Top 10 Chrome VPN Extensions: The Great Comparison

With online privacy becoming a growing concern, VPN browser extensions have exploded in popularity. Millions of users now rely on these tools to mask their location, access geo-restricted content, and browse more securely—all without installing heavy desktop software.

Developers have responded with a wide range of options, from completely free services to premium offerings with advanced security features. Major players like NordVPN and Proton VPN compete alongside lightweight alternatives like Browsec and Planet VPN, each carving out their own niche in the crowded market.

I wanted to find out which Chrome VPN extensions actually deliver on their promises. In this article, I'll compare and contrast 10 of the most popular VPN extensions available on the Chrome Web Store today. Most of these extensions are also available for Firefox, Edge, and other browsers, but we'll focus primarily on their Chrome performance.

List of the Best VPN Extensions for Chrome:

• PureVPN Proxy
• NordVPN
• Free VPN Proxy and ad blocker - Planet VPN
• Browsec VPN
• Proton VPN: Fast & Secure
• VPN Proxy VeePN
• Urban VPN Proxy
• Hola VPN
• Windscribe - Free Proxy and Ad Blocker
• SetupVPN

If you just prefer a simple comparison overview, check out the full comparison table of all VPN extensions:

[Screenshot of comparison table]

1. PureVPN Proxy

PureVPN Proxy offers a lightweight browser extension tied to a broader VPN ecosystem. With around 300,000 downloads and a 4.14/5 rating from 3,878+ reviews, it has a smaller but dedicated user base. However, recent reviews tell a concerning story—the last 100 average just 1.68/5, indicating significant recent issues.

In our testing, the extension was compact and familiar: a one-click toggle, a short region list, and clear connection status. The pricing on long-term plans is aggressive, with the 2-year Standard plan at $2.15/month being particularly competitive.

Key Features

• One-click connect – Enable the VPN in seconds from a small panel
• Location switching – Jump between regions to adjust routing
• Browser traffic encryption – Protects data within the browser session
• Account-based access – Sign in to unlock the service and plans
• Multi-browser support – Available on Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari
• Full-device apps – Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS clients for system-wide coverage
• Streaming attempts – Works with some geo-restricted sites, depending on region
• Lightweight UI – Simple status and region controls without clutter

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Fast connections when stable
• Easy region switching
• Strong long-term pricing
• Full-device apps available

Cons:

• Account required to start
• Recent reliability dips
• Limited region coverage
• Streaming consistency varies

Who is this great for?

PureVPN Proxy is perfect for users who want a lightweight browser VPN that ties into a broader ecosystem. Whether you need browser-only protection now but might want full-device coverage later, or you're looking for aggressive long-term pricing, PureVPN offers a clear upgrade path.

It's especially great for users who value the combination of browser extension and full apps. The ability to start with the extension and expand to Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS makes it appealing for users who want flexibility.

Compared to others

PureVPN's long-term pricing is more competitive than NordVPN, but recent reliability issues put it behind in user experience. Against Planet VPN and Browsec VPN, PureVPN requires an account but offers a fuller ecosystem. When compared to VeePN, PureVPN has fewer servers but similar pricing.

Detailed comparisons

PureVPN vs NordVPN • PureVPN vs Planet VPN • PureVPN vs VeePN

Rating Summary

PureVPN Proxy has around 300,000 users on Chrome with a 4.14/5 historical rating, though recent reviews are concerning. Tooltivity gave PureVPN a score of 7.53/10. Check out the full review here.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN stands as one of the most trusted names in the VPN industry, and its Chrome extension doesn't disappoint. With over 11 million downloads and a solid 4.23/5 rating from 8,315+ reviews on the Chrome Web Store, it's clearly a go-to choice for security-conscious users. The recent ratings remain stable, with the last 100 reviews averaging 4.14/5.

What sets NordVPN apart is its comprehensive security suite that goes beyond basic VPN functionality. During our testing, we found the Threat Protection Pro feature genuinely useful—it blocks ads, trackers, and malware without needing additional software. The 7,400+ servers across 118 countries ensure you'll always find a fast connection.

