Best VPN browser extensions in 2024 for private browsing

A VPN browser extension is a great way to get additional security without installing anything onto your device. This guide will tell you everything you need to know to get started.

A browser extension is a simple way to get some of the benefits of a full VPN without the need to download and install software. Because it only operates on the browser itself rather than your whole device, it’s very lightweight – though this also means that it’s limited in the protection it can offer. When toggled on, it protects your browser’s internet connection using encryption. If you want full encryption for everything else on your device that connects to the internet, then you’ll need a full VPN.

A virtual private network (VPN) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and an intermediary server in the VPN provider’s network. All traffic is masked before reaching the internet proper. A browser extension, by contrast, is a proxy that only protects traffic from the browser – everything else connects as normal.

The best VPN browser extensions are offered together with full VPN apps and require a subscription to access. We’ve outlined our recommended options below, which we’ll explore in more detail later in the article.

The best VPN browser extensions:

1. NordVPN: Our recommended VPN service. Protects traffic using TLS encryption and works with Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browsers. Has a quick-connect feature and includes an ad and malware-blocker. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget provider. Allows greater control of the CleanWeb feature compared with the native app. Provides access to MultiHop servers and can bypass named websites. Works with the Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers.
3. ExpressVPN: Allows users to remotely control the ExpressVPN app from Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi browsers. Can spoof HTML5 geolocation and ensures users connect to HTTPS versions of websites.
4. Proton VPN: Provides access to high-security servers and allows split-tunneling. An auto-connect feature ensures Chromium and Firefox-based browsers are always protected. Works well with popular browser-based streaming platforms.
5. CyberGhost VPN: Free browser extension with a limited choice of servers. Offers secure browsing with no caps on data or bandwidth. Includes WebRTC protection and adheres to the company’s no-logs policy.  
6. Mullvad VPN: Open-source browser extension designed for use in conjunction with the Mullvad VPN app. Free to download and available for the Firefox browser. Provides one-click access to SOCKS5 proxy servers and allows WebRTC to be disabled.

Summary Table

Choosing between VPN browser extensions can be a little confusing, which is why we used the following criteria to make it clear what we wanted from each provider. We’ll talk more about our testing methodology later in the article. 

• Browser extensions available as well as VPN apps
• Fast connection speeds
• Robust security and privacy
• Able to bypass geo-restrictions
• Good value for money

To be included as one of our top three providers in this list, we require VPNs to have a RAM-only server network, independently audited software and infrastructure, effective obfuscation, and a location beyond the reach of cross-border spying alliances. 

Best VPNs browser extensions

Now let’s explore each of our recommended services in a little more detail:

The NordVPN browser extension is a lightweight version of the company’s VPN app. It’s available to NordVPN subscribers and works with Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browsers. 

Features include split tunneling; unlimited data and bandwidth; and Threat Protection Lite, which blocks ads and access to malicious websites. The browser extension disables the WebRTC protocol, which can reveal your IP address while connected.

A quick-connect button connects users to the fastest server from the NordVPN network. This comprises 6,000+ RAM-only servers in 60+ countries. These provide streamlined access to a wide variety of browser-based streaming platforms and speeds fast enough to watch video in 4K.

Users who want to hide their IP address outside of their browser can use one of the NordVPN apps, which are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. These protect internet traffic using AES-256 encryption and come with additional features such as a kill switch and obfuscation that works in China.

NordVPN has had multiple independent audits of its infrastructure and software, which have served to verify its no-logs claims. NordVPN's Meshnet private tunnel feature is also now free for everyone.

BEST VPN BROWSER EXTENSION: NordVPN is our recommended VPN service. Its browser extensions feature split-tunneling, an ad and malware-blocker, and excellent access to streaming platforms. Plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full NordVPN review.

The Surfshark browser extension is a proxy VPN that provides one-click access to the company’s network of 3,200+ RAM-only servers in 100+ countries. Unlike the full VPN app, it allows users to select which aspects of the CleanWeb tool they wish to use. This tool comprises an ad blocker, pop-up blocker, data breach alert, and malware alert.

The extension can be given permission to run in private windows. Connect using MultiHop servers and to set up bypasses for specific websites that you want to use with a regular internet connection. 

As with the full VPN app, the browser extension abides by the company’s no-logs policy. Furthermore, it has been audited by German cybersecurity firm Cure53. 

