If you own a Chromebook, you may already be aware of the device’s built-in security features. However, while Chromebooks are generally secure, they do not guarantee complete privacy when you’re online. This is where a VPN comes in handy. By using a VPN with your Chromebook, you can ensure that your online activity remains private and your data is protected.
But with so many VPN services to choose from, how do you know which one is right for your device? In this article, we’ve tested and compiled a list of the best VPNs for Chromebook. From features to pricing and more, we’ve got you covered. Keep on reading to find out which VPNs made the cut.
Top 5 Best VPNs for Chromebook
We have researched and tested various VPNs to bring you the top 5 best VPNs for your Chromebook. These VPNs provide secure and private browsing while protecting your online identity.
- NordVPN – Our top choice for a VPN on Chromebook
- Surfshark – Offers unlimited device connections
- Atlas VPN – User-friendly apps for Chrome OS
- ExpressVPN – Loaded with servers for Chromebook users
- CyberGhost – Fast and reliable VPN for Chromebook devices
What Makes the Best Chromebook VPN?
When it comes to choosing the best VPN for your Chromebook, there are several factors that you should consider to ensure top-notch privacy and security. Here are some key features that you should pay attention to:
Android App
The VPN you choose should have an intuitive, functional, and bug-free Android app that you can easily download on your device. This will ensure that you can easily connect to the VPN and enjoy a secure and private browsing experience.
Encryption
The best Chromebook VPN should offer strong encryption to protect your online activities from prying eyes. We recommend selecting a VPN that uses AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption, which are both highly secure and reliable.
Fast Tunneling Protocols
To ensure fast and reliable internet speeds, it’s important to choose a VPN that uses fast tunneling protocols such as WireGuard, NordLynx, or Lightway. These protocols are designed to provide fast and secure connections, even over long distances.
Security Features
Your Chromebook VPN should offer a range of security features, including a kill switch, ad and tracker blocker, and malicious threat protection. These features will help to keep your online activities safe and secure, even in the face of potential threats.
Privacy
To ensure maximum privacy, it’s important to choose a VPN with an independently audited no-logs policy. This means that the VPN provider does not collect any data about your online activities, ensuring that your browsing habits remain private and secure.
Dedicated Chromebook App
When choosing a VPN for your Chromebook, it’s important to select one that has a dedicated app for this device. This will ensure that you can easily connect to the VPN and enjoy a seamless browsing experience.
Speed
You don’t want to sacrifice internet speeds for the sake of privacy. That’s why it’s important to choose a VPN that offers high-speed retention rates. You can research or use our speed test tool to find out whether the Chromebook VPN of your choice can guarantee fast and reliable internet speeds.
Streaming Capabilities
If you’re looking to stream your favorite shows and movies, it’s important to choose a VPN that can unblock global libraries of at least some streaming platforms that you already have. This will ensure that you can enjoy buffering-free streaming and access to a wide range of content.
Price
The best Chromebook VPNs don’t have to be expensive. You can find VPNs with massive server networks and loads of features at affordable prices. Make sure to choose a VPN that offers multiple device connections, so you can protect all of your devices without breaking the bank.
The Best VPNs for Chromebook in 2023 – Our Detailed List
1. NordVPN – Best VPN for Chromebook in 2023
NordVPN is our top pick for the best VPN for Chromebook in 2023. It offers a dedicated and user-friendly app for Google Chromebooks, ensuring an unmatched combination of security features, competitive speeds, and affordable prices.
Servers and Apps
NordVPN’s app allows for easy configuration and offers a massive server network of 5,900+ servers in 60 countries.
Security
NordVPN’s privacy policy states that they do not log any private information or online activities. Additionally, it has been audited by the PwC auditing firm twice, ensuring its reliability. NordVPN includes a trustworthy kill switch that prevents data leaks, along with a threat protection feature that secures your device from malicious threats.
Speed
NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs out there, thanks in part to its proprietary NordLynx protocol, which retains around 95% of initial internet speeds.
Streaming
NordVPN can unblock various streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more, providing a buffering-free streaming experience.
Pricing
NordVPN is very affordable, with prices starting at just $2.99/month for 6 simultaneous connections, including a 30-day money-back guarantee. Android users can even claim a 7-day free trial.
For more information, visit our NordVPN review.
Pros:
- Dedicated app for Chromebook
- Unblocks most streaming sites
- Super fast and reliable
- Threat protection
- Audited no-logs policy
- 6 simultaneous connections
2. Surfshark – Chromebook VPN for Unlimited Devices
Surfshark is another powerful VPN for Chromebook, thanks to its blazing-fast speeds and low pricing options. It allows unlimited simultaneous connections and has an app compatible with Chromebook.
