The best Google Chromebook VPN 2025

Ease of use

Installing NordVPN on a Chromebook takes less than two minutes through the Chrome Web Store or Google Play Store, depending on whether you want the Chrome browser add-on or the full Android app. However, there’s one issue with installing the Android app this way.

Due to the Google Play Store’s policies on ad-blocking apps, the version of NordVPN you download from there doesn’t come with all of the ad-blocking capabilities you’d get on other versions of NordVPN. You’ll either need to enable developer mode on your Chromebook or install the .apk file straight from the website through a Linux terminal, neither of which is the easiest method if you’re still getting to grips with how your Chromebook works.

As for the actual app, it couldn’t be simpler. NordVPN's Quick Connect feature automatically selects optimal servers based on your location. The Chrome extension also remembers your preferences across sessions, ensuring you’re protected every time you open your browser.

Privacy & security

NordVPN operates under a verified no-logs policy that's been independently audited multiple times, with the most recent audit completed in late 2024 by Deloitte Lithuania.

Out of all of the ad-blocking solutions we’ve tried, we’re confident NordVPN provides the most comprehensive defense against cyber threats. Threat Protection Pro caught 79% of the malware sites we tried to access during our tests, and 87% of the phishing sites we used. We think it’s particularly useful on Chromebooks, blocking malicious websites and ads that could otherwise compromise your device.

Streaming

We put each one of our recommended providers through a barrage of streaming tests to make sure you can still access all of your favourite shows while still using a VPN for protection. In this case, NordVPN couldn’t perform any better – it's the best streaming VPN on the block.

We tried out Netflix, as well as Amazon Prime and Disney+, all of which worked perfectly without any noticeable buffering. We also gave some regional streams a shot, streaming shows across BBC iPlayer, ITV, Channel 4, 9Now, and 10Play. Likewise, in every case we were able to access the streaming platform and instantly watch a show in high-def or 4K without any issues.

Speed & performance

NordVPN also performed very well on our most recent set of speed tests, clocking in at over 950 Mbps download when running through its proprietary NordLynx VPN protocol. Admittedly, we weren’t nearly as impressed with the OpenVPN speeds at only 173 Mbps download. While that’s still more than capable if you’re looking to watch 4K streams, you’re better off checking out a provider like Surfshark if OpenVPN speeds are your top priority.

Ease of use

ExpressVPN's Chrome extension sets the standard for user-friendly VPN interfaces on Chrome OS. The setup process requires just one click to install from the Chrome Web Store, followed by a simple login that automatically configures all necessary settings. However, the Chrome extension won’t work unless you have a desktop VPN app installed as well.

Using ExpressVPN's streamlined interface worked well whether we chose the Chrome browser app or the Android desktop app. The large connect button makes it easy to use the app even on smaller Chromebook screens, while the server selection options are presented clearly so you can quickly find your most recently used VPN servers or the best ones for your location.

Privacy & security

ExpressVPN has an extensive history of independent audits covering both its no-logs policy and the technical security of its apps and server infrastructure. To date, ExpressVPN has commissioned 22 separate audits to demonstrate its commitment to user privacy. That’s a dedication to transparency that few providers can match.

The no-logs policy is technically implemented using their in-house TrustedServer architecture, which ensures that all servers run on RAM only. This means that user data cannot persist after server reboots, keeping any potentially private data out of the hands of hackers or law enforcement in case their servers are seized. All in all, ExpressVPN is our favorite secure VPN.

Streaming

We’ve found that ExpressVPN consistently delivers a top-tier streaming experience, and that’s no different on Chromebook. All of the streaming sites we tried out, including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, as well as regional streaming sites, worked perfectly. All of ExpressVPN’s servers are optimized for streaming, and with the speeds we’ve recorded from both local and international servers, you should be able to tune into content anywhere without lag.

If you want to just stream video and aren’t concerned about the rest of ExpressVPN’s features, you can use the MediaStreamer DNS service to connect directly to streaming services. All you need to do is change your DNS settings on your Chromebook to the servers ExpressVPN provides, and everything else is automatically handled for you.

Speed & performance

ExpressVPN promises some spectacular speeds through its proprietary Lightway protocol, and by and large, they deliver. We recorded top speeds of 898 Mbps through our 1 Gbps VPN testing machine, putting ExpressVPN practically on par with other lightning-fast providers like NordVPN and Surfshark.

However, like NordVPN, we were disappointed by its OpenVPN speeds of only 160 Mbps download. You’ll be able to stream 4k content no matter which protocol you choose, but if you’re using ExpressVPN for downloading or P2P, you should stick to Lightway.

Ease of use

Surfshark's Chrome extension is pretty easy to install; just head to the Chrome Web Store. Once it’s downloaded, all you need to do is start your browser up again, and you’re protected.

We appreciate Surfshark's clear server list organization, which groups locations by continent and country for easy navigation. The interface responds quickly to user inputs and never feels sluggish, even on older Chromebook models with limited processing power.

