BEST VPN SERVICES
In a hurry?
The best VPN for Chromebook in 2023, as found in our independent testing, is NordVPN!
Running on a fast and light Operating System called ChromOS, Chromebook offers multiple security layers, a built-in feature for virus protection, and cloud storage.
Despite claiming to have robust security features, it wouldn’t be wrong to say Chromebooks are not entirely safe.
Due to its heavy reliance on the internet for cloud storage, users of Chromebook are bound to face the perils inherent to any online user.
Fortunately, users afraid of putting their data at risk do not have to abandon their devices.
A tool called a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can minimize the vulnerabilities they face after connecting their device to the internet.
Best VPN for Chromebook in 2023
Here are a list of the best VPNs for Chromebook:
1. NordVPN
NordVPN has made it to our list because it is an excellent VPN for Chromebook.
Providing excellent value for its price, this Panama-based service provider has many features that ensure high speeds and premium security.
Apart from its stringent policy of not logging any of the user data, it also offers other top-notch features for excellent security, such as the 2048-bit encryption, protection against DNS leaks, two kill switches, and the Double VPN for two layers of security.
- NordVPN is the industry leader (by a long way)
- 30-day risk-free trial
- Superfast speeds
- 5,442+ servers in 60+ countries
- Strict no-logs policy
- Next-generation military-grade encryption
- DoubleVPN, double privacy
- 6 simultaneous device connections
- Great for: Safety, security, anonymity & peace of mind
- Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad & iOS, Linux, routers, Apple TV, FireFox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and more
NordVPN has a vast network of more than 5000 servers in roughly 60 countries, enabling excellent performance in terms of speed and geo-unblocking.
As a result, you can unblock any geo-restricted streaming or social media websites to enjoy your Chromebook to its full potential.
However, the most significant reason for NordVPN being shortlisted as the best VPN service for Chromebook is its compatibility.
While there are two ways to set up a VPN on a Chromebook, i.e., using the Android VPN software and Chrome extension, NordVPN scores better by offering an application customized for Chromebook.
It’s also worth mentioning that the NordVPN Chrome extension encrypts just traffic passing through your browser.
Pros and Cons of using NordVPN
2. Surfshark
Surfshark is another excellent VPN, making it to this list for a variety of good reasons.
It has been shortlisted because of its dedicated app for your Chromebook.
Besides being an easy-to-use VPN provider for Chromebook, it also falls under the affordable category providing great value for its price by allowing unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Surfshark is the best budget VPN
- 30-day risk-free trial
- Strict no-logs policy
- 3200+ servers in 95 countries
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Great for: private browsing on a budget
- Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone & iOS, Linux, FireFox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and more
It has roughly 3200 servers in its network, spanning 65 countries.
So, no matter where you are, it will help you unblock a variety of geo-blocked content on your Chromebook, including all major streaming sites and games.
There is nothing your Chromebook can’t do if it has an appropriate VPN running.
Furthermore, it enhances the security of the already secure Chromebook with a plethora of unique features such as AES 256 encryption, a variety of VPN tunneling protocols, a reliable kill switch, the Cleanweb for protection against unwanted ads and malware, as well as the split-tunneling (or Whitelister) feature.
Not to forget, it also provides the Multi-hop feature, also known as Double VPN, which ensures your internet traffic is encrypted twice and makes you almost untrackable.
Pros and Cons of using Surfshark
3. Atlas VPN
Launched in 2019, Atlas VPN is comparatively new but an excellent VPN.
While it has a free version that is quite generous, the premium version of Atlas VPN has all the top-notch features to improve your experience with your Chromebook.
Genuinely committed to the security and privacy of its users, this service provider has in place a strict no-logging policy, the ability to block malicious websites and a kill switch protecting against leakage of data in case the connection unexpectedly drops.
- Atlas VPN is the best free VPN
- Privacy Pro servers
- 750 servers in 40+ locations
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Great for: people seeking a freemium VPN
- Compatible with: Windows, MacOS, Android, iPhone & iOS, Android TV, Fire TV Stick
It has a small sever fleet of 750, covering approximately 44 countries.
