Best VPNs For Browsers in 2021
Everyone’s got a preferred internet browser, and whether yours is Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari, or Opera, there are plenty of VPNs that provide browser extensions that operate a simple plug-in.
These plug-ins let you browse the internet anonymously with all the protection of a VPN without having your CPU drained by a native app.
But which VPN offers the very best browser extensions? There are hundreds of providers out there, and not all of them offer plug-ins for every browser. That’s why our VPN experts have spent the last few weeks vigorously testing browser extensions to draw up a list of the very best. Let’s start by taking a quick look at the top five.
Short on time? Here are the Top 5 VPN in browser Picks

- Excellent speeds - no slow down experience
- Zero latency – smooth gaming experience
- Ease of use - set up in a couple of minutes
- No-logs policy - Your data is 100% untraceable.
- Impressive security – military grade encryption
Connection | Ping | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Manual connect UK server | 8 ms | 58.56 Mbps | 12.25 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 10 ms | 54.52 Mbps | 11.85 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 12 ms | 53.22 Mbps | 11.12 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 140 ms | 42.85 Mbps | 6.69 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 133 ms | 37.64 Mbps | 9.21 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 82 ms | 40.41 Mbps | 11.09 Mbps |
Quick connect JP server | 180 ms | 38.42 Mbps | 6.01 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 291 ms | 35.11 Mbps | 6.09 Mbps |
- Albania
- Algeria
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bhutan
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Isle of Man
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Jersey
- Kenya
- South Korea
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macao
- North Macedonia
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Myanmar [Burma]
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
The fastest VPN in the world is our #1 best-rated VPN for its outstanding security, consistent speed and reliability

- Fast, stable, and encrypted connections
- Multi-device security for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
- Proxy extensions for web browsers Chrome and Firefox
- Up to 6 simultaneously connected devices
Connection | Ping | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Manual connect UK server | 11 ms | 56.23 Mbps | 11.71 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 10 ms | 49.83 Mbps | 10.75 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 15 ms | 46.73 Mbps | 10.64 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 148 ms | 45.79 Mbps | 11.11 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 241 ms | 32.01 Mbps | 10.85 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 84 ms | 49.99 Mbps | 11.28 Mbps |
Quick connect JP server | 361 ms | 23.14 Mbps | 1.69 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 434 ms | 37.97 Mbps | 5.84 Mbps |
- United States
- Canada
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Mexico
- Costa Rica
- Chile
- South Africa
- India
- United Arab Emirates
- Israel
- Turkey
- Australia
- Singapore
- Japan
- Hong Kong
- New Zealand
- Taiwan
- Vietnam
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- South Korea
- Thailand
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- Netherlands
- France
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Norway
- Poland
- Ireland
- Czech Republic
- Italy
- Spain
- Finland
- Serbia
- Austria
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Bulgaria
- Hungary
- Latvia
- Romania
- Portugal
- Luxembourg
- Ukraine
- Greece
- Estonia
- Iceland
- Albania
- Cyprus
- Croatia
- Moldova
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Georgia
- North Macedonia
While NordVPN didn’t quite manage to make our number one spot, it’s an excellent VPN with a long list of security features and server locations that provide phenomenal value.

- Superfast - It is one of the world’s fastest VPN services
- Strong security features - AES-256 bit encryption, antivirus software, secure servers and more
- Windscribe’s Password Manager - keep your passwords secure and fully encrypted
- Unblock streaming apps - no issues unblocking Netflix, Disney+, Amazing Prime Video and more
- Generous guarantee plan - offers an extended 45-day money-back guarantee
Connection | Ping | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Manual connect UK server | 11 ms | 59.25 Mbps | 12.13 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 13 ms | 55.67 Mbps | 11.43 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 15 ms | 52.11 Mbps | 9.14 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 116 ms | 45.13 Mbps | 7.65 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 135 ms | 42.23 Mbps | 7.05 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 100 ms | 44.27 Mbps | 8.63 Mbps |
Quick connect JP server | 242 ms | 37.93 Mbps | 6.23 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 285 ms | 32.41 Mbps | 6.01 Mbps |
- United States
- Argentina
- Bahamas
- Belize
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- Guatemala
- Mexico
- Panama
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- Albania
- Andorra
- Armenia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Isle of Man
- Italy
- Jersey
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- North Macedonia
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- China
- India
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Mongolia
- Myanmar [Burma]
- Nepal
- New Zealand
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Sri Lanka
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
- Algeria
- Cyprus
- Egypt
- Israel
- Kenya
- South Africa
- United Arab Emirates
Hotspot Shield is an admirable VPN, that has one of the fastest speeds out there.

