The Chromebook revolutionised laptops. They’re relatively cheap, lightweight and convenient.

However, securing your Chromebook can be more problematic, especially when it comes to online privacy.

You may already know that a VPN is the ideal solution…

… but how do you begin to choose with so many options out there?

That’s what we will be answering in this article.

Here you’ll learn which are the most reliable, fastest and ultimately best VPN services for use with your Chromebook.

We’ve also got some super cheap deals, so you can get the pick of providers at reduced rates.

Sadly, no matter what type of device you use, online threats do not discriminate, and pretty much everyone is exposed to the same risks, even Chromebook users.

However, not every VPN has a dedicated app for Chromebook, which means your options may be somewhat limited.

Some versions of Chromebooks will allow you to install a VPN app for Android. Others offer a Chrome browser extension that you can use in the Chrome browser.

I’ll explain which is which later in this article.

Putting all of that aside, let’s find out which are up to the job.

Top 7 Chromebook VPNs

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is easily one of the best VPN services in the entire industry and for use with the Chromebook, it’s our top pick too!

It offers blazing download speeds, excellent features, reliable connections, strong encryption, and a way to unblock pretty much anything on the internet.

This comes from the fact that its network of servers spans 94 different countries, with over 3,000 servers in 160 locations.

They have a strict no-logs policy, so you’ll always have private internet access.

Another great thing about it is that it has dedicated apps for a huge number of devices and systems.

In fact, it is one of the few VPNs that have dedicated Chrome OS apps, so you don’t need to mess about with alternative solutions.

If you’ve got a Google Chromebook that doesn’t support Android applications, then there are easy-to-follow set-up guides too. They even have Chrome browser extensions so you can use your VPN from your browser.

They do offer a manual setup option, but you’re best sticking to an app.

ExpressVPN has brilliant VPN features such as a kill switch, 256-bit encryption, port forwarding, unlimited data, fast connection speeds, excellent security protocol options, Chrome OS supports, and deep packet inspection protection.

Also, ExpressVPN works incredibly well to unblock BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and other streaming sites.

They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee and have excellent customer support.

Our #1 Recommendation

30-day money back guarantee

2. NordVPN

Then, we have NordVPN, which is the second-best solution out there.

NordVPN features over 5,100 VPN servers in 60+ countries around the world. It is also known for its excellent download speeds, making it perfect for streaming videos, downloading content and disguising your online activities.

NordVPN is also rich with dedicated apps, but unfortunately, none of them is dedicated for Google Chromebook.

However, it does have a Chrome extension, as well as an app for Android devices, so you might be able to use it, depending on your version of Chromebook.

They also have excellent secure browsing features such as a double VPN, 256-bit encryption, unlimited server switching, and more.

Other than that, it also has a 30-day money-back guarantee allowing you to try risk-free, as well as several advanced security features.

3. CyberGhost VPN

In the third spot, we have CyberGhost – another well-known and respected VPN service that offers maximum protection, one of the longest-lasting money-back guarantees in the industry, and a huge server network.

In fact, it has a wide server network and offers 7,000+ servers in 90+ countries, meaning that its network is bigger than that of NordVPN, and it almost includes as many countries as ExpressVPN.

They have intelligent VPN software that is easy to use and you’ll be able to make a VPN connection without needing to mess around with your network settings.

Also, as mentioned, it has an extremely long money-back guarantee that lasts for 45 days. Like NordVPN, it doesn’t have a dedicated app for Chrome OS, but it does have a Chrome extension and an Android app, meaning that you can use it with ease.

They also unblock streaming sites with ease, including BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Disney+, Netflix, and more.

CyberGhost is one of the best VPNs for Chromebook.

4. IPVanish

Next, we have IPVanish – a VPN that is known for strong security features, but also one that allows you unlimited simultaneous connections at the same time, which is not merely limited to your Chromebook.

IPVanish comes at a lower price than most VPN services of the same quality.

The server network is quite extensive, featuring 1,900 servers in over 75 locations around the world, totalling over 40,000 IPs. However, it has reduced a little in the past few years.

Best of all, it has an app for Chrome OS and Android OS, meaning that you can easily use it on your Chromebook.

They also have military-grade encryption to protect your browser traffic and to secure your internet connection giving you private internet access.

If you’re looking to use a VPN on a Chromebook, then IPVanish and its Chrome OS VPN are up there with the best VPN providers.

5. VyprVPN

VyprVPN is a fast, secure, and global VPN service that can help you unblock regions of the world which most other VPNs do not even cover, such as Russia.

