Google's Chrome operating system is inherently quite secure, but if you're concerned about privacy, a VPN can help. These are the top performers that work with Chrome OS.
ByKim Key
Kim Key
Security Analyst
My Experience
As a PCMag security analyst, I report on security solutions such as password managers and parental control software, as well as privacy tools such as VPNs. Each week I send out the SecurityWatch newsletter filled with online security news and tips for keeping you and your family safe on the internet.
Read Full Bio
&Max Eddy
Max Eddy
Lead Security Analyst
My Experience
Since my start in 2008, I've covered a wide variety of topics from space missions to fax service reviews. At PCMag, much of my work has been focused on security and privacy services, as well as a video game or two. I also write the occasional security columns, focused on making information security practical for normal people. I helped organize the Ziff Davis Creators Guild union and currently serve as its Unit Chair.
Read Full Bio
March 18, 2022
- RELATED:
- Best VPNs
- Best VPN Extensions for Chrome
- Best Android VPNs
- Fastest VPNs
- Best Free VPNs
- Best Cheap VPNs
Our Top 10 Picks
Best for Privacy Wonks Jump ToDetails Best for Flexible Pricing Jump ToDetails Best for Bargain Hunters Jump ToDetails Best for Premium VPN Jump ToDetails Best for Protecting Many Devices Jump ToDetails Best for First-Time VPN Users Jump ToDetails Best for Power Users Jump ToDetails Best for Frequent Travelers Jump ToDetails Best for World Travelers Jump ToDetails Best for Consumers of Conscience Jump ToDetails 
Proton VPN
IVPN
Mullvad VPN
NordVPN
Surfshark VPN
TunnelBear VPN
Private Internet Access VPN
CyberGhost VPN
ExpressVPN
Mozilla VPN
Chromebooks—and all Chrome OS devices—have a lot going for them in terms of security. Installing malware on them is tricky, and wiping them to start over from scratch is a snap. It's still wise to add another layer of privacy protection in the form of a VPN, especially if you're using your Chromebook on a public Wi-Fi network.
Does Your Chromebook Need a VPN?
The short answer is yes, you probably need one. To explain why, we should explain briefly what a VPN is. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your Chromebook and a server operated by a VPN company. When you pass your internet traffic through that tunnel, you ensure it cannot be spied on in transit. You need a VPN because when it's active, anyone on the same network as you, anyone that can access that network's router, your ISP, and sneaky intelligence agents will all be kept in the dark. Furthermore, your IP address is hidden, which means your location is, too. For more details, you should read our story, Why You Need a VPN, and How to Choose the Right One.
How a VPN Works
How to Set Up a VPN on a Chromebook
There are a couple of ways to get your Chromebook protected by a VPN. You can use a Chrome browser extension or use an Android app. Manual VPN installation is possible, but we don't recommend doing it because the process often involves using less-secure VPN protocols
1. Use a Chrome VPN Extension
Using a Chrome browser extension is probably the easiest way to secure your web traffic. In fact, we have an entire roundup of Chrome browser extensions to help you pick the right one, if this is the way you choose to go.
Why wouldn't you go this easier route? The problem is that Chrome VPN extensions only secure your web browser traffic. Sometimes, that's a good thing. If you want to secure your web traffic but don't want your VPN to screw up your video streaming, you can protect the browser and use, say, an Android app for viewing Netflix that won't be piped through the VPN. However, this can also create confusion about what is and what isn't secure on your device.
2. Use an Android VPN App
The most comprehensive way to secure your Chromebook's web traffic is to use an Android VPN app on your Chromebook. Download the VPN app of your choice, log in, and switch it on. Android VPN apps appear as connection options in the network settings menu on your Chromebook.
You'll need to be running the latest version of Chrome OS and to activate the Google Play store from the Chrome OS settings menu. Just open the Settings app, search for Google Play, and toggle it on. If you're using a corporate Google account, however, you may not be able to activate Google Play without approval from your system administrator.
Most VPN apps for Chromebook are Android apps. Not all Android apps appear on Chrome OS as they do on your mobile devices and some apps will not work with some Chromebooks. Check out this guide to installing Android apps on your Chromebook.
VPNs: Possible with Chrome OS
Using mobile apps on a computer might not be the first thing a consumer thinks to do, but it’s the most effective way to use some of the best VPNs we’ve reviewed, including Editors’ Choice picks such as NordVPN, ProtonVPN, and TunnelBear VPN.
A major selling point of Chromebooks is their security. With little opportunity to store or run malware, Chromebooks are a blessing to the low-cost computer market. Just restart to solve most problems and power wash your worries away.
Surveillance and online threats are the greatest potential pitfall for Chromebook owners. For now, Android VPN apps are your best option for protecting your privacy online while using a Chromebook.
Our Experts Have Tested 16 Products in the VPN Category in the Past Year
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions.See how we test.
Table of Contents
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Proton VPN
Best for Privacy Wonks
5.0 Exemplary
Bottom Line:
ProtonVPN's Android app offers many unique features. However, in testing, the Android app did not play well with Chrome OS and required a VPN protocol switch before connecting to a VPN server, which is not ideal.