Privacy & security

Surfshark has an entire suite of privacy-preserving tools to choose from depending on your needs. Surfshark’s private search engine is a powerful alternative to Google, which doesn’t serve you ads and doesn’t track your data, whereas the dark web monitoring feature keeps you informed if your data does end up in the hands of cybercriminals. For us, the most interesting feature Surfshark offers is Alternative ID, which allows you to generate an alternate set of credentials for registering with sites you don’t quite trust.

Of course, all of these features wouldn’t count for much if you couldn’t trust Surfshark with your data. We’ve read through Surfshark’s no-logs policy, and it checks out, especially considering Deloitte has carried out a third-party audit on Surfshark in 2024.

Streaming

Our streaming tests show that Surfshark can successfully access major streaming sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ without any issues. We didn’t notice any interruptions to streaming during our tests, which makes sense considering Surfshark’s fantastic speed test results. This is the case even when running Surfshark’s IP Rotator feature, which regularly changes the IP you’re using to access the internet.

Speed & performance

Don’t let Surfshark’s budget status fool you: it’s the fastest VPN on our list. Like NordVPN, Surfshark maxed out our 1 Gbps testing line at 950+ Mbps when using WireGuard. What’s impressive is that Surfshark also clocked in significantly faster OpenVPN speeds at 460 Mbps download, leaving every other VPN provider on our list in the dust.

We did notice occasional performance fluctuations during peak usage hours, though these rarely impacted normal browsing or productivity tasks.

Ease of use

PIA has completely overhauled its Android app in the last year, bringing it far closer to how PIA works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. While it’s definitely not for a first-time VPN user, there are plenty of options that allow you to tailor the VPN’s display and behaviour.

However, the Chrome browser extension isn’t quite as impressive. There are fewer locations to choose from compared to the Android app, which is already a pretty significant problem. We’ve also found that the Chrome app would randomly log out or stop connecting for a while. That’s on top of the fact that you have to manually connect instead of having the browser app connect for you when you start your browser up. We’d recommend you stick to the Android app if you’re running PIA on your Chromebook until the Chrome browser app receives an overhaul, as it’s in a poor state at the moment.

Privacy & security

The name “Private Internet Access” isn’t just marketing fluff. PIA has had its extensive no-logs policy tested in the US courts two times to date. In both cases, PIA was able to demonstrate that it does not keep any logs relevant to a user’s browsing history or activities on the VPN, and thus could not co-operate with the investigation into alleged users of its service. If that isn’t enough for you, PIA has also commissioned multiple third-party audits, most recently by Deloitte Romania.

As for technical privacy features, PIA's MACE blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. It didn’t perform quite as well as NordVPN’s Threat Protection at blocking cutting-edge malware and phishing threats, but it’s good enough if you need an extra layer of defense against ads.

Streaming

PIA’s a capable streaming VPN. Although it offers multiple servers specifically for streaming in high-traffic locations like the UK, US, and Japan, we found in our tests that even connecting through a standard PIA server is more than enough to watch online content without buffering. Speaking of, our streaming tests show that PIA can provide access to Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and regional providers like 9Now and 10Play, as well as BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, and ITV with ease.

Speed & performance

PIA is the slowest VPN on our list. That’s not to say it’s slow. In fact, the 436 Mbps download we recorded while running tests through our 1 Gbps line is more than enough for any internet activity you can think of, including 4K streaming. However, if you need the absolute most out of your connection for downloading on your Chromebook, there are better choices on our list than PIA.

To be completely fair, PIA’s performance over OpenVPN is the second best here at a respectable 257 Mbps download. Only Surfshark performs better at over double the download speed.

Ease of use

Proton VPN's Chrome extension provides a clean, straightforward interface that prioritizes functionality over flashy design elements. The setup process is simple but thorough, ensuring that you understand your privacy settings and connection options before first use.

The extension's server selection presents clear information about each location's features and current load so you can select a server that’s appropriate if you’re running into connection problems.

Privacy & security

Proton VPN operates under Swiss privacy law. That means that unless Proton VPN is handed a court order approved by the Swiss courts, they cannot hand over any user data to a law enforcement request. Even if they are served a request, Proton VPN operates under a strict no-logs policy powered by fully-encrypted VPN servers.

Simply put, Proton VPN can’t provide customer data it doesn’t have. To demonstrate they’re as good as their word, Proton has gone through three separate third-party audits, including one most recently carried out in 2024 by Securitum.

Streaming

Proton VPN is as capable as the rest of the VPNs on our list at accessing streaming sites, but only on the paid version. When you use the free version, you’re randomly assigned a VPN location from one of five, which means that you might not be able to access your home library for Netflix or Amazon Prime. However, our tests on the paid version allowed us to access both Netflix and Amazon Prime, as well as Disney+ and our usual round of regional streaming providers.

Speed & performance

Just because Proton is a privacy VPN first doesn’t mean you can’t expect blazing fast speeds from the service. Our best-location tests maxed out our 1 Gbps connection line at 950 Mbps, although we did notice some significant drops in connection speed when testing transatlantic connections during peak times of the day.

As is the case with most of the providers on our list, there’s a much less impressive story told by the OpenVPN results. For ProtonVPN, we could only record maximum speeds of 220 Mbps. That’s still fine for streaming in 4K, but it’s not great considering the massive drop in speeds from our WireGuard tests.