5 Best VPN Browser Extensions for Safe Web Browsing in 2024
Reading time: 22 min
Updated on September 19, 2023
I often get tired of tinkering with my VPN’s main app before I can securely browse the web. However, you can bypass this hassle by using a VPN browser extension. All it takes is one click to encrypt your browser traffic without halting your online activities.
Some VPN browser extensions are unsafe as they can log your data or even infect your device with malware. I tested browser extensions of the top 20 VPNs in the industry and picked the best ones for browsing securely.
ExpressVPN’s browser extension provides the best security and privacy and is my #1 choice. However, you must have a subscription to use it. You can try ExpressVPN confidently as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Quick Guide: Best VPN Browser Extensions in 2024
- ExpressVPN — ExpressVPN has the best overall VPN browser extension with fast speeds, excellent unblocking, and top-grade security and privacy features.
- CyberGhost — Offers a free VPN browser extension for Chrome and Firefox, but it doesn’t have optimized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming on extensions.
- Private Internet Access — In-built MACE ad blocker blocks malware to ensure smooth and secure browsing, but it’s located in a 5 Eyes territory.
- NordVPN — Has WebRTC leak protection for anonymous browsing, but the browser extension doesn’t use military-grade encryption.
- Surfshark — Includes data breach monitoring to protect your email accounts, but it can reduce speeds considerably on distant servers.
Use ExpressVPN’s browser extension
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
The Best VPN Browser Extensions for Safe Browsing (Tested in 2024)
1. ExpressVPN — #1 Browser Extension for Browsing and Streaming Securely
Key Features:
- 3,000+ servers in 105 countries and obfuscated connections for anonymous browsing even in China
- Includes TrustedServer network, private DNS, HTTPS enforcement, and data leak prevention
- Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi
- Secure your browser traffic on up to 8 devices with a single subscription
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN’s browser extension is the best for staying secure on the internet. It uses an efficient network infrastructure and proprietary Lightway protocol to deliver ultra-fast speeds for data-intensive tasks like UHD streaming. ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer network comprises RAM-only servers that run on volatile memory and can’t log your data. In addition, it offers:
- Kill switch — immediately halts all internet traffic if the VPN disconnects, ensuring your online activities remain confidential.
- Military-grade encryption — uses a 256-bit cipher to encrypt your browsing data and hide it from prying eyes.
- HTTPS enforcement — prioritizes the most secure version of a website while browsing, adding an extra layer to your safety.
- Leak protection — prevents accidental exposure of your real IP address (I tested 20 ExpressVPN servers and they passed my DNS, IP, and WebRTC leak tests).
- Zero-knowledge DNS — ensures that ExpressVPN doesn’t know about your browsing history, reinforcing your online privacy.
In my tests, ExpressVPN’s distant servers in the US, Canada, and Australia averaged 93Mbps. This is more than ample for UHD streaming, which generally requires just 25 Mbps. Its proprietary Lightway protocol’s minimal codebase ensures rapid data transfers and minimal latency, making ExpressVPN my first choice for data-intensive tasks.
With its 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN can access your streaming accounts directly from the browser. By regularly replacing blacklisted IP addresses, it keeps up to date with the latest geo-restrictions. As a result, it can unblock:
| Netflix | Amazon Prime Video | TVNow | Crunchyroll |
| Max | Hulu | DAZN | Discovery+ |
| Disney+ | Canal+ | Sky Go | SlingTV |
I used ExpressVPN’s browser extension on my PC, Windows laptop, and MacBook and still had unused connections with its 8-device limit. Both its Chrome and Firefox extensions look exactly like the main app, making navigation seamless. Note that the main app needs to be running in the background before you can use the extension.
The downside of ExpressVPN is that it’s slightly more expensive than its competitors. However, the benefits substantially outweigh the extra cost. With ExpressVPN extensions, you’ll also get access to its full VPN with a global server network, unlike other free extensions that limit network coverage.
Subscribing to ExpressVPN’s 2-year + 4 months free plan gives you a % discount. You can try it confidently as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. I submitted my refund request through live chat and the agent didn’t try to talk me out of it. Once he approved my request, I got a confirmation email and my money back in just 3 days.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
ExpressVPN also works on: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chromebook, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box, Google Chromecast, Roku, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.