Servers and Apps
Surfshark’s app offers simple navigation and is loaded with servers, with over 3,200 of them in 100 countries.
Security
Surfshark’s no-logging policy clearly states that they do not collect user data. In terms of security, your data is always protected with a functional kill switch that temporarily shuts down your internet connection if your VPN drops.
Speed
Surfshark uses the WireGuard protocol, which provides a great combination of speed and security, retaining around 86% of initial internet speeds on average.
Streaming
Surfshark can bypass geo-restrictions or unlock libraries on platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
Pricing
Surfshark’s prices are very attractive, starting at just $1.99/month, making it one of the cheapest premium VPNs available, with a 30-day money-back guarantee included.
Explore our Surfshark VPN review or delve into the Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison for a comprehensive analysis.
Pros:
- Fast and reliable servers
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Optimized app for Chromebook
- Consistently unblocks streaming sites
- Audited no-logs policy
- Very affordable prices
3. Atlas VPN – Great VPN for ChromeOS
Atlas VPN is another great VPN for Chromebook devices, thanks to its simple app navigation and streaming capabilities. Although it does not have a Chrome OS app, its Android app is a great alternative.
Servers and Apps
Atlas VPN has over 1,000 servers across 42 countries, allowing you to connect to anywhere around the world.
Security
Aside from a market-standard kill switch, Atlas VPN has an interesting feature called SafeSwap, which rotates your IP address while you’re connected, providing an extra layer of security. Atlas VPN has a clear no-logging policy and no prior reputational spots, but it could use a security audit.
Speed
The server network, together with the WireGuard protocol of Atlas VPN, ensures great speed retention rates, retaining around 80% of initial internet speeds on average.
Streaming
Atlas VPN can bypass geo-restrictions on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and other platforms.
Pricing
You can get Atlas VPN for as cheap as $1.64/month when getting a 2-year subscription, with a 30-day money-back guarantee for those who change their mind.
To learn more about features, read our Atlas VPN review.
Pros:
- Unblocks many streaming sites
- IP rotator
- Cheap pricing
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- No-logs policy
Cons:
- Based in a country that’s not privacy-friendly
- No dedicated app for Chromebook
4. ExpressVPN – Chromebook VPN with Loads of Servers
ExpressVPN is a great pick for Chromebook users due to its many features and solid performance. You
How We Selected and Tested These Chromebook VPNs
When compiling this list of the best VPNs for Chromebook, we kept several important features in mind. Our goal was to provide a comprehensive list of VPNs that ticked off all the necessary boxes for a great VPN experience on a Chromebook.
Compatibility
One of the most important features we looked for was compatibility. We wanted to ensure that the VPN we recommended had an app that was optimized specifically for Chrome OS. Failing that, we looked for VPNs with a strong Android app that worked well on Chromebook.
Speed
Fast connections are essential for an enjoyable online experience. To test the speed of each VPN, we started with a base speed of 300Mbps and then connected to different protocols on VPN. We also torrented a file of around 3GB in size to see how each VPN performed. The fastest VPNs on our list deliver speedy connections, making it easy to stream, game, and torrent.
Streaming Capabilities
Streaming is one of the most popular uses for a VPN, but not all VPNs are created equal when it comes to streaming capabilities. We tested each VPN on our list to ensure they could get around the geo-restrictions of all major streaming platforms. For example, Surfshark can unlock 28 Netflix libraries.
Price
We understand that nobody wants to feel ripped off, so we made sure to include some of the cheapest VPNs on the market in our list. Our recommended options are light on your wallet, yet they don’t compromise when it comes to service and quality.
Security and Privacy
With online threats and snoopers lurking around every corner, security and privacy are key. All of the VPNs on our list offer robust security to keep you safe and anonymous while browsing the web on your Chromebook.
Why Use a VPN on Our Chromebook?
There are several reasons why we might need a VPN on our Chromebook. Here are the most common ones:
- Remove restrictions on a school Chromebook: Schools often have strict rules about what websites can be accessed on their network, blocking entertainment websites. By using a VPN, we can connect through a VPN server and bypass any blocks that may be in place.
- Unblock streaming sites: Many people use Chromebooks for streaming, but they may be limited by geo-blocking. By using a VPN, we can access the different global content libraries of streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
- Increase privacy and security: A VPN ensures that our online activity is not monitored, providing us with greater privacy and protection from hackers and spies. By hiding our IP address and encrypting our data, we can browse the internet with peace of mind.