- No limits: you can connect as many devices to your account as you want
- No logs: like many VPNs, Surfshark advertises a strict no-log policy
- Security audit: its privacy and security features have been verified by third-party analysts
Connection | Ping | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Manual connect UK server | 34 ms | 78 Mbps | 23 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 23 ms | 56 Mbps | 34 Mbps |
- Albania
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Luxembourg
- Moldova
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Canada
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Mexico
- Paraguay
- United States
- Israel
- Nigeria
- South Africa
- United Arab Emirates
- Australia
- Hong Kong
- India
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Malaysia
- New Zealand
- Philippines
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Surfshark is a great VPN that offers a wide range of unique features. It is easy to use, and has an impressive array of over 3,200 servers in 65 countries.

- Simple installation: updated from its older versions to be more user-friendly
- Decent connection limits: connect up to 5 devices simultaneously, or 10 on a family plan
- No logs: HMA VPN was audited by VerSprite to back up its no-logs policy
Connection | Ping | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Manual connect UK server | ms | Mbps | Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | ms | Mbps | Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | ms | Mbps | Mbps |
- Andorra
- Albania
- Austria
- Finland
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Belarus
- Switzerland
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Germany
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Spain
- Faroe Islands
- France
- United Kingdom
- Georgia
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Croatia
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Iceland
- Italy
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Latvia
- Monaco
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Serbia
- Russia
- Sweden
- Slovenia
- Svalbard and Jan Mayen
- Slovakia
- San Marino
- Ukraine
- Vatican City
- United States
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Anguilla
- Aruba
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- Bahamas
- Canada
- Cuba
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Grenada
- Greenland
- Guadeloupe
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Cayman Islands
- Saint Lucia
- Montserrat
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Saint Pierre and Miquelon
- Puerto Rico
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- British Virgin Islands
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Belize
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- Falkland Islands
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Panama
- Peru
- Paraguay
- Suriname
- El Salvador
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- Afghanistan
- Armenia
- American Samoa
- Australia
- Azerbaijan
- Bangladesh
- Brunei
- Bhutan
- Cocos [Keeling] Islands
- Cook Islands
- China
- Christmas Island
- Fiji
- Guam
- Indonesia
- India
- Japan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Cambodia
- Kiribati
- North Korea
- South Korea
- Kazakhstan
- Laos
- Sri Lanka
- Myanmar [Burma]
- Mongolia
- Macao
- Maldives
- Malaysia
- New Caledonia
- Norfolk Island
- Nepal
- Nauru
- Niue
- New Zealand
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Pakistan
- Pitcairn Islands
- Palau
- Solomon Islands
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Tajikistan
- Tokelau
- Turkmenistan
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Taiwan
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
- Vanuatu
- Samoa
- United Arab Emirates
- Bahrain
- Israel
- Iraq
- Iran
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Syria
- Turkey
- Yemen
- Angola
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Benin
- Botswana
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Central African Republic
- Republic of the Congo
- Ivory Coast
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Djibouti
- Algeria
- Egypt
- Eritrea
- Guinea
- Equatorial Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Kenya
- Comoros
- Liberia
- Lesotho
- Libya
- Morocco
- Madagascar
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- Sudan
- Saint Helena
- Sierra Leone
- Senegal
- Somalia
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Chad
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- South Africa
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Faroe Islands
- Åland
- Palestine
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Ghana
- Gambia
HMA VPN promises ultra fast speed to its users. It isn’t the fastest VPN around, but its speed is quite impressive
What is a VPN and Why do you need a VPN for Your Browser?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a tool that hides your internet activity and makes you anonymous online by routing your connection through an encrypted tunnel. They’re one of the most effective ways to protect your devices from cyberattacks, and they’re popular among people that recognize the importance of internet privacy.
