The best Google Chromebook VPN 2024
Secure your Chromebook, boost your digital privacy, and unblock overseas content with one of the best VPNs available.
Chromebooks are vital pieces of kit at work, school, and even at home. However, since they use the cloud to access files and (almost) all applications, you'll need to be aware of the myriad threats lurking around those digital corners – and that's where the best VPNs for Chromebook enter the picture.
The TechRadar team has put today's best VPNs to the test to bring you our in-depth rankings and analysis. We've also compared the speeds, features, and Chromebook apps of our top contenders, to help you find the very best VPN for you and your Chromebook.
Keep scrolling to check out our reviews, and see which VPN providers have edged out the competition to land a spot in our top 5.
The three best Chromebook VPNs in 2024
Need a quick answer? No worries. Here are my top 3 VPN picks. Remember, you'll need a service that offers either a Chrome extension client, an Android VPN, or the ability to manually configure your VPN.
1. ExpressVPN – from $6.67 per month
The best Chromebook VPN
ExpressVPN sits at the top of my rankings thanks, in no small part, to its ease of use. You don't have to be an expert to get started with ExpressVPN – in fact, the service handles all of the super-techy configurations for you during setup with automations. I also like that ExpressVPN's one-click connect feature pairs you with the quickest, most secure connection in a heartbeat. Take ExpressVPN for a risk-free test drive with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. NordVPN – from $3.09 per month
The best VPN overall
NordVPN is the total package – it's quick, secure, and incredibly easy to use. It's a great pick for streaming, too, and unblocks big-name platforms (like Netflix and BBC iPlayer) without any hiccups, every time. What's more, you're getting built-in ad-blocking and malware-prevention tools that'll cover your back as you go about your day-to-day browsing. Plus, you can see how it stacks up against ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. Proton VPN – from $4.49 per month
The best free Chromebook VPN
I'm usually iffy about free services, but Proton VPN proves that it is possible to get something for nothing. Free plans include unlimited bandwidth and all the features you need to safeguard your digital privacy. However, if you upgrade, you'll find that Proton VPN excels at unblocking streaming platforms from around the world. Check out Proton VPN in your own time with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The best Google Chromebook VPNs in 2024
Why you can trust TechRadar
Let's dig in to my top 5 picks. I've compared each provider's most recent test results and discussed everything I liked and disliked, and even weighed up how each VPN stacks up against its closest competitors.
The best Chromebook VPN overall
1. ExpressVPN
The very best VPN for Chromebook - sleek apps and awesome speeds
Number of servers: over 3,200 |external/go.expressvpn.com/c/4550836/1330033/16063?subId1=trd-us-7618657307998672345&sharedId=trd-us&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.expressvpn.com%2Foffer%2Frecommended-deal%3Foffer%3D3monthsfree" rel="sponsored noopener" target="_blank" data-url="https://www.expressvpn.com/offer/recommended-deal?offer=3monthsfree" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" data-hl-processed="hawklinks" data-placeholder-url="https://go.expressvpn.com/c/4550836/1330033/16063?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk-prefix&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.expressvpn.com%2Foffer%2Frecommended-deal%3Foffer%3D3monthsfree" data-google-interstitial="false" data-merchant-name="ExpressVPN" data-merchant-id="298450" data-merchant-url="expressvpn.com" data-merchant-network="ImpactRad">
1. ExpressVPN
The very best VPN for Chromebook - sleek apps and awesome speeds
Number of servers: over 3,200 | Server locations: 160 | Simultaneous connections: 8 | Chromebook installation: Chrome extension, Android app, manually
✔️ Only the best will do: ExpressVPN takes the cake with rock-solid encryption and security tools that are easy to use, even if you're new to VPNs.
✔️ You want access to global content: ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries, meaning you'll have no trouble unblocking local content when traveling overseas.
✔️ Security is everything: rest assured that your data is safe from prying eyes with ExpressVPN's regular audits and no-logs policy.
❌ You're working with a budget: there's no denying that ExpressVPN is on the expensive side. Surfshark is a better pick for folks hunting for a bargain.
❌ You want a one-stop security shop: ExpressVPN is a stellar VPN, but doesn't have built-in antivirus tools. Stick with NordVPN if these are a must-have.
🔒 ExpressVPN leads the pack thanks to its handy Chrome extension and unbeatable security package. Plus, you'll be able to unblock pretty much any site, app, and streaming platform. Try it yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
1. ExpressVPN
The very best VPN for Chromebook - sleek apps and awesome speeds
Number of servers: over 3,200 | Server locations: 160 | Simultaneous connections: 8 | Chromebook installation: Chrome extension, Android app, manually
✔️ Only the best will do: ExpressVPN takes the cake with rock-solid encryption and security tools that are easy to use, even if you're new to VPNs.
✔️ You want access to global content: ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries, meaning you'll have no trouble unblocking local content when traveling overseas.
