Best Free VPN for Chrome: Safe & Secure Google Browsing (2024)

A solid, reliable free VPN for Chrome is difficult to find. Through our years of testing VPN services, we’ve come to realize that many free VPNs are bloated with malware, unwanted ads, and trackers.

This doesn’t mean there are zero free and perfectly safe VPNs. As long as you keep your eyes peeled for a VPN with stringent security features and a solid privacy policy, then you can safely surf the web at no cost.

To save you some time searching, however, we’re sharing our list of the best free Chrome VPNs available today.

Our List of the Best Free VPNs for Chrome Browser

A virtual private network (VPN) reroutes your internet connection through an external server, so websites and apps don’t see your real IP address. Instead, they see a VPN-provided IP address. And since your IP address can be traced to your identity, this makes VPNs essential for maintaining your online privacy.

Unfortunately, free VPNs almost always come with limitations. Because the service is free, VPN companies can’t or won’t provide the same level of quality that you’d see with a paid VPN.

Regardless, it’s still possible to find a good free VPN for Chrome. Especially on Google’s browser, it can be vital to hide your IP address. Below, you’ll find our top recommendations.

1. ProtonVPN: The best free VPN for Chrome

Key Features:

• Free servers in 3 countries
• AES-256 encryption
• Strict no-logs policy
• Unlimited monthly data usage
• OpenVPN protocol

Our top choice for the best free VPN on Chrome is ProtonVPN. Not only is it fast and secure, but it also offers unlimited bandwidth data usage — something other free VPNs rarely offer. Partnered with its strict no-logs policy, ProtonVPN is a top choice for the privacy-minded.

Military-grade AES-256 encryption will keep your connection secure while you browse online using Google Chrome. Other features include a kill switch for unexpected disconnects and the OpenVPN protocol which provides a mid-level tunnel for additional connection speed and protection.

With ProtonVPN, you get access to 24 servers in three countries, which isn’t bad for a free VPN. Though, if you want additional server locations, you’ll need to upgrade to their premium tier (starting at $3.29 per month).

This VPN is the most feature-rich that you’ll find on this list. For more information on the premium version, check out our full review on ProtonVPN or visit the ProtonVPN website.

Visit ProtonVPN

2. Atlas VPN: Fast and secure free VPN for Chrome

Key Features:

• Access to three server locations
• Military-grade encryption
• No-logs policy
• 10 GB of free data
• WireGuard tunneling protocol

Atlas VPN is a good choice if you need a free VPN for Chrome. With the free plan, you get 10 GB of monthly data, military-grade encryption, next-gen tunneling protocols, a no-logs policy, and so much more.

When setting up this free account, you’ll be given the choice of three protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. On top of this, a kill switch is provided to protect your data should the VPN unexpectedly disconnect. This way, you’ll never be using Chrome unprotected.

Upon launching the application, a free user will have access to three server locations: Los Angeles and New York, USA, and Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Sadly, these servers can’t unblock US Netflix without upgrading to a premium plan.

If your primary concern is speed and security, Atlas VPN is a tremendous choice. A subscription is also available for those who are looking for a lot more data mileage on multiple devices.

Visit Atlas VPN

3. Windscribe: The best free VPN for Netflix

Key Features:

• Servers available in 11 locations
• AES-256 encryption
• No logs policy
• 10 GB of monthly data
• Comes with a malware-blocking tool

Finally, a VPN service that offers access to Netflix. Windscribe tears down the walls to blocked sites you would otherwise not have been granted access. Not only that, but it offers a trustworthy security suite to put your mind at ease while browsing.

Users will be able to browse safe and secure with military-grade encryption, utilizing their 10 GB per month data cap, with a kill switch fail-safe feature, and R.O.B.E.R.T. — a malware blocking tool that comes with the VPN client and works on Chrome. In addition to this, Windscribe keeps a no-logs policy for all accounts, free forever or otherwise.

Windscribe is even so generous as to offer 11 different countries with server locations: Germany, US, Canada, France, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Switzerland, UK, Turkey, and Hong Kong. This is even more than our top choice ProtonVPN.

