If you are a Chrome browser user and want to improve your safety while browsing, a virtual private network (VPN) is an excellent tool to protect your online activity. Many services are offering to do it for free but only a few are not risky to use daily. That’s why it's important to choose a compatible free VPN that offers the features you need as the market is full of the ones that not only lack security qualities but are threatening by themselves.
This article will review some of the best free VPNs for Chrome, based on factors such as speed, security, and user-friendliness. Whether you are looking to unblock websites, protect your data from hackers, or maintain your anonymity online, we've got you covered with our top best free VPN for Chrome picks.
Top 5 Free VPNs for Chrome
- Proton VPN – no data cap for browsing Chrome
- Windscribe – fast and reliable free VPN for Chrome
- Hide.me – free VPN for Chrome with strong encryption
- AtlasVPN – a free VPN with great performance for Chrome
- PrivadoVPN – good free VPN for safe browsing in Chrome
While testing different VPN services, we focused on safety features, data limitations, server network, and app performance, including speed and user-friendliness. These elements are crucial if you want to protect yourself online and keep your information private.
What should you look for in a free VPN for Chrome?
There are several features that users should consider when looking for a free VPN for Chrome. These include:
- Privacy and security. It's important to consider the privacy practices of any VPN service, including free ones. You should look for a VPN that has a clear privacy policy and doesn't log your activity, uses strong encryption, and has additional security features such as a kill switch and protection against leaks.
- Data cap. Many free VPNs have a data cap, which limits the amount of data you can use each month. This can be frustrating if you want to use the VPN for streaming or downloading large files.
- Brand name. A well-known and reputable brand may offer more peace of mind than a lesser-known VPN service.
- Reviews. Reading reviews from other users can be a good way to get a sense of a VPN's performance and reliability. Remember to carefully research any VPN service you are considering using.
The best free VPNs for Chrome
As many free VPN services are offering different levels of security and privacy, we took our time to find the ones that are the best. We evaluated the security measures, data caps and usage restrictions, server locations and availability, and overall performance (including speed and ease of use) of each VPN. Here are our top picks:
1. Proton VPN – no data cap for browsing Chrome
- No data caps
- Unlimited speed
- Strong encryption
- Supports only 1 device
- No Chrome extension
Proton VPN offers a free version with no data cap and excellent safety features for browsing in Chrome. You can use the VPN as much as you want without worrying about running out of data or facing restrictions on your usage.
In addition, Proton VPN is known for its strong security measures, including AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy. The company is also transparent about its data practices and is based in privacy-friendly Switzerland.
The free version of Proton VPN, unlike many other providers, does not have speed or data limitations, that is everything one would need for fast and uninterrupted browsing. However, the free version has servers in 3 countries, which is not a lot, but still is a good option for those who want a reliable VPN for casual browsing in Chrome.
2. Windscribe – fast and reliable free VPN for Chrome
- Servers in over 10 countries
- Chrome extension available
- Unlimited devices
- 10 GB/month data cap
Windscribe is a fast and reliable free VPN for Chrome that offers a decent selection of servers and a Chrome extension for easy use. One of the standout features of Windscribe is its ability to unblock a wide range of streaming services, including Netflix and Hulu, making it a good option if you are traveling abroad.
The VPN uses strong encryption and has a strict no-logs policy, so you can feel confident that your activity is private. In addition, Windscribe offers a range of security features such as a kill switch and additional measures such as a firewall and ad blocking.
The free version has servers in over 10 countries, including the US, Canada, and the Netherlands, and is known for its fast speeds. However, the free version does have data limitations, with a monthly usage limit of 10 GB.
3. Hide.me – free VPN for Chome with strong encryption
- 5 server locations
- No speed throttling
- Chrome extension available
- Data is limited to 10 GB a month
- 1 device connection
Hide.me is a free VPN for Chrome that offers strong encryption and a good selection of servers. The VPN uses AES-256 encryption, as well as additional security measures such as a kill switch and protection against leaks. Hide.me is also known for its strict no-logs policy, so you can feel confident that your activity is private.
In terms of performance, Hide.me is known for its fast speeds and ability to unblock streaming services such as Netflix. It never throttles your speeds and even offers P2P servers in all available locations which is a great advantage.
One of the convenient features of Hide.me is its Chrome extension, which allows you to connect to the VPN quickly and easily from your browser. However, the free version does have some limitations, such as a 10 GB data cap and access to servers in only five countries.
4. AtlasVPN – a free VPN with great performance for Chrome
- Strong security features
- Unlimited devices
- No speed limits
- Only 3 server locations
AtlasVPN is a free VPN that offers great performance and security features for Chrome. One of the standout features of AtlasVPN is its fast speed, which makes it a good choice for streaming and browsing.
In terms of security, AtlasVPN offers strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy to protect your online activity and keep your data private while browsing in Chrome. In addition to these features, AtlasVPN may also offer other security measures such as a kill switch to prevent any leaks and protection against DNS leaks.
One potential downside of AtlasVPN is that the free version does have some limitations, such as a 10GB data cap and access to servers in only three countries. However, the VPN is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface, making it a good choice for those new to using a VPN.