✔️ Security is everything: rest assured that your data is safe from prying eyes with ExpressVPN's regular audits and no-logs policy.
❌ You're working with a budget: there's no denying that ExpressVPN is on the expensive side. Surfshark is a better pick for folks hunting for a bargain.
❌ You want a one-stop security shop: ExpressVPN is a stellar VPN, but doesn't have built-in antivirus tools. Stick with NordVPN if these are a must-have.
🔒 ExpressVPN leads the pack thanks to its handy Chrome extension and unbeatable security package. Plus, you'll be able to unblock pretty much any site, app, and streaming platform. Try it yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
✔️ Only the best will do: ExpressVPN takes the cake with rock-solid encryption and security tools that are easy to use, even if you're new to VPNs.
✔️ You want access to global content: ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries, meaning you'll have no trouble unblocking local content when traveling overseas.
✔️ Security is everything: rest assured that your data is safe from prying eyes with ExpressVPN's regular audits and no-logs policy.
❌ You're working with a budget: there's no denying that ExpressVPN is on the expensive side. Surfshark is a better pick for folks hunting for a bargain.
❌ You want a one-stop security shop: ExpressVPN is a stellar VPN, but doesn't have built-in antivirus tools. Stick with NordVPN if these are a must-have.
🔒 ExpressVPN leads the pack thanks to its handy Chrome extension and unbeatable security package. Plus, you'll be able to unblock pretty much any site, app, and streaming platform. Try it yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Visit our ExpressVPN review for all the details about this industry-leading provider.
There's a good reason why ExpressVPN claims a top spot in our overall rankings: it's got everything. From reliable speeds, security tools, and 24/7 customer service, there's no aspect of the ExpressVPN offering that's lacking in any way. That's just as well, I suppose, seeing as it is, admittedly, a pretty pricey option.
ExpressVPN is easy to get set up on your Chromebook, too, with L2TP and OpenVPN options available. I like that there's also a kill switch that'll leap into action and cut your internet connection if it detects that the VPN has dropped out – so you don't have to worry about unknowingly leaking sensitive data.
► Try ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
There are ExpressVPN servers scattered across 94 countries (and 160 locations), meaning you'll be able to unblock geo-restricted content in just a few clicks. I had no issues accessing Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, making ExpressVPN one of the best streaming VPNs in the business.
While ExpressVPN isn't quite as quick as NordVPN, it's still wickedly fast. Whether you're streaming in HD, torrenting, or gaming online, the VPN will be able to keep up without slowing your connection to a crawl.
Few VPNs have apps as well-designed and sleek as ExpressVPN. The UI is fresh and unique, and all of the key features are exactly where you'd expect them to be, which makes navigating the client or Chrome app a breeze. However, I would like to see ExpressVPN up its simultaneous connections from 8 to something a little more generous – though 8 should still be enough to cover your most important gadgets.
If you run into trouble, or need help picking out a server, you can reach out to the ExpressVPN customer service team. Agents are available 24/7 via live chat, and they've always been able to handle even the most techy questions I've thrown their way, which is exactly what I like to see.
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
---|---|---|
Design | A modern, sleek UI with features right where they should be | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ease of use | All apps, including the Chrome extension, are incredibly easy to navigate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | One of the quickest providers I've tested recently | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Unblocking | Unblocks all of the most popular streaming platforms, like Netflix and Amazon Prime | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Security and privacy | Robust encryption and an audited no-logs policy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Customer support | 24//7 live chat support is always available | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Price | More expensive than the competition, but jam-packed with quality features | ⭐⭐⭐ |
The best Chromebook VPN for streaming
2. NordVPN
A lightning-fast provider that's packed with features
Number of servers: over 6,000 | Server locations: 80 |external/protonvpn.com/" target="_blank" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" rel="sponsored noopener" data-hl-processed="hawklinks" data-placeholder-url="https://go.getproton.me/aff_c?offer_id=25&aff_id=1046&source=trd&aff_click_id=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fprotonvpn.com%2F%3FvisitorId%3Dho-%7Btransaction_id%7D%26aid%3D%7Baffiliate_id%7D%26offer_id%3D%7Boffer_id%7D%26url_id%3D%7Boffer_url_id%7D%26utm_campaign%3Dww-all-2a-vpn-gro_aff-g_acq-partners_program%26utm_medium%3Dlink%26utm_source%3Daid-tune-%7Baffiliate_id%7D%26utm_content%3D%7Boffer_id%7D%26hfp%3Dfalse%26spl%3D%7Baffiliate_id%7D&aff_sub2=hawk-article-url" data-google-interstitial="false" data-merchant-name="Proton VPN" data-merchant-id="208252" data-merchant-url="protonvpn.com" data-merchant-network="HasOffers">Proton VPN
Excellent Chromebook VPN with free plan
Number of servers: over 8,900 | Server locations: 85 | Simultaneous connections: 10 | Chromebook installation: Android app