If you’ve got a VPN installed as a browser extension, you’ll be automatically connected to a VPN server every time you open your browser. These are lightweight plug-ins that don’t use the same amount of CPU as native apps, and if you’re doing things like streaming films or torrenting directly from your browser, they’re one of the easiest ways to configure your VPN.
Speed and Security are Key Factors When Choosing a VPN for Browsers
No VPN browser extension is the same and they all offer different speeds when you’re connected to their servers. If you’re planning on accessing streaming apps like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, you’ll want to make sure your provider offers strong connections and ultra-fast speeds so you don’t encounter any issues with lag or disconnections.
With all of the malware threats and annoying advertisements that are out there on the web, your VPN browser extension should keep you safe. Some providers offer their own ad-blocking and malware detection software built into the browser extension, so you can browse the internet faster and more securely without having to rely on a separate third-party tool.
Which VPN is the Fastest and Most Secure for Browsers?
It was a tough call between ExpressVPN and NordVPN, but in the end, ExpressVPN came out on top for the fastest speeds and the most secure connections. There are lightweight extensions for every popular browser out there and they’ll hide your IP address on whatever device you’re using.
How to set up a VPN on Browsers
Setting up a VPN on your browser is easy, regardless of which one you’re using. All you need to do is:
- Sign up with one of the providers from our top ten list below and create an account
- Download and install the browser extension from your chosen provider’s website
- Open the extension in your browser and log in
- Connect to a server and your internet traffic is now fully encrypted!
Do Browsers Come With VPNs Built In?
A lot of modern browsers now offer their own built-in VPN software, but these are nowhere near as secure as the paid-for providers on this list. Often, these built-in VPNs provide a false sense of security, and because they’re included with many browsers by default, they have a lot of vulnerabilities that many hackers are aware of. .
What to Consider When Choosing a VPN for Browsers
Knowing what features to look out for when you’re choosing a VPN for your browser will ensure you find the best option for your specific needs.
Usability
Your VPN browser extension should be easy to use and run smoothly enough that you don’t even realize you’re running it. You’ll probably spend a lot of time switching between different servers, especially if you’re using your VPN to unblock content libraries in different countries, so one-click connections to servers are essential if you want a hassle-free experience.
Strong Security Features
While Chrome, Firefox, and Safari have plenty of extensions for adblocking and malware detection, VPN extensions offer much better protection. The main purpose of using a VPN is to hide your online activity and mask your IP address, so you should prioritize providers that offer additional security features to protect your privacy and keep you safe online. Look out for double VPN protection, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and bespoke antivirus suites.
Large Network of Quality Servers
It’s usually the case that the more servers you’re able to connect to, the more chances you’ll have of successfully unblocking websites and streaming apps. If this is one of the main reasons you’re using your VPN, check what regions your VPN’s network covers, as well as how many servers it has in each of these locations. Some providers optimize their servers for specific purposes, such as streaming, gaming, and even torrenting.
Fast Performance
It’s not unusual to notice a slight dip in your connection speeds when you’re using a VPN, but this should never affect your device’s performance. Your VPN should always run smoothly, especially when it’s operating as a browser extension. If you’re using your browser to access streaming services or download torrents, you don’t want your VPN to slow down what you’re doing.
The 10 Best VPNs : Full Overview
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN lets you turn on VPN protection instantly for Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Vivaldi, and Edge browsers thanks to its quick and easy one-click connection. It’s available in 16 different languages and protects your privacy by letting you access blocked websites with a fully encrypted connection. These browser extensions work on the vast majority of Windows, Mac, and Linux devices.
Our researchers found it to be the fastest and most secure provider out there in comparison to other VPN services, delivering ultra-fast speeds regardless of which servers we were connected to. It’s powerful too, so you won’t have any issues unblocking Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, or BBC iPlayer, and you’ll be able to access content libraries from all over the world.
Key Features
Unblocks | Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, HBO Now, ESPN, and more. |
---|---|
Data logging | Strict no-logging policy (fully verified) |
Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
Number of servers | Over 3000 |
Top download speed reached | 92Mbps |
VPN locations | 160 locations in 94 countries |
Maximum devices supported | Up to 5 |
Plans | Monthly / 6 Months / Yearly |
24/7 live chat | Yes |