Key Features

• Threat Protection Pro™ – Blocks malware, web trackers, and intrusive ads automatically
• Meshnet – Create your own private encrypted network for secure file sharing
• Dark Web Monitor – Get instant alerts if your accounts are compromised
• Dedicated IP – Maintain online reputation and skip denylists
• Double VPN – Add extra encryption layer for maximum security
• SmartPlay – Stream geo-restricted content without extra steps
• Kill Switch – Automatically disconnect if VPN connection drops
• Split Tunneling – Choose which apps need VPN protection
• Private DNS – Enhanced privacy without third-party spying
• 7,400+ Servers – Global coverage across 118 countries

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Excellent security features with comprehensive threat protection
• Consistent performance with minimal speed impact
• User-friendly interface that's easy for beginners
• Strong privacy policy with verified no-logs policy

Cons:

• Higher pricing compared to some competitors
• No free trial—requires credit card for testing
• Some server switching issues reported by users
• Limited advanced features in browser extension

Who is this great for?

NordVPN is perfect for anyone who prioritizes security and wants a premium VPN experience. Whether you're a professional handling sensitive data, someone who frequently uses public Wi-Fi, or just someone who values privacy, NordVPN delivers a polished experience.

It's especially great for users who want more than just IP masking. The threat protection, dark web monitoring, and dedicated IP options make it appealing for power users who need comprehensive security coverage beyond basic VPN functionality.

Compared to others

NordVPN's premium positioning and extensive security features give it a clear advantage over free alternatives like Planet VPN and Browsec VPN. While those offer usable free tiers, NordVPN provides stronger encryption, more server options, and verified no-logs policies. Against Proton VPN, NordVPN offers more features but at a higher price point.

Detailed comparisons

NordVPN vs Planet VPN • NordVPN vs Browsec VPN • NordVPN vs Proton VPN

Rating Summary

NordVPN has amassed over 11 million users on Chrome with an average rating of 4.23/5. Tooltivity gave NordVPN a score of 8.90/10. Check out the full review here.

3. Free VPN Proxy and ad blocker - Planet VPN

Planet VPN has quickly become a favorite among users seeking a truly free VPN option. With over 1 million downloads and an impressive 4.54/5 rating from 25,473+ reviews, it's one of the highest-rated free VPNs on the Chrome Web Store. Recent reviews are more mixed, with the last 100 averaging 3.87/5, suggesting some recent reliability fluctuations.

What really impressed us was the no-registration start. You can literally install and connect in seconds without creating an account—something rare in the VPN space. The free tier offers unlimited bandwidth and time, which is genuinely useful for everyday browsing.

Key Features

• No Registration Needed – Start immediately without creating an account
• Free Plan – Unlimited bandwidth and time with a limited server set
• Kill Switch – Blocks traffic if the VPN drops to avoid data leaks
• No-Logs Claim – States no activity or connection logs are kept
• Multiple Protocols – Choose protocols for stability and speed
• Ad Blocking (Smart Filter) – Control site-level filtering in the extension
• Premium Network – 60+ locations and 1200+ servers, including special servers
• Streaming & P2P (Premium) – Optimized for Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and torrents

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Truly free plan with no time limits
• No registration required to start
• Streaming and P2P support on Premium

Cons:

• Free products include advertising (AdMob involvement)
• Some user reports about search/default changes

Who is this great for?

Planet VPN is perfect for anyone who wants quick privacy without any signup friction. Whether you're a casual user who needs occasional geo-unblocking, a student on a budget, or just someone who wants to test a VPN before committing, Planet VPN's free tier delivers real value.

It's especially great for users who prioritize ease of use over advanced features. The one-click activation and built-in ad blocking make it appealing for everyday browsing, while the premium upgrade path offers more locations and streaming optimization when needed.

Compared to others

Planet VPN's completely free model with no registration gives it a clear advantage over NordVPN for budget-conscious users, though NordVPN offers stronger security features. Against Browsec VPN, Planet VPN provides a similar free experience but with arguably better speeds. When compared to Hola VPN, Planet VPN has fewer privacy concerns.