To access the browser extension – which is available for the Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers – you’ll need to pay for a Surfshark subscription. This will let you download the full Surfshark VPN app, which is the preferable option for most users. 

The app protects all traffic leaving your device with 256-bit AES encryption, and has a kill switch and built-in leak protection. Its NoBorders mode enables connections in China and the company’s Nexus technology can rotate users’ IP addresses in-session. 

Subscriptions include unlimited device connections and all apps – available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux – have a full GUI.

GREAT VALUE: The Surfshark browser extension provides access to RAM-only servers in 100+ countries. It can bypass named websites, establish MultiHop connections, and is great for streaming. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.  

Read our full review of Surfshark.

The ExpressVPN browser extension is fast, lightweight, and able to access all of the most popular browser-based streaming platforms. 

Users can connect to ExpressVPN servers using Smart Location or from a recommended list. Alternatively, users can choose from any location – the company has RAM-only servers in 105+ countries, so there are lots of options available. 

The extension works a little differently to those from other providers. It requires users to already be running an ExpressVPN app, which can then be controlled remotely using the browser extension. Disconnecting the VPN using the browser extension will disconnect it on a system-wide level. 

The browser extension is available for Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi browsers. It includes an auto-connect feature, WebRTC protection, and the option to restrict access to HTTPS-only websites. It can spoof your HTML5 geolocation to match the location of the VPN server to which you’re connected.

Before using it, users will need to download and install an ExpressVPN app for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, or Linux. 

ExpressVPN is known for its tight security and the company has had several independent audits of its software and infrastructure. It offers a one-time $100,000 reward for anyone able to compromise its systems.

GEOLOCATION SPOOFING: ExpressVPN has browser extensions available for the Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi browser. These include HTML5 geolocation spoofing, WebRTC protection, and access to RAM-only servers in 105+ countries. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

The Proton VPN browser extension is only accessible to those with a Proton VPN plan. It supports many of the features found when using the full VPN service. These include access to Secure Core servers, which route traffic through high security Proton VPN data centers in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden.

Its auto-connect feature ensures users’ browsing sessions are always protected without having to remember to enable the VPN. Split tunneling allows users to specify which website should be excluded from VPN connections.  

The Proton VPN browser extension is available for both Chromium-based browsers and Firefox-based browsers. The former includes Google Chrome, Brave, Microsoft Edge, Chromium, Opera, and Vivaldi; while the latter includes Firefox, LibreWolf, and Waterfox.

The extension can be used in a variety of browsers, but it’s worth remembering that each browser running an active VPN connection counts towards the limit of 10 simultaneous VPN connections. 

Like Proton VPN, the browser extension is a good option for streaming and is able to access platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. Proton VPN allows port forwarding, which means it’s also good for torrenters – but only when using one of the Proton VPN apps.  

The company has a zero-logs policy that’s been verified through third-party audits of its software and infrastructure.

MULTIHOP OPTIONS: Browser extension offers auto-connect, split tunneling, and MultiHop connections. Requires a subscription to Proton VPN and is available for Chromium-based and Firefox-based browsers. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.  

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

The CyberGhost VPN browser extension is unusual in that it’s free – though this does come with limitations. It only provides access to eight servers in four countries: the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, and Romania. This is a tiny fraction of the company’s network proper, which comprises 10,000+ servers in 100+ countries. 

The extension is available for Firefox and Chrome browsers and imposes no caps on either data or bandwidth. It comes with WebRTC protection and an ad and malware-blocker.

Users who prefer secure connections no matter what content they access should consider subscribing to the CyberGhost VPN service. The VPN apps provide easy access to all of the major streaming platforms and notably fast connection speeds.

Apps are available for a range of operating systems and include features not available with the free browser extension. These include a kill switch, multiple protocol support, 24/7 live chat, and access to the company’s expansive network of RAM-only servers.

CyberGhost VPN has a zero-logs policy and has undergone independent audits of its server network and management systems. It issues quarterly transparency reports detailing any third-party data requests. 

FREE BROWSER EXTENSION: CyberGhost VPN’s free browser extension comes with WebRTC protection and an ad and malware-blocker. Full access to its RAM-only server network requires a subscription, which comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

Mullvad VPN has an open-source browser extension that’s available for free from its website – though it’s designed to accompany the subscription-only Mullvad VPN app. 

