Introduction
Virtual private networks (VPNs) have become an essential cybersecurity tool, especially for users of public WiFi or internet-connected devices like Chromebooks. A VPN encrypts your web traffic and masks your true IP address, protecting your data privacy and security.
This helps Chromebook owners hide their identity and location, bypass internet censorship or geoblocks, and access websites safely when on unsecured networks. A VPN improves privacy protections for Chromebooks and enables access to more content.
This article lists the best VPNs optimized for Chromebooks based on factors like server network, speeds, security, and Chromebook app availability. Instructions on manually configuring VPN settings on a Chrome OS device are also covered to help you enhance online privacy and unlock your Chromebook’s full potential with the best VPN options.
Top VPNs for Chromebooks
Based on factors like fast speeds, reliable unblocking abilities and dedicated Chromebook VPN apps, here are the top choices:
- NordVPN
NordVPN is arguably the most secure VPN suited for Chromebooks. On top of having the largest network of 5400+ ultrafast servers that can match Chromebook connection speeds, it offers special modes like Double VPN, Onion over VPN and Obfuscated Servers to maintain user privacy and anonymity while browsing.
Some key standout aspects include:
● Lightweight NordVPN Chromebook app delivering optimal speeds for public WiFi security.
● Watertight data encryption, complete no-logs policy, kill switch feature and DNS/IPv6 leak protection for robust security.
● Ability to bypass geographic blocks and censorship to access restricted sites and content.
● Works seamlessly across Windows, Android, iOS and Linux devices as well.
● 24/7 live chat customer support and 30-day refund policy.
With independent audits of all its apps and services to prove a strict no-logs guarantee and leading encryption practices, NordVPN is a great fool-proof option for securing your Chromebook browsing activity and unlocking geo-restricted content.
- ExpressVPN
Boasting a massive global network of 3,000+ VPN servers across 165 locations in 94 countries, ExpressVPN consistently delivers the fastest Chromebook VPN performance in the market because of its custom Lightway protocol and range of optimized apps.
Useful aspects include:
● Top-rated Chrome web extension for a fast, no-hassle single click connection experience.
● Split tunneling feature is geared for Chromebooks, allowing you to decide what traffic travels through the VPN tunnel.
● Trusted to bypass location blocks, great for securely accessing public WiFi networks as well.
● Strong 256-bit AES encryption with HMAC firewall and perfect forward secrecy adds an extra layer of security.
● 30-day refund policy plus helpful and responsive 24/7 customer support.
ExpressVPN offers best-in-class connection speeds for seamless browsing and streaming, air-tight security, reliable access to VPN servers nearest to your location, and a polished user experience – making it a stellar choice for Chromebook users.
- Surfshark
Surfshark brings all-round value and power-packed features to securely enhance Chromebook usage. It is one of the cheapest premium VPN options with a reliable global network of private servers delivering great unblocking abilities and decent speeds for hassle-free browsing on your portable device.
Why choose Surfshark for Chromebooks:
● Has a dedicated browser extension for Chromebooks that is very easy to set up.
● VPN tunneling protocols like WireGuard and IKEv2/IPsec support blazing fast connection speeds.
● Unblocks censored/geo-restricted sites and access extra content with over 3200 servers across 65+ countries.
● Automatically kills internet connectivity when the VPN connection drops to prevent IP leaks.
● Allows an unlimited number of simultaneous device connections for securing all your gadgets in one go.
● 24-month subscription works out to just $2.49 a month, with a 30-day refund promise.
- CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a popular VPN choice to boost online privacy across devices, including Chromebooks. Its plethora of over 7000 servers worldwide offers reliable speeds for Crystal VPN tunnel supports WireGuard and IKEv2 protocols. Chuck in extras like an ad blocker, anti-tracker, malicious website blocker and you have a versatile VPN for a safer and full-featured browsing experience on a Chromebook device.
Some useful aspects:
● User-friendly apps for Chrome OS and Android.
● Configurable to tunnel all traffic via VPN connection using ‘VPN auto-activate for Wi-Fi networks’ setting.
● Above average speeds for browsing, streaming thanks to dedicated streaming media servers.
● Allows WiFi sharing through VPN and split tunneling too.
● 45-day money-back guarantee.
Other Notable Mentions
Atlas VPN, IPVanish, Private Internet Access, VyprVPN and PureVPN also deserve honorable mentions as reliable mid-tier VPN services for Chromebooks, bringing specific positives like:
● Completely unlimited bandwidth (Atlas VPN) ● High-level 256-bit AES encryption (PIA) ● NAT Firewall for malware protection (VyprVPN)
● Rare Chrome OS protocol WireGuard support (IPVanish) ● Massive fleet of VPN servers (PureVPN)
So they remain decent VPN candidates in terms of aspects like data limits, security frameworks, and server stability to still enhance your overall Chromebook usage experience.
Important Considerations for a Chromebook VPN
No matter what VPN service you decide on, keep these key criteria in mind when assessing suitability with Chromebook devices and browsing needs specifically:
● Availability of native Chrome VPN extensions for simplified access.
● Distance to nearby VPN servers supporting fastest connectivity.
● Strong default encryption like AES-256 bit or ChaCha20 to secure traffic.
● A guaranteed zero-logs policy across entire server network.
● P2P/torrenting abilities to enable safe file-sharing.
● Capacity to bypass firewalls, unlock geo-restricted content like Netflix, BBC iPlayer.
● Responsive 24/7 customer support via live chat or email.
The most ideal VPNs for Chromebooks need to tick all boxes like app support, robust privacy policies, speedy performance and reliable access worldwide to unlock your device’s full potential both safely and conveniently.
How to Install a VPN on a Chromebook
The process differs slightly across VPN services but generally just takes a few quick steps:
- Select your preferred VPN service keeping the vital criteria in mind.
- On their official website, navigate to the Chrome Web Store link for their Google Chrome extension underproduct downloads and click Add to Chrome.
- In the pop-up prompt upon installation, click Add Extension. This will install the VPN extension for your Chrome browser.
- Now click the Extensions icon in your browser toolbar, select your installed VPN extension, then click Details and enable ‘Allowed in Incognito’ to further safeguard private browsing.
- Log in to the VPN by entering your account credentials. Then connect to a server location of your choice – nearby servers ensure fastest connectivity.
- The VPN icon will now display as ‘Connected’ confirming you are browsing via the encrypted VPN tunnel.
- Run a DNS leak test to double check your IP address matches the VPN server you’ve connected to, indicating full protection.
And that’s it! With your VPN extension installed and connected, you can now start browsing the web privately, access geo-restricted sites, safely use public WiFi and unlock your Chromebook’s full potential online.
Conclusion Overall, NordVPN and ExpressVPN lead the pack as the top two choices for the best VPNs to use with Chromebooks in 2023 owing to their reliable global server networks, connection speeds, dedicated Chromebook apps, strong privacy protections and customer support – giving you complete security and access.
Meanwhile, Surfshark brings excellent value as a budget power-packed option. While CyberGhost and other alternatives like VyprVPN, IPVanish or PureVPN also have specific standout strengths in areas like streaming performance and encryption standards covered earlier.
Hopefully the concise VPN recommendations list coupled with the setup guidance above helps you find the best VPN for your Chromebook model and usage needs in order to have a safer, smoother and more flexible browsing experience.