The governments of Ukraine, Russia and other countries are increasingly blocking access to certain Internet resources. Suffice it to recall the register of banned websites of the Russian Federation and the blocking by the Ukrainian authorities of Russian social networks and a number of other Runet resources. Not surprisingly, users are increasingly looking for a vpn browser extension that allows you to bypass restrictions and increase privacy when surfing. A full-fledged and high-quality VPN service is almost always paid, but there are pleasant exceptions. We will consider them in this article.

Free VPN browser extensions

Full functionality in most of the extensions listed below is available only in paid versions. However, free versions of such extensions are also suitable for bypassing blocking sites and increasing the level of privacy when surfing. Let's take a closer look at the best free VPN browser extensions.

Hotspot Shield

Users are offered a paid and free version of Hotspot Shield

One of the most popular VPN extensions. There is a paid version and a free version, with somewhat limited features.

Advantages:

• effective bypass of site blocking;
• one-click activation;
• there is no advertising;
• no need for registration;
• no traffic restrictions;
• large selection of proxy servers in different countries ah (PRO version, in the free version, the choice is limited to a few countries).

Flaws:

• in free version the list of servers is limited: only the USA, France, Canada, Denmark and the Netherlands.

Browsers: Google Chrome, Chromium, Firefox version 56.0 and above.

skyzip proxy

SkyZip Proxy is available in Google Chrome, Chromium and Firefox

SkyZip uses a network of high-performance NYNEX proxy servers and is positioned as a utility for compressing content and speeding up page loading, as well as ensuring the anonymity of surfing. For a number of objective reasons, a significant acceleration in the loading of web pages can only be felt at a connection speed of less than 1 Mbps, however, SkyZip Proxy does a good job of bypassing the bans.

A significant advantage of the utility is that there is no need for advanced settings. After installation, the extension itself determines the optimal servers for traffic redirection and performs all the necessary manipulations. Enabling/disabling SkyZip Proxy is done by a single click on the extension icon. Green icon - the utility is enabled. The icon is gray - disabled.

Advantages:

• effective bypass of blocking in one click;
• speed up page loading;
• traffic compression up to 50% (including images - up to 80%, due to the use of the "compact" WebP format);
• no need for additional settings;
• work "from the wheels", all the functionality of SkyZip is available immediately after installing the extension.

Flaws:

• download acceleration is felt only at ultra-low network connection speeds (up to 1 Mbps);
• not supported by many browsers.

Initially, the extension for Firefox was supported, however, unfortunately, the developer refused to support it in the future.

TouchVPN

One of the disadvantages of TouchVPN is the limited number of countries hosting servers

Like the vast majority of other participants in our rating, the TouchVPN extension is offered to users in the form of free and paid versions. Unfortunately, the list of countries for the physical location of servers is limited. In total, there are four countries to choose from: the USA and Canada, France and Denmark.

Advantages:

• no traffic restrictions;
• choice of different countries of the virtual location (although the choice is limited to four countries).

Flaws:

• a limited number of countries where servers are located (USA, France, Denmark, Canada);
• although the developer does not impose restrictions on the amount of data transferred, these restrictions are imposed themselves: the overall load on the system and the number of users simultaneously using it* significantly affect the speed.

We are talking primarily about active users using the server you have chosen. When you change the server, the speed of loading web pages can also change, for better or worse.

Browsers: Google Chrome, Chromium.

Tunnel Bear VPN

Advanced features available in the paid version of TunnelBear VPN

One of the most popular VPN services. Written by TunnelBear programmers, the extension offers a choice of a list of servers geographically located in 15 countries. To work, you only need to download and install the TunnelBear VPN extension and register on the developer's website.

Advantages:

Browsers: Google Chrome, Chromium.

Browsec VPN for Firefox and Yandex Browser

Browsec VPN is easy to use and does not require additional settings

One of the simplest free browser solutions from Yandex and Firefox, however, page loading speed leaves much to be desired. Works with Firefox (version 55.0 and later), Chrome and Yandex.Browser.

Advantages:

• ease of use;
• no need for additional settings;
• traffic encryption.

Flaws:

• low page loading speed;
• there is no option to select the country of the virtual location.