Use ExpressVPN for safe browsing
Get ExpressVPN's Black Friday Deal! You can subscribe to ExpressVPN for as low as per month + get extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to %)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — Free Browser Extension for Chrome and Firefox for Secure Browsing
Key Features:
- Has 8 servers in 4 countries on the free browser extension
- Spoofs your location with an in-built proxy for accessing streaming platforms
- Provides unlimited browsing with no data caps
- Extensions are compatible with Chrome and Firefox
- Paid plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost offers a free browser extension available on Chrome and Firefox. It took me under 2 minutes to install it on my Mac’s Chrome browser. There wasn’t any setup required and I didn’t have to deal with advanced settings like on its main app. While extremely beginner-friendly, it’s not a VPN but rather a proxy that spoofs your location.
Unlike CyberGhost’s paid service with 11,670+ servers in 100 countries, its browser extension has connections in 4 countries — the US, Netherlands, Romania, and Germany. At a glance, this might seem limiting but these locations are key hubs for global content. As a result, CyberGhost can unblock most of the popular streaming platforms like:
| Disney+ | Max | Videoland | TVNOW |
| Netflix | Hulu | KIJK | ProTV Plus |
| Amazon Prime Video | Peacock | Joyn | Voyo |
In 2022, CyberGhost underwent an independent audit by Deloitte. The audit confirmed that CyberGhost stands true to its no-logs policy, ensuring that your browsing history remains confidential and unseen by prying eyes.
- Privacy-friendly location (Romania) — with strong privacy laws, it means that CyberGhost isn’t obligated to share your data with third parties.
- Isolate browsing sessions — keeps your searches separate from your accounts, protecting your privacy and making your web activity untraceable.
- Disables Google’s auto-tracking — blocks Google’s trackers, safeguarding you from extensive profiling.
- Automatic data erasures — deletes your search history, passwords, and cookies, leaving no trace of your online activity when your CyberGhost session ends.
Despite being free, I didn’t face bandwidth issues with CyberGhost’s 4 servers on its browser extension. The US server clocked in 83Mbps, but the paid app counterpart was 5Mbps faster. In both cases, I streamed a live e-sports match on Twitch without lag, even during the peak gameplay moments.
The downside of CyberGhost’s free browser extension is that it doesn’t have optimized servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. However, it’s not a big deal because the regular free servers can access almost all global platforms and provide fast speeds for bandwidth-heavy activities like UHD streaming and online gaming.
To get CyberGhost’s full network and optimized servers, I suggest subscribing to CyberGhost’s 2-year + 2 months plan for per month. Should you decide it’s not the right fit, getting a refund is hassle-free. When I initiated the process through live chat support, the agent processed my request without digging into the reasons — I got my refund in 5 business days.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
CyberGhost also works on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, smart TVs, routers, and more.
Use CyberGhost for safe browsing
2024 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as per month + get an extra 2 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to %)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Private Internet Access — MACE Blocks Ads, Trackers, and Malware to Ensure Safe Browsing via Its Extension
Key Features:
- Extensive network of servers in 25+ countries on the browser extension
- Includes data leak protection, anti-tracking tools, and webcam & microphone safety
- Secure unlimited devices via its browser extensions with a single subscription
- Has extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera
- Try it risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee
PIA’s MACE guarantees online privacy when browsing the web through its extension. It blocks ads, trackers, and malware before they load on web pages. To enable it, click the 3 vertical dots > extra features > tracking > and check the PIA MACE box at the bottom. It blocked intrusive ads on websites as well as malicious links present in spam emails. PIA also includes:
- Camera and microphone protection — ensures that unauthorized entities can’t exploit these devices, defending your personal space from potential intrusions.
- Disable autofill — stops credit card and address autofill, enhancing transactional safety and preventing potential data breaches.
- Anti-tracking tools — include disabling third-party cookies, hyperlink auditing, UTM parameters, and curbing trackers right in their tracks.