It offers secure 256-bit encryption and is one of the most reliable in terms of speed due to them owning all of their hardware which isn’t typical among other providers.

It covers 70 locations around the globe, with a massive 200,000 IP address database and over 700 VPN servers on all continents. It’s not the largest VPN server count, but our tests have shown them to be consistently reliable.

Unfortunately, the service isn’t suitable for all Chromebook users, but only for those who can use the Android version of the app on their device. So check if your device is compatible before picking this one.

As with the other providers, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee to give you plenty of time to test it with your internet connection.

Overall, VyprVPN is an excellent VPN for Chromebook.

6. Surfshark

Surfshark is yet another well-known, strong VPN service that has users around the world. It’s one of the newest available but has won over a large following due to its feature-rich service. It’s even outperformed other VPNs such as Norton Secure VPN.

It provides you with private access to the open internet, and it protects you adequately while you are using it. It features over 3,000 servers in more than 61 countries around the world.

Pricing is one area where they stand out and they’re offering some of the cheapest subscription rates, especially when taking their annual package or longer.

While none of their apps is explicitly made for Chromebook, it does have an Android app, as well as a Chrome extension, so you should have no problem with setting it up regardless of what Chromebook version you have.

They also offer unlimited simultaneous connections and a kill switch.

Also, it comes with the standard 30-day money-back guarantee offered by most of the other services.

7. VPN.ac

Finally, the last on our list is VPN.ac. This is a fast and safe service that was made by professionals, and professionals use it.

Now, it doesn’t have a massive server network like CyberGhost or ExpressVPN, but it has servers in all the right places, covering over 20 countries in total.

You’ll need to check that the locations are suitable for your usage. If so, you’ll be rewarded with blisteringly fast speeds and be secure in the knowledge that those behind the service are security professionals.

Apps are available for all devices, including an Android app and a Chrome browser extension making it suitable for your Chromebook.

Pricing for their 1-month package is a little high, but you can severely reduce this by subscribing for longer.

How to install a Chrome browser extension

Sometimes using a VPN with your Chromebook is only possible by installing a browser extension.

While not all VPNs offer these, many do, including most of our options listed above.

It’s relatively easy to get set up using a browser extension and not much different than downloading any regular app.

In the example below, I’m using ExpressVPN, but you are free to use any of the Chromebook VPNs you wish. Here is what you need to do:

1. Go to ExpressVPN and sign up for an account.
2. Choose a payment plan and enter the necessary information.
3. Go to the Chrome Web Store.
4. Hit ‘Add to Chrome‘.
5. At this point, a pop-up window will appear and ask you if you wish to add ExpressVPN to Chrome. Select ‘Add Extension‘.
6. The installation will be done automatically, and you will be notified when it is finished. The ExpressVPN icon will appear in the corner of your browser.
7. Click the icon to open the quick connect feature, connect, and you are done.

How to install using an Android app

As mentioned before, VPNs that feature an actual Chromebook app are pretty rare. This is why it is easier to install the Android VPN app on your Chromebook.

Of course, only some versions of the Chromebook will support this app, so you should first check if your device is among them. I’ll discuss which are further below in this guide.

If so, here is what you need to do:

1. Choose a VPN and go to its website. You can use ExpressVPN for this, as well.
2. Create an account and choose a payment plan.
3. Go to the Google Play Store and download the ExpressVPN app, or do it from its website.
4. Install the app on your Chromebook, launch it, and log into it.
5. Press their ‘Selected Location‘ button and then choose the location of your choice.
6. That’s it. You can now browse the web safely with the Android app on your Chromebook.

It’s becoming more common for VPNs to offer dedicated apps for the Chromebook but in most cases, the Android app will work directly.

How do I know if I can use Android apps?

With so many Chromebook versions, there’s no easy answer.

However, if you’ve got a Chromebook made in or after 2019, you’re in luck. All of these are compatible with Android apps.

If you bought your Chromebook before 2019, then you’ll need to consult Google’s list of devices that can run Android apps.

Use the official Google link, which lists all device types supporting Android applications.

What is the best free VPN for Chromebook?

When it comes to the best VPN for Chromebook, I can guarantee it’s not a free VPN service you need.

Free VPNs aren’t as good as they may initially sound and can cause you a whole host of problems, such as incredibly low speeds and low numbers of servers. Not forgetting that many websites and streaming services block free VPNs and their IP addresses.