Browsers: Firefox, Chrome/Chromium, Yandex.Browser.

Hola VPN servers are located in 15 countries

Hola VPN is fundamentally different from other similar extensions, although the difference is not noticeable to the user. The service is free and has a number of significant advantages. Unlike competing extensions, it functions as a distributed peer-to-peer network in which computers and gadgets of other system participants act as routers.

Advantages:

• a choice of servers physically located in 15 states;
• the service is free;
• there are no restrictions on the amount of transmitted data;
• using computers of other system participants as routers.

Flaws:

• using computers of other system participants as routers;
• limited number of supported browsers.

One of the advantages is at the same time the main disadvantage of the extension. In particular, the developers of the utility were accused of having vulnerabilities and selling traffic.

ZenMate VPN requires registration

not bad free service to bypass blocking sites and increase the level of security when surfing the global network.

Advantages:

• there are no restrictions on the speed and volume of transmitted data;
• automatic activation of a secure connection when accessing the corresponding resources.

Flaws:

• registration on the website of the ZenMate VPN developer is required;
• small selection of virtual location countries.

The choice of countries is limited, but for most users, the "gentleman's set" offered by the developer is enough.

Browsers: Google Chrome, Chromium, Yandex.

Free VPN in Opera Browser

VPN available in browser settings

By and large, the VPN use case described in this paragraph is not an extension, since the function of creating a secure connection using the VPN protocol is already built into the browser. Enabling / disabling the VPN option is done in the browser settings, "Settings" - "Security" - "Enable VPN". You can also enable or disable the service with a single click on the VPN icon in address bar Opera.

Advantages:

• work "from the wheels", immediately after installing the browser and without the need to download and install a separate extension;
• free vpn-service from the browser developer;
• no subscription;
• no need for additional settings.

Flaws:

• the function is not fully developed, so from time to time there may be small problems with bypassing the blocking of certain websites.

Browsers: Opera.

Please note that the free extensions listed in our list may not meet the needs of all users. Truly high-quality VPN services are not completely free. If you feel that none of the above options suits you, try the paid versions of the extensions.

As a rule, they are offered with a trial period and, in some cases, with the possibility of a refund within 30 days. We have only covered a selection of popular free and shareware VPN extensions. If you wish, you can easily find other extensions on the network to bypass blocking sites.

It is not an easy task to find the best VPN for Chrome in a huge browser catalog and not run into a blocked, questionable or broken extension. The article contains several tips and tricks for those who do not want to waste time searching.

Where and how to find the best VPN extensions for Chrome?

Users, intending to bypass blocking, geographic restrictions, or taking care of security, often use Chrome VPN (virtual private networks in the browser) instead of proxy technology.

Of the browsers, so far only Opera has a built-in virtual networking feature, but users can download a VPN extension for Google Chrome for free from the catalog. Or you can use if you are using this browser.

This will require:

• Press "Settings" (three dots), open "Additional Tools" and select "Extensions".

• List will open in a new window installed add-ons. This window allows you to configure chrome plugin(VPN and any others installed in the browser).
• In the window that opens, there will be an icon with three stripes - you need to click it.

• Click "Open an online store".

Before you install a VPN on Google Chrome, you should pay attention to the developer, reviews and the number of downloads. According to the rankings, Browsec and Hola are considered the best free VPN extensions, TunnelBear is the best among paid add-ons - more on each below.

What are VPN extensions?

Browsec

For installation you will need:

• Find the add-on in the directory and install.

• Click on the globe icon. Using this icon, you can turn on the VPN in Chrome browser, and turn it off.
• To enable the extension, move the On / Off slider or click on the "Protect me" button.
• In the free version, you can choose servers from four countries, in the paid version, the choice is much larger, and the speed is even better.

This plugin is one of the best: it's easy to check its operation - just determine the IP address with and without Browsec enabled.

Hola

An equally well-known addition to the browser, to work with it you will need:

• Find and install Hola.

• Click on the fire icon.
• Press the power button.

Tunnel Bear

The TunnelBear browser add-on offers only 250 MB of traffic for free (you can increase it to 500 upon registration), but high speed. You will have to pay for more secure and anonymous traffic.

To work with the extension you will need:

• Find in the directory and install TunnelBear.

