5 Best VPNs for Chromebook – Updated in 2023

Last updated: February 1, 2024
William Sams
William Sams
It’s essential to have the best VPN for your Google Chromebook because it enhances your network anonymity and open new avenues for safe internet activities. Even though Chrome book has updated secure technology, it still does not guarantee absolute privacy and anonymity. This is when a VPN comes into play. It is necessary to choose a VPN that is compatible with your device and get complete advantage of a virtual private network. During the primary research, I’ve analyzed almost all the VPNs that are available in the market, and then I listed the 5 Best Chromebook VPNs in this guide. Out of these 5 options, the most recommended one is ExpressVPN because the kind of value it’s providing is unmatchable for other providers.

best vpn for chromebook

Need to get the best VPN for Chromebook? Chromebooks, created by Google, are low-cost laptops that are extremely famous among the budget-conscious, travelers, and students. Regardless of what platform you use, reliance upon online services does raise a few concerns about privacy.

After all, even on a Chromebook, there is a risk of data leakage or government surveillance. This is where getting the best VPN comes in, providing you with the encryption and security needs on your laptop.

A VPN can geo-spoof your real IP address by masking it with a fake one. Similarly, it encrypts your traffic with a strong algorithm to keep hackers and other third parties at bay.

Not only this but a VPN can help you unblock geo-restricted websites, games, and streaming platforms while keeping your online identity safe at the same time. You can also unblock content on your school/college Wi-Fi if you have the best VPN for school Chromebook.

You can easily access services like HBO Max, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer which only work in certain regions like the US.

However, there are a few things to consider when choosing a VPN for your Chromebook. The first is whether or not the VPN service provides an extension for the Chrome browser. The second is to make sure that your VPN provider’s app is available on the Google Play Store.

And lastly, if the above-mentioned options are not available then make sure at least your VPN has abilities for manual configurations on your device.

The list of providers that we have mentioned below bear all the qualities of a good VPN and are a great fit for your Chrome device.


5 Best VPNs for Chromebook: Quick Overview

For those who want to skip ahead and are short on time, refer to this quick overview on the 5 best VPN for Chromebook in terms of privacy/security, streaming/unblocking, and more:

  1. ExpressVPN: The Best All-Round Chromebook VPN. In 94 countries, ExpressVPN has 3000+ servers. This VPN is compatible with Linux, Android, iOS, Windows and macOS.
  2. NordVPN: Best VPN for Chromebook With Maximized Security. Comes with a server network of 5700+ spread across 60 countries.
  3. Surfshark: Unlimited VPN Connections. Has a server network of 3200+ in 100 countries. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.
  4. CyberGhost: Largest Server Network VPN. It has 9400+ servers in 91 countries and works with iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.  .
  5. IPVanish: Includes Encrypted Storage. With 2200+ servers in 52 countries, this VPN is compatible with iOS, Windows, Mac, and Android.

Don’t know how to set up a VPN on Chromebook? Redirect here!


What Is a Chromebook VPN and why you Need it?

A Chromebook VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that enhances your online security and privacy by creating a secure, encrypted connection between your Chromebook and a remote server. It offers several important benefits:

Data Encryption: A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it unreadable to anyone who might intercept it. This is particularly crucial when you’re connected to public Wi-Fi networks, where hackers could potentially snoop on your data.

Spoofs Location: A VPN allows you to connect to servers located in various regions around the world. By doing so, it masks your real IP address and makes it appear as if you’re browsing from a different location. This can be useful for accessing region-restricted content or improving your online privacy.

Prevents Data Leakage: With a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel. This prevents your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and other entities from monitoring your online activities and collecting data about your browsing habits.


How to Setup a VPN on Chromebook?

You can set up a Chromebook VPN following these 4 simple steps.

  1. Go to the Google Play Store.
  2. Enter the name of your VPN provider. We recommend ExpressVPN.
  3. Launch the VPN app and sign in.
  4. Connect to a location server of your choice.