PROS
- The best free VPN subscription
- Numerous advanced privacy tools
- Strong customer privacy stance
- Slick, accessible client
- Excellent speed test scores
CONS
- Awkward ChromeOS implementation
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Blocks Ads | |
| Simultaneous VPN Connections | 10 |
| 500+ Servers | |
| Server Locations | 67 countries |
| Geographically Diverse Servers | |
| Free Version | |
| Free Version Data Limit | Unlimited |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Proton VPN Review
IVPN
Best for Flexible Pricing
4.0 Excellent
Bottom Line:
Like Mullvad VPN, IVPN uses an account system that protects your privacy from the start. We like how crisp the service's minimalist design looks on Android and Chrome OS as well.
PROS
- Flexible, affordable pricing
- Powerful multi-hop system
- Privacy is baked into its account system
- Strong stance on transparency
CONS
- Offers few server locations
- Multi-hop and account ID features might confuse some
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Blocks Ads | |
| Simultaneous VPN Connections | 7 |
| 500+ Servers | |
| Server Locations | 32 Countries |
| Geographically Diverse Servers | |
| Free Version | |
| Free Version Data Limit | No Free Version |
Learn More
IVPN Review
Mullvad VPN
Best for Bargain Hunters
4.5 Outstanding
Bottom Line:
Mullvad VPN bakes in privacy starting with its unusual account system. Chrome OS users will find the simplicity of its Android app a little more accessible than its desktop client.
PROS
- Affordable
- Requires no email or account information
- Radically transparent
- Multi-hop, split tunneling, and port forwarding
CONS
- Awkward desktop interface
- Servers in a small range of countries
- Pay-as-you-go system may confuse some customers
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Blocks Ads | |
| Simultaneous VPN Connections | 5 |
| 500+ Servers | |
| Server Locations | 38 Countries |
| Geographically Diverse Servers | |
| Free Version | |
| Free Version Data Limit | No Free Version |
Learn More
Mullvad VPN Review
NordVPN
Best for Premium VPN
4.5 Outstanding
Bottom Line:
With a large server network and a remarkable collection of privacy tools, NordVPN is hard to beat. The Android app brings many of the service's best features to Chrome OS users, and it includes some unique to its mobile apps.
PROS
- Multi-hop, split tunneling, and Tor connections
- Excellent design
- Traffic routing and file-sharing with Meshnet
- Built-in antivirus tools
CONS
- Expensive
- Lackluster malware-blocking results
- Limited utility of free Meshnet traffic routing
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Blocks Ads | |
| Simultaneous VPN Connections | 6 |
| 500+ Servers | |
| Server Locations | 111 Countries |
| Geographically Diverse Servers | |
| Free Version | |
| Free Version Data Limit | No Free Version |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
NordVPN Review
Surfshark VPN
Best for Protecting Many Devices
4.0 Excellent
Bottom Line:
Surfshark VPN has just about every privacy feature you'll need. Existing customers will be comforted to see that the service's excellent design carries over to Android—and therefore Chrome OS—as well.
PROS
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Large global server presence
- Multi-hop and split tunneling tools
- Intriguing potential in Surfshark Nexus
CONS
- High monthly price
- Some issues with IP rotator feature in testing
- Privacy policy needs clarification
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Blocks Ads | |
| Simultaneous VPN Connections | Unlimited |
| 500+ Servers | |
| Server Locations | 100 Countries |
| Geographically Diverse Servers | |
| Free Version | |
| Free Version Data Limit | No Free Version |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Surfshark VPN Review
TunnelBear VPN
Best for First-Time VPN Users
4.0 Excellent
Bottom Line:
While its friendly bears are at the forefront, TunnelBear VPN is a ferocious defender of privacy and remarkably transparent. For Chrome OS users, its Android app has all the features found in TunnelBear's other clients.
PROS
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Excellent privacy policies
- Annual independent audits
- Friendly, approachable design (with bears!)
CONS
- No multi-hop connections
- Split tunneling not available on all platforms
- Data limit on free subscription
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Blocks Ads | |
| Simultaneous VPN Connections | Unlimited |
| 500+ Servers | |
| Server Locations | 23 Countries |
| Geographically Diverse Servers | |
| Free Version | |
| Free Version Data Limit | 500MB - 1.5GB Per Month |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
TunnelBear VPN Review
Private Internet Access VPN
Best for Power Users
4.0 Excellent
Bottom Line:
Private Internet Access offers Chrome OS users several smart mobile VPN tools, including a snooze button. It supports WireGuard and OpenVPN on all platforms, including Android.
PROS
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Split tunneling and multi-hop
- Numerous server locations
- Completed third-party audit
CONS
- Expensive
- No free version
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Blocks Ads | |
| Simultaneous VPN Connections | Unlimited |
| 500+ Servers | |
| Server Locations | 84 Countries |
| Geographically Diverse Servers | |
| Free Version | |
| Free Version Data Limit | No Free Version |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Private Internet Access VPN Review
CyberGhost VPN
Best for Frequent Travelers
4.0 Excellent
Bottom Line:
CyberGhost has the largest fleet of VPN servers we've yet seen, and a visual refresh makes it look thoroughly modern. We especially like that the Android app retains some of the advanced features from CyberGhost's desktop apps for Chrome OS users.