Today, the abbreviation VPN can be heard literally on every corner. Services, browser plugins, and even routers with a VPN connection option are emerging. Many users use a VPN connection to access sites blocked in the country. Others use it to improve overall security when accessing the Internet. However, most VPN users do not know how it works.

About VPN technology in simple terms

The term VPN stands for Virtual Private Network (“Virtual Private Network”). Let's analyze this definition in detail. We will start from the word Private, which is the main one in this term. It implies that:

The VPN connection is secure, private and is created personally for the user using certain virtual servers. Information passes through this server and then gets to the user without the ability to track it. It can be compared to a car hiding in a tunnel with many exits. An outside observer does not see where this car is going inside the tunnel, and will not be able to figure out exactly where it will leave.

Usually there is no need to use a VPN connection all the time. It slows down your network, so it's best to turn on your VPN before visiting a site where you want to remain anonymous.

What is such a secure connection used for:

I would like to talk about whether the use of a VPN violates the laws of Russia. Actually, of course not. And it's not even that VPN can be used in the most different purposes, and not just to access prohibited sites. Website blocking technology in Russia is imperfect. Most recently, my ISP closed access to a lot of sites that they didn’t even think of banning, they got hit by accident. Other users faced the same problem. In this case, although the VPN was used to bypass the blocking, it allowed access to services, including those for which people paid their money (for example, the Playstation Network service). Maybe someday the use of VPN itself will be banned, but I hope that it will not come to that. As for accessing sites that are prohibited in our country, I in no way encourage anyone to use loopholes in the system. The purpose of this article is to educate people about VPNs, not teach them how to get around official bans.

Video: briefly about VPN

VPN in Google Chrome

Some browsers have the option to enable VPN by default, but Google Chrome is not one of them. To use a VPN connection in this browser, you need to install one of the popular custom extensions.

One of the advantages of using VPN extensions is that they do not have any special technical requirements. If you are running the Google Chrome browser itself, then VPN extensions will work correctly.

VPN Extensions in Google Chrome

There are many extensions for accessing VPN, but they all differ in connection quality and other parameters. But before we start reviewing specific extensions, let's figure out how to install them:

1. After opening the browser, find and click on the icon with three horizontal stripes in the corner of the screen.

   Click on the button with three stripes to open the drop-down menu

2. Go to the "Tools" or Tools section.
3. Then select "Extensions".

   In the "Tools" section, select "Extensions"

4. You will see a list of all installed extensions. Here you need to click on the line “Get more” (Get more) to open the extension store.

   In the extension selection window, click the Get more extensions button

5. After selecting the extension in the store, click on the plus that is displayed on the right side of the page.

   Click on the plus on the extension page to add it

6. And confirm its addition with the Add button.

   Click the Add button for the extension to be added

7. The extension is installed in your browser.

ZenMate

The ZenMate browser extension offers easy access to VPN servers. In the free version of the extension, you can choose a server in one of four countries. If you have a paid premium account, the choice will increase to thirty. The extension requires a simple registration after being added to the browser:

This extension has only one serious drawback. The servers in the free version are often overloaded, so the connection speed may not please at all. In the paid version of the extension, this problem does not exist, although the speed is reduced, but the Internet works fine.

In the paid version of the ZenMate extension, the Internet speed is higher

Video: How to use the ZenMate extension

Hola VPN

The Hola service was quite popular at one time. Easy Installation extensions, completely free access to the servers. But, unfortunately, the developers were not the most honest people. The fact is that the Hola service not only opened a VPN connection for the user, but also installed on the computer malware, used user traffic for DDOS attacks and had another hidden and unpleasant effect. Now the rating of this service on most sites is very low.

Hola extension has been found dangerous for users

Browsec

Next in line is the Browsec service. He is completely on English language. The price of the paid version is from 220 rubles per month. In the free version, you can choose a server from one of four countries, and in the paid version - out of twenty-four. This extension is doing well with the protection of user traffic: it hides the user's IP address, encrypts his data, and helps bypass blocking.

Installing this extension is very simple:

The disadvantage of this extension is complete absence information about its developers. All privacy policy remains confidential and no one guarantees that the situation with Hola extension will not repeat here. On the other hand, so far the developers have not given any cause for alarm. This is a good free extension with no limit on the amount of traffic.

