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
RUNNER UP
This Canada-based VPN is incredibly easy to use - making it an ideal option for VPN beginners. Unlike many of the other VPNs on the market, TunnelBear uses a simple-to-install Chrome extension that can be activated with a simple click. Once activated, your Chromebook WiFi is completely secure and private.
The speeds while using TunnelBear are excellent across local servers. It’s worth noting, however, that speeds do tend to suffer when you try longer distance connections. The 1,000 servers spread across 20+ locations is also significantly less than most other VPNs on the market.
Despite this, TunnelBear provides a free option with 500MB per month. So, if you want to give the VPN a try with limited data access, you’ve got absolutely nothing to lose.
Key Features For TunnelBear:
- Extremely user friendly with easy-to-install/activate Chrome extension
- Clear privacy policy to keep your data and location secure
- Super quick speeds across local servers
- Free 500MB per month option for those who don’t need to use tons of data
RUNNER UP
VyprVPN is one of the best on the market for bypassing VPN blocks, censorship, and surveillance. Equipped with its proprietary Chameleon technology, VyprVPN scrambles your OpenVPN metadata, making it impossible to recognize under deep packet inspection (DPI).
This effectively means that even government surveillance agencies and streaming services can’t tell that you’re using a VPN on your Chromebook. So, if you want to access some of the sites with the toughest geoblocks such as BBC iPlayer, you won’t have any trouble.
VyprVPN provides access to 300,000 IP addresses in over 70 locations. What’s more, the service also gives you unlimited bandwidth and data for as much unrestricted streaming, gaming, and general browsing as you want.
In terms of security, VyperVPN’s self-owned servers mean that you’re significantly less vulnerable to hackers and leaks as there are no third parties involved. Furthermore, military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and zero-logging policy provide added security and privacy whether you’re at home or using unsecured public WiFi.
Key Features For VyprVPN:
- 300,000 servers across 70 locations
- Proprietary Chameleon technology ensures fast and reliable connections
- Excellent security with 256-bit encryption and automatic kill switch
- Android app, as well as step-by-step configuration
- Up to 30 simultaneous connections - far more than most competitors on the market.
RUNNER UP
With over 950 servers in 35 countries, SaferVPN offers unlimited server switching, which allows you to bypass geoblocks in any country you need.
If you’re not looking to bypass geoblocks in a specific country, you can instead try SaferVPN’s automatic server selection. This handy feature chooses the best server for you based on factors such as latency, location, and speed.
All of SaferVPN’s servers provide high-speed connections, so you’ll never need to worry about any buffering or lagging while streaming content. Furthermore, you can choose either the Android app or dedicated Chrome extension for your Chromebook, with both easy to install and operate.
If you want to enjoy simultaneous connections, it’s probably best to opt for the Android app, as with this, you can protect up to 12 devices at the same time.
SaferVPN uses 256-bit encryption like the majority of VPNs on this list, as well as a zero-logging policy and automatic kill switch to keep your important data secure at all times.
Key Features For SaferVPN:
- 950+ servers in 35 countries, with unlimited server switching
- Automatic server selection based on latency, speed and location
- Reliable connections and quick speeds
- High level security, including 256-bit encryption
- Using Android app allows you to operate up to 12 devices at once
RUNNER UP
If you want a VPN for avoiding IP detection, then HideMyAss is the VPN for you. This is because it comes equipped with an IP shuffling feature that changes your IP address every 10 minutes to avoid detection and VPN blocks. This feature is equally useful for torrenting, so if you need a VPN for torrenting (P2P sharing), HideMyAss is a solid choice.
For maximum safety, this VPN has DDoS protection on each of its servers. Therefore, the likelihood of any hacker interfering with your connection or stealing your data is incredibly slim.
In addition to this, 256-bit encryption, IP leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy provide even more security for your Chromebook. HideMyAss has 1,080+ servers in 210 locations, so plenty of options to use the VPN safely.
While there's a free Chrome browser extension for HideMyAss, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t provide as many high-end features as the paid version on the Android app.
Key Features For HideMyAss:
- IP shuffling ideal for avoiding IP detection
- Over 1,080 servers in 210 locations
- Optimized servers for P2P sharing
- DDoS protection and military-grade encryption
- 30-day money-back guarantee so can try it out risk-free
RUNNER UP
If you want to use a VPN that owns its own servers, then IPVanish is a solid option. It manages its entire network of over 1,600 servers in 75 locations, all of which are proven to offer fast and reliable connections with unlimited bandwidth and data.
This self-managed VPN provides high-end security, including 256-bit encryption and a zero-logging policy for all-important anonymity. Furthermore, there’s also automic protection on public WiFi, so wherever you take your Chromebook, you’ll be secure.
IPVanish supports not only unlimited server switches, but also an unlimited amount of devices to be used at the same time. So, if you're looking for a VPN to protect all of your family’s devices as well as your own, IPVanish will undoubtedly be near the top of your list.
Key Features For IPVanish:
- Over 1,600 servers in 75 locations
- Exclusively owns all of its own servers meaning you’re less vulnerable to hacks and leaks
- Uses a SOCK55 web proxy to support P2P sharing
- No-logs policy and 256-bit encryption
- Unlimited simultaneous connections and server switches
Best VPN For Chromebooks Buying Guide
When it comes to finding the right VPN for your Chromebook, there are a few things that you need to consider. Below, we’ll take a look at some of these important areas to focus on when picking the best VPN for your individual needs.
Speed
A good connection speed relies on having a wide range of well-maintained and efficient servers. This allows the VPN to provide top quality speed and bandwidth to everyone using its servers. If a VPN is prone to buffering or lagging, it’s probably best to avoid it.
Security / Privacy
Good security is a basic requirement for any VPN. To put it simply, a VPN isn’t doing its job correctly if it’s not protecting your data or location. If you’re concerned about the security of a VPN, make sure it has an airtight privacy policy, including a no-logging policy. This effectively means that the VPN doesn’t collect or “log” any information transmitted through the network.
Ease Of Use
There’s nothing more frustrating than a VPN that’s difficult to install or operate. Even more so with an increasing number of tech newbies looking to start using VPNs. If you’re looking to make things as easy as possible, make sure your provider has well-designed apps on the devices that you’re likely to use with the service.
Best VPN For Chromebooks - FAQ's
Is a Chrome extension or the Android app best?
A Chrome extension is one of the best and easiest ways to protect your Chromebook. However, just be mindful that you won’t have system-wide protection this way. Only your browser traffic is protected, with all other apps still using your local IP. Furthermore, they won’t be encrypted either.
So, if you’re particularly conscious about privacy and security, and are looking for a method that offers you maximum protection, it’s probably best to consider the Android app instead.
Are free VPNs safe?
A lot of free VPNs aren’t trustworthy and can be potentially dangerous. VPNs are pretty expensive to build, so many of the free VPNs look to cut costs by skipping over essential safety features like high-quality encryption and automatic kill switches.
While the free VPNs on our list are all safe and reliable, it’s important to steer clear from the majority of VPNs that haven’t yet been proven. This is because some have been known to download harmful software such as trackers and malware to devices without the owner’s knowledge.
How do I set up a VPN on Chromebook?
To set up your VPN, you’ll need access to the Google Play Store. Depending on your personal preference, you can either download the Chrome extension or the Android app. There’s also the option to manually configure your VPN with OpenVPN. This, however, is trickier as you’ll be required to configure the setting yourself.
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