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Our experts have reviewed 53 VPN providers, which were put through extensive rounds of testing. To learn more about that process, here’s how we review VPNs, where we explain our criteria and our policy of being fully transparent.
Web browsers have limits. Additionally, they’re vulnerable to IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks that expose your location and browsing habits. They also can’t reliably bypass geo-blocks, block ads, or stop malware.
A VPN browser extension can fix this by hiding your online activity, blocking ads, preventing data leaks, and unlocking geo-restricted content.
In this guide, we'll talk about the best browser VPNs, explain why you need one and how to use it, explain the differences between VPN browser extensions and VPN native apps, what to look for in one, answer some related FAQs, and plenty more.
To choose the best option available, take a good look at its set of features. You'll want one compatible with your browser of choice, offering strong privacy, plenty of servers, and the ability to unblock the Web. Here's what to keep in mind.
To choose the right VPN browser extension, look for compatibility with your browser, a large server network, strong privacy features, and leak protection. Speed, stability, and the ability to bypass geo-blocks are also key, especially for streaming. You’ll also want good value, a fair refund policy, and responsive customer support.
In our search, we tested more than 60+ providers hands-on. Based on those findings, these are the 5 best VPNs for a browser in 2025:
NordVPN is perhaps the most capable VPN provider available today, allowing you to protect your privacy and unblock the Web. It's very easy to use, and you can set it up in minutes. Also, you'll find NordVPN's extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
NordVPN has a wide server network that consists of 7,400+ servers in 118 countries. It also has excellent privacy as it uses the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol for data protection. Next, there's military-grade encryption, split tunneling, and a no-logs policy, and it blocks ads and malicious websites with the 'Threat Protection Lite' feature.
This Panama-based VPN prevents your IP address from leaking by blocking WebRTC. It also creates very strong data tunnels with no chance of a DNS/IP leak. On top of that, NordVPN unblocks popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ while allowing you to stream in 4K.
We can also praise this VPN's performance, as NordVPN is among the fastest VPN providers right now. No matter if you connect to nearby or remote servers, you won't notice any drops in your connection's speed and overall performance. We'll also note that NordVPN supports 10 simultaneous connections.
Everything mentioned above is available at $3.09 per month for 24 months. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support, which you can access via the live chat feature on its website.
Some Standout NordVPN features that make it a Good Browser Extension:
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Surfshark is an easy-to-use provider from the Netherlands with modern extensions for Chrome and Firefox. You can use the Chrome extension on Brave, Opera, Edge, and other Chromium-based browsers, and the Firefox extension works with Gecko-based browsers.
With Surfshark, you can choose from more than 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. Furthermore, you get military-grade encryption, split tunneling, and a strict and audited no-logs policy. The provider’s extension blocks ads, pop-ups, and WebRTC leaks, and also offers data breach and malware alert tools.
Additionally, Surfshark Search performs Web searches in complete privacy with no ads, no logs, and no trackers, displaying purely organic results. However, that add-on comes priced extra (it's priced at only a couple of dollars per month).
You'll have access to all the popular streaming platforms and won't have any problems streaming in 4K because Surfshark's super-fast connections won't let you down. Another great thing about Surfshark is that it supports unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can use it with your Web browser as well as on the go.
To become a subscriber, you'll need to pay $2.19 per month for , which you can use as a risk-free trial. On top of that, its website has 24/7 customer support via live chat, in addition to plenty of other support resources.
Some Standout Surfshark features that make it a Good Browser Extension:
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CONS
ExpressVPN is a high-end VPN that offers a fully-featured experience on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Vivaldi, and more. It’s important to note that ExpressVPN doesn’t have a standalone extension, and it's not available for Safari - you have to download the app on your device so the two can work together to provide better encryption.
This VPN has an undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries. It also includes advanced security features such as AES-256 and ChaCha20/Poly1305 encryption, and it blocks WebRTC, so sites can't detect your real location and IP address. The provider also has a strict no-logs policy, and unlike most other extensions, this one uses protocols like OpenVPN, Lightway, and IKEv2.
