If you use a Chromebook, you need to get a compatible VPN that won’t slow down your connection or cause any glitching. A Virtual Private Network is essential for Chromebook as it offers a layer of security and privacy that you otherwise wouldn’t enjoy. You can surf the net on public wi-fi networks safe in the knowledge that all of your data is encrypted and give yourself anonymity from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and any other third parties.
We’ve reviewed countless providers to find those best suited to Chromebook users. If you need a VPN and want to make sure you get the best, check our list below. Show more
Whether you want a VPN on your Chromebook to encrypt your data while you shop or do online banking or want to stream different Netflix libraries, many great VPNs work on Chromebooks.
We’ve looked at several different providers to compile a list of the best VPNs out there. We’ve judged the following VPNs on their security, privacy, server network, features, customer support, and price.
We also looked at whether they have an Android app or a Chrome extension compatible with Chrome OS. Let’s get started on our list of the top VPN providers for Chromebooks with all of the above in mind.
Max Speed: | 115000 Mbps |
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Type of IP offered: | Dedicated |
Simultaneous connections / Users: | 6 |
Number of Netflix Libraries: | 12 |
Information sharing: | None |
OS support: | Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
NordVPN offers extremely secure VPN services to ensure that your web browsing stays private when you’re using your Chromebook.
NordVPN is an extremely reputable VPN provider and offers users two ways to enjoy its VPN protection, either via its Android app or browser extension. Unfortunately, there is no option for manual configuration.
Nord has excellent security features, starting with military-grade encryption and DNS leak protection. There is an automatic kill switch to ensure your web traffic is never exposed, and Nord operates a strict no-logging policy. Its servers, which operate on RAM, will never store your web data.
There is a choice of protocols with NordVPN, including OpenVPN and its own proprietary protocol NordLynx. The NordLynx protocol is particularly impressive and gives users fast speeds. The default protocol on NordVPN’s Android app is OpenVPN, and users can choose between the TCP/UDP protocols depending on their preference.
There are incredible features available for Chromebook users, regardless of how you choose to use the VPN. Firstly, there is split tunneling, which is available in both the browser extension and the app. On both platforms, you can make the most of the Quick Connect option, which removes any stress about deciding which VPN server to connect to. There is also CyberSec, an in-built anti-malware software that prevents you from visiting dangerous websites.
Double VPN is another great feature that sends your connection through two servers. Chromebook users can also connect to dedicated P2P servers or Onion over VPN servers. NordVPN can also unblock a vast array of streaming services, circumventing geo-restrictions thanks to its obfuscated servers in many different server locations. When it comes to features, this VPN provider is one of the best.
Customer service is great with NordVPN, and like the other providers on our list, it has 24/7 live chat support on its site. It has the industry-standard 30-day money-back guarantee and offers 6 simultaneous connections. This means you can use its VPN apps on all of your devices and enjoy the fantastic services it has to offer. NordVPN prices start from $3.71 per month and go up to $11.95 on the monthly plan.
Max Speed: | 58000 Mbps |
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Type of IP offered: | Dedicated |
Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
Number of Netflix Libraries: | 12 |
Information sharing: | None |
OS support: | Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows |
ExpressVPN is a provider that consistently impresses us when it comes to its security and privacy features and has an Android app that is easy to use on Chrome OS.
ExpressVPN is an all-around great Virtual Private Network that has an impressive reputation within the VPN industry. For guaranteed security, Express is an obvious choice. The provider employs AES-356 bit encryption to ensure that your browsing data is always safe. Moreover, ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning that your activity will never be stored on its servers.
With ExpressVPN, you get access to incredible speeds making this provider great for streaming, gaming, or even torrenting. The provider is one of a few that can unblock foreign Netflix and Amazon Prime Video libraries thanks to its large server network with locations worldwide. Moreover, it supports torrenting so that you can download and share files privately.
The ExpressVPN Android app is available in the Play Store, or you can manually set up a connection using L2TP/IPSec. However, using the app is by far simpler since it’s extremely user-friendly. You can switch the VPN on and off with the tap of a button and choose your server from a list on the app.
There are other fantastic VPN services that you can enjoy with Express on your Chromebook. There is split tunneling, which allows you to tunnel certain internet traffic through the VPN and others through your regular network. You also have access to an automatic kill switch, which will automatically cut off your internet if your VPN server connection goes down.
With ExpressVPN, you get 5 simultaneous connections and so can use the VPN on other operating systems, including your Android phone or macOS and iOS devices. There is a Chrome extension that allows you to use the VPN solely in your browser, but unfortunately, this is only available to users on Windows or Mac PCs. There are also other browser extensions available for Firefox and Safari users.
