Best browser VPN extensions
VPN extensions are a must-have these days. Thus, I have tried and tested 40+ VPNs and listed the 5 best browser VPN extensions 2023 for your convenience. ExpressVPN is our top choice.
Browser surfing is the most common practice among internet users. However, most people don’t realize that your browser constantly collects information about the sites you visit when you are surfing online. Thus, your personal information like IP address, connected devices, and hardware are out in the open.
And we are not talking just about malicious sites.
No! Your most trusted sites like Google and YouTube can also access this information.
This is where a VPN extension comes into the picture. A reliable VPN extension will encrypt your browser traffic so no one can use your personal information.
You have to admit, browser extensions are truly awesome. You can get pretty much anything done without installing resource-heavy desktop applications. Instead of downloading standalone VPN apps, you can install a lightweight VPN extension and quickly secure your online browsing .
In this blog, we’re going to take a look at 5 of the best browser VPN extensions offered by the top VPN providers that you can use for a seamless and secure browsing experience.
Before we get started, I highly recommend getting ExpressVPN. It is the best option out there for all popular browsers.
- 3,000+ Servers in 94 Countries
- Hard disk free infrastructure (RAM only)
- 256-bit Military-Grade Encryption
- Excellent unblocking capability for Netflix, Hulu & more
- 5 Multi Logins
- Zero-knowledge DNS
Quick Overview – Best Browser VPN Extensions [2023 Updated]
- ExpressVPN: The Best VPN for Browsers. Offers excellent unblocking on all browsers, fast speed (85.8 Mbps on 100 Mbps base connection), and top-notch 256-bit encryption. 3000+ servers in 160 locations and a 30-day money-back guarantee to try out the service risk-free. Offer a limited-time 3-month free subscription on its 12 months plan.
- Surfshark: Best Value VPN for Browsers. Browser VPN for browsers costing only $1.99/mo (Get 86% + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan), with flagship features, like CleanWeb, WhiteLister, & Split Tunneling. Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max and allows unlimited connections.
- NordVPN: Secure VPN for Browsers. Comes with powerful features like kill switch, SOCKS5 proxy, Nordlynx, OpenVPN protocol, and support for major browsers. Offers 5200+ servers with obfuscation technology and allows 6 multi logins.
- VyprVPN: Fastest VPN for Browsers. Offers super-fast speeds of up to 90.8 Mbps on a 100 Mbps base connection on Chrome. Offers unlimited multi-logins and overall an amazing browsing experience.
- Private Internet Access: Best VPN for Torrenting on Browsers. Thousands of P2P optimized servers with SOCKS5 proxy & kill switch. Offers the largest server park with 35000+ servers all over the world. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and supports popular web browsers.
5 Best VPN for Browsers in 2023 [Updated]
A browser VPN extension needs to be quick and should deliver ultimate privacy without separately downloading the standalone app. After testing around with 40+ different VPNs, here are my 5 recommended best browser VPN extensions for 2023.
1. ExpressVPN – The Best VPN for Browsers
If you’re looking for a VPN browser extension that can deliver desktop-like specs, ExpressVPN might be perfect for you. It is also one of the best VPNs for browsers.
Right from the get-go, you’re going to find support for Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and even Safari browser. You can choose from 3000+ servers across 105 countries.
Aside from compatibility, ExpressVPN’s browser extension offers a lot more security features and a lot more customization than other VPN providers in this list. It has top-notch security features with strong encryption for maximum privacy.
Let’s first check out the interface, and then we’ll talk about features, shall we?
Here’s how ExpressVPN’s browser extensions look like:
If we talk about features, customization, and interface, there’s no other VPN extension that even comes close to ExpressVPN.
Even if we talk about connecting to a server, ExpressVPN’s browser extension not only lets you pick a country but also the specific server of your choice from its 3000+ servers. These features also make it one of the best VPN for movie streaming without any restrictions.
ExpressVPN’s browser extension offers an intuitive interface for easy server selection from its extensive network of over 3000 servers. This feature is ideal for expatriates and travelers who want to watch US streaming services like YouTube TV and CNBC while abroad. This functionality cements ExpressVPN’s status as the best VPN for streaming a wide range of global entertainment.