Using Browser Extension

Some VPN providers offer browser extensions that allow you to use a VPN directly within your web browser, including on your Chromebook. Here’s how to set it up:

  • Choose a VPN Provider: As before, select a VPN provider that offers a browser extension compatible with Chromebooks.
  • Install the Extension: Open the Chrome Web Store and search for the browser extension of the VPN that works with chromebook. Install the extension.
  • Activate the VPN: Click on the newly added extension icon in your browser’s toolbar. Log in to your VPN account and choose a suitable server location.
  • Connect to the VPN: Click the “Connect” button within the extension. The browser extension will establish a secure connection to the selected server.

Remember that while Chromebook VPN browser extensions are convenient, they might not offer the same level of security as dedicated apps. For stronger encryption and comprehensive protection, using a VPN with a dedicated app is recommended, like ExpressVPN.


Best VPNs for Chromebook: In-Depth Analysis

Incredibly lightweight, low-powered, and fast speeds for computing tasks, Chromebooks are different broods of laptops.

We tested quite a few VPN providers and then selected the ones that performed well in all areas. Unblock the best of Chrome OS’s capabilities with these VPN services and find out the best VPN for Chromebook:

1. ExpressVPN: The Best All-Round Chromebook VPN

ExpressVPN - BV.CO

Key Features

  • Number of Servers: 3000+ Servers in 94+ Countries
  • Trustpilot Rating: 4.7
  • Maximum Devices Supported: 5
  • Price: US$ /mo on a 1-year plan

ExpressVPN is hands down the best VPN for Chromebook devices. It is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands and was established in 2011. For connectivity, users have access to 3000+ servers in 94+ countries covering 160 locations worldwide.

Security and Privacy

ExpressVPN servers encrypt your traffic with the AES 256-bit method and you can choose between advanced protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Lightway, which is the provider’s own custom protocol.

Other security features include Network Lock kill switch, a split tunneling tool, and a strict no-logs policy which has been audited by an independent third-party firm called PwC.

Speed

ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs out there, offering an average speed of 95 Mbps according to the ExpressVPN speed test. The Chromebook app itself is highly intuitive, user-friendly, and comes with easy-to-use navigation for instant unblocking.

BV-expressvpn-speed-test-in USA

The ExpressVPN application is available on the Google Play Store so you can easily download it from there on your Chromebook device. You can also use ExpressVPN’s chrome extension by downloading it from the Chrome Web Store.

ExpressVPN offers a MediaStreamer tool for smooth streaming. However, it is not a VPN alternative as it doesn’t encrypt your traffic but only makes geo-restricted services available to you.

The VPN service is compatible with all widely-used devices including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. Browser extensions for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox are available. Also, there is a dedicated router app which makes ExpressVPN unique from all the VPN providers.

Price

The only catch; ExpressVPN’s price tag. A 15-months plan will cost you US$ /mo , but considering the VPNs reliability and unblocking capabilities, the price is justified. You can even get an ExpressVPN free trial for testing the product. Customer support is available 24/7 to guide you and answer all your questions. Without a doubt, ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Chromebook.

You can also use the provider to bypass geo-restrictions and content limitations on streaming platforms, such as:

Pros
  1. Working VPN for Chromebook
  2. Multi-Logins on 5 devices
  3. Torrenting/P2P is allowed
  4. Unblocks American Netflix
  5. Covers 160 Locations
  6. Round-the-Clock Live Support

Cons
  1. Plans are Expensive

For more information, check out this full ExpressVPN review!

Get ExpressVPN Now!30-Days Money Back Guarantee

2. NordVPN: Best VPN for Chromebook With Maximized Security

NordVPN - bv.co

Key Features

  • Number of Servers: 6000 Servers in 61 Countries
  • Trustpilot Rating: 4.4
  • Maximum Devices Supported: 6
  • Price: US$ 3.99 /mo - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend on a 2-year plan

Based in Panama and launched in 2012, NordVPN is a great option for those who want to leverage maximum security and privacy online. Chromebook users of NordVPN get access to over 5600 servers in 59 countries worldwide. There are no data retention rules where the provider is registered and the service falls out of the 14 Eyes.