Private virtual networks are becoming more popular every day. Their functionality is used by tens of thousands of users: from companies or organizations that want to provide functionality for their remote workers, or users who are trying to get around regional restrictions.

Most recently, Opera has decided to provide all its users with a free in-browser VPN. If you Google user Chrome, you'll probably want to use something similar in your favorite browser too.

There are tons of options online in the form of paid VPNs, but there are also some really great ones to choose from. free options for Chrome users. In this article, we will take a look at six of the most the best VPNs solutions for the Google Chrome browser.

Note: If you're using a VPN hoping to get access to Netflix or BBC iPlayer, be aware that these services and many others block access to VPN addresses.

DotVPN

DotVPN has been afloat since 2014 and it continues to gain momentum. The service already has over 800,000 users according to the Chrome Web Store. It has over 6,500 user reviews that add up to a four-star rating.

• Unlimited bandwidth.
• Twelve virtual locations (Canada, Germany, France, Japan, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Russia, United States of America, England.
• Unlimited switching between locations.

The developers also tried to provide improved protection, as this service uses 4096-bit encryption, which is twice as good as modern banking standards.

ZenMate VPN

ZenMate VPN markets itself as a “cyber security solution”. They have a network of highly secure proxy servers at their disposal that encrypt your information and protect you from malicious sites.

ZenMate VPN service can be roughly divided into three components: Internet privacy, Wi-Fi protection and unlimited Internet access. Privacy will keep banner ads, web analytics, and social media trackers away from you while you surf the web. On the Wi-Fi security side, you'll be given multiple layers of protection when you're on unsecured public networks. Finally, with unlimited Internet access, you can bypass geo-blocking.

ZenMate VPN also provides premium services that improve speed, add additional locations, and provide 24/7 support. Available for $8 per month. So if you want to get the most out of this service, get ready to pay a relatively small amount.

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is a relatively new player on the field. It should immediately be pointed out that this resource run by Anchor Free, which is considered the most trusted company in the industry. Interesting Facts: Anchor Free for more than 10 years, they have made more than 400 million downloads through various applications, they have more than 20 million on their account active users in 190 countries.

The services provided by Hotspot Shield are free and unlimited, and there is also a version for iOS, Android, Windows phone, OS X and Windows. As you can see, there is a fairly wide range of platforms, which is good news.

Just like ZenMate VPN, this service has a premium subscription that starts at $2.08 and up, depending on the duration of the subscription.

Cyber ​​Ghost VPN

CyberGhost VPN is another provider that focuses more on privacy and security than geo-blocking. According to their website, this service is responsible for blocking nearly 150 million ad units, 200,000 malicious websites, and 260 million tracking attempts.

In his best features includes:

• Incredibly easy to use: just one click on the on/off button.
• Protection against hackers, cyber fraud, bank account theft and email fraud.
• Anonymous and ad-free web browsing.
• Fight geo-blocking around the world.
• Protection from sites with malicious content.
• Data compression for mobile hotspots.
• Forced HTTP connections where possible.

A premium account is available for $3.79 per month.

Browsec VPN

Browsec VPN claims to be an improved analogue of ZenMate, Stealthy and Hola. Its main advantages are allowing its users to access any site from anywhere in the world, improving users' online privacy and protecting their personal data from various offenders.

This service takes a big step towards unblocking content from geo-blocking, but instead of opening sites like the BBC or Netflix, it unblocks Spotify, Pandora and SoundCloud, which are completely blocked in some regions.

Tunnel Bear VPN

Of all the services reviewed in our article, TunnelBear VPN is one of the best. Seventeen thousand reviews, which add up to a five-star rating. Instead of just being a VPN, this service actually encrypts the proxy.

TunnelBear has been around for years and has made a name for itself as a great product for Windows and Mac. If you have been at least a little interested in the topic of VPNs, then you have definitely heard about TunnelBear at least out of the corner of your ear.

There is one big difference between a Chrome extension and an installable TunnelBear app - the Chrome extension only encrypts your browser traffic, while TunnelBear as an app encrypts 100% of your data.