Not all of PIA’s 35,000+ servers in 91 countries are available on its Chrome extension. However, I could use IP addresses in 27 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Japan. Each server’s latency is visible at a glance, so you can pick the fastest one and unblock it:
| BBC iPlayer | Stan | Max | Paramount+ |
| ITV | Peacock | CBS | Maxdome |
| Molotov TV | Hulu | Showtime | Toggle |
The browser extension was 4% slower than PIA’s main app, but I streamed Inception on my Netflix account without any buffering. Even a distant US server gave me speeds of 84Mbps for lag-free UHD streaming and online browser-based gaming.
I had to sign in to my account to use PIA’s extension on Chrome. While you can pick a low-latency server from the list, the Auto Select feature automatically picks the best server based on your location. PIA’s extension also displayed the IP address I was assigned after connecting to a Singapore server, which I verified by running my tests.
The downside of PIA is its location in the US, a member of the 5 Eyes intelligence-sharing group. However, PIA counterbalances this with its no-logs policy, which has been audited by Deloitte. Additionally, its RAM-only servers ensure that none of your browsing data is accessible to third parties.
The 2-year + 2 months plan offers the best price of just per month. You can try PIA risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. I provided my invoice details via live chat, and the support agent approved my request. The refund appeared in my account after 5 days.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
PIA also works on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, smart TVs, routers, and more.
2024 Update! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as per month + get an extra 2 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to %)! This is a limited offer, so grab it now before it's gone! See more information on this offer here!
4. NordVPN — Dedicated WebRTC Blocker Prevents Accidental Data Leaks for Private Browsing
Key Features:
- 6,300+ servers in 111 countries for accessing popular content via the browser
- Includes data leak protection, malware blocker, and split tunneling
- Supports 10 simultaneous connections to secure all your browsers at once
- Has native browser extensions on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge
- Try it risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee
NordVPN’s WebRTC leak protection secures browser-based communications, providing you peace of mind while video chatting or using peer-to-peer services. WebRTC enables direct communication between browsers, but it can often leak your IP address. NordVPN’s extension prevents this and ensures your private information is never exposed. It also protects you with:
- Threat Protection Lite — actively blocks ads and malicious websites, ensuring you’re not accidentally exposed to threats while connected to the VPN.
- Site warnings — alert you if you’re about to visit a potentially dangerous website so that you can activate the VPN beforehand.
- Split tunneling — lets you specify domains or IP addresses to bypass the VPN, offering flexibility without compromising overall security.
With its auto-connect feature, I instantly connected to the fastest available server. If you want another IP address, simply click on a country flag under the Quick Connect button or open the drop-down menu and search for a location. You can protect your browser activities on up to 10 devices simultaneously with NordVPN.
My browser connection never fell below 80Mbps with NordVPN’s Chrome extension. I played Slither.io without lag and dodged opponents with my snake. In my tests, the extension was slightly faster than NordVPN’s main app as it uses TLS encryption instead of the heavy-duty 256-bit cipher.
Unfortunately, NordVPN’s browser extension lacks military-grade encryption and Double VPN servers and isn’t suitable for online banking on unsecured public WiFi. However, its TLS encryption strikes a solid balance of security and speed for casual browsing.
NordVPN’s extension isn’t free and requires an existing subscription. I suggest getting its 2-year + 3 months plan to avail of its 74% discount. To get my refund, I reached out to live chat support and provided my subscription details. The agent verified them and approved my request — I had my money back in just 7 days.
NordVPN also works on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, smart TVs, routers, and more.
5. Surfshark — Real-Time Data Breach Monitoring on Its Extension Keeps Your Accounts Secure
Key Features:
- Offers 3,200+ servers in 100 countries on its browser extension and main app
- Includes CleanWeb, WebRTC leak protection, and a malware blocker
- Browse securely on unlimited devices simultaneously
- Has browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox
- Makes your purchase risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee
Surfshark’s Data Breach Alert alerts you if your details are compromised. It vigilantly monitors the web to check if your email or its contents were leaked in a data breach. This lets you promptly change your passwords to limit any further damage online. In addition, Surfshark has:
- CleanWeb — blocks unwanted pop-up ads, tracking cookies, and malicious software, ensuring a clutter-free and safe browsing experience.