Windscribe is a great choice for those looking to unblock Netflix. The free version works consistently well at unblocking UK Netflix and can access up to 6 libraries. For even more regions, Windscribe Pro can unblock up to 32 libraries. Those overseas would do well using Windscribe for their Netflix needs.

Visit Windscribe VPN

4. Hotspot Shield: Lightning-fast free VPN for Chrome

Key Features:

• Only provides a server in the US
• 256-bit AES encryption
• Catapult Hydra tunnel
• DNS leak protection
• Has a Chrome extension

In a twist from the norm, Hotspot Shield offers 500 MB per day instead of the standard 10 GB per month. Plus, the lightning-fast speeds implemented by the Catapult Hydra tunneling protocol will make it easier for those browsing on the go.

What’s not so great about Hotspot Shield is that free users can only connect to US servers. Though, the security features such as 256-bit AES encryption and IP/DNS leak protection, as well as a kill switch feature, make it one of the better-protected VPNs.

What is great is that Hotspot Shield offers Chrome users an extension in addition to an application, which makes getting it to work that much easier. All you need to do is add the extension to Chrome. Just don’t expect access to any blocked streaming websites unless you plan to pony up for the premium service.

Once you reach the point where you need more than 500 MB in a day, Hotspot Shield does offer a paid upgrade. The premium Hotspot Shield option will not only provide unlimited bandwidth but also access to over 115 virtual locations from which to connect.

Visit Hotspot Shield VPN

5. Hide.me: Feature-packed free VPN for Chrome

Key Features:

• Military-grade encryption
• 10 GB monthly data
• Split tunneling

Possibly the most user-friendly entry to our list is Hide.me. Its Google Chrome browser extension, although basic, provides a relatively reliable level of protection. You’re also treated to the standard 10 GB of monthly data.

As far as features go, this no-cost VPN Chrome extension encrypts data with AES-256 encryption. You’re also free to choose whichever tunneling protocol you want — aside from WireGuard, which is for paying customers only.

Hide.me provides free users with a kill switch, split tunneling, and everything else you’d get from the paid version. Unfortunately, its available server locations are limited to only 4 countries. Streaming services will also remain blocked unless you’re willing to pay for the feature or you get lucky with a server location.

Every feature offered in the premium version of Hide.me can also be found in the free version. This is an awesome deal for users who prefer features over function. However, opting for the paid version will also provide access to unblocked Netflix servers and a whole host of additional servers you can connect to.

Visit Hide.me VPN

Avoid These Free Chrome VPNs

We’ve already provided you with free VPN for Chrome choices in the list above. These are all tremendous choices in your search for free access while browsing on Google Chrome. However, there are still a few services that can be found in the Chrome web store that we think should be avoided.

• iNinja VPN: One of the worst VPNs you can choose from in the Chrome web store. This particular VPN has a nasty reputation of collecting enormous amounts of data which includes activity logs, location, connection timestamps, and more.
• SuperVPN: Another Chrome store no-no. This particular VPN service lied about their no-logs policy, effectively collecting its users’ data and covering it with a privacy policy.
• Hoxx VPN: This VPN will not only access and collect your data for third parties, but sell it off to governments as well. Definitely one to miss out on.

What’s the Difference Between a VPN and a VPN Chrome Extension?

The VPN services recommended on this list come as fully downloadable apps for your desktop. However, their Chrome extension counterparts are almost always proxies. The difference between them is where the traffic is being run.

When using a desktop client, all your computer traffic is encrypted. This includes all your other activities, like watching on the Netflix desktop app, talking to family over the Skype client, and downloading torrents.

Meanwhile, when you use a VPN browser extension, only your browser traffic is affected by the VPN. ChromeOS is the only exception so far to this. This is because Google provides an API that allows VPN extensions on Chrome to function as a standard VPN on ChromeOS.

So, which one should you download? We recommend downloading a full VPN client so all your activities are encrypted and protected, including your web browsing, gaming, torrenting, and streaming.

