Software

5 Best VPN Browser Extensions in 2024

By TechNadu Staff / February 5, 2024

When it comes to interacting with the Web, you're limited by the browser you use. That said, perhaps you didn't know that Web browsers are prone to IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, which allows trackers to collect your geo-data and browsing history as well as follow you wherever you go on the Web.

Also, your browser can't do much to bypass geo-blocks, eliminate advertisements, or prevent malware from reaching your device. However, there's an easy way to improve your Web browsing experience and make it safer and more private.

Using a VPN browser extension, you can hide what you do online. The best VPN for browsers will also help you bypass geo-blocks, prevent data leaks, and block ads.

In this guide, we'll talk about the best Web browser VPN extensions, explain why you need a VPN, explain the differences between VPN browser extensions and VPN native apps, how to use a VPN browser extension, what to look for in one, answer some related FAQs, and plenty more.

Best Browser VPNs - Our Shortlist

  1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN Browser Extension
  2. Surfshark – Best Browser VPN Extension for First-Time Users
  3. ExpressVPN – Native VPN Protection for High-End Privacy
  4. PIA – Great for Blocking Trackers and Advertisements
  5. Ivacy VPN – Effective for Streaming and Bypassing Geo-Blocks

How to Use a Browser VPN Extension

To use a VPN browser extension, you need to subscribe to a VPN, access its extension using your browser's add-on store, and install it from there. Use the following steps:

  1. Subscribe to a VPN with a browser extension (we recommend NordVPN).
  2. Visit your browser's Web Store and download the extension.
  3. Launch the extension to activate it. 
  4. Provide your credentials to log in.
  5. Connect to a suitable VPN server. That’s it!

Remember that a VPN browser extension (add-on) encrypts and protects everything you do within your Web browser. However, your VPN will also offer a native application, which can be suitable for unblocking apps, gaming, and even torrenting. It's best to use both for complete privacy protection.

The Best VPN Browser Extensions in 2024

To find the best VPN for browsers, you first need to focus on the Web browser you use. In other words, find a VPN extension with native support for your Web browser. Then, you'll want to have access to a sizable server network covering as many locations as possible.

Don't forget about privacy and security. The best browser VPN extension must follow a no-logs policy and be powered by strong enough protocols and encryption. As mentioned above, it must also protect you against all manner of data leaks, including IP/DNS/WebRTC leaks.

You can also expect a VPN extension to assist you in bypassing geo-blocks. That means you'll want fast and stable performance, especially if you're into media streaming. Also, there should be enough simultaneous connections to help you protect your data on the go as well.

Finally, let's not forget that you'll want a fair price and plenty of value, as well as money-back guarantees, which must be generous enough to give you plenty of time to test-drive your chosen VPN. However, pay attention to customer support as well and aim for 24/7 live chat support.

Based on the criteria mentioned above, here are the top 5 best VPN extensions for browsers in 2024:

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN Browser Extension

Editor's Pick
Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chromebook
Kindle
Chrome
Firefox
PlayStation
Apple TV
Xbox
Amazon Fire TV
Nintendo Switch
All game consoles
Chromecast
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

NordVPN is the best VPN extension for browsers 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 VPN extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. 

NordVPN has a wide server network, covering 61 countries worldwide with 6,000+ servers. 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.

NordVPN prevents your IP address from leaking by blocking WebRTC. It also creates very strong data tunnels, with no change of a DNS/IP leak. On top of that, NordVPN can unblock 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 6 simultaneous connections.

Everything mentioned above is available for $3.39/month if you get NordVPN's 2-year plan. 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.

PROS

  • Over 6,000 servers in total.
  • Compatible with many browsers.
  • Blocks ads and trackers.
  • Standalone VPN extension.
  • 24/7 customer support.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee.

CONS

  • 6 simultaneous connections.

2. Surfshark – Best Browser VPN Extension for First-Time Users

Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chrome
Firefox
Amazon Fire TV
All game consoles
All smart TVs
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

Surfshark is an easy-to-use browser VPN extension 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 across 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 it 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 $2.29/month, which is how much Surfshark's 2-year plan costs. Also, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which you can use as a risk-free trial. On top of that, there's 24/7 customer support on its website via its live chat option, in addition to plenty of other support resources.

PROS

  • Works with Chrome, Firefox, and more.
  • Beginner-friendly extension.
  • Excellent security.
  • Blocks WebRTC and ads.
  • 30-day money-back policy.
  • 24/7 customer support.