- WebRTC leak protection — keeps your IP address and location concealed, even from websites harnessing WebRTC, safeguarding your digital footsteps.
Its browser extension gives access to its full network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. Besides its unblocking capabilities, Surfshark’s static IP servers are great for sensitive tasks like online banking. However, these servers are only located in a handful of countries, including the US, UK, Netherlands, Japan, Singapore, and Germany.
With its unlimited simultaneous connections, I used Surfshark’s extension on 8 of my devices at once. It worked seamlessly without crashing, an issue I’ve often faced with other VPNs. The interface was user-friendly, with the dashboard displaying all the settings like the ad blocker, pop-up blocker, and data breach alert at a glance.
While Surfshark’s extension trails behind ExpressVPN speed-wise, it’s by no means a slow VPN. I video-conferenced with my colleagues without lag. My speeds didn’t drop below 22% from baseline levels, enough to stream UHD content on multiple devices at once. Notably, the main app was a bit slower as it used 256-bit encryption to secure my data.
Despite being one of the most affordable monthly VPNs, Surfshark’s 2-year + 4 months plan is the best buy due to its 87% discount. Ensuring buyer’s peace, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee. I can vouch for its hassle-free refund process, having interacted with their live chat support and receiving my money in just a week.
Surfshark also works on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, smart TVs, routers, and more.
Use Surfshark for safe browsing
How to Use a VPN Browser Extension in 3 Easy Steps
- Get a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN’s browser extension as it offers the best overall speeds, security, privacy, and unblocking capabilities.
- Connect to a server. Use Smart Connect to automatically choose the fastest server or manually pick one from the list.
- That’s it! Now you can surf the web securely with the VPN browser extension.
Get ExpressVPN for browsing protection
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Comparison Table: 2024’s Best VPN Browser Extensions for Safe Web Browsing
| VPN | Lowest price | Compatible browsers | Maximum speed drop | Simultaneous devices | Money-back guarantee |
| ExpressVPN | /month | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi | 7% | 8 | 30 days |
| CyberGhost | Free Extension | Chrome and Firefox | 17% | 7 | 45 days |
| PIA | /month | Chrome, Firefox, and Opera | 16% | Unlimited | 30 days |
| NordVPN | $2.99/month | Chrome, Firefox, and Edge | 20% | 10 | 30 days |
| Surfshark | $1.99/month | Chrome, Firefox, and Edge | 22% | Unlimited | 30 days |
Explore the web with ExpressVPN
How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPN Browser Extensions for Safe Browsing
To ensure the most trustworthy and reliable browsing experience, I meticulously looked for key features while testing various VPN browser extensions. Here’s what I prioritized:
- Extensions for popular browsers — I focused on extensions compatible with Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Edge as they’re the most widely used.
- Security and privacy — it’s vital that your VPN has a no-logs policy and offers ad and malware blocking with robust data leak protection for safe browsing.
- Unblocking capabilities — the VPNs on my list are mostly proxy services but can access most streaming platforms like Netflix US and Hulu from anywhere.
- Fast speeds — after thorough testing, I shortlisted VPN browser extensions that minimized speed loss and latency for data-intensive tasks.
- Large networks — a VPN browser extension with more servers provides better unblocking capabilities and better connection quality.
- Money-back guarantee — I selected VPNs that have a refund policy. I tested them firsthand and got my money back in no more than 7 days.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
FAQs: VPN Browser Extensions and Safe Web Browsing
Does a VPN browser extension hide my browser activity?
Yes, a VPN browser extension masks your online activities by changing your IP address. This makes you appear in a different location. Here are the best VPN browser extensions to spoof your location and secure your browsing. However, not all VPN browser extensions encrypt your data. Most of them lack encryption, leaving your data exposed to prying eyes.
Can I use a proxy instead of a VPN browser extension?
You can, but it’s not worth the risk. Using one of these VPN browser extensions is much safer. Most proxies don’t encrypt your data and can sell your data to third parties without consent. While most VPN extensions don’t use military-grade ciphers either, they still protect you with basic TLS encryption.
Why do I need a VPN browser extension?