According to our tests, this British Virgin Islands-based VPN is among the fastest, making it ideal for streaming, torrenting, and playing browser-based games. It unblocks any streaming platform, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, iPlayer, and more. It also works excellent for bypassing censored websites, as it offers obfuscation.
Thanks to its lightning-fast Internet connection speeds, you can stream all these services in 4K with no buffering. Let's not forget that ExpressVPN supports 8 simultaneous connections, which seems quite generous.
You can start using ExpressVPN at $4.99 per month for 24 months. The provider also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, and if you don't like its services, you can request a refund via its 24/7 live chat feature.
Some Standout ExpressVPN features that make it a Good Browser Extension:
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CONS
PIA (Private Internet Access) provides extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera. It's known for its high-end data privacy features and a high level of customization. As such, it's a perfect option for more advanced users.
This US-based VPN has an extensive network with an undisclosed number of servers in 91 countries. It's known for its presence in the US, especially - as it has servers in all 50 US states. Additionally, PIA provides military-grade encryption, strong protocols, and doesn't collect any activity or connection logs. It also blocks ads, disables trackers, and protects your microphone and webcam from unauthorized access.
You'll also get features like WebRTC blocking, sorting gateways by latency, URL whitelisting, and an easy ON/OFF switch. That said, this VPN allows you to customize plenty about your data tunnel, so we recommend it to advanced users.
PIA works well for bypassing geo-blocks, as well. If you wish to access censored or geo-blocked sites, including media streaming services, PIA will get the job done. Also, this VPN switched to unmetered connections recently and now supports unlimited simultaneous connections.
In terms of its price, expect to pay $2.19 per month for 24 months. You can try out PIA's services risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee, and if you have any questions, you can ask for help via its 24/7 live chat.
Some Standout PIA features that make it a Good Browser Extension:
PROS
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Proton VPN is a Switzerland-based VPN service built by the team behind ProtonMail, known globally for its commitment to privacy and open-source technology. This VPN is designed for users who value security, transparency, and freedom online, making it especially suitable for privacy-focused individuals and tech-savvy users.
One of Proton VPN's standout features is its Secure Core architecture, which routes your traffic through privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland and Iceland before it exits to the internet, adding an extra layer of protection against network-based attacks. The VPN also offers AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Stealth protocols, and a strict no-logs policy independently audited and verified.
Proton VPN includes advanced features like NetShield (ad and tracker blocker), kill switch, DNS leak protection, Tor over VPN, and split tunneling. It also provides WebRTC and IPv6 leak blocking, as well as a clear and customizable interface for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Unlike many VPNs, Proton VPN’s desktop apps are open source and have undergone independent security audits.
The service has a global server network, with 9,600+ servers in 117 countries, including high-speed Plus servers optimized for streaming and P2P. It's also one of the few VPNs that can unblock Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more, even from countries with heavy internet censorship.
Proton VPN supports 10 simultaneous connections, and all of its apps include an easy-to-use ON/OFF switch with access to settings like server sorting by country, speed, and load.
Pricing starts at $3.59 per month on long-term plans, and there's even a completely free plan with no ads, no logs, and no bandwidth limits, something that sets Proton VPN apart. Paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and if you run into any issues, there's email support and a comprehensive help center available.
Some Standout Poton VPN features that make it a Good Browser Extension:
First, you need to subscribe to a VPN, access its extension using your browser's add-on store, and install it from there. Then, you can start connecting to servers. Use the following steps:
We have focused on the top-rated VPNs as reviewed by our team, which our team tested hands-on. In preparation for this guide, we focused on checking each VPN's compatibility with browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and more. Let's have a look at each of them:
At TechNadu, we prioritize real-world performance, so our expert team personally tests each VPN browser extension. This hands-on approach allows us to evaluate usability, speed, and stability across multiple browsers, ensuring that our recommendations meet high standards.
TechNadu’s testing covers popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari. Since VPN extensions often act as proxies, we assess how well each one integrates with these browsers, looking for smooth installation and seamless operation.