Customer support is first-rate with Express, and there is a live chat on the website and detailed guides, including how to set up a VPN on your Chromebook. The 30-day money-back guarantee gives you time to try out the VPN with no strings attached. This isn’t a cheap VPN service, with its monthly plan costing $12.95. However, considering the service you get in return, the price is extremely fair.
Max Speed: | Unlimited |
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Type of IP offered: | Dedicated |
Simultaneous connections / Users: | 7 |
Number of Netflix Libraries: | 4 |
Information sharing: | None |
OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
CyberGhost is another great all-around VPN for Chromebook. It has a Chrome OS compatible Android app in the Google Play Store that provides seamless ease of use and is one of the best VPNs for online privacy.
There are many reasons why we love CyberGhost as a Chromebook VPN. Firstly, its Android VPN app is easy to navigate, allowing you to toggle the VPN on and off and connect to servers based on what you want to do online. The app protection feature connects you to the best server based on the app you’re using. There is also a Chrome browser extension; however, this only gives users access to 8 servers in 4 countries.
There is AES-256 bit encryption and in-built DNS and IP leak protection to protect your privacy while surfing the web. All of your web traffic is 100% secure with CyberGhost since it has a zero logs policy and doesn’t monitor nor store user data. The Romanian-based VPN company is big on internet privacy and has had its privacy policy independently audited. Your online activity will be fully private with CyberGhost, and you can further anonymize your VPN usage by paying for a subscription with Bitcoin.
Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost offers split tunneling and has an automatic kill switch to cut off your internet connection. Its larger server network provides global coverage, making it one of the best VPNs for bypassing geo-restrictions since you have access to many IP address options.
CyberGhost can successfully unblock streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Speeds are fast with CyberGhost, due to the unlimited bandwidth and a large number of servers. The more servers a VPN has equals a lower server load on each one.
If you’re a torrenting fan, then you can connect to one of CyberGhost’s dedicated VPN servers. For extra security, there is the provider’s NoSpy server network, which is controlled end to end by CyberGhost itself. This means your web traffic will be more secure, as any issues that arise on these servers will be swiftly dealt with by the CyberGhost team.
If you want to try manual configuration on your Chromebooks, you can set up an L2TP connection following the instructions provided by CyberGhost. However, we recommend using the VPN app since it isn’t glitchy and will improve your overall VPN experience.
With CyberGhost, users get up to 7 simultaneous connections, which means you can enjoy VPN protection across all of your devices, not just your Chromebook. Android is not the only operating system that the provider supports as it has dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, and many more.
Customer service is first-class with CyberGhost. The provider has live chat support on its website and support in the form of tutorials that tell users how to make the most out of the VPN. This VPN provider offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, far longer than what other VPN companies offer. You can get this VPN for as little as $2.25 per month, which is incredibly cheap.
Max Speed: | Unlimited |
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Type of IP offered: | Shared |
Simultaneous connections / Users: | Unlimited |
Number of Netflix Libraries: | 13 |
Information sharing: | 5 Eyes Member |
OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, ChromeOS, FireOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One |
You can manually set up this VPN on your Chromebook using either OpenVPN or L2TP instructions or through the Android app.
Although IPVanish doesn’t have the largest server network on this list, it is one of the best Chromebook VPN options due to the numerous ways it provides its service on Chrome OS. You can manually set up a connection, but we recommend downloading the Android app from the Google Play Store or using the Chrome extension.
Once you’ve downloaded this Chromebook VPN, you’ll enjoy great security and privacy. Firstly, IPVanish employs AES-256 bit encryption and has a zero logs policy for guaranteed anonymity. IPVanish operates and manages its own server network, which means no third parties can access any of its servers. This also means the provider can respond quickly and effectively to any server attacks.
On top of this, IPVanish also offers various protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP, IPSec, and IKEv2. If you want to connect to optimized P2P servers and need a Chromebook VPN that will allow you to do so, IPVanish is a great choice. It is one of only a few VPN providers that uses a SOCKS5 proxy to provide a faster torrenting connection.
With IPVanish, you can enjoy automatic protection when you connect to a new wi-fi network, which is great if you take your Chromebook out in public a lot. There is also unlimited server switching and unmetered connections, which means you can use this VPN on as many devices simultaneously as you wish. Fortunately, IPVanish offers VPN apps for all the most popular operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, and Android.
With one of the best customer support services we’ve seen (including a live chat, email, online support center, and telephone service), IPVanish caters to its users in this area. There is a 30-day refund policy, which acts as a free trial of sorts, and you can get the VPN at prices as low as $6.66 per month.
Max Speed: | Unlimited |
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Type of IP offered: | Shared |
Simultaneous connections / Users: | Unlimited |
Number of Netflix Libraries: | 15 |
Information sharing: | None |
OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
This Chromebook VPN is a great option if you have many other devices that you want to protect at the same time.