Pretty cool, right?
As far as features are concerned, ExpressVPN features helps you block HTML5 geolocation from revealing your real location, the WebRTC block feature prevents your browser from leaking your private information, and the HTTPS Everywhere feature automatically connects you to secure HTTPS version of a website as we have tested in ExpressVPN Review.
Although I highly like their browser extension, you cannot use it on its own unless you download their standalone desktop app. It is available for $6.67/mo (Black Friday Deal: Grab 3 Free Months + 49% OFF 12-Month Plan) with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark – Best Value VPN for Browsers
Surshark is another great browser VPN that has around 3200+ servers across 100 countries. Thus, it is an excellent choice for browsing geo-restricted sites and unblocking popular streaming platforms, including Netflix US, Youtube TV, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Etc. Also, Surfshark offers high-speed connection servers that are optimal for bufferless streaming.
This budget-friendly VPN is compatible with Google Chrome and Firefox. Although it doesn’t have a dedicated VPN web browser extension for Opera, you can use the Google Chrome extension on Opera browsers.
Here’s how Surfshark’s browser extensions look like:
Surfshark extension offers an amazing feature known as CleanWeb. It blocks ads, malware, and also phishing attempts. Its automatic functionality makes it super easy to use for beginners.
This web browser VPN provides an additional layer of protection by automatically turning on Camouflage obfuscation if your online traffic has to go through deep packet inspection. As if that wasn’t enough, Surshark also protects against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks.
With an inbuilt adblocker and anti-malware, the Surshark VPN browser extension is a clear winner when it comes to safe browsing and online protection. It is available for $1.99/mo (Get 86% + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan) with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark’s cheap subscription plans and unlimited multi-logins make it one of the best value VPN services. In addition, you can share your Surfshark account with your friends and family so they can enjoy its services too. Surfshark’s free trial as discussed in our extensive review of Surfshark is best free trial plan a VPN provider offers.
3. NordVPN – Secure VPN for Browsers
Next up, we have NordVPN. Now unlike other VPNs, NordVPN’s browser extensions are a bit more feature-rich. By that, I’m talking about its CyberSec feature, which is available for both Chrome and Firefox.
CyberSec is a pretty clever feature that prevents you from accessing malware-hosting sites if you don’t know. Pretty cool if you ask me.
Similar to ExpressVPN, NordVPN also offers WebRTC leak protection within their browser extension, which is always nice to have. Nord also offers Tor Browser Support which is a huge plus for user security. It also boasts around 5500+ servers in 60 countries. Meaning, you can access all popular streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer.
ExpressVPN’s kill switch is like having a trustworthy companion in the digital world where everyone is always looking out for your privacy. It’s the feature that turns the best VPN with Kill switch into your digital security partner.
As far as interface and ease of use are concerned, NordVPN pretty much nails it. By simply clicking the “Auto Connect” button, you can automatically connect to one of their many optimized VPN servers. It’s also turns out to be the best VPN for Brave Browser , best VPNs for Chrome, and also the best VPN for UC browsers.
If you’re nitpicky like me, click the “Choose location” button and pick a country of your choice. This VPN is available for only $3.99/mo (Get 57% Off + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan) with a 30-day refund policy.
Here’s how NordVPN’s browser extensions look like:
4. VyprVPN – Fastest VPN for Browsers
Next on this list, we have VyprVPN. Just like their other apps, VyprVPN’s browser extension is pretty awesome. That being said, you can only use it on the Google Chrome browser.
Performance-wise, its Google Chrome extension offers rapid connection speeds. Connecting to a VPN server literally takes no time at all. In fact, VyprVPN offers the best VPN extension for Chrome. In our testing, it managed to output 90.8 Mbps download speed on a 100 Mbps base connection. It grants access to 700 servers in 70 countries that can help you unblock pretty much anything you like.
As far as interface and features are concerned, VyprVPN has managed to do a pretty decent job.
Now granted, there are not many customizable features available within their browser extensions, but you still get quite a bit of features to play around with.
Here’s how VyprVPN’s browser extensions look like:
Feature-wise, you get an option to select the VPN location of your choice. There’s an option called “Popular websites,” which lets you unblock a wide range of popular geo-locked websites like Netflix US, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and many more.
