Best VPN browser extensions
Follow these simple steps to use a VPN browser extension with Chrome:
Browser VPNs: 3 to Try if You Want to Improve Online Privacy
Easier and speedier to use than typical VPNs, these lightweight privacy boosts are handy to have around.
Rae Hodge Former senior editor
Rae Hodge was a senior editor at CNET. She led CNET’s coverage of privacy and cybersecurity tools from July 2019 to January 2023. As a data-driven investigative journalist on the software and services team, she reviewed VPNs, password managers, antivirus software, anti-surveillance methods and ethics in tech. Prior to joining CNET in 2019, Rae spent nearly a decade covering politics and protests for the AP, NPR, the BBC and other local and international outlets.
Nov. 19, 2022 12:00 p.m. PT
4 min read
It’s more important than ever to keep your information and privacy safe, which is exactly where a VPN, or virtual private network , comes in. A VPN provides an additional layer of security to protect your information, but standalone VPNs can often get expensive over time. If you’re simply looking for something basic that will add an extra layer of web security, you might want to consider using a browser-based VPN. Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and Brave all offer browser-based VPN options that are designed to hide your IP without bogging down your internet speeds — and they’re all easier to use than standalone options.
Here’s all you need to know about the best browser VPN options available today and what they offer.
Browser VPNs vs. standalone VPNs
There are essentially three different kinds of VPNs you can opt for, and each offers a different layer of protection and security.
First, there are router VPNs, which funnel all of the internet activity of everything connected to your home Wi-Fi network into their servers to keep you anonymous. Secondly, there are VPN apps for your computer or mobile device — a VPN app, such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN , will protect your anonymity only on the device you’ve put it on.
And finally, there are browser-based proxy services and VPNs. Sometimes browser companies inaccurately call their proxy services a virtual private network to make them sound more secure, but I’ve noted which are which below. Where desktop and mobile VPNs protect the anonymity of your whole device — all internet activity in your browsers, email clients and file-sharing apps — browser-based proxies just anonymize what happens in your web browser. They’re less private and less secure, but far faster.
Whether you opt for a browser-based VPN or not, we still recommend tweaking your browser’s settings to take advantage of any current privacy options you’ve already got onboard.
Brave
Rather than being just a simple proxy service, Brave’s built-in browser VPN for iPhone and iPad delivers a full encryption experience. Strong security often comes at the expense of speed, but not so when paired with Brave Browser’s lightning speeds.
The browser feature, called Brave Firewall + VPN, is actually a combination of its VPN and its Brave Firewall protection software which blocks trackers and malicious websites more thoroughly than most of its competitors. And unlike most other browser-based VPNs, Brave Firewall + VPN offers full device encryption. It runs $10 per month or $100 per year, and a single subscription can be used on up to five devices.
Firefox
Mozilla’s VPN experience has been a bit confusing. First, its standalone VPN was known as Firefox Private Network, and then Firefox VPN. Then Mozilla launched an add-on, changed the standalone’s name to Mozilla VPN, and called the add-on Firefox Private Network. Phew.
But never mind the early confusion. The Firefox Private Network add-on is a proxy service that’s worth checking out if you want a light layer of privacy while browsing on public Wi-Fi. It doesn’t offer full-device encryption the way the standalone Mozilla VPN does, but it doesn’t drag your speeds down or hamper your browsing experience as much either. It’s also easy to use: The single, on-off switch makes it a breeze to operate.
And, yes, it’s completely free of charge. While we usually would never recommend using a free VPN, again, this isn’t really a true VPN: It’s a proxy service that offers extra privacy, not the full VPN suite of tools. If you want to really cover your tracks by upgrading to a full VPN, you should always avoid free VPNs and instead use a paid VPN service with a proven privacy track record ( check out our favorite VPNs here ).
Chrome
Google Chrome doesn’t have a native VPN built into it. Instead, you’ll need to use a VPN browser extension from your preferred VPN to get the same effect.
I recommend using the Chrome VPN extension from our Editors’ Choice VPN service, ExpressVPN . You can also use it on Firefox, Edge, Brave and Vivaldi browsers. You’ll still need to have downloaded the full ExpressVPN app, but the lightweight browser extension allows you to streamline your VPN use to just geolocation changes and offers a couple other core privacy features.