TunnelBear provides users with the fastest speed of any other VPN on our list and its servers are available in 20 countries around the world.

Updated 01/09/2020

While you are online your web browser constantly sends information collected about you to every website you visit. It transmits your IP address, information about operating system, your device, and even other devices connected to your network. Even if a website you trust (such as Google or YouTube) can obtain this data without your knowledge, just imagine what a malicious site can detect!

By using an unsecured web browser, you put your confidential information(such as passwords and security codes) under attack. goodVPN- the extension will encrypt your web browser traffic so that attackers cannot use your personal data to hack into your accounts.

In addition to protecting your connection, the VPN browser extension will mask yourIP-address, which will allow you view geo-blocked content and circumvent censorship from anywhere in the world.

Your online security depends on whether you choose the best extension available. Average quality VPN extensions cannot guarantee that your device will not remain vulnerable, what's more - they can even sell your data to third parties.

To ensure an adequate level of security for you you need to make sure that the service you choose does not store logs your search history. Also you need unlimited channel bandwidth, high speed connection , and if you plan to view geo-blocked content on streaming services, then you also need a service that can bypass the latest anti-VPN technologies.

We have tested the best Chrome VPN extensions and selected the best ones based on their security, speed and user reviews. Here short description the possibilities of the services we have chosen - below you can find out more.

Quick Guide: Best Chrome VPN Extensions

1. Proxy extensionNordVPN
   NordVPN Super Fast Proxy Extension for Chrome encrypts your browser traffic and masks your IP address, to keep your online activity anonymous. The CyberSec feature of this VPN extension allows it to also act as powerful ad blocker, which automatically blocks dangerous websites, thus protecting your device from malware and cyber attacks.
2. ExpressVPNforChrome
   This extension works in tandem with the ExpressVPN app to ensure you ultimate control over your online security. ExpressVPN Chrome Extension - one of the fastest on the market, and logs about your online activity are not saved here. You can also use unique split tunneling feature from ExpressVPN, which lets you choose which websites you want to visit from your local IP address and which websites you want to visit through your VPN.
3. Hotspot Shield for Chrome
   if you Need a reliable and inexpensive VPN, the Hotspot Shield browser extension is a great choice. The extension combines powerful security features with high speed and unlimited bandwidth. It's incredibly easy to use. You can secure your online activities with just one click!
4. SaferVPN
   SaferVPN offers impressive fast and safeVPN for Chrome. SaferVPN's basic subscription guarantees you 500 MB free traffic every month. This VPN extension for Google Chrome is very easy to install and you don't need to be very technical to set it up.
5. ZenMate VPN
   You can enjoy absolute internet security for free, using the powerful VPN browser extension from ZenMate. The free version of the extension is limited, but you can always upgrade to one of the premium plans available to get more features. ZenMate Extensions encrypt all your browser traffic, to ensure your anonymity and online security.

That's why you need to use one of the best VPN extensions for Chrome

A good VPN browser extension will unlock geo-blocked content, secure your connection, and hide your personal information from hackers and cybercriminals.

Unfortunately, many VPN extensions available are not safe. In fact, many have been caught red-handed in breaching user trust and transfer of confidential data without their knowledge. For this reason, it is very important to secure your connection with a reliable VPN web browser extension.

The number of VPN extensions available for Chrome may seem overwhelming. There are so many VPNs to choose from, and each of them is “the best” - according to the providers themselves.

You should avoid offline vpn extensions and give preference to those created by reliable and provenVPN-providers. At best, offline extensions are just proxy services that won't encrypt your data, and at worst, they can be malware that is designed to collect your sensitive data.

All of the options we offer are products of trusted VPN providers who go the extra mile to protect your data and you online.

The Best VPN Extensions of 2020 - Detailed Analysis

Best Proxy VPN Extension by All Parameters: NordVPN

Proxy extension from NordVPN offers first-class balance of freedom of action and privacy. Unlike power-intensive applications, this extension is lightweight and will not slow down your computer. As soon as you log into your NordVPN account, the extension will automatically protect you by connecting to the best available servers.

