Most people use VPNs to play games and stream movies. However, you should also use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when browsing. You need VPNs to keep your data safe from hackers and other government agencies, and having one will also ensure that nothing tampers with your bandwidth and connection speed. They will also help you bypass geo-blocks on restricted content. Chrome is one of the best and most-used browsers in the world, so we decided to help you in picking the best VPN for Chrome and show you how to use them.
How to Activate and Use VPN in Chrome
VPNs are very easy to install and use. As long as you’ve picked your best VPN service and subscribed, you will access the features easily. Here, we’ll be looking at how to install our best two VPNs for Chrome – ExpressVPN, and NordVPN.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is an easy-to-use plugin and the best on our list of plugins for Chrome. It provides you with complete data protection. Also, unlike many other VPNs for Chrome, it is not just a proxy, but a real extension. It has settings to prevent HTML5 geolocation from identifying your location and also allows you to access the HTTPS connections of every website when they’re available. So, ExpressVPN keeps you and your data safe while providing you with a smooth connection and access to restricted services.
How to Use ExpressVPN in Chrome?
1. Get a subscription
You can’t access the VPN service without first subscribing. You may decide that you want to get a free VPN because you don’t want to pay. But, free VPNs don’t offer you quality services like ExpressVPN. Moreover, ExpressVPN would cost you less than $100 which is not too expensive to purchase. If you don’t like it after the first 30 days, you can get your money back in full.
2. Download and Install the app
There are various ExpressVPN apps due to different operating systems available – Windows, Linux, or Mac. You can easily set up your VPN service after you subscribe via the welcome email you’ll receive. You’ll click on the link and be taken to a page that contains your activation code. Then, you download and install the app.
3. Install the Chrome extension
After getting the app on your phone, head over to the page where you saw your activation code, and install the Chrome extension. The extension makes it much easier to activate or deactivate your VPN right from your browser. So, you don’t need to always go back to the app.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is another massive VPN service having over 5,600 servers across 60 locations. Unlike ExpressVPN, NordVPN uses a proxy. But, it comes with good features. You need to have an account before you can use it on your browser. It is a light-weight and easy-to-use VPN with super fast speed. You get to enjoy its no-logs feature (which means it never stores your data), and CyberSec feature which blocks ads and potential spam/malware sites. NordVPN has four plans with reasonable pricing, but you get the best when you subscribe for a three-year plan. If you don’t like it after the first 30 days, you can get your money back with any of the plans.
How to Use NordVPN in Chrome
1. Subscribe to NordVPN
Head over to the NordVPN website and choose one of the subscription packages available. After completing the subscription, you’ll get your username and password which you will use to login and gain access to the features available.
2. Get the Chrome extension on the NordVPN site
On the NordVPN site, you will find the Chrome extension under the page. Click on the Google Chrome icon. You will be taken to the Chrome Webstore.
3. Click on Add to Chrome
When you click on Add to Chrome, it will start downloading. Wait for it to install completely and show on the upper right corner of your Chrome browser.
4. Login to your account
Click on the NordVPN Icon and put in your username/email and password. You are now ready to start browsing with VPN protection.
Other VPNs You Can Use in Chrome
ExpressVPN and NordVPN are our top 2 VPNs to use when browsing in Google Chrome. But, there are other services you may also want to try. Let’s take a look.
1. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access is another top VPN with a dedicated Chrome extension. It has over 3,300 servers across 45 countries and you can use it on up to 10 devices at the same time. It has more features for Chrome than most other VPN services. It can disable or block Flash, website referrers, third-party cookies, hyperlink auditing, WebRTC leaks, and address and credit card auto-filling among others. In addition to these, you can also use it to access restricted content on Netflix and Hulu. PIA’s speed is not the fastest, but it is above average.
2. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is another fast chrome VPN with dedicated extension and lightning speed. One reason we like using this extension on Chrome is its ease of installation. You need less than ten minutes to get everything running. The extension is free, but you only get access to a few servers instead of the 3,200+ servers in over 80 countries. You can get access to all servers and faster connections if you opt for the 45-day trial. Hotspot Shield protects your data by using strong 256-bit encryption. You also get frequent updates to keep you secure always.
3. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN doesn’t have a dedicated extension. Instead, it offers a proxy which is also easy to set up. It uses 256-bit AES encryption to protect your online browsing data, but it doesn’t protect you from webRTC leaks with the free extension (proxy). To get full protection, you have to choose one of the four plans available. You’ll save more money on the yearly plans and also get better features. You can use CyberGhost VPN on up to 4 devices 7 devices at a time, and you have access to live the live chat whenever you have any problems with the service.
You need a Chrome VPN extension on your computer to keep you from malicious sites and protect your data from government agencies and scammers. If you also like to access sites or services with geo-blocks, you can now do that easily. Picking one of the Chrome extensions above will guarantee your security as you surf the net.