In October of 2020, Google launched its own standalone VPN as part of its $100 annual bundle package for Google One subscribers with a 2TB account. If you’re already a Google One user and simply looking for an extra layer of protection while using free public Wi-Fi, this VPN could be a great fit.
If you’re interested in keeping your browsing, internet traffic and usage data private from corporations and government entities, however, I’d urge you to consider carefully Google’s long, storied history of sharing and collecting user data before you use any of its products.
Best VPN browser extensions
A VPN browser extension is a great way to get additional security without installing anything onto your device. This guide will tell you everything you need to know to get started.
A browser extension is a simple way to get some of the benefits of a full VPN without the need to download and install software. Because it only operates on the browser itself rather than your whole device, it’s very lightweight – though this also means that it’s limited in the protection it can offer. When toggled on, it protects your browser’s internet connection using encryption. If you want full encryption for everything else on your device that connects to the internet, then you’ll need a full VPN.
A virtual private network (VPN) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and an intermediary server in the VPN provider’s network. All traffic is masked before reaching the internet proper. A browser extension, by contrast, is a proxy that only protects traffic from the browser – everything else connects as normal.
The best VPN browser extensions are offered together with full VPN apps and require a subscription to access. We’ve outlined our recommended options below, which we’ll explore in more detail later in the article.
The best VPN browser extensions:
- NordVPN: Our recommended VPN service. Protects traffic using TLS encryption and works with Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browsers. Has a quick-connect feature and includes an ad and malware-blocker. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Best budget provider. Allows greater control of the CleanWeb feature compared with the native app. Provides access to MultiHop servers and can bypass named websites. Works with the Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers.
- ExpressVPN: Allows users to remotely control the ExpressVPN app from Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi browsers. Can spoof HTML5 geolocation and ensures users connect to HTTPS versions of websites.
- Proton VPN: Provides access to high-security servers and allows split-tunneling. An auto-connect feature ensures Chromium and Firefox-based browsers are always protected. Works well with popular browser-based streaming platforms.
- CyberGhost: Free browser extension with a limited choice of servers. Offers secure browsing with no caps on data or bandwidth. Includes WebRTC protection and adheres to the company’s no-logs policy.
- Mullvad VPN: Open-source browser extension designed for use in conjunction with the Mullvad VPN app. Free to download and available for the Firefox browser. Provides one-click access to SOCKS5 proxy servers and allows WebRTC to be disabled.
Summary table
| No value | TEST WINNER | No value | No value | No value | No value | No value |
| No value | NordVPN www.nordvpn.com | Surfshark www.surfshark.com | ExpressVPN www.expressvpn.com | Proton VPN www.protonvpn.com | CyberGhost www.cyberghost.com | Mullvad https://mullvad.net |
| Ranking | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Browser Extensions | Chrome, Firefox, Firefox for Android | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Chrome, Firefox, Safari | Chrome, Firefox | Chrome, Firefox | Firefox\t |
| Streaming Services | Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, ITV Hub | Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, ITV Hub | Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, ITV Hub | Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub | Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, ITV Hub | Netflix, Amazon Prime |
| Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux Android TV | Windows, MacOS, Linux (command line), iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Routers |
| Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps |
| Simultaneous Connections | 6 | Unlimited | 5 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Best deal (per month) | $3.29 SAVE 63% + FREE months | $2.30 84% off 2yr plan | $6.67 Save 49% | $4.99 SAVE 50% | $2.11 SAVE 83% | $5.50 $5.50/mo |
Choosing between VPN browser extensions can be a little confusing, which is why we used the following criteria to make it clear what we wanted from each provider. We’ll talk more about our testing methodology later in the article.
- Browser extensions available as well as VPN apps
- Fast connection speeds
- Robust security and privacy
- Able to bypass geo-restrictions
- Good value for money
To be included as one of our top three providers in this list, we require VPNs to have a RAM-only server network, independently audited software and infrastructure, effective obfuscation, and a location beyond the reach of cross-border spying alliances.
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Best VPNs browser extensions
Now let’s explore each of our recommended services in a little more detail:
1. NordVPN
Website: www.nordvpn.com
OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Linux
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 7.5/10
Value for Money: 9/10
Streaming: 10/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 10/10
Customer Support: 10/10
The NordVPN browser extension is a lightweight version of the company’s VPN app. It’s available to NordVPN subscribers and works with Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browsers.