However, despite its small network, it can quickly help you access some blocked websites or games on your Chromebook.
Although AtlasVPN does not have a dedicated app for ChromeOS or Chromebook, it has still been shortlisted as the best VPN service because it offers an easy-to-use Android app that is entirely compatible with it and does not require you to be very tech-savvy for configuring it.
Keep in mind that Atlas VPN only supports IPSec/IKEv2 as a tunneling protocol.
However, the lack of options isn’t a significant issue because the stability it offers is ideal for ChromeOS devices.
Still want more? Atlas VPN offers a limited free version, making it the best free VPN for Chromebook that we have found!
Pros and Cons of using Atlas VPN
4. ExpressVPN
Another excellent VPN for Chromebook is ExpressVPN.
Powered by a large fleet of 3000+ servers and a wide choice of 160 locations (in 94) countries, ExpressVPN has unbelievable unblocking capabilities.
Therefore, if you wish to stream your favorite but geo-restricted shows or play a game that has been restricted in your location, this is your ultimate VPN.
ExpressVPN offers an impressive array of features for increased user privacy and security.
These include standard military encryption, a kill switch (aka Network Lock), advanced tunneling protocols, DNS leak protection, a stringent no-logging policy, and Private DNS servers, among many others.
Apart from these popular features, ExpressVPN also offers split tunneling for convenience and high-speed connections to quickly transfer data on your Chromebook.
The only thing in which ExpressVPN is falling behind is that it does not provide an app specified for the ChromeOS devices.
However, it offers a dedicated app for Android and a well-performing Chrome extension that can more than make up for it.
If these two options don’t cut it for you, the VPN can also be manually configured on your Chromebook using the L2TP protocol.
Pros and Cons of using ExpressVPN
5. Private Internet Access
One of the oldest and the most reliable VPN service for Chromebook is Private Internet Access or PIA.
It is one of the most reputable VPN providers and is widely renowned for its over-the-top performance and features.
With a massive network of 35,500 servers spread across 94 countries, you can pick and connect to a server anywhere.
This boosts the unblocking capabilities of PIA, allowing users to unblock any restricted site on their devices, including Chromebook.
While there isn’t a specific application for ChromeOS, Chromebook users can use PIA’s top-notch Android app and its Chrome extension to benefit from its wide array of features without having to switch their devices.
To protect against cyberattacks pertinent to internet use, PIA employs unmatched AES 256-bit encryption, an in-built adblocker, antivirus called MACE, and multiple tunneling protocols.
It also offers other features that all premium VPNs have added to their offer bundles, such as port forwarding and split tunneling.
Pros and Cons of using Private Internet Access
Why Should You Get a VPN for Chromebook?
A VPN works by establishing an encrypted connection between your Chromebook and a VPN company’s server.
When you send your internet traffic over that tunnel, you can be assured that it won’t be spied on while en route.
Anyone who shares your network or has access to that network’s router, your ISP, and snoopy intelligence operatives will remain oblivious of your internet activities.
Furthermore, your IP address is concealed, and so is your location.
Still, wondering how that helps you? This will protect you against phishing attempts, hackers intercepting your private data, and other kinds of cyberattacks.
Moreover, it enables you to circumvent geo-blocks and access various types of local websites (such as streaming and social media sites) and games to enjoy using your Chromebook to its full potential.
However, before you set out on your hunt to find the finest VPN for Chromebook, you should know that ChromeOS is not very well received in the VPN world.
There are many VPNs out there that are not compatible with Chromebooks.
Also, if you find an installable VPN service for Chromebook, you should still expect the job to be much trickier than installing it on any other device with a different OS.
Therefore, we decided to do the heavy lifting for you.
After carefully evaluating various options available in the market, we have shortlisted some great VPN providers in this article that we’re sure you’ll love.
How to Install a VPN on Chromebook
If you have already decided upon a VPN to use with your Chromebook, you will most likely be able to install it on your ChromeOS device in one of the following ways:
Install the VPN app from the Play Store
Following is a brief step-by-step guide to setting up a VPN on your Chromebook via the play store:
- Open the Play Store app on your device.
- Search for the chosen VPN and install it.
