Whether you’re a Chrome, Firefox, or Edge user, using a VPN on your browser is a convenient and lightweight way to encrypt your browsing traffic and stay protected against common cyber threats. Of course, a VPN extension can only protect your browser, so if you’re using any other tools, apps, or software that requires an internet connection, then you’ll need to install a native VPN app on your device. The good news is, if a VPN has a browser extension available, then it’s likely to have a native app too that’s compatible with most major operating systems (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux).
It’s also worth noting that not all VPNs make browser extensions and even those that do may not provide all the features you need. When looking for a VPN browser extension, you’ll want something affordable, easy to use, secure, and reliable. Free VPN extensions, although tempting to use, will not provide the same level of performance and security as premium extensions. But don’t worry, as even premium VPNs are often providing offers and deals that make them highly affordable options, so you can stay safe when browsing the web whilst still not breaking the bank. Keep reading to learn how to use a VPN browser extension and find out the best VPN browser extensions in 2022!
The best VPN browser extensions quick guide
- NordVPN – Best overall choice
- ExpressVPN – Superior performance
- Surfshark – Most affordable
Try out the NordVPN* browser extension now!
What to look for in a VPN with a browser extension
Choosing the right VPN browser extension can be tricky as there are so many options out there, so we’re here to help! Here are the top four most important factors to consider when choosing a VPN browser extension –
- Security – Most importantly, your VPN needs to use military-grade encryption to secure your browsing traffic and prevent hackers from intercepting it. Not only this, your VPN also should provide additional security measures including a kill switch, obfuscated servers, and private DNS with leak protection. Some VPN providers even have built-in ad blockers that can speed up your browser experience, reduce your data usage, and protect you from malicious ads that could be packed with malware.
- Privacy – If you want to browse the web anonymously and reduce your digital footprint, then you’ll want a VPN that has a no-logs policy. This means that the VPN provider will never monitor, collect, or share any of your sensitive information such as IP addresses, timestamps, bandwidth usage, and browsing history.
- Accessibility – You’ll want your VPN to work perfectly on your device and browser, so you need a provider that has an app compatible with most major OS’s including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux in addition to popular browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. It’s also a huge bonus if your VPN allows multiple simultaneous connections as well as unlimited bandwidth, so you can stay protected on all your favourite devices when browsing the web.
- Affordability – Although VPNs are incredibly helpful tools, they should still be reasonably priced. Most reputable VPNs have regular discounts on offer in addition to free trials and money-back guarantees. Although choosing a free VPN may seem like the best choice for saving money, they often do not provide the same level of performance and security which can put your online safety at risk or even compromise your privacy. Therefore, we always recommend that you only opt for a premium VPN provider.
How to use a VPN’s browser extension
Not sure how to use a VPN browser extension? Follow this quick and simple guide to find out!
- Choose a VPN
You need to find a VPN that has an extension available for your preferred browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox). Check out our VPN recommendations below! Once you’ve chosen a VPN, simply create an account through its website.
- Install VPN extension
Next, use your browser’s store (such as Chrome Web Store) and add the VPN browser extension plugin.
- Login and connect to a server
You can now open the extension and log into your VPN account. After this, simply connect to any available server and start browsing the web safely and faster than ever.
Our top recommended VPN browser extensions in 2022
After considering all the factors we’ve mentioned previously, we’ve handpicked the best three VPN browser extensions. These providers are all secure, trustworthy, affordable, and have plenty of useful features to choose from. Most importantly, these VPNs have military-grade encryption to secure user traffic as well as a strict no-logs policy to ensure that their users can browse the web privately and anonymously (check out our full guide of VPN features here). So, let’s have a closer look at our top recommended best VPN browser extensions in 2022!
- NordVPN
NordVPN is a super-fast and highly dependable VPN that can provide outstanding performance and top-notch security. With an easy-to-use VPN browser extension and plenty of other additional features, this VPN is the best all-around provider for those wanting to protect themselves when browsing the web.
This VPN has over 5400 servers across 60 countries, so you can use it to spoof your location and access geo-blocked content from streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu as well as any other region-locked website or service. NordVPN also provides obfuscated servers that conceal your VPN usage from your ISP and prevent you from having your bandwidth throttled.
On top of NordVPN’s military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, the provider offers a kill switch, MFA, private DNS with leak protection, dedicated IP, and split tunnelling support for users to protect themselves from cyber threats. There’s also a Threat Protection feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malware in addition to preventing users from accessing infected websites. This provider has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited, so you can browse the web completely privately and anonymously when using NordVPN.
Users are allowed up to 6 simultaneous connections and have unlimited bandwidth, so you can use NordVPN to participate in high bandwidth activities such as streaming without any restrictions. This VPN is available on most major operating systems including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux whilst the browser extension is supported by Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Try out NordVPN’s* browser extension for free for 30 days with their money-back guarantee!
- ExpressVPN
For unbeatable security and exceptional performance, look no further than ExpressVPN. In addition to the best-of-the-best security measures, this provider also offers fast connection speeds so you can stream in high quality and browse the web effortlessly and without any limitations, making it another terrific VPN browser extension.
ExpressVPN has servers based across 160 locations in 94 countries, meaning that no matter where you are, you can connect to a nearby server to enjoy a fast and secure browsing experience. This VPN also includes a built-in speed tester that can be used to ensure that you’re connected to the fastest possible server.
This VPN uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption to encrypt user traffic along with additional security features such as split tunnelling support, a kill switch, and private DNS. There’s also a Threat Manager tool that blocks malicious websites and protects users from malware and other threats. Additionally, ExpressVPN has a no-logs policy, meaning that anything that can be used to identify you is not monitored or stored by the provider.
The ExpressVPN client is supported on major OS’s such as Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Users can connect up to 5 devices simultaneously and there are no bandwidth caps, so you can browse the web as much as you want without any limits. ExpressVPN’s browser extension is user-friendly, has a multilingual interface, and is supported by Chrome, Firefox, and Edge
Try out ExpressVPN’s* browser extension for free for 30 days with their money-back guarantee!
- Surfshark
Surfshark is a cost-effective VPN that still provides fantastic performance and reliable security measures to keep you protected when using your browser. For a low-cost Surfshark subscription, you can block cookies, bypass firewalls, visit geo-blocked websites, and even speed up your page loading times.
There are more than 3200 servers to choose from in 65 countries, so if you want to access geo-blocked content from websites and streaming services, then you’re in luck! These servers use Surfshark’s camouflage feature to completely conceal your VPN usage and stop your ISP from spying on you and throttling your bandwidth. Surfshark also has a NoBorders mode that helps users from highly censored countries still safely use the VPN without any restrictions or interruptions.
Despite being more affordable than our other recommendations, Surfshark is still very secure and uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption to secure user traffic. In addition to this, the VPN also provides users with other security features such as a kill switch, private DNS with leak protection, and a built-in ad blocker known as CleanWeb. This ad blocker will block trackers and ads as well as stop users from accidentally entering a website that has been blacklisted for hosting malware.
Surfshark offers both unlimited simultaneous connections and unlimited bandwidth, allowing you to protect every single one of your devices at the same time to enjoy a safe and malware-free browsing experience. You can download Surfshark on any Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux device whilst the browser extension is supported by Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Try out Surfshark’s* browser extension for free for 30 days with their money-back guarantee!