Detailed comparisons

Planet VPN vs NordVPN • Planet VPN vs Browsec VPN • Planet VPN vs Hola VPN

Rating Summary

Planet VPN has attracted over 1 million users on Chrome with an impressive 4.54/5 rating. Tooltivity gave Planet VPN a score of 8.47/10. Check out the full review here.

4. Browsec VPN

Browsec VPN is one of the most popular browser VPNs with a massive user base. With over 7 million downloads and a solid 4.43/5 rating from 36,742+ reviews, it's clearly stood the test of time. What's notable is the consistency—recent reviews (last 100) also average 4.39/5, showing stable quality.

In our testing, Browsec felt genuinely straightforward. One click to connect, a small list of free locations, and encrypted traffic that handled basic tasks reliably. It's not trying to be everything—it's a simple browser VPN that does the job.

Key Features

• Free, no-registration start – Connect in one click without creating an account
• Multiple locations (free and premium) – A few free options; premium unlocks many more
• Traffic encryption – Secures browser traffic, helpful on public Wi-Fi
• Smart Settings (per-site rules) – Auto-use or bypass VPN per site
• Timezone spoofing (premium) – Match timezone to chosen location
• Faster premium servers – Higher, more consistent speeds
• Multi-device/profiles – Use across browsers/devices on one subscription
• Simple UI – Clear toggle, quick country switch

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Works without registration; one-click setup
• Very simple UI and onboarding
• Free tier is usable for light browsing
• Handy per-site Smart Settings

Cons:

• Free speeds can be slow or inconsistent
• Occasional pop-ups or prompts reported by users
• Mixed reliability in heavily restricted regions

Who is this great for?

Browsec VPN is perfect for anyone who wants a quick way to unblock sites or add a basic privacy layer without complexity. Whether you're a first-time VPN user, someone who occasionally needs to access geo-blocked content, or just someone who values simplicity, Browsec delivers.

It's especially great for users who appreciate the per-site Smart Settings feature. Being able to automatically route certain sites through the VPN while bypassing others is genuinely useful for streamlined workflows.

Compared to others

Browsec's simplicity and no-registration model puts it on par with Planet VPN, though Planet VPN may offer faster free speeds. Against NordVPN, Browsec is lighter and free but lacks advanced security features. When compared to Urban VPN Proxy, Browsec offers better privacy practices but similar usability.

Detailed comparisons

Browsec VPN vs NordVPN • Browsec VPN vs Planet VPN • Browsec VPN vs Proton VPN

Rating Summary

Browsec VPN boasts over 7 million users on Chrome with a consistent 4.43/5 rating. Tooltivity gave Browsec VPN a score of 8.18/10. Check out the full review here.

5. Proton VPN: Fast & Secure

Proton VPN brings the trusted Proton brand to browser VPNs. With around 1 million downloads and a 3.57/5 rating from 1,531+ reviews, the overall score may seem modest—but the trend tells a better story. The last 100 reviews average 4.36/5, and the last 500 hit 4.32/5, suggesting significant recent improvements.

We tested Proton VPN across Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, and the experience was consistently straightforward: connect, pick a location, and browse. The Proton brand carries weight in the privacy community, and that security-first positioning shows in the extension.

Key Features

• One-click connect – Fast toggle for basic browser protection
• Server list access – Choose locations on paid plans; free tier is more limited
• Browser-only tunnel – Protects the browser without changing device-wide traffic
• Split-style use – Keep device traffic normal while routing only the browser
• Account-based access – Sign in to sync with Proton VPN plans
• Cross-platform ecosystem – Works as an extension with full apps for device-wide coverage
• Lightweight UI – Minimal controls with quick status feedback

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Fast connection for browsing
• Simple one-click controls
• Good value on paid plans
• Trusted security reputation

Cons:

• Random free server choice
• Occasional disconnects
• Limited favorites and profiles
• Some sites fail to load

Who is this great for?

Proton VPN is perfect for users who value privacy from a trusted brand. Whether you're already in the Proton ecosystem (Proton Mail, Proton Drive) or simply want a VPN from a company with a strong privacy track record, Proton VPN fits naturally.

It's especially great for users who want browser-only protection without affecting the rest of their device. The lightweight approach makes it ideal for quick privacy needs while keeping your other traffic normal.