If you opt for Surfshark as your VPN provider, then you’ll be able to use the VPN on your Chrome OS-powered device either using the Android VPN app or by downloading the Chrome extension. It is not possible to manually add a connection using OpenVPN/L2TP like some other providers allow.
Surfshark lacks some of the flair that providers such as Express and Nord have, but it is a good, solid VPN with great privacy and security features. It has 256-bit encryption and a strict zero-logs policy, promising users it won’t ever store their internet data. There is a kill switch available on its apps, including its Android VPN app. You can use the MultiHop feature to connect to multiple servers in different countries at once to give yourself more anonymity.
On top of this, Surfshark has the NoBorders mode, enabling users even in the most restricted regions to use their VPN undetected. This makes Surfshark one of the best VPNs for Chromebook if you use your Chromebook to stream TV shows and films. You’ll be able to unblock 15 Netflix libraries and countless other foreign streaming service catalogs with Surfshark.
Camouflage mode is a fantastic feature that hides your VPN use, meaning that not even your ISP will know you’re using one. This is great, especially if you want to use a VPN for torrenting activities and don’t want others to know you’re using a VPN. There is also split tunneling in the form of Surfshark’s Whitelister feature. This is great if you use your Chromebook often but only want to encrypt data on certain apps or websites.
Surfshark is one of the speediest VPNs on our list, making it perfect for people who are on-the-go users and want their Chromebook to run fast. It is great for gaming or any other activities that require a fast internet connection.
If you want a VPN provider that offers great support options, then Surfshark is a great choice. It has 24/7 live chat support on the website and FAQs where subscribers can learn how to best use the VPN. There is also an information page on using the VPN on Chrome OS, such as a Chromebook.
With unlimited simultaneous connections, you can use this VPN not just on your Chromebook but also on other operating systems. The Android apps are great for Android phones, and there are VPN apps for Windows, macOS, and iOS customers. You can protect all of your family’s devices with one subscription!
The zero-risk 30-day money-back guarantee allows you to try out the VPN without having to sign up for a long-term plan. Surfshark is the cheapest VPN on our list, with its 24-month plan costing an incredible $2.21 per month.
If you want to set up a VPN connection on your Chromebook, there are many ways to do so. While most providers offer Android apps that you can download from the Google Play Store or use a Chrome browser extension, there are other ways to set up a VPN on your Chromebook if your provider doesn’t support Chrome OS.
Chrome OS has in-built support for VPNs that use L2TP over IPSec and supports OpenVPN and PPTP, and you can manually set up a VPN connection if you don’t mind the fiddly technicalities of this. To set up a user certificate connection, you’ll need the server CA certificate from your VPN provider. You’ll then need to open Chrome and visit Chrome://settings/certificates, click authorities, and import your CA certificate.
You’ll then need to access VPN network settings and click ‘add connection’ in the network section. If manual configuration isn’t for you, then it’s best to use a Chrome VPN that you can download directly from the Google Play Store.
If you use your Chromebook to carry out internet tasks daily, you’ll benefit from an extra layer of protection. There are several reasons why you should download a VPN app from the Google Play Store onto your Chromebook.
When you browse the web without a VPN, you’re exposing your activity to many prying eyes, even on your home network. Your ISP, advertisers, and the government are potentially privy to what you get up to online.
Using a VPN sends all of your browsing data through an encrypted tunnel. This means that no one can see what you’re doing and will be unable to decipher the encrypted code to see your activity or which Android apps you use the most on your Chromebook. Your ISP won’t build a user profile on you and sell this information to other parties.
If you often use your Chromebook in public areas and constantly connect to public wi-fi hotspots, your activity could be viewed by hackers. Spies access public networks often, and if you’re carrying out confidential activities whilst connected to these, your personal information and details could be stolen within a matter of minutes.
Since a VPN hides your data, you’ll have an extra layer of protection when using your Chromebook on public networks. Hackers won’t be able to steal your details or view your activity easily.
If you have a Chromebook, you likely use it to watch TV shows on streaming sites or read the news. Certain websites may be blocked in your area, depending on your region. By using a VPN, you can change your IP address and essentially trick websites into thinking you’re based in another location. This then gives you access to previously restricted content, providing you with a lot more online freedom.
Yes, you can use a VPN on Chromebook, assuming that the VPN offers Chromebook compatibility. This means either downloading a VPN Android app or using a VPN Chrome extension.
Chromebook doesn't come with a built-in free VPN but there are some free VPN services that users can install on their Chromebook, such as ProtonVPN and Hotspot Shield.
If you use a third-party VPN app on Chromebook, it is easy to switch on the VPN. All you need to do is open the app and connect to a server to activate the VPN.
I’m Madeleine, and I'm a writer that specializes in cybersecurity, tech products, and all things related to the internet.
I have a keen interest in VPNs and believe that everyone deserves internet freedom and security. I wr...
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