7 Best VPN Browser Extensions For Privacy & Security In 2023

Browser extensions are toned-down versions of VPNs, and they provide users with an easy way to protect their browsing activities. The best thing about extensions is that they are light, easy to use, and they provide enough protection if you only need a VPN for browsing.

However, just like VPNs, browser extensions vary from one service provider to another. This can be in terms of the servers, features, pricing, and even privacy and security. The latter is especially a crucial consideration as most VPN browser extensions don’t provide any encryption and are essentially just proxies.

To help you choose the right one, we examined 20+ of the best VPN browser extensions and have compiled the top 7 for you.

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Here's a quick look at the best 7 VPN browser extensions:

Top 7 Best Browser Extensions

Here’s a detailed look at the best VPN browser extensions.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is the best VPN browser extension. It provides a secure and encrypted route for your online traffic and hides your IP address. The NordVPN plugin is quick to set up and use. By clicking the quick connect button on the plugin, you get connected to the best server nearby with a single click.

With the service, you can connect to 5100+ servers in 60 countries across America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. This allows you to get fast, low ping connections regardless of your current location.

Although you can choose a specific location, you can’t select a specific server as is possible with the native app. The extension is one of the few that provides WebRTC leak protection, ensuring your real IP address stays hidden at all times.

Another great thing about NordVPN is its security and privacy features. Besides providing robust encryption, the provider has a verified no-logs policy and is located in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction.

The browser extension reliably unblocks geo-restricted content and works smoothly with all major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

Browser extensions available for:

• Chrome
• Firefox
• Edge

Native Apps available:

• PC
• iOS
• Mac
• Linux
• Android

The VPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:	Cons:
Ultra-fast server speeds Provides WebRTC leak protection Unblocks geographically restricted content Kill switch that prevents privacy compromise Great customer support Connect up to 6 devices 30-day money-back guarantee	Doesn’t allow specific server selection High renewal prices

2. Surfshark VPN

If you’re looking for a provider that offers affordable subscriptions without sacrificing performance, then look no further than Surfshark.

This pocket-friendly VPN comes with over 3200 servers spread across 60 countries. It’s little wonder why the service is also among our top picks for circumventing geo-restrictions. You can use the Surfshark browser extension with Netflix, Hulu, and others. Its fast speeds allow you to watch HD movies and TV shows without buffering.

Surfshark offers AES 256-bit encryption alongside IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak prevention. It does not keep logs, meaning you don’t have to worry about your personal data falling into the wrong hands. On top of that, the provider accepts anonymous payments via Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Ripple.

Surfshark supports unlimited connections with a single license. This makes the extension a great choice if you use multiple browsers across multiple devices.

Browser Extensions Available For:

• Chrome
• Firefox
• Edge

Native Apps Available For:

• PC
• iOS
• Mac
• Linux
• Android

The VPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:	Cons:
Audited Zero logs policy Unblocks geo-restricted content WebRTC protection Fast and stable server connections Unlimited simultaneous connections A smooth and user-friendly experience	Server speeds may vary

3. ExpressVPN

The ExpressVPN browser extension offers lightning-fast speeds and lots of advanced security features. It uses HTTP encryption powered by EFF, a network lock, and advanced leak protection.

ExpressVPN also features TrustedServer technology, which runs entirely on RAM and not hard drives. This ensures all data is wiped on every reboot, providing an extra layer of protection.

If you’re one for aesthetics, you’ll like the extension’s sleek dark theme. The browser plugin is easy to set up and use. However, unlike others on this list, it works in conjunction with the native app and can’t be installed alone.

ExpressVPN has thousands of servers in 160 locations across 90 countries. It reliably unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and numerous other platforms.

The provider has a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the services. They also provide instant chat to get help with installation and troubleshooting.

Browser Extensions Available For:

• Chrome
• Firefox
• Edge

Native Apps Available:

• PC
• iOS
• Mac
• Linux
• Android

Pros:	Cons:
Lightning-fast connections Excellent security & privacy features WebRTC leak protection Network lock Advanced location spoofing	A bit costly compared to other providers Browser extension requires native app installation

4. Ivacy VPN

Despite having a modest server network, Ivacy is reliable for circumventing geo-restrictions. It unblocked all streaming platforms we tested, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and HBO Max.

But that’s not all this extension provides. Its security features rival most premium VPNs, thanks to military-grade encryption, a zero logs policy, and WebRTC protection. The plugin also comes with an automatic kill switch that ensures your browsing activities are protected if your VPN connection drops.

Ivacy has over 50 server locations from which you can choose the server you need. It also has a Smart Selection feature that automatically selects the best server based on your needs.

Each subscription allows 10 simultaneous connections so that you can use the service on multiple browsers or devices.

Browser Extensions Available For:

• Chrome
• Firefox
• Edge

Native Apps Available:

• PC
• iOS
• Mac
• Linux
• Android

Pros:	Cons:
Secure AES 256-bit encryption WebRTC leak prevention Automatic kill switch Zero-logs policy Works with numerous streaming services 10 simultaneous connections	It lacks a kill switch

5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost offers an incredible 1-day free trial that allows you to access all its premium features. Even better, its browser extensions are 100% free. There are no hidden costs or any hidden dangers.