PROS
- Large, well-distributed server fleet
- Allows up to seven simultaneous connections
- Several add-ons, including antivirus
- Outstanding speed test scores
- Newly completed third-party audit
CONS
- Expensive
- Confusing privacy policies
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Blocks Ads | |
| Simultaneous VPN Connections | 7 |
| 500+ Servers | |
| Server Locations | 90 Countries |
| Geographically Diverse Servers | |
| Free Version | |
| Free Version Data Limit | No Free Version |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
CyberGhost VPN Review
ExpressVPN
Best for World Travelers
4.0 Excellent
Bottom Line:
For the frequent flying Chrome OS owner, ExpressVPN Android app is an enticing offer with its large collection of far-flung server locations and easy-to-use interface.
PROS
- Large, diversely distributed fleet of servers
- Strong privacy and security practices
- Split tunneling
- Stylish interface
CONS
- Expensive compared with VPNs with similar feature sets
- No multi-hop connections
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Blocks Ads | |
| Simultaneous VPN Connections | 5 |
| 500+ Servers | |
| Server Locations | 105 Countries |
| Geographically Diverse Servers | |
| Free Version | |
| Free Version Data Limit | No Free Version |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
ExpressVPN Review
Mozilla VPN
Best for Consumers of Conscience
4.0 Excellent
Bottom Line:
Mozilla VPN gives Chrome OS users VPN protection while supporting non-profit Mozilla at the same time. That said, the Android app is light on features when compared with VPN apps at a similar price point.
PROS
- Helps support nonprofit Mozilla
- Powered by privacy hawk Mullvad VPN
- Simple, classy design
- Multi-hop and split tunneling
CONS
- Few server locations
- Gathers some user information
- Expensive compared with Mullvad VPN
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Blocks Ads | |
| Simultaneous VPN Connections | 5 |
| 500+ Servers | |
| Server Locations | 37 Countries |
| Geographically Diverse Servers | |
| Free Version | |
| Free Version Data Limit | No Free Version |
Learn More
Mozilla VPN Review
Buying Guide: The Best VPNs for Your Chromebook
Compare SpecsThe Best VPNs for Your Chromebook
Our Picks | Proton VPNCheck Price |
IVPN |
Mullvad VPN | NordVPNCheck Price | Surfshark VPNCheck Price | TunnelBear VPNCheck Price | Private Internet Access VPNCheck Price | CyberGhost VPNCheck Price | ExpressVPNCheck Price |
Mozilla VPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Editors'Rating | Editors' Choice 5.0Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.0Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.5Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.5Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.0Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.0Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review |
Blocks Ads | ||||||||||
Simultaneous VPN Connections | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 | 5 | 5 |
500+ Servers | ||||||||||
Server Locations | 67 countries | 32 Countries | 38 Countries | 111 Countries | 100 Countries | 23 Countries | 84 Countries | 90 Countries | 105 Countries | 37 Countries |
Geographically Diverse Servers | ||||||||||
Free Version | ||||||||||
Free Version Data Limit | Unlimited | No Free Version | No Free Version | No Free Version | No Free Version | 500MB - 1.5GB Per Month | No Free Version | No Free Version | No Free Version | No Free Version |
Where to Buy | PCMag Exclusive: $3.95 Per Month + 5-Months Free (60% Off 2-Year Plan) at ProtonVPN | $3.09 Per Month + 3-Months Free (Up to 69% Off 2-Year Plan) at NordVPN | $2.29 Per Month + 2-Months Free (79% Off 2-Year Plan) at Surfshark $3.99 Per Month ($47.88) for 1 Year Plan at Surfshark | $120 for Three-Year Plan at TunnelBear $120 for 3-Year Plan at TunnelBear | 83% Off 2-Year Plan + 4 Months Free at Private Internet Access $11.99 Per Month for Monthly Plan at Private Internet Access | $2.19 Per Month + 2 Months Free (83% Off 2 Year Plan) at CyberGhost VPN $12.99 Per Month at CyberGhost VPN | $6.67 Per Month 1-Year Plan + 3-Months Free + 1-Year Free Backblaze at ExpressVPN |
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Editors' Choice
As a PCMag security analyst, I report on security solutions such as password managers and parental control software, as well as privacy tools such as VPNs. Each week I send out the SecurityWatch newsletter filled with online security news and tips for keeping you and your family safe on the internet.
Before joining PCMag, I wrote about tech and video games for CNN, Fanbyte, Mashable, The New York Times, and TechRadar. I also worked at CNN International, where I did field producing and reporting on sports that are popular with worldwide audiences. Yes, I know the rules of cricket.
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Since my start in 2008, I've covered a wide variety of topics from space missions to fax service reviews. At PCMag, much of my work has been focused on security and privacy services, as well as a video game or two. I also write the occasional security columns, focused on making information security practical for normal people. I helped organize the Ziff Davis Creators Guild union and currently serve as its Unit Chair.
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