NordVPN is a great option for Chromebook users looking for a reliable and secure VPN service. With NordVPN, we can enjoy unrestricted access to the internet while maintaining our privacy and security.
How to Setup a VPN on a Chromebook
Setting up a VPN on your Chromebook is a straightforward process. There are two main methods of doing so: downloading a VPN app from the Google Play Store or installing a VPN as a browser extension. Here are the step-by-step instructions for each method.
Download a VPN for Chromebook
- Open the Google Play Store on your Chromebook.
- Search for your preferred VPN app and install it. We recommend NordVPN, which is currently offering a 69% discount.
- Open the VPN app and log in to your account.
- Connect to your preferred server.
If you’re not sure which VPN to choose, NordVPN is a great option for Chromebook users. It offers fast speeds, strong encryption, and a user-friendly interface.
Using a VPN on Chromebook via a Browser Extension
- Go to your preferred VPN’s website and find the link for the browser extension. We recommend NordVPN, which is currently offering a 69% discount.
- Install the extension on your Chromebook.
- Click on the extension icon and log in to your account.
- Connect to your preferred proxy server.
Using a VPN on Chromebook via a browser extension is a good option if you don’t want to download a separate app. However, keep in mind that browser extensions may not offer the same level of security as a dedicated VPN app.
Can I use a VPN on a school Chromebook?
Yes, you can use a VPN on your school Chromebook. VPNs are great tools for keeping your internet connection secure and private, while also allowing you to access content that may be limited on your school Chromebook. However, it’s important to note that some schools may have an official statement prohibiting the use of VPNs on school devices. In such cases, it’s best to check with your school’s administration to confirm whether or not using a VPN is allowed.
How to get a VPN on a school Chromebook
If your school allows the use of VPNs on their Chromebooks, you can follow these steps to manually install a VPN on your device:
- Get a CA certificate from your VPN provider and store it on your Chromebook.
- Open Chrome and type in chrome://settings/certificates.
- Click on the “authorities” button at the top of the page.
- Click on “Import” and select the CA certificate.
- Follow the instructions provided.
- Click on your account at the bottom right of the page.
- Choose “Settings”.
- Go to Network and select “Add a connection”.
- Click “Add OpenVPN/L2TP”.
- Type in the required information and click “connect”.
It’s important to note that some schools may block third-party downloads or the Google Play Store altogether, which may prevent you from downloading a VPN app. In such cases, manually installing a VPN using a CA certificate may be your only option.
Why is my VPN not working on Chromebook?
If you are having trouble connecting your VPN on your Chromebook, there could be several reasons why. It’s important to first rule out any general connection issues that might be affecting your internet connection and its stability.
Most VPNs have an Android app, which means that they should work on your Chromebook. However, it’s important to note that some VPNs offer substandard service and bad security practices, and may even infect your Chromebook with malware. It’s important to avoid these types of VPNs to ensure the safety and security of your device.
Here are some VPNs that we recommend avoiding:
- TurboVPN: This VPN is popular, but it’s known to log your data, including your location, the devices you’re using the VPN on, and your IP address.
- CrossVPN: Reports suggest that CrossVPN carries malware that can infect your Chromebook, so it should be avoided.
- HolaVPN: HolaVPN should also be avoided, as it shares your idle bandwidth with other people. If they’re up to no good online, you could be blamed.
- Betternet: This free VPN stores all sorts of your data, which is a big red flag.
- SuperVPN: Another VPN that has been reported to hide malware and store your data.
It’s worth noting that all of the above VPNs are free, which is a common denominator. It’s important to remember that if you don’t pay for a service, you may be paying for it in other ways, such as sacrificing your privacy and security.
Is there a Free VPN for Chromebook?
Yes, there are free VPN options available for Chromebook users. However, we do not recommend using completely free VPNs as they often come with significant risks. Free VPNs may bombard you with ads, and some may even sell your data to third parties. Additionally, some free VPNs may be disguised malware.
An alternative to completely free VPNs is using a freemium VPN such as AtlasVPN. It is a reputable VPN service that offers a secure connection, can unblock various content, and is compatible with Chromebook. However, AtlasVPN’s free version has a 5GB monthly data limit and only three server locations.
If you want to escape freemium VPN limitations, we recommend using free trials of premium VPN services such as NordVPN and Surfshark. NordVPN offers a 7-day free trial for Android and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial for mobile devices and Mac, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Using a VPN is an excellent way to protect your online privacy and security, and it’s essential to choose a reliable and trustworthy VPN service.