One big privacy risk many overlook is WebRTC leaks, which can expose your real IP address even when connected to a VPN. TechNadu makes sure every VPN extension we recommend includes solid WebRTC leak protection to keep your identity truly hidden.
Many browser extensions claim to be VPNs but actually work as limited proxies. TechNadu focuses on extensions that provide full VPN functionalities, such as strong encryption, leak protection, and no-logs policies, ensuring users get true VPN protection rather than basic masking.
Security is a top priority at TechNadu. We examine which VPN protocols each extension supports (like OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2) and verify that they implement high-end encryption standards to protect user data during browsing sessions.
A vast and diverse server network enhances connection speed and access to geo-blocked content. TechNadu ranks VPN extensions higher if their service offers many server locations worldwide, providing users with more options and better performance.
TechNadu conducts detailed speed and latency tests on both nearby and distant servers to assess how well each VPN handles real-world browsing. This helps us identify extensions that maintain fast, reliable connections regardless of location.
Protecting user privacy is crucial. TechNadu checks for DNS, IP, and WebRTC leak protections within each VPN extension, ensuring that no sensitive data is exposed during browsing.
Many users rely on VPN extensions to access geo-restricted content. TechNadu tests each VPN’s ability to bypass regional restrictions on popular streaming platforms and websites to recommend those that provide smooth, unrestricted access.
Our team also evaluates the design and ease of use of VPN browser extensions. A well-designed interface with simple controls makes it easier for users of all levels to benefit from VPN protection.
Finally, TechNadu reviews each VPN provider’s privacy policy and logging practices to ensure they uphold user anonymity and do not keep logs that could compromise privacy.
You need a VPN to protect your privacy, unblock websites, and make sure no one tracks you online. Find more information just below.
When comparing VPN extensions and native VPN apps, we can conclude that native VPN apps are the better choice overall. However, it can depend on what you need to use a VPN for. Let's have a look at the comprehensive comparison:
A native VPN app, hence, protects all your data on any device it's installed on. Whether you use it to play a game or watch a streaming service like Netflix, your data and traffic will always be protected. Better yet, if you set up your VPN on a router, all the devices connected to that Wi-Fi network will automatically be secured.
Yes, you can use a free VPN for your browser. However, doing so is not recommended because they have weak privacy and security protocols.
As you can imagine, free VPNs need continuous revenue streams. Since they won't get any revenue from their extensions, they need to make money elsewhere. Unfortunately, many of them opt to sell your data to do so. Let's do a side-by-side comparison of free VPNs v/s Paid VPNs to analyze the differences:
Our strong and honest recommendation is to go for a premium VPN. You can use any of the options found above, or you can consult our guide to the most popular VPNs. Even better, you can go for a VPN free trial, which is a risk-free way to get premium VPN features for a limited time.
For example, we recommend NordVPN's free trial, which can be activated on Android and used for 7 days. For other platforms, NordVPN has a 30-day money-back policy.
A reliable VPN browser extension is a good option for anyone looking to protect their privacy, block ads, and bypass geo-restrictions. While built-in browser privacy tools help, they don’t offer full protection against IP leaks, tracking, and censorship. A well-rounded VPN extension adds encryption, leak protection, and secure access to global content, all with just a click. However, for more extensive protection, using a full VPN app rather than just a browser extension is recommended.
That said, NordVPN is our top recommendation, offering fast speeds, strong security, and an intuitive extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. With features like Threat Protection Lite, WebRTC blocking, and post-quantum encryption, it delivers unmatched value and performance. It’s the best all-around option for most users.
Still, other VPNs shine in their own ways. Surfshark is affordable and user-friendly with unlimited connections. ExpressVPN offers top-tier security through full app integration. PIA is highly customizable, and Proton VPN stands out for privacy-focused users. All five deliver strong protection for your browser-based activities.
More VPN Guides You May Find Helpful:
That's all that we have prepared for this guide on the Best Browser Extensions on 2025. If you have any comments or remarks, share them via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!