The best all-round VPN with excellent extensions for all browsers
Speed
Connection | Ping | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Manual connect UK server | 8 ms | 58.56 Mbps | 12.25 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 10 ms | 54.52 Mbps | 11.85 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 12 ms | 53.22 Mbps | 11.12 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 140 ms | 42.85 Mbps | 6.69 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 133 ms | 37.64 Mbps | 9.21 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 82 ms | 40.41 Mbps | 11.09 Mbps |
Quick connect JP server | 180 ms | 38.42 Mbps | 6.01 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 291 ms | 35.11 Mbps | 6.09 Mbps |
Not Recommended for... At the time of writing, the Safari extension isn’t currently supported by ExpressVPN.
Bottom Line
ExpressVPN has a solid reputation for its solid speeds and strong security features, making it the VPN of choice for many users. When it comes to browser support, it’s unbeatable, making this our top pick for a browser VPN.
2. NordVPN
Looking for a quick and easy way to encrypt your browser’s web traffic? NordVPN replaces your IP address with one of its 5400+ servers in 80 locations across the world. With so many servers to connect to, you’ll be able to easily unblock any website or streaming app that you throw in front of it, including the most popular ones such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
To get connected, all you’ll need to do is install the Chrome or Firefox extension and use Nord’s Auto Connect feature to match with the fastest servers. You’ll be benefiting from DNS and IPv6 leak protection when you’re connected and NordVPN’s strict no-logging policy ensures that your personal information will never be shared with third parties under any circumstances.
Key Features
Unblocks | kyTV, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, Hulu, Disney+, and many more. |
---|---|
Data logging | Strict no-logging policy (fully verified) |
Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
Number of servers | Over 5400 |
Top download speed reached | 98Mbps |
VPN locations | Over 80 in 60 countries |
Maximum devices supported | Up to 6 |
Plans | Monthly / Yearly / 2 Years / 3 Years |
24/7 live chat | Yes |

Blocks ads and malware with NordVPN’s unique CyberSec suite
Speed
Connection | Ping | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Manual connect UK server | 11 ms | 56.23 Mbps | 11.71 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 10 ms | 49.83 Mbps | 10.75 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 15 ms | 46.73 Mbps | 10.64 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 148 ms | 45.79 Mbps | 11.11 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 241 ms | 32.01 Mbps | 10.85 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 84 ms | 49.99 Mbps | 11.28 Mbps |
Quick connect JP server | 361 ms | 23.14 Mbps | 1.69 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 434 ms | 37.97 Mbps | 5.84 Mbps |
Not Recommended for... There’s no option to manually connect to servers if you’re using the browser extension.
Bottom Line
NordVPN is one of the best browser VPNs for unblocking websites and streaming apps thanks to its massive selection of over 5400 servers. It’s fast, lightweight, and super secure, and is an excellent alternative to ExpressVPN if you’re looking for a slightly cheaper provider.
3. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is one of the world’s most trusted VPNs and proxy services thanks to its strict no-logging policy and powerful security features such as a kill switch, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, ad blocking, and malware protection. Plus, it’s super easy to use; all you need to do is install the browser extension for Google Chrome and you’ll be automatically connected to the fastest servers with just one click, thanks to the Optimal Location feature.
There’s no bandwidth or data limits, making Hotspot Shield a great choice for anyone that’s regularly torrenting files. Its patented Hydra protocol provides some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen, letting you stream the likes of Netflix and Hulu from any location in the world without lag.
Key Features
Available On: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and more. |
---|---|
Data logging | Strict no-logging policy |
Money-back guarantee | 45 days |
Number of servers | Over 3200 |
Top download speed reached | 86 Mbps |
VPN locations | Over 80+ countries |
Maximum devices supported | Up to five simultaneous connections |
Plans | Free plan or a monthly plan |
24/7 live chat | Yes |