The plugin offers total anonymity on Chrome and Firefox with robust encryption and a no-logs policy. In addition, CyberGhost has its headquarters in Romania, a country that does not require VPNs to keep logs.

The CyberGhost VPN browser plugin blocks malicious content and supports WebRTC leak protection. What’s more? There are no bandwidth and data caps.

However, with the browser extensions, you miss out on extras likes their 24/7 live chat support. You will also be able to access only 8 servers in 4 countries, in the US, Germany, Netherlands, and Romania. To get advanced features like the kill switch and Smart Rules, you will need to use the native app.

CyberGhost VPN Browser, unlike other browser extensions, does not require account setup. You just simply have to download it and connect.

The provider offers an industry-best 45-day money-back guarantee and support for up to 7 devices simultaneously.

Browser Extensions Available For:

• Chrome
• Firefox
• Edge

Apps Available:

• PC
• iOS
• Mac
• Linux
• Android

Pros:	Cons:
100% free Fast and stable connections Powerful encryption WebRTC leak protection	Limited features on free extensions

6. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private Internet Access is one of the largest VPNs available, and it boasts a server network that consists of 29,000+ servers spread across 78 countries. This is a huge number of servers, but it’s not the only positive about the VPN.

PIA comes with a browser extension that offers lots of features; ad & tracking blocker, smart location (chosen by user), split tunnelling (Smart Rules), WebRTC blocking, camera & microphone blocking, location blocking, and more. 

You can also enjoy lots of other PIA features by installing the dektop and mobile applications. When using the VPN, you will be protected with a court-proven zero-logs policy, and all traffic will be encrypted with AES 256-bit encryption.

One PIA subscription covers up to 10 devices, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Browser Extensions Available For:

• Chrome
• Firefox
• Edge
• Opera

Apps Available:

• PC
• Mac
• Linux
• Android
• iOS

Pros:	Cons:
Fast connections Huge server network Block Ads, Trackers, & Malware Web RTC leak protection Lots of advanced features	Slow in some locations No audit (yet)

7. StrongVPN

StrongVPN browser extension features a user-friendly interface making it ideal for beginners. It’s fast and secure and allows up to 12 simultaneous connections. Currently, the provider offers a plugin for Chrome and Edge only.

On the bright side, it has native apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire OS. You can also set up the VPN on your router to protect all devices connected to your home network.

If you install the mobile and desktop apps, you’ll get to enjoy 950+ servers in 35 countries and 59 cities, ‘Best Available Location’ feature, and multiple protocols (including WireGuard). Your data will also be protected with a zero-log privacy policy that states that the VPN doesn’t collect any connection or usage logs.

StrongVPN also offers SmartDNS to help unblock streaming services like Netflix, Hulu without any speed loss. The best feature about the service is you can set different countries for different streaming services. For example, you can switch your Netflix Location from the US to the UK, which is something you won’t find with most services.

All StrongVPN subscriptions cover up to 12 devices and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:	Cons:
Fast speeds Secure connections Unblocks geo-restricted content 12 simultaneous connections	No WebRTC leak protection

Browser Extensions Available For:

• Chrome
• Edge

Apps Available:

• PC
• iOS
• Mac
• Linux
• Android

How to Choose The Best VPN Browser Extension

The considerations that you need to make when choosing a VPN browser extension is not much different from when you need to choose a VPN.

Below are a few that you can work with.

• The provider offers both a browser plugin as well as a native app
• The extension is highly encrypted and safe to use
• The provider does not keep logs
• Fast server connections
• Unblocks geo-restricted content
• Offers a money-back guarantee

Note that you also need to consider all the requirements of choosing the best VPN, such as a public audit and world-class encryption.

Are Free VPN Browser Extensions Worth Using?

While free browser extensions can be tempting, they are simply not worth your time. Many are frustratingly slow and can barely support smooth browsing leave alone streaming.

Free VPNs also impose data caps to try and entice users to upgrade to paid subscriptions, which in many cases, aren’t any good either.

But the single most significant drawback of free VPN plugins is how they make money. Keep in mind that these providers still need money to keep the servers running. As the saying goes, “if you’re not paying for the product, you’re the product.

Although there are some reliable free VPNs, most of them make money by tracking and recording browsing history and auctioning it to advertisers and other third parties. Even worse, some free VPNs even introduce malware to your device.

This beats the reason for using a VPN plugin in the first place, and so free VPNs aren’t worth the risk. If you’re looking to protect your data, it’s best to use a trusted paid provider.

VPN Browser Extensions vs. Native Apps

Unlike native apps, browser extensions are basically HTTP proxies. As mentioned, they only safeguard data sent through the browser on which they’re installed. Everything else is left unencrypted.

If you’re looking for complete privacy, we recommend installing a full-fledged VPN. It will cover all apps on your device, including your web browsers. All the service providers in our list offer native apps at no extra cost.