Features include split tunneling; unlimited data and bandwidth; and Threat Protection Lite, which blocks ads and access to malicious websites. The browser extension disables the WebRTC protocol, which can reveal your IP address while connected.
A quick-connect button connects users to the fastest server from the NordVPN network. This comprises 5,614+ RAM-only servers in 60+ countries. These provide streamlined access to a wide variety of browser-based streaming platforms and speeds fast enough to watch video in 4K.
Users who want to hide their IP address outside of their browser can use one of the NordVPN apps, which are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. These protect internet traffic using AES-256 encryption and come with additional features such as a kill switch and obfuscation that works in China.
NordVPN has had multiple independent audits of its infrastructure and software, which have served to verify its no-logs claims. NordVPN’s Meshnet private tunnel feature for Windows, macOS, and Linux is also now free for everyone.
Pros:
- Browser extension for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox
- Very fast connection speeds
- Access to RAM-only servers in 60+ countries
- WebRTC protection
- Split tunneling
- Audited no logs policy
Cons:
- Data breach in 2018
BEST VPN BROWSER EXTENSION: NordVPN is our recommended VPN service. Its browser extensions feature split-tunneling, an ad and malware-blocker, and excellent access to streaming platforms. Plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN Coupon
SAVE 63% + FREE months
Discount applied automatically
2. Surfshark
Website: www.surfshark.com
OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Linux
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 7/10
Value for Money: 9/10
Streaming: 10/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 9.8/10
Customer Support: 10/10
The Surfshark browser extension is a proxy VPN that provides one-click access to the company’s network of 3,200+ RAM-only servers in 100+ countries. Unlike the full VPN app, it allows users to select which aspects of the CleanWeb tool they wish to use. This tool comprises an ad blocker, pop-up blocker, data breach alert, and malware alert.
The extension can be given permission to run in private windows. Connect using MultiHop servers and to set up bypasses for specific websites that you want to use with a regular internet connection.
As with the full VPN app, the browser extension abides by the company’s no-logs policy. Furthermore, it has been audited by German cybersecurity firm Cure53.
To access the browser extension – which is available for the Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers – you’ll need to pay for a Surfshark subscription. This will let you download the full Surfshark VPN app, which is the preferable option for most users.
The app protects all traffic leaving your device with 256-bit AES encryption, and has a kill switch and built-in leak protection. Its NoBorders mode enables connections in China and the company’s Nexus technology can rotate users’ IP addresses in-session.
Subscriptions include unlimited device connections and all apps – available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux – have a full GUI.
Pros:
- Works with Chrome, Firefox, and Edge
- RAM-only servers in 100+ countries
- Excellent for streaming
- Additional CleanWeb functionality
- Audited zero logs policy
Cons:
- GPS-spoofing only available for Android
- No longer independent
GREAT VALUE: The Surfshark browser extension provides access to RAM-only servers in 100+ countries. It can bypass named websites, establish MultiHop connections, and is great for streaming. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark Coupon
Get 2 Months FREE with a 2-year plan
Discount applied automatically
3. ExpressVPN
Website: www.expressvpn.com
OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Linux
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 6/10
Value for Money: 6/10
Streaming: 9/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 9.5/10
Customer Support: 6/10
The ExpressVPN browser extension is fast, lightweight, and able to access all of the most popular browser-based streaming platforms.
Users can connect to ExpressVPN servers using Smart Location or from a recommended list. Alternatively, users can choose from any location – the company has RAM-only servers in 94+ countries, so there are lots of options available.
The extension works a little differently to those from other providers. It requires users to already be running an ExpressVPN app, which can then be controlled remotely using the browser extension. Disconnecting the VPN using the browser extension will disconnect it on a system-wide level.
The browser extension is available for Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi browsers. It includes an auto-connect feature, WebRTC protection, and the option to restrict access to HTTPS-only websites. It can spoof your HTML5 geolocation to match the location of the VPN server to which you’re connected.
Before using it, users will need to download and install an ExpressVPN app for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, or Linux.
ExpressVPN is known for its tight security and the company has had several independent audits of its software and infrastructure. It offers a one-time $100,000 reward for anyone able to compromise its systems.