This incredibly flexible extension is compatible with Chrome, Firefox, and Android devices. For additional protection can disable permanentlyWebRTC. WebRTC works by default in most web browsers and can cause your IP address to be leaked even if you are using a VPN. The CyberSec feature from allows the NordVPN extension to act in as an ad and malware blocker.

You will only be able to run this extension if you have a NordVPN service account. There are more 2,800 servers worldwide, so you'll love what NordVPN has to offer. This service is absolute and you can try its services yourself without fear of wasting money thanks to the 30-day money back guarantees.

NordVPN is able to unblock:

• Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Showtime, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video and Sling TV.

Torrent support:

• Yes, dedicated P2P servers.

NordVPN works on the following devices:

• Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, Linux, Chrome and Firefox. Also compatible with routers.

Best Featured VPN Extension: ExpressVPN

Simple and convenient The ExpressVPN extension gives you complete control over your connection without even having to minimize your web browser window. Unlike most VPNs for Google Chrome, it encrypts all data that is transmitted over your network.

If you're still annoyed by websites that block you from accessing your device's GPS if you don't allow them, then ExpressVPN may hide your locationHTML5, to provide you with access in which you don't have to sacrifice your anonymity.

The ExpressVPN extension and app together are powerful combination to protect online. Thanks to lightning speeds, unlimited bandwidth channel and a choice of over 1,500 servers worldwide, it's no wonder why ExpressVPN is too.

ExpressVPN is able to unblock:

• Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, Sling TV, DAZN and BBC iPlayer.

Torrent support:

• Yes, all servers support P2P.

ExpressVPN works on the following devices:

• Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, Linux, Chrome and Firefox. It also offers an application for working with routers.

Best Value: Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield extension for Chrome is the perfect security tool.

Extension Great fit for novice users, its installation is very easy. You can download, install and connect it in one click.

To protect your data, the extension uses military grade encryption. built-in WebRTC blocker prevents leaks of IP addresses, and also contains ad and malware blocker!

You can test limited free version Hotspot Shield before upgrading to a premium plan from 45-day money-back guarantee.

Thanks to high speed and unlimited bandwidth your options will expand significantly. .

Newbie's Best Choice: SaferVPN

SaferVPN Chrome Extension - great option for newcomers to the worldVPN, as for experienced users. You will definitely appreciate the simplicity one click settings- from installation to connection. And we're not kidding: you really only need one click to protect yourself online.

You will also have access to 24/7 technical support right out of the extension, so help is always at arm's length.

At the same time, the VPN community wondered if the SaferVPN extension encrypts user data, and we received confirmation from the technical support staff that it really encrypts all data of your web browser.

If you are not yet ready to apply paid subscription, then the SaferVPN service offers 500 MB of free traffic monthly, so you can try these services first. But if you like this vpn, then you will also like the full VPN services of SaferVPN. When you're offered high-quality security features, ultra-fast connection speeds, and unlimited bandwidth, how can you go wrong?

The most wonderful thing you can try an unlimited package of services without any risks for 30 days. .

Best Free VPN Extension: ZenMate VPN

If you are looking for a fully functional VPN extension for a small amount, ZenMate's VPN extension is yours. the best choice! Free version has huge amount functions with minimal risk. It is also one of the simplest VPN for Chrome in terms of installation and configuration.

One of unique features this extension is SmartPrice, which is enabled by default. smartpricesaves you money when you enter online stores, showing the prices of the selected product in comparison and only useful reviews buyers. Among the features of this security extension are: blocking WebRTC, data encryption and firewallNAT, which the prevent hackers from scanning your device.

As a bonus, you will have the AlwaysOn feature, which turns on your device's VPN protection as soon as you connect to the Internet, so that your confidential data will never be seen by strangers.

The premium version of the extension from ZenMate is also very affordable and, unlike the free version, offers unlimited connection speeds and servers around the world. You will also be able connect up to five devices to my account simultaneously.

The good news is that when you activate your free account, ZenMate gives you a 7-day free trial of premium services. !

Make Chrome better with the most trusted VPN extensions

We certainly recommend going the safest route and using extensions from trusted VPNs, but the VPNs we've covered in this article are the exception to that rule. Whether you're looking for strong protection for your anonymity, the ability to access blocked content, or an effective combination of both, you'll definitely find it all in our options.