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Chromebooks—and all ChromeOS devices—have a lot going for them in terms of security. Installing malware on them is tricky, and wiping them to start over from scratch is a snap. It's still wise to add another layer of privacy protection in the form of a VPN, especially if you're using your Chromebook on a public Wi-Fi network. We've been writing about VPNs for a quarter of a century at PCMag, so you can trust our recommendations. Currently, NordVPN is our top pick in the category because it offers the most premium service we've experienced on the Chromebook. That said, it isn't your only option. Read on for more of the best VPNs for Chromebooks and a rundown of the features you should look for when choosing the right one for you.
Our Top Tested Picks
Private Internet Access VPN
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Best Overall
NordVPN
- Support for multi-hop, split tunneling, and Tor connections
- Bevy of available features and add-ons
- Good speed results
- Built-in antivirus tools
- Excellent design
- Friendly onboarding wizard
- Expensive
- Threat Protection Pro lacks full antivirus capabilities
- Deceptive annual renewal pricing
NordVPN's feature collection is hard to beat. It includes split tunneling, a kill switch, a dark web monitor, and Threat Protection, which blocks malicious websites. The app also includes tapjacking protection.
Users seeking an array of premium features at a reasonable price will appreciate NordVPN.
Best for First-Time VPN Users
TunnelBear VPN
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Excellent privacy policies
- Annual independent audits
- Friendly, approachable design (with bears!)
- No multi-hop connections
- Split tunneling not available on all platforms
- Data limit on free subscription
While outwardly friendly, TunnelBear VPN is a ferocious defender of privacy. The ChromeOS version includes app-level split tunneling, which is called SplitBear. Other features are VigilantBear, the auto-reconnect option, and GhostBear, which makes your VPN connection appear as regular internet traffic in instances where VPN activity is blocked.
TunnelBear has always put a lot of effort into making its user interface functional yet lighthearted, which is a welcome change in the digital security space. People who appreciate fun design and strong privacy principles will want to try TunnelBear VPN.
Best VPN Server Choices
CyberGhost VPN
- Large, well-distributed server fleet
- Allows up to seven simultaneous connections
- Several add-ons, including antivirus
- Outstanding speed test scores
- Newly completed third-party audit
- Expensive
- Confusing privacy policies
We like CyberGhost's modern-looking user interface. As far as features go, it offers ChromeOS users split tunneling and a content blocker to use while browsing.
People who seek diverse VPN server options will like CyberGhost. It has one of the largest fleets of VPN servers.
Best Global Server Collection
ExpressVPN
- Large, diversely distributed fleet of servers
- Strong privacy and security practices
- Split tunneling
- Stylish interface
- Expensive compared with VPNs with similar feature sets
- No multi-hop connections
We appreciate ExpressVPN's easy-to-read user interface. The ChromeOS app includes split tunneling and an auto-connect option. Other privacy-related features include an IP address checker, DNS and WebRTC leak test tools, and a password generator.
Subscribers seeking physical VPN servers should try ExpressVPN. The company doesn't rely heavily on virtual servers, which sets it apart from some VPN services that tout big server distributions.
Best VPN Connection Options
IPVanish VPN
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Good geographic diversity of servers
- Transparent privacy policy
- Small impact on throughput speeds in our testing
- Expensive
- Free trial only offered on annual plans via mobile app stores
IPVanish has appealing features for Chromebook users, including split tunneling, ad and tracker blocking, and a kill switch.
IPVanish is ideal for users who want to customize their VPN connection settings. We like its Connect On Demand setting, which only allows a VPN connection in certain circumstances, such as when you are using public Wi-Fi.
(Note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, PCMag.com's parent company. For more, see the ethics policy in our Editorial Mission Statement.)
Best for Power Users
Private Internet Access VPN
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Split tunneling and multi-hop
- Numerous server locations
- Completed third-party audit
- Expensive
- No free version
Private Internet Access offers ChromeOS users VPN tools such as auto-connect, a kill switch, and even a VPN connection snooze button.
People who like to tinker with their VPN settings will like Private Internet Access VPN's customization options. We like that it can be a simple set-and-forget app, or you can dive into its myriad settings and configure the VPN to suit your exact needs.