Compared to others

Proton VPN's security reputation gives it an edge over Browsec VPN and Planet VPN for privacy-focused users, though those offer easier free starts. Against NordVPN, Proton VPN is lighter but lacks the extensive feature set. When compared to VeePN, Proton offers stronger privacy guarantees.

Detailed comparisons

Proton VPN vs NordVPN • Proton VPN vs Planet VPN • Proton VPN vs Browsec VPN

Rating Summary

Proton VPN has attracted around 1 million users on Chrome, with recent reviews trending strongly positive at 4.36/5 (last 100). Tooltivity gave Proton VPN a score of 8.08/10. Check out the full review here.

6. VPN Proxy VeePN

VPN Proxy VeePN is one of the most downloaded VPN extensions on Chrome. With over 12 million downloads and an excellent 4.52/5 rating from 45,393+ reviews, it's clearly resonating with users. Recent reviews remain positive at 4.23/5 for the last 100, though slightly below the historical average.

We spent weeks testing VeePN across multiple use cases. The 2,500+ server network across 60 countries provides solid global coverage, and the streaming optimization successfully unblocked Netflix and Disney+ in our tests. The multi-device support allowing 10 simultaneous connections is generous.

Key Features

• Massive Server Network – 2,500+ servers across 60 countries for global access
• Multi-Device Support – Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously on one account
• Streaming Optimization – Successfully unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Hulu
• Strong Security – AES-256 encryption with OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols
• Kill Switch – Automatic connection termination if VPN drops to prevent data leaks
• No-Logs Policy – Claims strict no-logs policy based in privacy-friendly Panama
• P2P Support – Allows torrenting with decent download speeds
• Browser Extensions – Available for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Strong security features with AES-256 encryption and multiple protocols
• Successfully unblocks major streaming platforms like Netflix
• Competitive pricing on longer-term plans

Cons:

• Inconsistent speeds across different servers
• Occasional connection drops and software glitches
• Free plan is compared to competitors slow

Who is this great for?

VeePN is perfect for users who need a balance between features and affordability. Whether you're a streaming enthusiast wanting to access geo-restricted content, a family needing multi-device coverage, or someone who values strong encryption, VeePN delivers solid value.

It's especially great for users who want premium features without the premium price tag. The long-term plans are competitively priced, and the 10-device support makes it ideal for households.

Compared to others

VeePN's extensive server network and streaming capabilities put it ahead of simpler options like Browsec VPN and Planet VPN. Against NordVPN, VeePN offers competitive pricing but less polished reliability. When compared to Proton VPN, VeePN has more features but a weaker privacy reputation.

Detailed comparisons

VeePN vs NordVPN • VeePN vs Planet VPN • VeePN vs Browsec VPN

Rating Summary

VeePN boasts over 12 million users on Chrome—the highest in this comparison—with an excellent 4.52/5 rating. Tooltivity gave VeePN a score of 7.72/10. Check out the full review here.

7. Urban VPN Proxy

Urban VPN Proxy is one of the most popular free VPN options available. With over 8 million downloads and an impressive 4.66/5 rating from 58,912+ reviews, it clearly works for a lot of people. Recent reviews are slightly lower at 3.99/5 for the last 100, but still solid.

The appeal is obvious: completely free access to 530+ servers across 77 countries without a subscription fee. In our testing, Urban VPN delivered usable speeds for everyday browsing, and the built-in ad blocker added extra value.

Key Features

• IP Address Masking – Allows users to change their IP location to any of the 77 available countries
• Ad-Blocking – Protects against annoying ads and mining websites
• Encryption – Complies with the latest OpenVPN standards for secure browsing
• No Additional Software Required – Easy installation as a browser extension
• Free Service – Offers a vast network of 530+ VPN servers without a subscription fee

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Free access to a large network of servers
• Easy to install and use
• Effective ad-blocking feature
• High user ratings and large user base

Cons:

• Data collection practices may concern privacy-conscious users
• Limited advanced security features
• Performance can vary depending on server load

Who is this great for?

