We all know and love VPNs for what they are, but many people wonder whether they are necessary. If you are only using the web browser and don’t bother with the rest of your device apps, you can surely give them a try. However, are they effective? Before we answer this question, we’d have to explain that a VPN app and these VPNs are quite different yet share a purpose. How so? A VPN app or a VPN client is a network-level security tool designed to protect your whole device. However, a browser VPN only works with your web browsers.
Hence, when you are on a browser VPN, your device can unveil PII (Personally identifiable information) by leaking DNS or IP addresses. But for those who don’t care about that, a browser VPN can be a good choice. Although, you must remember most browser VPNs are simple proxies and not a complete package. You’d recognize the term browser extensions, right? It’s an extension that works within the infrastructure of the browser and not the device. Now, let’s explore browser VPN extensions and figure out how effective they are.
What is a browser VPN?
A browser/web extension is a small software module that can customize a web browser. However, it is of two types. The first one only extends the original functionality of the browser, while the second adds some new functions. A browser VPN belongs to the second kind of extension, as it adds a VPN service to its architecture.
A VPN extension can be a simple plugin or add-on to establish a quick VPN connection. People find these software modules user-friendly and effective on the app level, as it makes for a lightweight alternative to a VPN app. Meaning it only targets data traffic to and from the web browser. Hence, it is less secure than a traditional VPN. Using the same logic, we can conclude it is relatively better at working with browsers.
Coming to the functionality of these extensions, we can say they work as intended. They keep your actual IP address hidden and make you nearly anonymous on the web. However, these perks only pertain to any activity done on the said browser. For example, if you browse Instagram on your browser with a VPN extension, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) won’t know. But try doing the same using an Instagram application on the same device, and the browser VPN won’t protect you.
Thus, once you install a VPN extension, it only affects the internet traffic on said browser. It won’t impact other activities like games, torrenting, or other apps. With that in mind, if you want comprehensive protection for the whole network, a VPN app is the way to go. In contrast, if you solely seek to protect the web browser, you can make do with extensions.
Where do I find VPN browser extensions?
Numerous vendors provide quality browser extensions. However, most are proxies and not a proper VPN. If you want to learn what it is and how it fares against VPN, we encourage you to read our proxy v/s VPN comparison. Moreover, many market leaders like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost VPN offer quality VPN extensions. However, not every product is standalone. Some require users to install the VPN app in conjunction with the extension, and others require a monthly subscription. Luckily, our interested readers can check the list of the best VPN extensions we already prepared.
Advantages and disadvantages of browser VPN
Given below are the pros and cons related to VPN extensions.
Benefits of VPN extension for web browsers
Here are pivotal reasons you should install a VPN extension for your browser:
- Free or cheaper than VPN clients — VPN extensions are mostly free to use. Although sometimes a vendor can charge a low subscription fee for a stand-alone module, most offer extensions gratis. Although, users would still have to buy a VPN subscription to avail the benefits. Once again, a VPN extension differs from the app as it has limited application.
- Easy to use — Unlike VPN apps, extensions are simple and beginner-friendly. All the user has to do is install the add-on from the provider’s website or a repository. There is no lengthy installation or setup required, and you can connect with a single button. This approach is what draws users.
Downsides of VPN extensions
These are several facts that may dissuade you from employing a browser VPN:
- Not a VPN — Sadly, most VPN extensions are not true VPNs. They are glorified proxies. Why? Because they are missing one essential component that makes VPN reliable—the encryption. Although VPN extensions claim to encrypt data, it is about the mandatory encryption that websites undergo due to HTTPS protocol. Hence, lots of extensions are not a VPN.
- Only protects the browser traffic — Another point to remember is that even if a VPN extension provides encryption, it is limited to traffic within browsers. To clarify, it only protects data traffic going through it. Thus, there is always a chance of a leak. Maybe the device requires the internet for background apps. Or, the web browser would possibly reveal the location and destination during the DNS lookup process. Therefore, an extension is less reliable.
- Many malicious agents use trackers — There is always someone who aims to profit by misusing the trend. Many inferior VPN providers offer extensions with harmful loopholes or trackers embedded.
- Limited or no advanced features — Extensions do not have advanced features to offer. All they provide is an auto-connect button. They can’t prevent leaks or offer stuff like a kill switch. Users do not even have the option to change protocols.
- Slower connection — VPN extensions tend to be slower than VPN apps. They take more time to establish a connection. Also, they offer low speed due to bandwidth limitations and latency. Since these services are mostly free, they don’t have proper customer support to handle grievances.
- Restricted server locations — A VPN might advertise numerous server locations, but an extension has a limited selection. Sometimes users can’t even select the server. They have to make do with the auto-connect feature.
Browser VPN v/s VPN app
At this point, users can see the positive and negative aspects. Now’s the time to compare browser VPN extensions to a VPN application. Here are the facts in favor of using a VPN app:
- More secure — VPN apps are traditionally more secure than extensions. They have the latest security protocols and practice the newest encryption.
- More advanced — The app offers numerous advanced features to ensure quality. It also considers the need of users and has functional customer care to tackle queries.
- Provides comprehensive protection — Unlike extensions, an app protects your whole device. It is network-level protection that can prevent cybercrime and online surveillance.
- Flexible and configurable — The VPN app is flexible as it can cater to both beginners and advanced users. Also, it is highly customizable and lets users figure out suitable protocols and servers.
- Provides simultaneous connections — An extension works only on a single browser. But a VPN app can provide concurrent connections to multiple devices.
- Can work on IoT devices and routers — The app also works well enough on IoT (Internet of Things) devices and routers. With a VPN router, you can protect your entire network instead of a browser.
VPN extensions outshine dedicated clients in these areas:
- Costly — VPN subscriptions cost money, while them majority of extensions are free.
- Not easy to configure — It is not easy to change configurations in a VPN unless one has basic knowledge of said components or a restrictive VPN vendor.