The so-called Mullvad Privacy Companion is available for Firefox desktop, and allows users to check connection details and verify that they are not experiencing any IP, WebRTC, or DNS leaks.

The extension provides direct links to installing the uBlock Origin ad-blocker as well as instructions on how to use HTTPS-only mode. It allows users to disable WebRTC, recommends optimal DNS settings, and provides one-click access to SOCKS5 proxy servers.

To use the Mullvad VPN server network, users will need to subscribe to the VPN service. Subscriptions are reasonably priced and allow users to pay in cash or receive a discount by using cryptocurrency. Signing up doesn’t require an email address, which is great for the privacy-conscious.

Compared with the browser extension, the app provides more features. These include obfuscation, a kill switch, split tunneling, and access to MultiHop servers. Apps all have a full GUI and are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. 

Mullvad VPN has had its infrastructure and software audited by third-parties, and its privacy policy is clearly defined and easy to understand. 

BETA BROWSER EXTENSION: Mullvad VPN’s browser extension is available for Firefox desktop browsers. It identifies leaks and makes privacy recommendations. Subscriptions to the VPN service proper come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of Mullvad.

Methodology for choosing the best VPN browser extensions

We aim to objectively compare VPN services using a specific list of criteria – this is also true when making recommendations for VPN browser extensions. We explain more about our testing methodology process below.  

• Browser extensions available as well as VPN apps: While browser extensions have their uses, it’s almost always preferable to use a full VPN app. For this reason, we look for providers that offer both browser extensions and good quality VPN apps with unlimited bandwidth.
• Fast connection speeds: A browser extension that significantly lowers your base connection speed is unlikely to get much use. We regularly test VPN services to ensure that we only recommend those that are at least fast enough for day-to-day browsing.
• Robust security and privacy: There’s little point using a VPN browser extension if it leaks your real IP address. We only recommend services that protect users by offering encryption and additional features such as WebRTC protection, a kill switch, split tunneling, and MultiHop connections. They should also abide by a no-logs policy and ideally have had their software and infrastructure independently audited. 
• Able to bypass geo-restrictions: Browser extensions should allow users to connect to the servers in the VPN provider’s network and thus spoof their IP addresses. Doing this enables them to browse foreign content libraries and access other similarly geo-restricted sites.  
• Good value for money: The best VPN browser extensions require a subscription, which also include access to the provider’s native VPN apps. We consider whether these subscriptions represent a good deal. If not, we don’t include them. 
• Diskless servers: All providers mentioned in our top three must tick this box. A RAM-only server network ensures that no user data is permanently stored on the VPN provider’s servers. RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory that is erased upon server reboot, leaving no traces of user activity. This reduces the risk of data breaches or third-party access to user information.
• Audited software and infrastructure: Another prerequisite to be named in our top three. Independent audits by reputable third-party firms provide reassurance to users who are not able to verify a VPN's no-logs claims themselves. The audits are also useful for VPN companies, as they identify any exploits or vulnerabilities that could compromise security. The better VPN providers have their server networks audited as well as their apps. 

Can I use a free browser extension?

You can, but you’ll be limited in what you can do with it. We’ve discussed the free CyberGhost VPN extension above, which only gives you access to a few locations and relatively slow speeds. However, things are far worse for the majority of free VPN browser extensions. These are normally so slow that all but the most basic online activity is impossible. 

While CyberGhost VPN makes its service free as a way of tempting users into paying for a subscription, most free browser VPNs rely instead on advertising revenue to survive. This means annoying pop-ups at best, your data being harvested at worst. Trackers are common and most keep some form of logs. We'd recommend sticking with a premium VPN service if you're in need of an extra layer of security. 

How to use a VPN browser extension with Chrome

Follow these simple steps to use a VPN browser extension with Chrome:

1. Choose a VPN with browser extensions available. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Sign up for a subscription. Longer terms are almost always better value. 
3. Go to the Chrome Web Store.
4. Enter the name of your chosen VPN provider in the “Search the store” field.
5. Click on the relevant result.
6. Click on the “Add to Chrome” button and follow the prompts.
7. Click on the Extensions puzzle-piece icon in the toolbar.
8. Open the relevant browser extension in the Extensions pop-up window.
9. Enter your login credentials if required.
10. Connect to a server to protect your browser connection.