Fast download speeds with top-not performance
Speed
Connection | Ping | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Manual connect UK server | 11 ms | 59.25 Mbps | 12.13 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 13 ms | 55.67 Mbps | 11.43 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 15 ms | 52.11 Mbps | 9.14 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 116 ms | 45.13 Mbps | 7.65 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 135 ms | 42.23 Mbps | 7.05 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 100 ms | 44.27 Mbps | 8.63 Mbps |
Quick connect JP server | 242 ms | 37.93 Mbps | 6.23 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 285 ms | 32.41 Mbps | 6.01 Mbps |
Not Recommended for... There’s no extension for Safari or Android-based browsers such as Firefox.
Bottom Line
With over 3200 servers to choose from, Hotspot Shield provides global internet access to over 80 countries, making it a great choice for anyone that’s using their browser VPN to unblock websites. If you’re looking to grab this VPN shield, just make sure you choose the premium option rather than the free plan, as you won’t be able to enjoy any of the features we’ve mentioned unless you pay for a subscription.
4. Surfshark
Surfshark swims fast enough for lag-free streaming on any app, whether that’s Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, or Disney+. As its network covers over 1700 servers in 63 countries, you won’t have any issues unblocking region-locked content, either. There’s a strict no-logging policy, so Surfshark doesn’t track, store, or monitor your browsing history on Chrome or Firefox, and its CleanWeb feature will make those annoying browser ads a thing of the past.
One of the best things about your Surfshark subscription is it lets you protect an unlimited number of devices, so you can use it on your cell phone, Smart TV, or any other devices you have in your home without shelling out extra. The MultiHop mode takes ID protection and footprint masking to a whole new level and military-grade encryption scrambles the information you’re transferring to make it unusable should it ever fall into the hands of hackers.
Key Features
Available On: | Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and many more. |
---|---|
Data logging | No-logging policy, independently audited |
Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
Number of servers | Over 1700 |
Top download speed reached | 89 Mbps |
VPN locations | 63 countries |
Maximum devices supported | Unlimited |
Plans | Monthly / Year / 2 Year |
24/7 live chat | Yes |

Strong encryption and privacy features at unbeatable prices
Speed
Connection | Ping | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Manual connect UK server | 34 ms | 78 Mbps | 23 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 23 ms | 56 Mbps | 34 Mbps |
Not Recommended for... Some servers are much slower than others and you can’t manually connect to them using the browser extension.
Bottom Line
With subscription plans starting from as little as $1.99 per month, Surfshark is a quality browser VPN that’s excellent value for money, especially as its unlimited simultaneous connections let you protect all of your devices.
5. HMA VPN
With browser apps for Firefox and Chrome, HMA! VPN (formerly known as Hide My Ass!) recently overhauled its service to make its no-logging policy even stricter and expand its server coverage to include more countries than ever before. It runs smoothly in the background of whatever browser you’re using and there’s an instant connect feature so you can enjoy the fastest download speeds.
There’s a useful kill switch that’ll cut your internet connection if your VPN goes down, while IP shuffling, AES 256-bit encryption, and leak protection let you browse the internet anonymously without your ISP being able to throttle your bandwidth. If torrenting is your thing, you’re gonna love the P2P optimized servers, which mask your IP address while negating any impact on your upload or download speeds.
Key Features
Available On: | Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and Netflix (select locations only) |
---|---|
Data logging | No logging policy |
Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
Number of servers | Over 1100 |
Top download speed reached | 76Mbps |
VPN locations | Over 290 locations in 190+ countries |
Maximum devices supported | Up to 5 |
Plans | 7day, 12-month, and 3-year plans |
24/7 live chat | Yes |