Pros:
- Browser extension for Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi
- RAM-only servers in 94+ countries
- Great for streaming
- HMTL5 geolocation spoofing
- Audited no-logs policy
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- Parent company has a questionable past
GEOLOCATION SPOOFING: ExpressVPN has browser extensions available for the Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi browser. These include HTML5 geolocation spoofing, WebRTC protection, and access to RAM-only servers in 94+ countries. 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN Coupon
SAVE: 49% on the annual plan
Coupon applied automatically
4. Proton VPN
Website: www.protonvpn.com
OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Linux
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 9/10
Value for Money: 7/10
Streaming: 8/10
Ease of use: 6/10
Privacy: 10/10
Customer Support: 7/10
The Proton VPN browser extension is only accessible to those with a Proton VPN plan. It supports many of the features found when using the full VPN service. These include access to Secure Core servers, which route traffic through high security Proton VPN data centers in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden.
Its auto-connect feature ensures users’ browsing sessions are always protected without having to remember to enable the VPN. Split-tunneling allows users to specify which website should be excluded from VPN connections.
The Proton VPN browser extension is available for both Chromium-based browsers and Firefox-based browsers. The former includes Google Chrome, Brave, Microsoft Edge, Chromium, Opera, and Vivaldi; while the latter includes Firefox, LibreWolf, and Waterfox.
The extension can be used in a variety of browsers, but it’s worth remembering that each browser running an active VPN connection counts towards the limit of 10 simultaneous VPN connections.
Like Proton VPN, the browser extension is a good option for streaming and is able to access platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. Proton VPN allows port forwarding, which means it’s also good for torrenters – but only when using one of the Proton VPN apps.
The company has a zero-logs policy that’s been verified through third-party audits of its software and infrastructure.
Pros:
- Browser extension available for Chromium-based and Firefox-based browsers
- Auto-connect option
- Split-tunneling
- MultiHop connections
Cons:
- Relatively small server network
- No auto-connect feature
MULTIHOP OPTIONS: Browser extension offers auto-connect, split tunneling, and MultiHop connections. Requires a subscription to Proton VPN and is available for Chromium-based and Firefox-based browsers. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ProtonVPN Coupon
SAVE 50% on a two-year plan
Discount applied automatically
5. CyberGhost
Website: www.cyberghost.com
OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Money Back Guarantee: 45 days
Speed: 9/10
Value for Money: 10/10
Streaming: 8/10
Ease of use: 10/10
Privacy: 9/10
Customer Support: 9/10
The CyberGhost browser extension is unusual in that it’s free – though this does come with limitations. It only provides access to eight servers in four countries: the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, and Romania. This is a tiny fraction of the company’s network proper, which comprises 9,022+ servers in 91+ countries.
The extension is available for Firefox and Chrome browsers and imposes no caps on either data or bandwidth. It comes with WebRTC protection and an ad and malware-blocker.
Users who prefer secure connections no matter what content they access should consider subscribing to the CyberGhost VPN service. The VPN apps provide easy access to all of the major streaming platforms and notably fast connection speeds.
Apps are available for a range of operating systems and include features not available with the free browser extension. These include a kill switch, multiple protocol support, 24/7 live chat, and access to the company’s expansive network of RAM-only servers.
CyberGhost has a zero-logs policy and has undergone independent audits of its server network and management systems. It issues quarterly transparency reports detailing any third-party data requests.
Pros:
- Free browser extension for Firefox and Chrome
- WebRTC protection
- Ad and malware-blocker
Cons:
- Parent company has a questionable past
- Only eight servers available
FREE BROWSER EXTENSION: CyberGhost’s free browser extension comes with WebRTC protection and an ad and malware-blocker. Full access to CyberGhost’s RAM-only server network requires a subscription, which comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
CyberGhost Coupon
SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 3 months FREE
Discount applied automatically
6. Mullvad
Website: https://mullvad.net
OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Money Back Guarantee: 30 days
Speed: 10/10
Value for Money: 6/10
Streaming: 4/10
Ease of use: 8.9/10
Privacy: 10/10
Customer Support: 7/10
Mullvad VPN has an open-source browser extension that’s available for free from its website – though it’s designed to accompany the subscription-only Mullvad VPN app.
The so-called Mullvad Privacy Companion is available for Firefox desktop, and allows users to check connection details and verify that they are not experiencing any IP, WebRTC, or DNS leaks.