How to use a VPN browser extension with Firefox

Follow these simple steps to use a VPN browser extension with Firefox:

1. Choose a VPN with browser extensions available. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Sign up for a subscription. Longer terms are almost always better value. 
3. Go to the Firefox Add-ons page
4. Enter the name of your chosen VPN provider in the “Find add-ons” field.
5. Click on the relevant result.
6. Click “Add to Firefox”.
7. Click on the Extensions puzzle-piece icon in the toolbar.
8. Open the relevant browser extension in the Extensions pop-up window.
9. Enter your login credentials if required.
10. Connect to a server to protect your browser connection.

Best VPN browser extensions – FAQs

Should I use a VPN browser extension?

Browser extensions allow users to do things like connect three different browsers to servers in three different countries simultaneously. More often, they provide a convenient way to protect browser traffic while leaving the rest of your machine free to connect to the internet as normal. If you don’t like the sound of this, then it’s better just to use a full VPN. 

Browser extensions are a good option when using a device that doesn’t support VPN software natively, such as Chromebooks. Other people find them to be a useful way to temporarily protect internet connections. Or to spoof their location while using a device where they are unwilling, or unable, to install a full VPN app – such as a shared work computer or Chromebook.

Are browser extensions VPNs?

Not really. It’s safer to consider the two distinct. A browser extension is more of a proxy, as it only sends the traffic generated while using that browser to the proxy server. While this allows users to spoof their IP address while browsing, it doesn’t hide their IP address when using other internet-connected apps on their devices. 

Most reputable VPN providers state that their browser extensions are proxies and only work with browser traffic. While these proxies use SSL to encrypt traffic, it’s worth noting that proxies using SOCKS and HTTP protocols – and some free proxies – may not encrypt traffic at all. Using them will allow your ISP to see what you’re doing online.

How do VPN browser extensions protect me?

The majority of browser extensions protect traffic using SSL, which is the encryption used in HTTPS connections. Although any website worth its salt already uses HTTPS to protect traffic, there are still some that don’t – which is where a browser extension can come in useful. Furthermore, HTTPS only hides the contents of websites, not which websites you visit. A good browser extension will hide both.

In terms of privacy, the best VPN browser extensions will adhere to a no-logs policy. The provider doesn’t keep any customer usage logs that could contain personally identifiable information. 

Can I unblock streaming services using a VPN browser extension?

Although VPN browser extensions provide a high level of convenience, it's important to note that the proxy connection provided by these extensions does not offer the same level of privacy and security as the full VPN application. Streaming services have become increasingly adept at detecting and blocking proxy connections. In fact, based on our experience, popular streaming platforms have already taken measures to block most browser proxies.

To ensure a seamless streaming experience and bypass geo-restrictions effectively, we recommend that you use the main VPN application rather than the VPN browser extensions. The full VPN application provides stronger encryption, better IP address spoofing, and a wider range of server options, increasing your chances of successfully accessing and enjoying your streaming services while on vacation.

The encryption provided by the main VPN app also provides you with privacy, which makes it a much better option for bypassing streaming blocks or other restrictions in school, at work, or on any other network where TV broadcasts, streaming platforms, game servers, social media, or anything else has been blocked. This ensures that nobody will find out you have bypassed the local network restrictions, which is not the case if you bypass blocks using the insecure browser extension.

Of course, you are free to try using a VPN browser extension to watch your favorite TV shows and VoD platforms. However, you will have more success using the primary VPN app, which will enhance your privacy, defeat geo-blocking measures, and give you a much more reliable streaming experience.

Can I use a browser extension to bypass blocks at work?

Many employees worldwide seek ways to bypass restrictions on their work computers. However, IT departments often impose limitations that prevent the installation of applications on the main operating system. As a result, employees often find themselves unable to install a VPN client on their work computer, restricting their ability to bypass restrictions or enjoy enhanced privacy.

Fortunately, some employees find that although they can't install the main VPN app, they are allowed to install browser extensions in Chrome or Firefox. This provides an alternative method for location spoofing on a work computer.

It's important to note that the browser extension provided by a VPN is a proxy and does not offer the same level of encryption as the main VPN client. As a result, the local network administrator may still be able to monitor your online activities. If you use the proxy extension to access internet services intentionally blocked by your employer, you could get in trouble, so always proceed with caution.