CONS

  • Can take a while to connect.

3. ExpressVPN – Native VPN Protection for High-End Privacy

Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chromebook
Kindle
Nook
Chrome
Firefox
PlayStation
Apple TV
Xbox
Amazon Fire TV
Nintendo Switch
All game consoles
All smart TVs
Chromecast
Roku
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

ExpressVPN is a high-end VPN extension 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 - you have to download the app on your device so the two can work together to provide better encryption.

This VPN has 3,000 servers in 100+ countries. It also includes advanced security features such as AES-256 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 browser VPN extensions, this one uses protocols like OpenVPN and Lightway.

According to our tests, ExpressVPN is among the fastest VPNs, 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 great 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 for $6.67/month, which will get you its one-year subscription. 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.

PROS

  • Works on all Web browsers.
  • High-end data encryption.
  • Unblocks any site.
  • Audited no-logs policy.
  • 24/7 customer support.
  • 30-day money-back policy.

CONS

  • Not a standalone extension.
  • Limited customization.

4. PIA – Great for Blocking Trackers and Advertisements

Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chrome
Firefox
PlayStation
Xbox
Amazon Fire TV
Nintendo Switch
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

PIA (Private Internet Access) is another excellent browser VPN with 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 VPN has an extensive network with thousands of servers in 90+ 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/month for PIA's 2-year plan. 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. 

PROS

  • Works with many browsers.
  • Extra-big server network.
  • Excellent security.
  • Plenty of fine-tuning. 
  • 30-day money-back policy.
  • 24/7 live chat support.

CONS

  • Might be overly technical for some.

5. Ivacy VPN – Effective for Streaming and Bypassing Geo-Blocks

Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chrome
Firefox
All smart TVs
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

Ivacy is another solid choice for those looking for an affordable browser VPN. It's easy to use and has extensions for Firefox, Chrome, and Edge. On top of that, it now comes with 6,500+ servers in 60+ countries, opening up the Web from any country out there.

With Ivacy VPN's extension, you'll enjoy military-grade encryption, powerful protocols, and a no-logs policy to keep your data safe. It also offers unlimited bandwidth, no ads, and WebRTC/IP/DNS leak protection, ensuring that websites don't collect any of your information.

Due to its strong security and vast server network, Ivacy is an excellent option for media streaming and bypassing geo-blocks. It can unblock streaming platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, Max, and BBC iPlayer. However, we do have to note that it's slower than our other recommendations.

This extension also comes with a 'Bypass Proxy' feature, so you can include or exclude websites from your secure connections. In other words, you get to keep Ivacy turned on at all times, and the extension will ensure that you use your VPN connection when needed. On top of that, it supports 10 simultaneous connections.

You can get started for only $1.00/month if you get Ivacy's 5-year plan. The VPN offers a 7-day money-back guarantee on its monthly plan and a 30-day money-back guarantee on its longer-term plans. Finally, it has a 24/7 live chat feature you can use whenever you have a question or an issue.

PROS

  • Extensions for any browser.
  • Covers more than 60 countries.
  • Bypasses geo-blocks.
  • Blocks WebRTC leaks.
  • 30-day money-back policy.
  • 24/7 live chat support.

CONS

  • Slower connection speeds.
  • Limited customization.