What You Should Be Looking For in a Chrome VPN Extension

First and foremost, quality. Make sure that you are only downloading your VPN browser extension from a well-known service provider. Attempting to download from lesser-known providers or sketchy websites could lead to unwanted complications, potential online dangers, and malware. So, take our advice and only download from trusted sources.

Next, you’ll need to ensure that you only download the official VPN apps. Third-party unofficial VPN apps carry the same chance for problems as shady, lesser-known VPN providers. You should only be downloading VPN apps directly from the VPN service provider’s official website. This will ensure the legitimacy of the application.

For a short-term use VPN, we suggest looking into a service that doesn’t require a login. As far as speed goes, all the above no-cost VPNs are fast enough for both web browsing and video streaming. If you still feel you need more, there’s always the option to upgrade to a premium VPN with more added features and fewer limitations.

Warning! Free VPNs Can Be Dangerous

A free virtual private network is tempting, particularly because of the price point. However, choosing one irresponsibly can carry as much risk as not having a VPN at all. Here are a few of the dangers that a free Google Chrome VPN service might have.

Out-of-date software

Hackers will take advantage of out-of-date software. VPN apps and clients need to be continuously updated with the latest security protocols, especially as countermeasures against new malicious software are released.

Given this, always make sure that every application you download or use is constantly updated to its most recent version. Some Chrome extensions fail to keep their product updated which could lead to dire consequences. Look for only those that push out constant updates.

Trackers

A free VPN can also turn out to be inconvenient and dangerous. Some sketchy VPNs come with a tracker installed along with the app itself. These trackers target your search history, browsing history, location, and other sensitive data you wouldn’t want getting out to the public.

Selling data

User data collection is not uncommon with a free VPN. It’s usually how those companies pay the bills. Collect user traffic data, sell it to the highest bidder, and make a profit. Third parties are willing to pay big for this sort of thing as it provides knowledge that only you should have access to.

Malicious ads

Keeping with the data collection, your data can also be sold to third parties for use in targeted ads. These malicious ads, pop-ups, and video ads can be dangerous, opening up backdoors for potential viruses on your device. The controversial Turbo VPN is one example of a free service that has antivirus programs light up upon downloading it.

Free applications need to earn money. Sadly, this usually means taking advantage of a user’s personal information and online well-being. It’s hard to maintain privacy and protection utilizing a no-cost VPN service. At the very least, we recommend using a freemium service that provides the option to pay for additional services (which can bolster privacy and security).

Is a Free VPN on Chrome Worth It?

Do not expect a free VPN to perform as well as a premium VPN. Free VPNs come with data limits, a limited number of available servers and locations, and minimal features. Free VPN chrome extensions are also not made for consistent use but rather for the occasional social media scroll or Google search.

If you’re hoping to find a reliable VPN solution, we suggest upgrading to a premium paid VPN. This will offer you a better assortment of servers and connections, increase the stock of available features, and tend to come without data limits.

The best premium VPNs are those that don’t take a toll on your wallet while still providing security and stability you’re not likely to find in a freemium version. We feel that the paid option that gives the best bang for your buck is NordVPN.

NordVPN provides its users with unlimited data usage, a large network of servers, and amazing protection and reliability — all at a manageable monthly price. Not only that, but NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This makes it an excellent choice with an easy opt-out option.

For more information on NordVPN, you can check out our in-depth review of the top-rated VPN on the market.

To Free or Not to Free: Should You Use a Zero-Cost VPN for Chrome?

Be it a VPN or VPN extension, using one of these we’ve detailed in our list wouldn’t be a terrible decision. With all of the free features our list provides — military-grade encryption, strong privacy policies, Netflix access, and next-gen tunneling protocols — you could end up with a highly secure VPN at no cost.

Understand, a free Chrome VPN will never hold a candle to paid VPN. In fact, we’d highly recommend, if it’s within budget, to seek out a more premium VPN like NordVPN. NordVPN provides additional security, stability, and speed to your connection while offering unlimited data, more locations, and all at an affordable price.

Joseph BooneAuthor

VPN Expert

Joseph is a former US Army IT communications specialist with over 10 years experience in the IT industry. He’s a tech enthusiast who spends most of his downtime enthralled by online gaming and website building.

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