Since web browsers can never be trusted, using WebRTC leak protection can come a long way. It also has the best Kill switch feature in the VPN industry. All these features make it one of the best VPN extensions for Chrome.
Overall, VyprVPN’s browser extensions work great, but a bit more customization could come in handy. It is also the least expensive VPN service of 2023. It is available for $8.33/month.
5. PIA – Best VPN for Torrenting on Browsers
Private Internet Access (PIA) is one of the most popular VPNs for web browsers. This VPN features around 35000+ servers in 84 countries. Its VPN browser extension has a user-friendly interface with all the required security features. Its browser extension comes in a Light and Dark theme.
With PIA VPNs browser extension, you can unblock Netflix US, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and much more. And what’s best is that you get all these features at a low price tag, as PIA VPN is cheap.
PIA VPNs browser extension looks like this:
PIA offers extensions for Chrome and Firefox. You can turn the VPN extension on, and it will hide your IP address and browser activity by securing it with Squid HTTPS. It also features an automatic kill switch, port forwarding, DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection.
But, keep in mind that the extension alone will not mask your online activity apart from the browser activity. So, for maximum protection, I recommend that you use the extension with the VPN app. It is available for $2.11/mo with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
How to use a VPN Browser Extension
To set up a VPN browser extension follow the steps below:
- Choose a VPN provider from the list above and subscribe to a VPN plan (we recommend ExpressVPN).
- Download the VPN extension from the online official store of your browser. Or you can visit the official page of the VPN provider and download the browser extension from there.
- Open the extension on your browser and log in.
- Select your desired server and connect.
Best Free Browser VPN Extensions
You can access all of ExpressVPN’s premium features during a VPN free trial for 30 days. If you’re not a fan of paid browser VPN extensions, you can opt for slightly less secure but completely free VPN browser extensions.
With free VPN browser extensions, you might not get the most secure experience, but it’ll hopefully help you bypass geo-restrictions at the most.
Here is a list of a few free browser VPN extensions you can use:
- Windscribe
- Opera VPN
- Zenmate
- DotVPN
- TunnelBear
Browser VPN Extensions VS VPN Apps
Let clear the air for a second; a browser extension cannot deliver the same protection level as the standalone VPN app.
Why?
Well, a lot of the full-fledged features are just not available in the browser extensions, which might end up compromising your privacy and security.
For instance, if you like tinkering with protocols, cherry-picking servers, or using security features like Kill switch and split tunneling, you’ll have to use the dedicated VPN app.
While a browser extension only secures your proprietary web browser, a dedicated VPN app secures your entire system.
Simply put, a VPN browser extension is just a quick way to secure your web browser. Since pretty much all browser VPN extensions are just HTTPS proxies, you’re obviously going to compromise on privacy.
To take full benefit from powerful encryption and protocols, you’ll have to download the proper VPN app for any of the best VPNs we’ve discussed above.
FAQs – Best Browser VPN Extensions
How do I set up a VPN extension on Google Chrome?
Follow the steps below to set up a VPN extension on Google Chrome:
- Choose a VPN service and subscribe.
- Go to the official website of the VPN and download the VPN browser extension. You can also go to the Chrome Web Store, find the VPN app that you want and click Add to Chrome button.
- Once the extension is downloaded, Sign in to the VPN using your credentials, and you are good to go!
Why is a VPN for Browser necessary ?
A VPN extension for Browser encrypts your online traffic, just like a VPN app, so no one can see what you are browsing. It also masks your IP address so that no one can track your real location. That is why a VPN for a browser is necessary to ensure online privacy and security. Other reasons why a VPN is necessary for Browser to include:
- Data encryption for online privacy
- Bypass censorship and access geo-restricted sites.
- Mask your IP address so no one can track your location.
Wrapping Things Up
Browsers are common targets for hackers. But with best browser VPN extensions, you can make the job of a would-be hacker that much more difficult, whether you are a student. For an employee in a tech firm, a browser VPN is an essential tool for maintaining online privacy and protecting yourself against cyber attacks.
I hope this article proved to be of some use to you. Let me know which best browser VPN extensions you’re currently using in the comments below.
