5 Best Free VPNs for Chrome: Extensions & Apps in 2024 (2024)

From a technical and financial perspective, a free VPN browser extension is less of a commitment than a premium VPN. However, some free VPNs for Chrome lack essential security features or server locations, and others even log and sell your data to third parties. Moreover, many free "VPN” Chrome extensions are actually basic web proxies, which means they don’t encrypt your data at all. Plus, speeds aren’t the best with most free VPNs.

Reliable and secure free VPNs for Chrome do exist, though — it just takes some digging to find them. We’ve tested over 60 free VPNs and listed those with the best apps and extensions for Chrome. I highlighted a few great options, but the overall consensus is that a low-cost premium VPN is always a safer, faster, and more dependable option.

ExpressVPN and its Chrome extension performed the best among all the VPNs we tested. Although it’s not free, it doesn’t limit you like the 100% free VPNs tend to. It gives you access to its entire server network, plus consistently fast speeds for lag-free browsing and HD streaming from anywhere. You can also try it with Chrome risk-free — if it doesn’t work for you, you can get a refund within 30 days. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best Free VPNs for Chrome in 2024

Best Free VPNs for Chrome — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Full-Featured Chrome VPN Extension to Browse Without Limitations

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension performed the best in all my tests. It’s not 100% free, but it offers much more than the totally free extensions I tested. It works like a remote control for the VPN app — it protects your browsing sessions along with your entire device.

Most free VPN extensions aren’t full VPNs — they’re just proxies that don’t offer the same level of security. However, ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension keeps you safe online with encryption, IP/DNS/WebRTC leak protection, and a kill switch. Plus, it offers browser-focused features like HTTPS Everywhere. This automatically redirects you to the safest version of any website.

ExpressVPN also worked with every popular streaming service we tested it with, which is something that free VPNs can’t compete with. We could safely watch Glastonbury on BBC iPlayer and stream Disney+, Prime Video, and Sky Sports with no issues. Plus, ExpressVPN’s global server network also makes it possible to access Netflix in UHD from anywhere. Most free Chrome VPNs often don’t have the resources to work with streaming platforms.

All of ExpressVPN's UK locations worked with BBC iPlayer

Although you have to pay upfront, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. Every plan includes the VPN apps and the Chrome extension. If you find it’s not for you, getting your refund is easy — I tested it myself using its 24/7 live chat. The rep didn’t pressure me to stay, and I got my money back after a few days.

Useful Features

• Lightway protocol. ExpressVPN has its own protocol (Lightway) that’s both secure and speed-optimized. We never experienced a drop of more than 2% on nearby UK servers, and even a Tokyo server (thousands of miles away) dropped no more than 34%.
• Privacy-focused. ExpressVPN has an audited no-logs policy and is headquartered in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, so your online activity won’t be traced back to you. Plus, its RAM-based servers (TrustedServer technology) delete user data from previous sessions with each reboot to prevent data retrieval.
• Block WebRTC. WebRTC powers real-time chat (like live chat and video calls), but it has a known vulnerability that exposes your IP address even when using a VPN, presenting a significant security risk to your Chrome browsing. The ExpressVPN Chrome extension lets you block this traffic with a simple toggle.
• ExpressVPN Keys Password Manager. Save login details in the Chrome browser extension, which then conveniently work across your mobile devices.

2. Proton VPN — Free VPN App With Unlimited Data to Browse Chrome Without Interruptions

Proton VPN offers a completely free VPN without any data or speed restrictions, so you can safely browse on Chrome without interruptions. I found this particularly impressive since most free VPNs limit your data to a few gigabytes per month (at best!) and cap your speeds.

For a free VPN, it also offers surprisingly robust security features. Proton VPN keeps your data private with a strict no-logs policy and offers the same military-grade encryption and strong protocols you’d expect from a paid app. So, despite Proton VPN being free, I was confident my information was safe from Chrome’s data harvesting. Plus, all its apps are open-source, which is a bonus for transparency.

All Proton VPN’s apps are open-source and independently audited, offering peace of mind for Chrome

As all free VPNs have their limitations, Proton VPN doesn’t offer a choice of servers. You can only connect to the fastest connection (usually nearest) from a choice of 6 free locations. However, unlike most free VPNs, I was impressed to see that it worked with Netflix, and we made good use of the unlimited data allocation.

Useful Features

• Sleek and simple app. There’s no dedicated Chrome extension unless you upgrade to premium, but Proton VPN’s app is easy to configure and can sit in the background while you browse on Chrome.
• No ads. Proton VPN’s free version is not supported by ads, so I wasn’t annoyed by third-party pop-ups in the VPN app. Chrome has enough ads already — I don’t need to see more! In addition, its paid version also has an ad and malware blocker called NetShield.
• Router support. Proton VPN is one of the very few free VPNs that can be installed on routers so you can protect your Chrome sessions on all connected devices. By following a tutorial on its website, I could set it up on my DD-WRT router in less than 10 minutes.