- Once installed, run the VPN app and create an account.
- Using the software client, log in to your account.
- Open the list of servers and choose the country whose IP address you want.
- Connect to the VPN server selected to change your IP and enjoy anonymity.
Install the VPN’s Chrome Extension
If you cannot access the Play Store on your device, installing the browser extension for Google Chrome is the next best solution.
It is straightforward to safeguard your internet traffic with Chrome extensions provided by various VPNs.
However, one must remember that securing your web traffic is all they really do.
This means that the VPN connection will not be responsible for ensuring the traffic for any other app that you may be using.
Follow the steps below if this limitation is not a reason for concern.
- To get started, go to the Chrome Extensions Webstore.
- Search for the chosen VPN app.
- Choose the app page for the desired VPN service.
- Click the blue-colored button to install the Chrome extension.
How to Manually Configure the Chromebook VPN Service
With little technical knowledge and help from the 24/7 customer support services, users of Chromebooks can manually configure their choice of VPN without requiring a software client for it.
All you have to do is adjust some settings.
There is, however, a catch. Due to software conflicts, the ultra-secure OpenVPN protocol frequently has troubles with Chrome OS.
This means you can only rely on L2TP, which many VPN services consider relatively less secure.
If you decide to proceed, you’ll need to obtain the installation guidelines from your VPN provider.
If the information isn’t available on the provider’s website, you might try contacting customer service.
The next step is to determine which VPN servers, protocols, and server names the service uses. You’ll also need to locate servers that support your protocol of choice.
In addition to the login and password linked with your subscription, you’ll need a unique passkey called a “shared secret.”
This method, essentially, is not as complicated as the name might suggest; all you are required to do is manually enter all data and information.
However, keep in mind that some VPN providers may not allow you to install the software manually.
Many others may not provide comprehensive installation instructions on their website, making the whole process arduous.
FAQs
Do I Need Full Software if I Use a Chrome VPN Extension?
The answer is yes.
Browser extensions are generally compatible only with a particular browser.
Therefore, other than your activity on Chrome, the wings will not catch anything you’re doing on a network.
To ensure protection system-wide, you must get the entire app.
What Is the Best Security Protocol for A Chromebook?
The suitability of a security protocol is determined by the purpose of using a Chromebook.
Some protocols provide greater security but at the expense of speed.
Some offer faster speeds in exchange for a modest reduction in security. For example, if you’re gaming, you’ll need faster speeds.
OpenVPN is the industry-standard protocol that provides the optimum balance of speed and security without sacrificing either.
Can I Use a Free VPN for Chromebook?
Everyone enjoys using things for free.
That is probably why there are so many free VPNs thriving in the market.
In this case, however, it is not recommended.
The reason is simple; nothing in this world is free.
You may not be paying for the subscription, but you are still getting them at the cost of your privacy.
Most free VPNs make money by selling their users’ data or bombarding them with unwanted and sometimes inappropriate advertisements.
Others may go one step further by concealing malware code that might infect your Chromebook and create many problems.
You won’t be offered any customer support and will likely have to deal with unstable servers, slow connections, and limited features.
So, spending a few dollars per month or purchasing a yearly subscription for convenience is undoubtedly worth it.
In Summary, the best VPNs in 2023 are;
| Rating | VPN Service | Get Offer |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Top Rated#1 | NordVPN - #1 VPN in the industry | FREE Trial |
| #2 Top Rated#2 | Surfshark - top budget VPN | Start Now |
| #3 Top Rated#3 | Atlas VPN - best free VPN | Start Now |
Conclusion
To ramp up your online security and privacy while using a Chromebook, alongside an increased number of options for online content, subscribing to a Virtual Private Network is your best bet.
Reading through this write-up, you must have learned many new things about the available options for the best VPN provider for Chromebook.
After going through the details of each shortlisted option, we found NordVPN to be the winning VPN for Chromebook.
This is because it is an all-rounder Chromebook VPN service, featuring all the essential tools for a VPN’s success and available at a highly affordable rate.
Your choice, however, may differ as per your usage needs for your Chromebook.
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Written by Trevor Cooke
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