Secure connections for lag-free streaming
Speed
Connection | Ping | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Manual connect UK server | ms | Mbps | Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | ms | Mbps | Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | ms | Mbps | Mbps |
Not Recommended for... It isn’t the best tool for unblocking websites and streaming apps, so if that’s your main reason for using a VPN, choose another provider.
Bottom Line
At the time of writing, there’s a massive 70% off all of HMA!’s subscription plans, making it nearly as cheap as Surfshark. With lightning-fast connections and fierce security features, HMA! is an excellent browser-based VPN.
6. CyberGhost VPN
This Romania-based provider has one of the strictest no-logging policies out there, making it a great choice for anyone that wants their VPN to keep their online activity completely anonymous. All it takes is one click using the browser app to spoof your location and encrypt your information with AES 256-bit encryption. With over 6300 servers, CyberGhost is an absolute powerhouse for unblocking streaming apps and websites, so it’s the perfect choice for anyone that’s streaming Netflix or Amazon Prime Video directly from their Chrome or Firefox browser.
Connections are fast and secure so you can even run your devices from a public Wi-Fi network without worrying about your devices being compromised. The browser apps also include malware blocking and ad-detection tools for a stress-free browsing experience.
Key Features
Available On | BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Hulu, SkyTV, Disney+, ESPN and Comedy Central |
---|---|
Data logging | Strict no-logging policy |
Money-back guarantee | 45 days |
Number of servers | Over 6300 |
Top download speed reached | 78Mbps |
VPN locations | 110 locations in 93 countries |
Maximum devices supported | Up to 7 |
Plans | Monthly / Yearly / 2 Years / 3 Years |
24/7 live chat | Yes |

The user-friendly VPN that always delivers without compromise
Speed
Connection | Ping | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Manual connect UK server | 45 ms | 79 Mbps | 67 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 34 ms | 67 Mbps | 55.99 Mbps |
Not Recommended for... The browser extensions don’t protect you from webRTC leaks
Bottom Line
With a 45-day money-back guarantee and an extra six months included in its annual subscriptions at the time of writing, CyberGhost is an excellent choice for anyone that’s looking to enhance their privacy when they’re using Chrome or Firefox.
7. Ivacy
The Ivacy browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox run smoothly in the background and are powerful enough to unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+. There’s a strict no-logging policy, and a quality selection of servers, although the amount of servers you can connect to is limited on the browser-based version of the VPN. Unlike other providers, your connection will be enhanced with WebRTC protection and as it’s easy to set up and use, IvacyVPN is a great choice for newbies.
Speeds are impressive, and our researchers didn’t encounter any issues with lag or disconnection from locations such as the UK, France, and Japan. If you’re looking for the fastest speeds, just use Ivacy’s Smart Purpose Connection to match with the best servers for your specific needs, whether that’s streaming, gaming, or torrenting.
Key Features
Available On: | Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu and more. |
---|---|
Data logging | Strict no-logging policy |
Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
Number of servers | Over 1500 |
Top download speed reached | 79Mbps |
VPN locations | Over 150 in 75 countries |
Maximum devices supported | Up to 10 simultaneous connections |
Plans | 1month, 3months and 1year |
24/7 live chat | Yes |

Great companion for anyone interested in using a VPN for streaming.
Speed
Not Recommended for... There’s no killswitch included in the browser extensions.
Bottom Line
Ivacy VPN’s browser extensions are an excellent choice for anyone that’s accessing streaming apps directly through Chrome or Firefox, as it’s able to unblock region-locked content in an impressive number of locations.
8. PureVPN
PureVPN has a massive network of more than 2000 encrypted servers, and its Firefox and Chrome extensions provide ultra-fast speeds as they’ve been optimized for streaming and gaming. With servers in over 140 countries, you’ll be able to unblock any streaming app you put in front of it, including Hulu, Disney+, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video.
Its browser extensions don’t have all of the same security features as the native desktop apps, which means there’s no DNS/IPv6 leak protection on offer here. Thankfully, PureVPN’s encryption is powerful enough to still keep your online activity fully hidden. Subscriptions are cheap and offer excellent value for money, especially as there’s a seven-day trial on offer at the time of writing.
Key Features
Available On | Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, HBO Now, ITV Player, and more |
---|---|
Data logging | Strict no-logging policy, independently audited |
Money-back guarantee | 31 days |
Number of servers | Over 2000 |
Top download speed reached | 75Mbps |
VPN locations | Over 180 in 140 countries |
Maximum devices supported | Up to 10 |
Plans | 7- days Trial / 1Month / 6 Month / 1 Years |
24/7 live chat | Yes |

