Google Chrome needs no introduction. The advent of smartphones, especially Android a decade ago, made mobile internet possible and prevalent. However, one of the facets is inarguably the simplicity that Chrome presented. In a world where desktops reigned supreme, and people were familiar with Internet Explorer, the introduction of Chrome was akin to a breath of fresh air. Since then, the web browser has not looked back. Regardless, a question then remains. Is Google Chrome a trusted and secure browser, or do you need VPNs?
Well? No! Chrome, like its counterparts, is good at data mining and targeted advertising. Although, people do not have an active opinion about it, as it is a standard gateway to the world of the internet nowadays. But how secure are you on Chrome? With surging internet adaptation, the rate of cybercrime has gone up as well. Google assures us its browser is safe enough. But if you want to have peace of mind, you’d also opt for additional measures. One such will be employing VPNs. Therefore, we are here to present you with a list of the best VPNs for Chrome.
What is Chrome?
Although you may be familiar with Chrome, let us do a quick reap regarding it. Google Chrome or Chrome for short is a cross-platform web browser that gained momentum during the mid-2010s web browser wars and finally peaked, owing to its success to the Android mobile platform. Developed and planned by Google, it is a licensed proprietary freeware. However, most of its source code comes from Google’s free and open-source software project, Chromium. The initial release was on the Windows XP platform, where the browser worked on free components from the Apple WebKit and Firefox.
However, it later got ported to multiple platforms like Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android. Chrome is the present-day default browser on Android and the core behind Chrome OS, a new platform based on Chrome-centric web applications. While Google may have humble beginnings, the 2008 Chrome was in no way inferior to the then-popular Firefox. Sundar Pichai, now Google CEO, spearheaded the project and led a team of ex-Firefox developers to furnish and polish Chrome. In a way, Chrome can find its roots in Firefox.
Initially, Google intended to keep it open source like Firefox. However, the unprecedented success of Android, Google, and Chrome itself saw its transition into a multi-billion global brand. Since then, many things have changed for Chrome, including the rendering engine. While it originally ran on WebKit, Google subsequently forked it to create the Blink engine. Blink powers all variants of Chrome today, except the iOS version.
Today, Google Chrome holds a staggering 68% of the worldwide web browser market share. That, too, on PCs alone. All devices (PCs, tablets, and smartphones) combined, Google still holds a majority of 65% of the web browser market.
Best VPNs for Chrome
These are the top choices among VPNs for Chrome:
ExpressVPN
With the Chrome web store rating of 4.7, ExpressVPN stands proud on the list of best VPNs for Chrome. The provider offers a dedicated browser extension that is almost as powerful as the desktop client. The ExpressVPN Chrome extension is not free to use and is not a stand-alone product. Users will need to buy the client, and only then can they use it. However, the extension can spoof IP addresses, encrypt browser data, and prevent IP/WebRTC leaks.
Although ExpressVPN is costly, you get your money’s worth with a feature-centric product. The extension supports over 2000 servers in 148 countries. Additionally, it supports torrenting. You also get split tunneling on the add-on. However, what we liked most was the rotating IP feature of ExpressVPN. Whenever you log in onto Chrome, it will assign you a new IP to get around blocks. Thus, the provider, albeit costly, is well-deserved to be in the first place on this list. Regardless, you can learn more about ExpressVPN with our review.
NordVPN
Next on our list of top VPNs for Chrome is the famous NordVPN. The service is even more popular than ExpressVPN. Nord has been in the VPN business a long time. As one of the oldest VPN providers, Nord focuses on quality and advanced features to retain customers. Thus, the Chrome VPN extension from NordVPN is a standalone product. You do not have to install the NordVPN desktop client to enjoy the extension, as you can directly add it from the Chrome web store.
Although the extension is standalone, it is still not free to use. You will need your Nord Account credentials to fire it up. However, the Nord extension cant control the whole desktop suite like ExpressVPN. Because of this, it enjoys a poor rating on the Chrome Web Store. However, the extension itself is full of features. It offers encryption and IP spoofing. It also prevents leaks. The provider has even included the CyberSec feature to ensure safety from malware and adware. Yet, there are some speed issues when you use the extension directly. Regardless, we implore you to give our review of NordVPN a shot to garner a better picture.
CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost is a budget-friendly VPN. However, it doesn’t compromise on features and services. And yes, it has a dedicated Chrome extension. Furthermore, the product is a standalone extension. CyberGhost extension doesn’t require the use of a desktop client and subscriptions. It is a free-to-use add-on. That is why it is on the list of top VPNs for Chrome. Additionally, users have the option to upgrade. CyberGhost is a relatively cheaper VPN. Learn more about CyberGhost VPN with our review.
Hotspot Shield
Yet another free-to-use Chrome extension, Hotspot Shield, scores a 4.4 on the Chrome Web Store. However, it isn’t highly customizable, and the subscription packages aren’t cheap either. However, the allure of the free trial is enough to entice users. Hotspot Shield provides decent capabilities concerning unblocking content on the web. Moreover, the features offered aren’t poor. It has state-of-the-art encryption as well as 3200 servers in 80 countries.
The free version is limited as you can only use a single server, and that too for onfaly 500 MB per day. But it offers simplicity, which can be a plus for beginners. Overall, Hotspot Shield is a good VPN with enough clots to rank on this list. You can gain a deeper understanding of this service; by giving our Hotspot Shield VPN review a quick read.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Now, this is how a feature-packed product should look. Sure, PIA doesn’t polish them like ExpressVPN, and it lacks support despite being as old as Nord. However, it makes it up by bringing color to the already colorful Chrome. That, too, at affordable prices. Some features that the PIA Chrome extension has to offer are: third-party cookie blocker, flash blocker/disable, WebRTC leak protection, hyperlink auditing, and credit card autofill. It also encrypts your web data traffic, prevents websites from accessing your location or camera/microphone; All without experiencing any reduction in internet speed.
Private Internet Access may be a bit on the weaker side concerning other applications. However, the Chrome extension speaks volumes for itself. Learn more about PIA with our detailed review.