The extension provides direct links to installing the uBlock Origin ad-blocker as well as instructions on how to use HTTPS-only mode. It allows users to disable WebRTC, recommends optimal DNS settings, and provides one-click access to SOCKS5 proxy servers.
To use the Mullvad VPN server network, users will need to subscribe to the VPN service. Subscriptions are reasonably priced and allow users to pay in cash or receive a discount by using cryptocurrency. Signing up doesn’t require an email address, which is great for the privacy-conscious.
Compared with the browser extension, the app provides more features. These include obfuscation, a kill switch, split tunneling, and access to MultiHop servers. Apps all have a full GUI and are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
Mullvad VPN has had its infrastructure and software audited by third-parties, and its privacy policy is clearly defined and easy to understand.
Pros:
- Free browser extension for Firefox
- Allows WebRTC to be disabled
- Once-click access to proxy servers
Cons:
- Relatively small server network
- Still in beta testing
BETA BROWSER EXTENSION: Mullvad VPN’s browser extension is available for Firefox desktop browsers. It identifies leaks and makes privacy recommendations. Subscriptions to the VPN service proper come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Mullvad Coupon
$5.50 per month on any plan
Discount applied automatically
Methodology for choosing the best VPN browser extensions
We aim to objectively compare VPN services using a specific list of criteria – this is also true when making recommendations for VPN browser extensions. We explain more about our testing methodology process below.
- Browser extensions available as well as VPN apps: While browser extensions have their uses, it’s almost always preferable to use a full VPN app. For this reason, we look for providers that offer both browser extensions and good quality VPN apps.
- Fast connection speeds: A browser extension that significantly lowers your base connection speed is unlikely to get much use. We regularly test VPN services to ensure that we only recommend those that are at least fast enough for day-to-day browsing.
- Robust security and privacy: There’s little point using a VPN browser extension if it leaks your IP address. We only recommend services that protect users by offering encryption and additional features such as WebRTC protection, a kill switch, split tunneling, and MultiHop connections. They should also abide by a no-logs policy and ideally have had their software and infrastructure independently audited.
- Able to bypass geo-restrictions: Browser extensions should allow users to connect to the servers in the VPN provider’s network and thus spoof their IP addresses. Doing this enables them to browse foreign content libraries and access other similarly geo-restricted sites.
- Good value for money: The best VPN browser extensions require a subscription, which also include access to the provider’s native VPN apps. We consider whether these subscriptions represent a good deal. If not, we don’t include them.
- Diskless servers: All providers mentioned in our top three must tick this box. A RAM-only server network ensures that no user data is permanently stored on the VPN provider’s servers. RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory that is erased upon server reboot, leaving no traces of user activity. This reduces the risk of data breaches or third-party access to user information.
- Audited software and infrastructure: Another prerequisite to be named in our top three. Independent audits by reputable third-party firms provide reassurance to users who are not able to verify a VPN’s no-logs claims themselves. The audits are also useful for VPN companies, as they identify any exploits or vulnerabilities that could compromise security. The better VPN providers have their server networks audited as well as their apps.
Can I use a free browser extension?
You can, but you’ll be limited in what you can do with it. We’ve discussed the free CyberGhost extension above, which only gives you access to a few locations and relatively slow speeds. However, things are far worse for the majority of free VPN browser extensions. These are normally so slow that all but the most basic online activity is impossible.
While CyberGhost makes its service free as a way of tempting users into paying for a subscription, most free VPNs rely instead on advertising revenue to survive. This means annoying pop-ups at best, your data being harvested at worst. Trackers are common and most keep some form of logs.
How to use a VPN browser extension with Chrome
Follow these simple steps to use a VPN browser extension with Chrome:
- Choose a VPN with browser extensions available. We recommend NordVPN.
- Sign up for a subscription. Longer terms are almost always better value.
- Go to the Chrome Web Store.
- Enter the name of your chosen VPN provider in the “Search the store” field.
- Click on the relevant result.
- Click on the “Add to Chrome” button and follow the prompts.
- Click on the Extensions puzzle-piece icon in the toolbar.
- Open the relevant browser extension in the Extensions pop-up window.
- Enter your login credentials if required.
- Connect to a server to protect your browser connection.