Security and Privacy

The provider offers some handy features for Chromebook users like Split Tunneling, CyberSec, Kill Switch, Smart DNS, Threat Protection, Double VPN, and Onion over VPN.

NordVPN has a strict zero-logs policy and there have been no breaches of trust as far as this claim is concerned.

Speed

Their Chromebook application is incredibly reliable, lightweight, and does not affect your browser speeds too much, hence its popularity. Due to NordLynx,users are promised fast speed connections, better than before.

Upon testing NordVPN servers, we achieved an average speed of 93 Mbps and the experience was lag-free while streaming.

BV-nordvpn-speed-test-in USA

Ease of Use

The app is also quite user-friendly, free from bugs and errors. Connections times with the extension were also incredibly fast, and we experienced no downtime when unblocking geo-restrictions on different streaming platforms, such as:

Price

NordVPN is priced at a minimal US$ 3.99 /mo - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend on a 2-year plan but you can use the 7-day free trial NordVPN on Android to test the service. You can avail help from customer service representatives 24/7 via live chat.

 

Pros
  1. Secure VPN App for Chromebook
  2. Covers 59+ Countries
  3. Dedicated IPs available
  4. Unblocks US/UK Netflix
  5. Multi-Logins on 6 Devices
  6. Torrenting/P2P is Allowed

Cons
  1. No Dedicated Router App

For more information, check out this full NordVPN review!

Get NordVPN Now!30-Days Money Back Guarantee

3. Surfshark: Unlimited VPN Connections

SurfShark VPN - BV.CO

 Key Features

  • Number of Servers: 3200 Servers in 100 Countries
  • Trustpilot Rating: 4.3
  • Maximum Devices Supported: Unlimited
  • Price: US$ 2.49 /mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee on a 2-year plan

Surfshark VPN is one of the few providers in the market that imposes no limits on simultaneous connections. This means you can connect as many devices as you want without experiencing any throttles on speed or bandwidth. Based in the British Virgin Islands and launched in 2018,

Security and Privacy

You’ll be having advanced features like MultiHop, CleanWeb, Bypasser, Smart DNS, Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and your traffic will be encrypted with the AES 256-bit encryption method.

Along with that, you’ll have access to the state-of-the-art WireGuard protocol plus other advanced protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2, and a no logging policy, making it one of the best VPN for Chromebook in terms of security.

Speed 

The provider offers amazing speeds, 83 Mbps on average to be specific with a decent ping rate, according to Surfshark speed test results.

BV-surfshark-speed-test-in USA

Ease of Use

Surfshark is the best VPN for Chromebook, thanks to its intuitive app design, interactive and easy-to-use menus, and plenty of configuration features for boosting your security and anonymity online. Users can even get a Surfshark Free Trial for testing on iOS, Android, and macOS devices. Surfshark VPN also includes a list of static IPs. Most of which are capable of unblocking streaming platforms:

Price

As far as other platforms are concerned, you have a generous 30-day refund policy. The best part of all: you only have to pay a low US$ 2.49 /mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee on a 2-year plan and have access to over 3200 servers in 100 countries. You also have access to customer support 24/7 through a live chat option.

Pros
  1. Easy-to-Use Chromebook App
  2. Covers 63+ Countries
  3. BVI is a Safe Jurisdiction
  4. Strict No-Logging Policy
  5. Automatic Kill Switch
  6. DDoS Protection

Cons
  1. Lack of P2P Servers

For more information, check out this full Surfshark review!

Get Surfshark Now!30-Days Money Back Guarantee

4. CyberGhost: Beginner Friendly VPN for Chromebook

  • Number of Servers: 6500 Servers in 78 Countries
  • Trustpilot Rating: 4.3
  • Maximum Devices Supported: 7
  • Price: US$ 3.29 /mo

CyberGhost covers a large portion of the world by offering a total of 9400+  servers in 91 countries. Headquartered in Romania and founded in 2011, CyberGhost is the best option for budget-hunters, offering an amazing application for Chromebook users. It comes at a low price of $ 2.19/month.