Conclusion
If you want to ensure your online privacy, access content from anywhere, and stay secure online, getting a VPN for your Chromebook is essential. Our research has shown that NordVPN is the best VPN for Chromebook, offering an excellent Chromebook app and a vast network of servers to connect to. It also offers fast speeds and can unblock virtually anything online.
To help you further enhance your online privacy, Cybernews has compiled a list of more VPN guides for you to explore. These include the best anonymous (no-log) VPNs, the best Firefox VPN browser extensions, and the best VPNs according to Reddit. You can also find the best VPNs for streaming and the best VPNs for Windows 11 to ensure your privacy on this new operating system.
By using a VPN for your Chromebook and following the advice in these guides, you can have a safe and secure online experience. Don’t miss out on the best holiday VPN deals and start protecting your online privacy today.
More VPN guides from Cybernews:
- Best Anonymous (No-Log) VPNs: Lose the Big Brother watching behind your back with these services
- Best Firefox VPN Browser Extensions: Enhance your private browser with these services
- Best VPNs according to Reddit: Reddit VPN recommendations to protect your online privacy
- Best VPNs for streaming: Unblock your favorite streaming content with these VPNs
- Best VPNs for Windows 11: Ensure your privacy on Windows 11 with these VPN services
FAQ
Best VPN for Chromebook
When it comes to the best VPN for Chromebook, we recommend NordVPN. This VPN service offers high security levels, thanks to its threat protection and reliable kill switch features. Additionally, NordVPN is known for its fast speeds and ability to unblock various streaming platforms.
Chromebook VPN Extension
You do not need a Chromebook VPN extension, as they use proxies instead of VPN connections. For better security, features, and ease of use, we suggest using your chosen VPN’s Chromebook or Android app.
Built-in VPN for Chromebook
Chromebooks do not have a built-in VPN, but they have similar capabilities that allow you to connect to a VPN server. However, you will still need a server to connect to. To solve this issue, we recommend signing up for one of the VPN tools on our list.
Best Free VPNs for Chromebook
AtlasVPN is the best free VPN for Chromebook, with three free server locations and the ability to easily unblock any content on your Chromebook. The Android app is user-friendly, and you can always upgrade to a cheap premium plan if you need more features.
VPNs for School Chromebooks
Several VPN providers work well on school Chromebooks. Our top picks are NordVPN and Surfshark, both of which are reliable and secure options.
Getting a VPN for School Chromebook
There are two ways to get a VPN for your school Chromebook. You can either choose a free VPN for school Chromebook, but we recommend purchasing a VPN from a trusted provider like NordVPN to ensure better security and functionality.
NordVPN for Chromebook
NordVPN is an excellent VPN for Chromebook, with a dedicated Chromebook app that includes features such as ad and tracker blockers. With NordLynx, NordVPN is also extremely fast and can easily unblock virtually any online content.
What are the top-rated VPN services for Chromebook users?
When it comes to VPN services for Chromebook users, some of the top-rated options include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark. These VPN services offer fast speeds, strong security features, and reliable connections. However, the best VPN for you may depend on your specific needs and budget.
Can I use a free VPN safely on my Chromebook for school?
While there are free VPN services available for Chromebook users, it’s important to exercise caution when using them. Free VPNs may not offer the same level of security and privacy as paid VPNs, and some may even sell your data to third parties. If you’re using a free VPN for school, make sure to do your research and choose a reputable provider.
How does NordVPN perform on a Chromebook compared to other VPNs?
NordVPN is known for its strong security features and fast speeds, making it a popular choice for Chromebook users. In comparison to other VPNs, NordVPN offers a user-friendly interface and a large server network, which can improve your browsing experience. However, it’s important to note that the performance of NordVPN may vary depending on your location and internet connection.
Are there any VPNs that offer free unblocked services for Chromebooks?
While there are VPNs that offer free unblocked services for Chromebooks, it’s important to be cautious when using them. Free VPNs may not offer the same level of security and privacy as paid VPNs, and some may even sell your data to third parties. If you’re looking for a VPN that offers unblocked services, make sure to do your research and choose a reputable provider.
Which VPNs provide the best security features for Chromebook users?
When it comes to security features, some of the best VPNs for Chromebook users include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost. These VPNs offer strong encryption protocols, kill switches, and other security features that can help protect your online privacy. However, it’s important to note that the level of security offered by a VPN may vary depending on the provider.
Is there a reliable L2TP VPN option available for Chromebooks at no cost?
While there are L2TP VPN options available for Chromebooks, it may be difficult to find a reliable provider that offers this protocol for free. Some VPNs may offer L2TP as part of their paid plans, but it’s important to do your research and choose a provider that offers strong security features and reliable connections.