a Chrome extension if you’d rather just encrypt your browser traffic.
Key Features For CyberGhost:
- A total of 6,993+ servers in 91 countries
- Easy-to-navigate Android app and Chrome extension
- Servers optimized for popular streaming platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer as well as P2P sharing
- Military-grade encryption and strict no-logs policy
- Up to 7 simultaneous connections to secure your desktop, phone and TV
BEST VALUE
This VPN boats some impressive speeds, so if you hate buffering, Hotspot Shield is a great option. Supported by its very own Catapult Hydra protocol, you’ll be able to enjoy better connections over longer distances.
So, even if you’re trying to connect to a server on the other side of the world, you’ll still be able to enjoy an equally high-speed connection as those which are located in close proximity to you.
In total, you’ll have access to over 3,200 servers in at least 80 countries. Moreover, every server comes with unlimited data and bandwidth, so there are no restrictions to deal with whatsoever.
Plenty of security and privacy features are also provided, including an automatic kill switch, a no-logs policy and high-end encryption. These all help to keep you, your data, and your location all hidden.
Furthermore, if you have any important questions or queries, you can use their 24/7 live chat for support.
Key Features For Hotspot Shield:
- Catapult Hydra protocol provides fast, reliable VPN for long-distance connections
- Over 3,200 servers in 80+ countries
- Excellent security features in the shape of 256-bit encryption and automatic kill switch
- Can choose between Android app and a dedicated Chrome extension
- 45-day money-back guarantee allows you to put all features to the test in a risk-free manner
RUNNER UP
If you’re on the lookout for a super secure VPN for your Chromebook, then there aren’t many options better than NordVPN. Equipped with double encryption - that’s a total of 2048-bit encryption - NordVPN is one of the most secure VPNs out there.
Furthermore, you’ll also get excellent DNS leak protection, two kill switches, and fast connection speeds. All sounds pretty good, right?
NordVPN has over 5,600 servers spanning at least 60 countries, so it’s one of the most popular VPNs across the world. In addition, it has a zero-logging policy and a free 7-day trial to try out any features you’re interested in.
The Android app and Chrome extension provides two different ways to get NordVPN set up on your Chromebook. Just be mindful that these will only work on newer models. Customer support is also available 24/7 should you need any help with the setting up process or have any questions while online.
Key Features for NordVPN:
- Top-end security with double encryption
- Added privacy and security provided with zero-logging policy, DNS leak protection and two kill switches
- Free 7-day trial to test out the performance of the VPN and some of its key features
- 24/7 customers support for any niggling problems
- Up to 6 simultaneous connections at once
RUNNER UP
ZenMate can be used as either an Android app or free(!) Chrome extension. The easy-to-use Android app offers unlimited bandwidth and data, and can reliably overcome both VPN blocks and geo-restrictions. The Chrome extension, on the other hand, enables you to enjoy VPN features through your browser. What’s more, it’s completely free to try.
With other 3,500 servers in 78 countries, ZenMate is a globally-recognized VPN. It supports P2P sharing in nearly all of its locations, and works efficiently with the majority of the leading streaming sites such as Netflix, HBO and Amazon Prime Video.
As is the case with all previous VPNs on this list, ZenMate offers military-grade encryption to keep you and your location hidden. It also refreshes its IP addresses on a consistent basis meaning they’re less likely to get detected and blocked by some of the aforementioned streaming sites.
Furthermore, you can have unlimited simultaneous connections with ZenMate, as well as access to 24/7 live chat for any help or support you may need.
Key Features For ZenMate:
- 3,500+ servers in over 78 countries
- Excellent performance as Android app and free Chrome extension
- Works with almost all popular streaming platforms
- 256-bit encryption and no-logs, keeping your data and activity free from any trail
- Unlimited simultaneous connections and 24/7 live chat for any questions or queries