Security and Privacy

Users can also feel relieved installing CyberGhost, as the provider’s zero-logs policy is guaranteed to not store your data. It comes equipped with a huge list of features including the AES 256-bit encryption method, P2P servers, and WireGuard/OpenVPN protocols. It has a specialized Kill Switch and anti malware protection, along with a native ad blocker.

Speeds 

Upon testing, we achieved a download speed of 75.47 Mbps and upload speed of 69.34 Mbps  which is good enough to watch your favorite movies on your preferred streaming quality.

Cyberghost-speed-test

CyberGhost promises stable connections and Bufferless streaming on “popular websites”, these include: CyberGhost Hulu, CyberGhost Netflix, CyberGhost BBC iPlayer, and CyberGhost Disney Plus.

Ease of Use

CyberGhost has a Chrome extension available for browsers, which includes a list of specialty servers and modes for varied needs. However, it lacks a dedicated app. It has a Smart DNS feature that allows for easy streaming and you can have 7 connections at the same time. It is compatible on a number of OS including iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. 24/7 customer support is present to answer all your queries.

Price

The plans by CyberGhost are easy on the pocket. If you opt for the 2-year plan, you will only have to pay US$ 2.19/month, with a 45 days money-back guarantee. When it comes to affordability, it is the best VPN for Chromebook.

Pros
  1. AES 256-bit encryption method
  2. P2P servers
  3. Pocket-friendly
  4. 45-day money-back guarantee
  5. 7 simultaneous connections

Cons
  1. Lacks dedicated App

Get Cyberghost Now!31-Days Money Back Guarantee

5. IPVanish: Includes Encrypted Storage

IPVanish-FI

Key Features

  • Number of Servers: 2000+ Servers in 75 Countries
  • Trustpilot Rating: 4.6
  • Maximum Devices Supported: Unlimited
  • Price: US$ 3.99 /mo 69% Off on a 1-year plan

IPVanish is a US-based VPN service which makes it a topic of debate as the region falls under the jurisdiction of the 14 Eyes Alliance. The server pool of IPVanish consists of 2000+ servers covering 75 countries.

Security and Privacy

You’ll have your hands on many useful features like Split tunneling, Kill switch, SOCKS5 proxy, Shared IP address, and AES 256-bit encryption system. However, the provider’s strict no-logs policy ensures that it doesn’t collect or track any of its users’ data, which is supported by an independent audit.

Speed

And upon testing, we achieved an average speed of 78 Mbps.

IPVanish Speed Test

Signing up with an IPVanish plan will give you 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage for free. This means you’ll be having an IPVanish + SugarSync combo which will give you access to Continuous File Sharing, Automatic Photo & Video Uploads, Remote Device Wiping, Folder Sharing Permission, and Restoring Data.

Ease of Use

IPVanish is compatible with all the widely-used devices like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. The provider also offers browser extensions for Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome so you can easily do it on your Chromebook device.

The best thing of all: You can have unlimited simultaneous connections. So you can connect as many devices of your household to secure it with a VPN connection. IPVanish offers optimized servers for streaming platforms so you’ll have no trouble unblocking famous platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and more.

Price

With 24/7 customer support, this service offers pocket-friendly plans. A monthly plan of IPVanish costs $10.99, a quarterly (3-month) plan costs $4.44/mo., and the 1-year plan costs US$ 3.99 /mo 69% Off.

Pros
  1. Shared IP Addresses
  2. Multi-Logins on Unlimited Devices
  3. Covers 70+ Countries
  4. SOCKS5 Proxy
  5. Optimized Servers for Netflix
  6. Zero WebRTC/DNS/IP leaks

Cons
  1. US-based VPN Provider

For more information, check out this full IPVanish review!