Urban VPN Proxy is perfect for casual users who want free VPN access without the hassle of subscriptions. Whether you're a student, someone who occasionally needs to access blocked content, or just someone who wants basic privacy on public Wi-Fi, Urban VPN delivers.

It's especially great for users who prioritize value and don't need strict privacy guarantees. The completely free model with a large server network makes it appealing for everyday browsing and light streaming.

Compared to others

Urban VPN's completely free model with a massive server network gives it an edge over Browsec VPN for users who need more location options. Against NordVPN, Urban VPN is free but has notable privacy concerns due to data collection. When compared to Planet VPN, Urban VPN offers more servers but less transparent privacy practices.

Detailed comparisons

Urban VPN vs NordVPN • Urban VPN vs Planet VPN • Urban VPN vs Browsec VPN

Rating Summary

Urban VPN Proxy has attracted over 8 million users on Chrome with an impressive 4.66/5 rating. Tooltivity gave Urban VPN Proxy a score of 7.42/10. Check out the full review here.

8. Hola VPN

Hola VPN is one of the most well-known VPN brands with a massive user base. With over 5 million downloads and an impressive 4.84/5 historical rating from 367,976+ reviews—the highest review count in this comparison—it's clearly popular. However, recent reviews are concerning, with the last 100 averaging just 3.19/5.

What makes Hola unique is the per-tab country selection. You can set different countries for different tabs, which is genuinely useful for multi-region workflows. The free version offers 30-minute sessions, while premium removes time limits.

Key Features

• Country switching per tab – Pick a different location for each tab or site
• One-click unblocking – Connect and switch countries in seconds
• Free and Premium tiers – Free use with time limits; Premium removes limits
• Multi-device (Premium) – Use on up to 10 devices with one subscription
• Split/multi-tunneling approach – Routes traffic efficiently to improve speed
• Streaming access – Unblocks many regional libraries; occasional retries needed

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Very easy, one-click unblocking
• Works well for streaming and geo-restricted sites
• Flexible per-tab country selection

Cons:

• Notable privacy/logging concerns vs. no-log VPNs
• Variable speeds; occasional disconnects or "not available" errors

Who is this great for?

Hola VPN is perfect for users who mainly need quick, hassle-free access to geo-blocked sites. Whether you're accessing streaming content from different regions, browsing international shopping sites, or just occasionally need to change your apparent location, Hola makes it easy.

It's especially great for users who need the per-tab country selection feature. Being able to have US Netflix in one tab while accessing UK content in another is genuinely useful for power users.

Compared to others

Hola VPN's per-tab feature gives it a unique advantage over Browsec VPN and Planet VPN. However, against NordVPN and Proton VPN, Hola has significant privacy concerns due to IP and usage logging. When compared to Urban VPN Proxy, both have similar privacy trade-offs.

Detailed comparisons

Hola VPN vs NordVPN • Hola VPN vs Planet VPN • Hola VPN vs Browsec VPN

Rating Summary

Hola VPN has over 5 million users on Chrome with the highest review count (367,976) and a 4.84/5 historical rating, though recent reviews have dropped significantly. Tooltivity gave Hola VPN a score of 7.25/10. Check out the full review here.

9. Windscribe - Free Proxy and Ad Blocker

Windscribe combines VPN functionality with built-in ad and tracker blocking. With around 2 million downloads and a solid 4.66/5 historical rating from 20,952+ reviews, it has a respectable presence. However, recent reviews are concerning—the last 100 average just 2.27/5, indicating significant recent issues.

In our testing, Windscribe's privacy controls impressed us. The built-in ad blocking and tracker protection worked well, and the settings panel offers more depth than many free alternatives. The free tier is generous but comes with a monthly data cap.

Key Features

• Browser-only VPN – Protects just the browser without changing device-wide traffic
• Server locations – Pick from a large list of regions on paid plans
• Ad and tracker blocking – Built-in tools to reduce ads and tracking
• Privacy controls – Advanced settings to tune security and connection behavior
• Account-based access – Sign in to sync your plan and data allowance
• Cross-platform ecosystem – Full apps on Android and iOS for device-wide coverage
• Support tooling – Built-in help resources like Garry for quick troubleshooting

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Strong privacy and ad blocking
• Large server selection
• Browser-only VPN flexibility
• Good value free tier
• Helpful support tooling

Cons:

• Captcha and login friction
• Connection reliability swings
• Auto-connect popups
• Free data cap limits
• Speed can feel slow

Who is this great for?