Optimized streaming servers for uninterrupted Netflix binges
Speed
Not Recommended for... Browser extensions lack a lot of the features that make PureVPN’s native apps so great.
Bottom Line
With quality server coverage and impressive download speeds, PureVPN is an excellent choice for anyone that loves playing browser-based video games. As one subscription covers up to ten simultaneous connections, you can protect any other internet-based devices in your household with its native VPN apps too.
9. TunnelBear VPN
This Canadian provider may offer a free service, but you’ll need to subscribe to either its Unlimited or Teams plans to get the most out of the Opera, Firefox, and Chrome extensions. They’re designed to be lightweight versions of Tunnelbear’s native apps, so while they don’t offer some of the more technical security features such as a killswitch and DNS leak protection, the extensions will still encrypt your information and mask your IP address without draining too much CPU.
The browser extensions feature one-click installation and couldn’t be any easier to set up, even if you’ve never used a VPN before. Speeds were impressive considering TunnelBear’s network is significantly smaller than other providers, but that means it can only unblock Netflix and Amazon Prime video in the US and you’ll struggle to access region-locked content on other apps. You shouldn’t have any privacy concerns when you’re using TunnelBear, as its strict no-logging policy is independently audited.
Key Features
Available On | Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in the US and more |
---|---|
Data logging | Independently audited no-logging policy |
Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
Number of servers | 20+ |
Top download speed reached | 74Mbps |
VPN locations | Over 23 countries |
Maximum devices supported | Up to five simultaneous connections |
Plans | Free plan, Unlimited plan ($3.33 per month), and Teams plan ($5.75 per month) |
24/7 live chat | Yes |

One of the cheapest ways to access US and Canadian Netflix libraries
Speed
Not Recommended for... TunnelBear struggles to unblock the vast majority of streaming apps, so if you’re looking for a browser-based VPN for Hulu, Disney+, or BBC iPlayer, choose another provider.
Bottom Line
TunnelBear’s sleek design and rapid one-click connections make it one of the easiest VPN browser extensions to use. It’ll keep your browsing and physical location private from hackers and your ISP, and with prices starting from just $3.33, it’s also one of the cheapest providers out there.
10. IPVanish
IvacyVPN’s chrome extension lets you secure your internet connection and hide your browsing history from your ISP. Military-grade encryption ensures your internet traffic is fully anonymous from end-to-end in real-time, so no hackers, advertisers, or service providers can monitor your activity. The Chrome extension includes two protocols, OpenVPN and L2TP, which are strong enough to let you unblock Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and even Netflix directly from your browser.
Speeds weren’t the fastest we’ve seen, but they were still impressive, and since your ISP won’t be able to throttle your bandwidth as your internet traffic is encrypted, you won’t have to worry about lag or buffering when you’re streaming your favorite films and TV shows. IPVanish operates with a strict no-logging policy too, so your privacy is fully protected.
Key Features
Available On: | ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu and more. |
---|---|
Data logging | Strict no-logging policy |
Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
Number of servers | Over 1500 |
Top download speed reached | 78Mbps |
VPN locations | Over 150 in 75 countries |
Maximum devices supported | Up to Five |
Plans | one month, one year and two-year plans (a seven-day free trial is also available) |
24/7 live chat | Yes |