Get IPVanish Now!30-Days Money Back Guarantee

Methodology to Select the Best VPN for Chromebook

When it comes to finding the best VPN for Chromebook, you may come across a huge list of options in the marketplace, both paid and FREE. However, you cannot just sign up with any service and need to be aware of certain features for usage on Chromebooks, which include:

  • Compatibility – As compared to the VPN for PC, not every provider will offer support for Chromebook. Since the operating system is based on Chrome OS. And the newer generation Chromebooks can run Google Play Store apps. So make sure to sign up with a provider that offers a dedicated app for Chrome OS or a Chrome browser extension.
  • Security and Privacy The most reputable VPN providers offer the AES 256-bit method to encrypt the traffic and protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2. Also look out for handy security features like kill switch, split tunneling, and ad/malware blocker.
  • Streaming A VPN can help you access streaming platforms that are only available in the US. However, not all VPNs can unlock those. Go for a VPN that offers optimized servers for streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
  • Speed – The last thing you need is suffering from poor speeds when using the internet on your Chromebook. Not only is it irritating, but it also makes downloading/streaming tasks incredibly stressful. Choose only the VPN for Chromebook with a proven reputation of strong performance and fast servers.
  • Servers – Since Chromebook users are spread across the world, it is imperative that the provider you choose boasts a huge server database with plenty of locations around the world. This makes it easier to access geo-restricted websites via the Best VPN for Chromebook.
  • Logging – If VPNs engage in logging activities, recording your connection/session information, it defies the entire purpose of signing up with them in the first place. Make sure the best VPN for Chromebook you choose boasts a strict no-logs policy for maximum online protection.

 Can I use a free VPN for Chromebook?

Yes, you can use a free VPN with a Chromebook, but it’s important to be cautious and aware of the potential drawbacks. You will be faced with Limited Servers, This can result in slower connection speeds and difficulty accessing content from different regions.Limited Bandwidth and threat of malicious software and data leaks are also inevitable.

Some free VPNs may log your online activities and data, which could be used for targeted advertising or other purposes you might not be comfortable with.

Given these potential drawbacks, it’s generally recommended to opt for a paid VPN service, like ExpressVPN, especially if you’re concerned about your online privacy, security, and overall browsing experience. ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Chromebook

FAQs – Best VPN for Chromebook

When it comes to using the Best Chromebook VPNs, many thoughts might arise about how it can protect your identity or boost your security. Among the most common queries, we get asked, include:

Chromebooks have advanced security features but they do not have a built-in VPN feature like some other operating systems do. This means that you would need to use a third-party VPN service to establish a secure and private connection on your Chromebook. ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Chromebook.

To create a new connection or to connect to a VPN provided by an Android app:

Step 1: Install an Android app on your Chromebook device. Go to the Google Play Store and install it.

Step 2: Configure the VPN app on your Chrome device.

Step 3: Keep your connection on always-on.

If you see the message “Your device is not compatible with this version” then your model of Chromebook is not compatible with the app you’re trying to install. This is usually because of a key function that makes the app work which your Chromebook doesn’t have.

All the VPNs mentioned in this blog are few of the VPN that works with Chromebook. They manage to keep your connection private and provide security. These are the following VPNs that work with school Chromebook:

  1. ExpressVPN
  2. NordVPN
  3. Surfshark
  4. CyberGhost
  5. IPVanish

Yes, it is inevitable, however the best VPN for Chromebook would not slow down your device significantly. Premium VPNs are better at this job than unreliable free VPNs. Choose a Chromebook VPN with a wide server network so you have the option to choose a server closest to you, this will prevent your Chromebook from slowing down.

Wrapping Things Up

If you want to keep your identity safe while using Chromebook, you must be wondering what are the best VPNs for Chromebook? It is essential to use a VPN service. We hope that our guide about the best VPNs for Chromebook will help you find a suitable option.

With all factors taken into consideration, ExpressVPN is the best choice a VPN that works with Chromebook. However, if you are in search of an affordable alternative, consider getting NordVPN.

For any issues or better suggestions, do not hesitate to drop a comment below. Also, feel free to share the article with your friends and family members!

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