Windscribe is perfect for privacy-focused users who want more than just IP masking. Whether you value the built-in ad blocking, appreciate advanced privacy controls, or want a VPN that integrates with full mobile apps, Windscribe delivers a richer feature set than most free alternatives.

It's especially great for users who want a browser VPN as part of a larger ecosystem. The Android and iOS apps mean the extension can be a lightweight companion rather than your only VPN.

Compared to others

Windscribe's privacy controls and ad blocking give it an edge over simpler options like Browsec VPN and Planet VPN. Against NordVPN, Windscribe offers a generous free tier but has recent reliability concerns. When compared to VeePN, Windscribe focuses more on privacy while VeePN emphasizes streaming.

Detailed comparisons

Windscribe vs NordVPN • Windscribe vs Planet VPN • Windscribe vs Browsec VPN

Rating Summary

Windscribe has around 2 million users on Chrome with a 4.66/5 historical rating, though recent reviews have dropped sharply. Tooltivity gave Windscribe a score of 6.90/10. Check out the full review here.

10. SetupVPN

SetupVPN markets itself as a "Lifetime Free VPN," but our testing revealed significant limitations. Despite having a 4.69/5 historical rating from 47,342+ reviews, the recent feedback is alarming—the last 100 reviews average just 1.75/5, and the last 500 average 1.63/5.

The free version offers access to just 5 countries with 30-minute sessions, and users frequently report finding all servers marked as premium. During our testing, we encountered issues where the actual location was still detected even when connected through the VPN.

Key Features

• Free Version – Access to five different countries
• Ease of Use – Simple interface suitable for beginners
• Basic Privacy – Provides basic privacy protection

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Free version available
• Basic privacy protection

Cons:

• Limited free access
• Frequent ads
• Basic features only

Who is this great for?

SetupVPN is only suitable for users who need occasional, very basic VPN functionality and don't mind significant limitations. It may work for someone who rarely needs to change their apparent location and doesn't require reliable connections.

It's not recommended for users who need consistent VPN access, streaming capabilities, or genuine privacy protection. Based on our tests and recent user reviews, there are much better alternatives available.

Compared to others

SetupVPN falls significantly behind all other options in this comparison. Against Planet VPN and Browsec VPN, SetupVPN offers fewer features with more limitations. When compared to Urban VPN Proxy, which also has privacy concerns, Urban VPN still delivers better reliability and more servers.

Detailed comparisons

SetupVPN vs NordVPN • SetupVPN vs Planet VPN • SetupVPN vs Urban VPN

Rating Summary

SetupVPN has a 4.69/5 historical rating from 47,342+ reviews, but recent feedback is overwhelmingly negative with recent averages below 2/5. Tooltivity gave SetupVPN a score of 6.25/10. Check out the full review here.

Final Thoughts

After testing all 10 VPN Chrome extensions, I've found that each has carved out its own niche in the market. Based on my reviews, NordVPN leads with the highest overall score (8.90/10), offering the most comprehensive security features and consistent performance—though at a premium price. Planet VPN excels as the best free option with no registration required, while Browsec VPN provides a reliable middle ground with its easy-to-use interface and stable recent ratings.

For specific use cases: Proton VPN is perfect for privacy-focused users who trust the Proton brand, VeePN offers the best balance of features and multi-device support at competitive prices, and Hola VPN stands out with its unique per-tab country selection—just be aware of the privacy trade-offs. Urban VPN Proxy delivers the most servers for free users, while Windscribe combines VPN with solid ad blocking for a more complete privacy package.

The key is finding what fits your specific needs. Start with free options like Planet VPN or Browsec to test your use case, and only upgrade to premium when you hit their limits. For the most reliable premium experience, NordVPN remains the safest choice. Avoid SetupVPN unless you have very minimal needs—there are simply too many better alternatives available.