5. PrivadoVPN – good free VPN for safe browsing on Chrome
- Easy-to-use app
- A zero logs policy
- Only 12 servers are available
- Data limitations
PrivadoVPN is a good free VPN for safe browsing on Chrome that offers unlimited data and a decent selection of servers. This provider is a solid choice for a free VPN for Chrome that prioritizes privacy and security.
One of the standout features of PrivadoVPN is its strong focus on privacy, with a no-logs policy and advanced security measures such as a kill switch and protection against leaks. The VPN also uses AES-256 encryption to protect your data.
In terms of performance, PrivadoVPN is known for its fast speeds and ability to unblock streaming services such as Netflix. However, the free version only includes 12 global servers, so you may have limited options for bypassing geographical restrictions.
Methodology: how we tested Chrome VPNs
When testing Chrome VPNs, we took several factors into account to determine the best options. Here is a brief overview of our methodology:
- Security. We paid close attention to the security measures in place with each VPN, including encryption strength, the presence of a kill switch and protection against leaks, and the company's data practices and no-logs policy.
- Server location. We considered the number and location of servers available with each VPN, as well as the ability to unblock streaming services and other websites.
- Data limitations. We looked at any data caps or usage restrictions that applied to the free versions of each VPN, as well as the overall data allowance offered by paid subscriptions.
- Speed. We tested the speeds of each VPN to see how they performed in terms of streaming and browsing.
In addition to these factors, we also considered user-friendliness, the availability of a Chrome extension, and any additional features that might be relevant, such as ad-blocking or P2P support. We conducted our tests on a variety of devices and used a range of websites and streaming services to get a comprehensive view of each VPN's performance.
How to use a free VPN on Chrome
- Download a free VPN app from its official website. We recommend Proton VPN because it has unlimited data for browsing.
- Install the app and log into your account.
- Pick a server you want to connect to.
- Open Chrome and start browsing safely!
How to install a free VPN extension on Chrome
- Search for a reputable free VPN extension in the Google Chrome web store. In our opinion, the best free VPN Chrome extension is Windscribe because of its speed.
- Pick an extension of your choice and click ‘Add to Chrome’.
- When the extension appears on your browser in the right corner,
- Choose a server and connect.
- You are ready to browse securely!
Free VPN software vs free VPN browser extension
VPN software and VPN browser extensions are two different types of tools that can be used to protect your online activity and privacy. In general, VPN software is more feature-rich than browser extensions and can offer a wider range of security and privacy options.
Free VPN extensions for Chrome secure your online activities on the browser.
VPN browser extensions are usually easier to use and more lightweight than VPN software and can be a good option for casual users who want to protect their activity while using the browser. However, they may not offer as many features or as much protection as standalone VPN software and there are not many free VPN Chrome extensions.
While choosing between the two, consider the level of security you need while browsing and if you are ready to use a more complex VPN software. The best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities. When it comes to finding the best free VPN extension for Chrome, we recommend Windscribe and Hide.me providers.
Top tips for using a VPN for Chrome safely and securely
It's generally a good idea to use a VPN for browsing on Chrome, even if it's a free one, to help protect your online activity and privacy. A VPN can also be useful for unblocking websites and bypassing geographical restrictions.
While picking the right free VPN service for your needs, remember that some free VPNs may not use strong encryption or may have weak security measures, which could leave your data vulnerable to interception or attack. Others may even collect and sell your data to third parties, which can compromise your privacy. If you want your free VPN to work smoothly, we suggest considering additional security features and checking the jurisdiction of the VPN to be extra safe.
Most of our recommended free VPN for Chrome applications are easy to use and user-friendly, which means you won’t have any trouble installing or using it. Some providers even offer free VPN extensions for Chrome that are typically even more simple – you just have to make a few clicks. The most straightforward free VPN app for Chrome is Windscribe, which offers both options – software and plugin to your browser.
While free VPNs can be a good option for casual users, they may come with limitations and may not prioritize your privacy as much as paid VPNs. If you want more advanced features and better performance, it's worth considering a paid VPN service. Many of them are offering a free trial or a 30-day money-back guarantee which is a solid opportunity to try premium service for your needs.
Bottom line
Using a VPN can help to protect your online activity and privacy when using Chrome. While there are many free VPNs available, it's essential to carefully research your options and be aware of any potential limitations or security risks. By considering factors such as data caps, server locations, encryption strength, and overall performance, you can find the best free VPN for your needs.
After careful testing and consideration, our team made a list of the five best free VPNs for Chrome. Our verdict – the best free VPN for Chrome is Proton VPN because it has no data cap for your browsing, streaming, or downloading which is crucial and stands out above other providers.
Whichever free VPN you choose, do not forget that it's important to carefully research any free VPN you are considering using and be aware of any potential trade-offs in terms of performance, security, and privacy.
Frequently asked questions
If you value your privacy and data, a free VPN can be an option to be safer online. With this being said, using a paid VPN service may offer higher security and more features, but it's still important to carefully research your options before deciding.
Free VPNs work in Chrome, but they may come with limitations such as slower speeds and fewer server locations and may have more questionable data practices. It's important to carefully research any VPN service you are considering using, as not all VPNs are created equal.
Yes, but it's important to carefully research any VPN service you are considering using and pay attention to the company's data practices and the jurisdiction in which it is based as some services may not prioritize the privacy and security of their users.