Great user interface and wide range of devices.
Speed
Connection | Ping | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Manual connect UK server | 0.9 ms | 55.95 Mbps | 12.25 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 11 ms | 52.10 Mbps | 10.99 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 13 ms | 44.96 Mbps | 10.81 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 127 ms | 44.92 Mbps | 9.86 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 148 ms | 46.22 Mbps | 10.95 Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 58 ms | 46.22 Mbps | 10.95 Mbps |
Quick connect JP server | 429 ms | 31.29 Mbps | Mbps |
Manual connect UK server | 358 ms | 29.10 Mbps | 7.24 Mbps |
Not Recommended for... IPVanish isn’t able to unblock BBC iPlayer.
Bottom Line
IPVanish’s lightweight browser extension is a great way to mask your internet traffic, and as all subscriptions now include 500GB SugarSync Cloud Storage, it’s a fantastic way to secure all of your desktop’s valuable files.
Additional Insights and VPN for browsers FAQs
Are VPNs Legal to Use on Browsers
VPNs are perfectly legal to use in most countries, and that extends to their use on internet browsers, so you won’t have to worry about Google or Microsoft trying to tamper with your connection. That said, VPN rules vary across the globe, so if you’re planning on using the tool abroad, make sure you’ve checked they’re legal, especially in countries with stricter internet censorship such as Turkey, China, and the UAE.
Will These VPNs Run on Different Browsers
All of the VPNs we’ve included in this list run on Google Chrome at least, but only some of them have extensions for other browsers such as Safari and Firefox. Thankfully, you can still browse the net with the protection of a VPN regardless of which provider you’re using, simply by installing the native app for your specific platform.
Browser Extensions vs Native Apps
Browser extensions are lightweight versions of VPNs that have been designed to provide base protection when you’re browsing the internet. As such, they don’t include all of the features seen in native apps. Browser extensions have a limited number of servers you can connect to, they may leak your IP address, and some providers don’t include a kill switch with their extensions.
VPN browser extensions do have one catch, though: they only protect your web browser and not other apps or services you’re running on your device. This means you can’t use your browser extension to mask your internet traffic if you’re running torrenting apps or playing video games through Steam. You’ll need a native VPN app instead.
Can People Detect My VPN on Browsers?
Once you’re using your VPN, it’ll be difficult for your ISP or anyone else to see what you’re doing, but as all browser extensions don’t include IPv6 and DNS leak protection, it’s certainly not impossible. Though browser extensions are effective, we’d always recommend running native VPN apps for guaranteed anonymity.
Can You Trust Your VPN Service?
If you’re relying on your VPN to mask your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic while also handing over personal information, you should be able to trust them. Check to see if your provider operates with a no-logging policy, as this is their promise that they don’t keep timestamps, user IP addresses, and any other information that could be used to identify you. Where possible, no-logging policies should be independently audited by third-party companies, as this proves the VPN provider is living up to this promise.
Can You Use Free VPNs for Browsers?
There are plenty of providers out there offering free browser extensions, but you should always avoid these if they’re not part of a paid, premium package. Why? They don’t offer the same level of protection as paid-for VPNs. Free VPNs don’t have many ways to make money so they sell their users’ information to third parties, which means you could end up getting unsolicited marketing emails and letters through the door.
Also, free VPNs are unreliable and unable to unblock websites and streaming apps. If you want a quality experience from your provider, choose a VPN service that you’ve paid for.
Does Your Browser Not Work with Your VPN? Try These Methods…
If you’re experiencing difficulties or compatibility issues with your VPN and its browser extensions, one of the easiest fixes is to check your browser is updated to the latest version and you don’t have any pending software updates on your system. You should also make sure your VPN subscription actually includes extensions for your specific browser. Some VPNs such as ExpressVPN have also discontinued older browser extensions, so if you’re rebooting your VPN after a couple of months away from using it, you may find that it no longer works.
For specific troubleshooting issues, make sure you contact your VPN provider directly.
VPN for browsers Summary
If you only need your IP address to be masked when you’re browsing the internet and aren’t relying on your VPN to fully encrypt your information a browser extension for Chrome or Firefox is one of the most effective ways to keep hackers at bay.