Best VPNs for Browser: Compared

NordVPN Surfshark ExpressVPN PIA Ivacy VPN
Supported Browsers Chrome
Firefox
Edge
Opera
Chrome
Firefox
Edge
Opera
Chrome
Firefox
Edge
Opera
Chrome
Firefox
Edge
Opera
Chrome
Firefox
Edge
Opera
WebRTC/DNS/IP Leak Protection YES YES YES YES YES
Server Network Size 6,000+ servers
60+ countries
3,200+ servers
100 countries
3,000+ servers
105 countries
N/A
90+ countries
6,500+ servers
60 countries
No-Logs Policy YES (audited) YES (audited) YES (audited) YES (audited) YES (audited)
VPN Protocols OpenVPN
IKEv2/IPsec
NordLynx 
OpenVPN
WireGuard
IKEv2/IPsec
OpenVPN
Lightway
IKEv2/IPsec
OpenVPN WireGuard OpenVPN
WireGuard
IKEv2/IPSec
L2TP/IPSec
Unblocking Capabilities Netflix
Hulu
Prime Video
(HBO) Max
Paramount+
Apple TV+
iPlayer
YouTube TV
Sling TV
FuboTV
Netflix
Hulu
Prime Video
(HBO) Max
Paramount+
Apple TV+
iPlayer
YouTube TV
Sling TV
FuboTV
Netflix
Hulu
Prime Video
(HBO) Max
Paramount+
Apple TV+
iPlayer
YouTube TV
Sling TV
FuboTV
Netflix
Hulu
Prime Video
(HBO) Max
Paramount+
Apple TV+
iPlayer
Netflix
Hulu
Prime Video
(HBO) Max
Paramount+
Apple TV+
iPlayer
Performance Ultra-fast Fast Ultra-fast Medium Medium
Simultaneous Connections 6 Unlimited 8 Unlimited 10
Customer Support 24/7 live chat 24/7 live chat 24/7 live chat 24/7 live chat 24/7 live chat
Price $3.39/month
(2-year plan)
$2.29/month
(2-year plan)
$6.67/month
(2-year plan)
$2.19/month
(2-year plan)
$1.00/month
(5-year plan)
Money-Back Guarantees 30 days 30 days 30 days 30 days 30 days
Get NordVPN Get Surfshark Get ExpressVPN Get PIA Get Ivacy VPN

Why Do You Need a VPN Extension for Browsers?

You need a VPN browser extension to protect your privacy, unblock websites, and make sure no one tracks you online. Find more information just below.

How to Choose the Best Browser VPN Extension?

To choose the best VPN for browsers, 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.

VPN Extensions vs. Native VPN Apps: Which Is Better?

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. 

VPN extensions are great for those who only want to protect and secure activity in their browser alone. That's because VPN extensions that work with Chrome, Firefox, and Tor, for example, are installed directly in your browser and only cover your browser traffic. Everything else outside your browser will be left unprotected. 

A native VPN app, on the other hand, protects all your data on any devices 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. 

Can You Use a Free VPN Extension for Browser?

Yes, you can use a free VPN extension for your browser. However, doing so is not recommended because free VPN extensions have weak privacy and security protocols.

Providers offering free VPN extensions 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 for selling your data to do so. 

Some free VPN extensions can also distribute malware to collect your data. Then, they sell that data to the highest bidder - an advertising agency in most cases. Aside from that, free VPNs come with limited server fleets, limited bandwidth, and restricted performance.

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 best VPN services. 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.

Final Thoughts

By default, your Web browser can leak sensitive information, track your browsing history, as well as prevent you from visiting geo-blocked sites. That said, if you want to bypass all those downsides, there's simply no better option than to use a VPN browser extension. It will encrypt your browser traffic and allow you to access all kinds of content that is otherwise unavailable.

We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN browser extension because it’s the fastest and most secure VPN available right now. It's easy to install and gives you access to 6,000+ servers while blocking ads and trackers. With NordVPN, you'll change the way you browse the Web, protect your privacy, and ensure your access to the Web is as open as possible.

FAQ

What's the Best Browser to Use with a VPN?

You can use practically any browser with a VPN as long as your chosen VPN provider offers an extension for your browser. If you're after privacy, we recommend using Firefox with a VPN, as it's more private than Chrome or Edge.

Which Browser Has a Built-In VPN?

Browsers like Opera, Firefox, and Brave come with built-in VPNs. However, those are typically limited VPN solutions with half-baked privacy measures. Our recommendation is to pick a commercial VPN browser extension, like NordVPN.

Is a Browser VPN Good?

Yes, a browser VPN extension is more than good. It can protect your privacy, ensure no one sees what you do online, bypass Web roadblocks, and plenty more. Of course, not every VPN extension is the same, so our recommendation is to pick NordVPN.

Can I Use a VPN Only on Browser?

Yes, you can use a VPN only on your Web browser. Installing it means you'll get to encrypt the traffic that your browser sends and receives, allowing you to protect your privacy and unblock websites. However, your non-browser traffic won't be protected, so keep that in mind.

Does NordVPN Have a Browser Extension?

Yes, NordVPN has extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. They allow you to change your IP, protect your privacy, prevent data leaks, and unblock websites. It's the best VPN browser extension right now, and we highly recommend subscribing to NordVPN.

Does ExpressVPN Have a Browser Extension?

Yes, ExpressVPN has browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, Brave, Vivaldi, Firefox, and more. You'll first need to install ExpressVPN's app on your computer, which works alongside its extension.

That's all for our guide on the best VPN browser extensions. If you have any comments or remarks, share them via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!



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