It’s also highly unlikely they’ll have reliable VPN Chrome extensions and they don’t work with many services, so if you like playing games like Super 6 or streaming, you’re out of luck.

One of the biggest problems I’ve come across with free VPN services is that they often install unwanted third-party apps and dangerous malware onto your devices without you knowing.

They’ll also plague your device with advert injections, so you’ll see a lot more ads popping up on your device, which is something that nobody enjoys.

However, the most concerning aspect of free services is that most of them will log your VPN traffic (including your actual IP address) and sell it to the highest bidder.

This is a huge problem and goes against everything that a VPN should do. Who knows where your private information will end up? It’s just bad news all around and one of the most important reasons why you should avoid using a free VPN.

But, if you’re in a challenging situation and you have no other option than to use a free VPN provider, then you should consider using PrivadoVPN or ProtonVPN. While these options aren’t awful, they aren’t great if you compare them to ExpressVPN.

For example, ExpressVPN has over 3000+ servers located in 94 countries and has unlimited bandwidth.

PrivadoVPN will give you access to only 12 cities and limit your usage to only 10GB a month. Similarly, ProtonVPN gives you access to 23 servers in 3 countries and limits your connection speeds with a cap.

Other services such as Hotspot shield should be avoided for the same reasons, including:

• Slow connection speeds
• VPN blocks on sites
• Poor at unblocking streaming sites (like BBC iPlayer)
• Installs malware
• Injection of adverts
• Data caps

All of the above is why it’s worth paying a small monthly fee for a premium provider.

You need to decide if it’s worth risking your security while using a free VPN provider. In my opinion, they aren’t worth the hassle and should be avoided.

How to choose a VPN for your Chromebook

When it comes to selecting the best VPN for Chromebook, you’ll want to consider several things.

1. Chrome extension

Choosing a VPN provider that has Chrome extensions will be extremely useful, as it will allow you to use your chosen VPN straight from your web browser.

Not all VPNs currently support web browser extensions such as Chrome, but ExpressVPN does and is one of the many reasons we regard it as one of the best VPNs for Chromebook.

If you opt for another VPN, be sure to check that it offers a VPN extension for Chrome.

2. Windows or Android apps

Having a wide selection of VPN apps is key to ensuring all of your devices are covered and your private data is protected.

Depending on what model of Chromebook you have will determine what app you’ll require. Some Chromebooks will run on Windows, while others will use an Android-based operating system.

Either way, it’s vital that your choice of VPN has apps that cover these two options.

It’s worth noting that some Chromebooks use a Linux based operating system, so it would be beneficial to select a VPN that has a great Linux app.

Some VPNs won’t run on certain types of Chromebook; this is due to the Chromebook itself, so always check that the VPN you’re choosing has an app for that specific Chromebook.

Luckily, ExpressVPN offers excellent apps for all three operating systems and even has a Google Chrome browser extension. This will let you cover every Chromebook type, so you won’t be stuck with a VPN that won’t work.

ExpressVPN also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try their service out first before you’re locked into your purchase.

3. Security features

Another major factor that should contribute to your choice of Chromebook VPN is the VPNs security features.

A VPN with a no-logs policy will ensure that your data isn’t logged, and therefore can’t ever be shared if any local government requests it. Some VPNs such as ExpressVPN have had their no logs claim audited by a third party, so you know their claims are valid.

ExpressVPN has also proven their no logging claims in criminal cases on several occasions, which adds even more merit to those claims.

A VPN that’s registered offshore in places like the British Virgin Islands are an excellent choice. Being registered offshore means they’re outside of the jurisdiction of data sharing agencies, for example, the five eyes intelligence group.

It’s also a brilliant idea to ensure the Chromebook VPN you select has features such as 256-bit military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, OpenVPN or Wireguard secure VPN protocols, DNS leak protection, IP leak protection, and others.

Summary

These days using a VPN is becoming more commonplace, from protecting your privacy to accessing your favourite TV shows, movies and networks.

Finding reliable Chromebook VPN providers is anything other than easy. If you’ve got a Chromebook, then you can double-down on that difficulty.

We agree with that assessment and our favourite VPN right now is ExpressVPN, but above we’ve rounded up seven suitable options.

If you want to protect your Chromebook online or bypass geo-restrictions, these all have you covered.

What’s your reason for using a VPN with your Chromebook? I would love to know or if you have any other recommendations not listed above. Let me know in the comments section below.

Sources

1. Lifewife | The 8 Best Chromebook VPNs
2. ITProPortal | ExpressVPN review