3. Avira Phantom VPN — Easy-to-Use App Secures Chrome on All Your Compatible Devices

Avira Phantom VPN is intuitive and easy to grasp, making it simple to protect your everyday Chrome browsing. Settings and options are neatly organized and easy to navigate. In my tests, I could connect to one of Avira Phantom’s servers with a single click. Like Proton VPN, it automatically picks the fastest server for you. However, this is chosen from its network of 37 locations, so you’re more likely to get a nearby location.

Avira Phantom VPN has an intuitive interface, making it a great choice for beginners

The mobile app offers connection options across the globe, though. These servers support torrenting and are even reliable for accessing some popular platforms in HD quality from anywhere. For instance, we were able to safely watch Netflix US in our tests.

While its speeds are pretty good (we only lost 12% on its nearby server), Avira Phantom VPN’s data cap is far too small for data-heavy activities like streaming, gaming, or downloading. You only get 500MB/month, or 1GB total, if you sign up with your email address. That’s plenty for casual daily browsing, though.

Useful Features

• Unlimited simultaneous connections. The free version of Avira Phantom allows you to connect unlimited devices simultaneously. Most free VPNs only work with one device at a time, so this is a great way to protect your household’s Chrome browsing on a budget. Note that if you sign up for the extra data, you’ll only be able to use it on 1 device.
• Good device compatibility. You can use Avira Phantom VPN on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, so you can use Chrome safely at home and on the go.

4. hide.me — Customizable Security Features for Safe Browsing on Chrome

Your Chrome browsing data is well protected with hide.me’s robust security features. You can use WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols. WireGuard gave us the best speeds when testing hide.me, but still, we sometimes experienced speed drops of up to 89% on nearby UK servers. So, it’s not the best option if you have an already slow baseline connection.

The desktop app has a choice of 3 protocols, more than most free VPNs

You get unlimited data and 8 locations, but there’s a catch. After you use 10GB of data, it automatically chooses the server for you between its locations in Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK, and the US. So during my tests, I was occasionally connected to a really slow long-distance server. Plus, you can only use it on 1 device.

That said, its Chrome extension also offers unlimited data — but it’s only a proxy. That means it can change your IP address but won’t encrypt your data. It also didn’t work with any major streaming services that the team and I tested. Still, it’s better than no protection at all.

Useful Features

• Stealth Guard. You can block Chrome from going online without the VPN. This feature is vital on networks with firewalls and heavy restrictions. Plus, if you forget to turn your VPN on sometimes (like I do), this is a really handy safety net.
• 24/7 live chat. If you run into any issues, you can get help at any time of day. Most free VPNs don’t have the resources to run this kind of customer support, so it’s great to have this available.

5. Hotspot Shield — Chrome Extension With Built-In Malicious Content Blocking

Hotspot Shield’s Chrome extension has several bonus security features. In my tests, I could block WebRTC traffic, ads, malware, cookies, and trackers. Meanwhile, the unique Sword feature feeds fake data to web trackers to further avoid identification. However, like hide.me, the Chrome extension is only a proxy. Plus, it only offers one location in the US.

You can gain an extra 250 MB/day if you sign up to the Chrome extension.

The standalone app doesn’t have blocking, but it does offer 5 locations and access to its proprietary built-for-speed protocol, Hydra. Plus, it encrypts your data, so it’s the better option if privacy is a concern. I was also impressed to get unlimited data with Hotspot Shield’s app, whereas the Chrome extension limits you to 250MB/day.

My main issue is that Hotspot Shield logs your bandwidth usage and session duration. However, all this data is anonymized, so none of it can be traced back to you. You also don’t need to set up an account to use the free version of the app or the Chrome extension.

Useful Features

• No signup. You can choose to use the free version of the VPN app or the Chrome extension (or even both) without creating an account.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Quick Comparison Table: Free Chrome VPN Features

This table offers a swift comparison of key features of the best free VPNs for Chrome, including some information about their Chrome extensions. It shows average speeds, monthly data caps, and server locations. The WebRTC column indicates whether the VPN can block WebRTC to provide an additional layer of security.

Tips on Choosing the Best Free VPN for Chrome

These are the most important features a free VPN for Chrome should have. You can use this as a checklist to help you make the best decision. However, I made sure all the VPNs in this list have the following features:

• Risk-free trial. You shouldn’t have to commit to a subscription right away to use a free VPN. All the VPNs I shortlisted are either completely free or have a reliable money-back guarantee.
• Advanced security and privacy features. All the VPNs on this list offer essential security features and don’t store any identifiable data. Keep in mind that using the VPN app is often a safer choice than using a Chrome extension since almost all VPN extensions are normally just proxies.
• Fast speeds and enough data. To browse content on Google Chrome without annoying slowdowns, you should look for a VPN with good speeds and enough data. We checked data limits and tested speeds to ensure you can browse without interruptions.
• Reliability. Many free Chrome VPNs or extensions have reliability issues with frequent slowdowns or disconnections. However, I made sure to only choose ones that offer stable, reliable connections.
• Chrome compatibility. I ensured that all the free VPNs I included offer native apps for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. Most of them also have a browser extension for Chrome, too. If you're running ChromeOS, then the Android version of the VPN should be compatible.
• Good customer support. If you have a question or problem with the VPN, you shouldn’t have to wait for too long to get help. It’s best if a VPN has 24/7 live chat, which most free VPNs don’t offer. I ensured that all these VPNs offer customer support or an extensive knowledge base.