How to use a VPN browser extension with Firefox
Follow these simple steps to use a VPN browser extension with Firefox:
- Choose a VPN with browser extensions available. We recommend NordVPN.
- Sign up for a subscription. Longer terms are almost always better value.
- Go to the Firefox Add-ons page
- Enter the name of your chosen VPN provider in the “Find add-ons” field.
- Click on the relevant result.
- Click “Add to Firefox”.
- Click on the Extensions puzzle-piece icon in the toolbar.
- Open the relevant browser extension in the Extensions pop-up window.
- Enter your login credentials if required.
- Connect to a server to protect your browser connection.
Best VPN browser extensions – FAQs
Should I use a VPN browser extension?
Browser extensions allow users to do things like connect three different browsers to servers in three different countries simultaneously. More often, they provide a convenient way to protect browser traffic while leaving the rest of your machine free to connect to the internet as normal. If you don’t like the sound of this, then it’s better just to use a full VPN.
Browser extensions are a good option when using a device that doesn’t support VPN software natively, such as Chromebooks. Other people find them to be a useful way to temporarily protect internet connections. Or to spoof their location while using a device where they are unwilling, or unable, to install a full VPN app – such as a shared work computer or Chromebook.
Are browser extensions VPNs?
Not really. It’s safer to consider the two distinct. A browser extension is more of a proxy, as it only sends the traffic generated while using that browser to the proxy server. While this allows users to spoof their IP address while browsing, it doesn’t hide their IP address when using other internet-connected apps on their devices.
Most reputable VPN providers state that their browser extensions are proxies and only work with browser traffic. While these proxies use SSL to encrypt traffic, it’s worth noting that proxies using SOCKS and HTTP protocols – and some free proxies – may not encrypt traffic at all. Using them will allow your ISP to see what you’re doing online.
How do VPN browser extensions protect me?
The majority of browser extensions protect traffic using SSL, which is the encryption used in HTTPS connections. Although any website worth its salt already uses HTTPS to protect traffic, there are still some that don’t – which is where a browser extension can come in useful. Furthermore, HTTPS only hides the contents of websites, not which websites you visit. A good browser extension will hide both.
In terms of privacy, the best VPN browser extensions will adhere to a no-logs policy. The provider doesn’t keep any customer usage logs that could contain personally identifiable information.
Can I unblock streaming services using a VPN browser extension?
Although VPN browser extensions provide a high level of convenience, it’s important to note that the proxy connection provided by these extensions does not offer the same level of privacy and security as the full VPN application. Streaming services have become increasingly adept at detecting and blocking proxy connections. In fact, based on our experience, popular streaming platforms have already taken measures to block most browser proxies.
To ensure a seamless streaming experience and bypass geo-restrictions effectively, we recommend that you use the main VPN application rather than the VPN browser extensions. The full VPN application provides stronger encryption, better IP address spoofing, and a wider range of server options, increasing your chances of successfully accessing and enjoying your streaming services while on vacation.
The encryption provided by the main VPN app also provides you with privacy, which makes it a much better option for bypassing streaming blocks or other restrictions in school, at work, or on any other network where TV broadcasts, streaming platforms, game servers, social media, or anything else has been blocked. This ensures that nobody will find out you have bypassed the local network restrictions, which is not the case if you bypass blocks using the insecure browser extension.
Of course, you are free to try using a VPN browser extension to watch your favorite TV shows and VoD platforms. However, you will have more success using the primary VPN app, which will enhance your privacy, defeat geo-blocking measures, and give you a much more reliable streaming experience.
Can I use a browser extension to bypass blocks at work?
Many employees worldwide seek ways to bypass restrictions on their work computers. However, IT departments often impose limitations that prevent the installation of applications on the main operating system. As a result, employees often find themselves unable to install a VPN client on their work computer, restricting their ability to bypass restrictions or enjoy enhanced privacy.
Fortunately, some employees find that although they can’t install the main VPN app, they are allowed to install browser extensions in Chrome or Firefox. This provides an alternative method for location spoofing on a work computer.
It’s important to note that the browser extension provided by a VPN is a proxy and does not offer the same level of encryption as the main VPN client. As a result, the local network administrator may still be able to monitor your online activities. If you use the proxy extension to access internet services intentionally blocked by your employer, you could get in trouble, so always proceed with caution.
Did you know
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