A reliable VPN browser extension like ExpressVPN makes your browser activities anonymous by masking your IP address. It keeps you safe from potential hackers on unsecured public networks. Some have privacy tools like ads and malware blockers to make browsing safe. In addition, you can use a VPN extension to access your home streaming sites while traveling.
What are the limitations of VPN browser extensions?
Unless you’re using a top VPN browser extension, you’ll face these limitations:
- Limited system-wide protection: VPN browser extensions only protect the traffic of the browser they’re installed in. This means that any other apps or services running on your device won’t benefit from the VPN’s protection.
- Reduced security: While VPN extensions have some level of encryption, they may not offer the same level of security as a full VPN client. Some browser extensions use less robust encryption protocols that could potentially be exploited.
- Limited server options: VPN browser extensions often have a limited number of server options compared to full VPN clients. This can impact your ability to access content restricted to specific regions.
Is it better to use a native VPN app than a VPN browser extension?
Yes, native VPNs offer protection at the operating system level. This ensures that your entire device’s internet traffic is encrypted. I recommend you try one of the top VPNs on the market to get the best protection. A native VPN app offers more security and privacy features like a kill switch, IPv6 traffic blocker, and 256-bit encryption.
Which browsers have an in-built VPN and can they prevent data leaks?
Opera browser is the only popular option with an in-built VPN, but it’s better to use a reliable VPN browser extension with these 3 steps. Opera’s VPN lacks a tunneling protocol like WireGuard or OpenVPN and can’t access most streaming services. Still, it’s fine for casual browsing. You can also use:
- Mozilla Firefox — while Firefox doesn’t have a built-in VPN, its Firefox Private Network (formerly known as “Firefox Relay”) provides a VPN-like functionality. It creates temporary email aliases to secure email communication, but it isn’t a full VPN solution.
- Brave Browser — brave offers a “Brave Private Tab with Tor,” which routes your browsing traffic through the Tor network to provide enhanced privacy. While it doesn’t function exactly like a traditional VPN, it can help prevent data leaks and improve anonymity.
Can Google track me if I use a VPN browser extension?
Yes. While a reliable VPN extension like ExpressVPN hides your browsing activity from prying eyes, it doesn’t prevent tracking via cookies, browser fingerprinting, or account activity. Google and other companies may still collect data about your online behavior if you’re logged into your Google account, even when using a VPN.
What should I do if my VPN browser extension isn’t working?
First, you should be using a top VPN browser extension. Here’s a comparison table to help you make the right choice. If you’re still experiencing issues, try these measures:
- Check your internet connection — ensure you’re connected to the internet and have stable connectivity; connection disruptions can impact the VPN extension’s functionality.
- Update the extension to the latest version — make sure you’re using the most recent version to access any improvements or bug fixes that might address the issue.
- Disable conflicting browser extensions — turn off other extensions one by one to identify if there’s a conflict between the VPN extension and another add-on.
- Clear browser cache and cookies — clearing these stored data can resolve issues stemming from outdated or corrupted information affecting the VPN extension.
- Contact VPN provider support — if the issue persists, reach out to your VPN provider’s support for guidance. Also, consider using a complete VPN for comprehensive security.
Is it safe to use a free VPN browser extension?
No, most free VPN browser extensions are unsafe. Instead, you can use CyberGhost’s extension as it’s completely free. However, to access its full network you’ll have to subscribe to its paid plan.
Some free VPN browser extensions pose risks including data logging, intrusive ads, and weak security. Limited server networks can lead to slower speeds and potential exposure to malicious servers. While some free VPNs are safe, they often have restrictions like data caps and limited server choices.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Get a VPN Browser Extension (That Works) for Safe Web Browsing
Countless VPN browser extensions proudly tout themselves as the best, boasting similar features and promises. Unfortunately, most of them lack the necessary security and privacy to keep your browsing activities safe from snoopers. I tested several VPN browser extensions and picked the best ones to simplify your decision-making.
ExpressVPN’s browser extension is my #1 recommendation. It provides blazing-fast speeds, excellent unblocking capabilities, and top-shelf security and privacy features. What’s best, you can try ExpressVPN confidently with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Summary: These are the Best VPN Browser Extensions for Browsing the Web in 2024
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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