Expert Tip: Most Free VPNs for Chrome Aren’t Safe

Most free VPNs aren’t trustworthy. Installing a free VPN without conducting thorough research to confirm its safety may jeopardize your online security. I’ve tested every VPN in this list to ensure they’re safe to use.

While testing, I found many free Chrome VPNs with safety risks. These are the security issues you need to watch out for:

• Logging and selling your data. Free VPNs often make a profit by selling your personal information to third parties, which essentially defeats the purpose of using a VPN in the first place. Be sure to choose a VPN with a strict zero-logs policy, so your personal information is actually kept safe.
• Data leaks due to weak security features. Since free VPNs often don’t have the resources to update their software and server infrastructure, IP/DNS data leaks can occur. Moreover, they often miss essential security features such as a kill switch and military-grade encryption.
• Viruses and malware. Some free VPNs have malware and viruses embedded in their app. Furthermore, because most free VPNs rely on advertising to make a profit, they often bombard you with ads, which could increase the risk of infecting your device.

Free VPNs to Avoid

The following free VPNs are unsafe and should be avoided. These VPNs can potentially distribute your data to third parties or be laden with malicious software and viruses.

• Hola. Not an actual VPN but a P2P network, meaning that users share their IP address with everyone on the network. If someone does anything illegal, you could be held accountable. Plus, it logs your browsing data and shares it with third parties.
• CrossVPN. Keeps logs of your personal information (such as your browsing, location, and devices). The app also tested positive for malware on 11 antivirus programs.

Other VPNs to avoid include: Stealth VPN, DotVPN, OkVPN, EasyVPN, SuperVPN, One Click VPN, and BetternetVPN.

Free vs Paid VPNs for Chrome

Although many free Chrome VPNs come with security issues, not all of them will put your privacy at risk. For instance, all of the free VPN services I listed offer basic security essentials, like 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, and positive reputations. That said, even the safest free VPNs fall short next to paid services in terms of capabilities.

Since they tend to offer many more IP addresses that are regularly updated, paid Chrome VPNs are a lot more reliable for accessing global content from anywhere in HD. Plus, paid services don’t impose caps on data and speeds, so you can enjoy all of your Chrome activities in the best possible quality.

Not only that, but you usually get more customization options with premium VPNs to fine-tune your connection based on your activities. This can include speed-boosting features, like split tunneling and the option to lower your encryption levels. Or even a built-in ad blocker to speed up webpage loading times. In simple terms, premium VPNs are equipped to provide a fast, smooth, and reliable experience on Chrome.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

FAQs on Free VPNs for Chrome

What is the best free Chrome VPN for Netflix?

Yes, there are a couple of free Chrome VPNs that regularly or occasionally work with Netflix. However, free VPNs often have limitations on data and/or server locations, so it’s better to use a low-cost premium VPN that offers safe HD access to Netflix from anywhere.

Do any free Chrome VPNs work in India, Pakistan, and Iran?

Yes, free Chrome VPNs can work in India, Pakistan, and Iran. However, I only recommend using a Chrome VPN with a verified no-logs policy to protect your privacy. That’s because some governments require all VPNs with servers in their countries to collect and store user data for up to 5 years. Most VPNs with a strict no-logs policy will not use physical servers in countries that require mandatory data collection.

Another option in such countries is to use the Tor browser. It sends your data across a private network to bypass tough network restrictions. The drawback here is that it’s more sluggish than even the slowest VPN Chrome extensions.

Are free VPNs or Chrome extensions safe?

Not all free Chrome VPNs or extensions are safe, but a few are. Many free VPNs available have weak security features, and some even sell your data to third parties that can compromise your personal information. I made sure that this list only includes the safest free VPNs and extensions for Chrome.

Always download a VPN or its extension from the VPN’s official website. If you’re getting a VPN extension from the Chrome Web Store, always confirm that it's an official product by checking its developer under Details. This will help you to avoid malicious extensions using similar names.

Is there a free VPN for Chrome with no registration?

Yes, a few free VPNs for Chrome are available without registration. However, you can always use a temporary email address and pay with crypto to leave no trace of your subscription with a premium VPN.

Does Chrome or Chromebook have a built-in free VPN?

No, neither Chrome nor Chromebook has a built-in free VPN. Chromebook does have built-in IKEv2 support, but you’ll still need to connect to a VPN server to use it. To protect your data, take a look at my top recommended VPNs that are compatible with Chrome and Chromebook.

Get the Best FREE VPN for Chrome

Many free VPNs pose risks, which is why my team and I tested dozens of services to find the best options for Chrome. While all the apps and extensions in this list are safe to use, they do come with limitations, such as data and bandwidth caps and small server networks.

That's why I recommend ExpressVPN. It offers military-grade security, unlimited data, the best Chrome browser extension I’ve seen, and a high-speed global server network. While it’s not 100% free, it does come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test ExpressVPN without risk. If you’re not happy, claiming a refund is straightforward.

Can’t find a suitable free VPN? Here are the best premium alternatives…