Best for Bargain Hunters
Mullvad VPN
- Affordable
- Requires no email or account information
- Radically transparency
- Open Netflix access in all regions tested
- Awkward desktop interface
- No transparency report or warrant canary
- Servers in a small range of countries
Mullvad VPN for Chromebook includes split tunneling, plus the interface is uncluttered and easy to navigate.
People who like an app with a minimalist appearance and a firm commitment to privacy will appreciate the Mullvad VPN ChromeOS app.
Best Company Transparency
Windscribe VPN
- Industry-leading company transparency and communication
- Large number of payment options
- Best free plan of any VPN we've tested
- Helpful AI support bot
- Open Netflix access in all regions benchmarked
- Unlimited number of simultaneous connections and devices
- Anonymous signup allowed
- Middling speed results
Windscribe VPN features both an Android app and a Chrome extension, so you can use the service however you please on most Chromebook models. We especially like Windscribe's policies surrounding anonymous signup and activity logging, which guarantee that even Google itself won't be able to identify your traffic online when you have Windscribe running in the background.
Those looking for both broad support across multiple platform options, as well as the privacy-obsessed, will find plenty to like about Windscribe.
Does Your Chromebook Need a VPN?
Yes, probably. Here's why: a VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your Chromebook and a server operated by a VPN company. When you pass your internet traffic through that tunnel, you ensure it cannot be spied on in transit. Furthermore, your IP address is hidden, which means your location is, too. For more details, you should read our story why you need a VPN.
How a VPN Works
How to Set Up a VPN on a Chromebook
There are a couple of ways to protect your Chromebook by a VPN. You can use a Chrome browser extension or an Android app. Manual VPN installation is possible, but we don't recommend doing it because the process often involves using less secure VPN protocols
1. Use a Chrome VPN Extension
Using a Chrome browser extension is probably the easiest way to secure your web traffic. In fact, we have an entire roundup of Chrome browser extensions to help you pick the right one if this is the way you choose to go.
Why wouldn't you go this easier route? The problem is that Chrome VPN extensions only secure your web browser traffic. Sometimes, that's a good thing. If you want to secure your web traffic but don't want your VPN to screw up your video streaming, you can protect the browser and use, say, an Android app for viewing Netflix that won't be piped through the VPN. However, this can also create confusion about what is and what isn't secure on your device.
2. Use an Android VPN App
The most comprehensive way to secure your Chromebook's web traffic is to use an Android VPN app on your Chromebook. Download the VPN app of your choice, log in, and switch it on. Android VPN apps appear as connection options in the network settings menu on your Chromebook.
You'll need to run the latest version of ChromeOS and activate the Google Play store from the ChromeOS settings menu. Just open the Settings app, search for Google Play, and toggle it on. If you're using a corporate Google account, however, you may not be able to activate Google Play without approval from your system administrator.
Most VPN apps for Chromebook are Android apps. Not all Android apps appear on ChromeOS as they do on your mobile devices, and some apps will not work with some Chromebooks. Check out this guide to installing Android apps on your Chromebook.
What Are the Best Chromebook VPN Features?
Since most VPNs that work on ChromeOS are re-scaled Android apps, they usually have similar features. Due to Android's operating system, developers can typically include a few more options than they can for iOS and macOS VPN apps. Below are a few settings to enable in your ChromeOS VPN app.
Kill Switch
A kill switch disconnects your device from the internet if your VPN connection drops. Enabling the kill switch in the settings menu of your VPN app is helpful if you frequently use public Wi-Fi.
Split Tunneling
This setting lets you decide which apps send your data through the VPN connection. That's useful for apps that tend to block VPN access, such as media streaming apps and mobile games.
Extra Features
A few VPN companies have started including some interesting connectivity options in the settings menu. One great example is Hotspot Shield VPN's Connection Center, which lets you choose various VPN traffic routing options for connecting to cellular or secured and unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
Recommended by Our Editors
Some VPNs also include options that aren't directly related to a VPN connection but are helpful add-ons, like ad blockers, dark web monitoring, or adult website filtering.
VPNs: Possible With ChromeOS
Using mobile apps on a computer might not be the first thing a consumer thinks to do, but it’s the most effective way to use some of the best VPNs we’ve reviewed.
A major selling point of Chromebooks is their security. With little opportunity to store or run malware, Chromebooks are a blessing to the low-cost computer market. Just restart to solve most problems and power wash your worries away.
Surveillance and online threats are the greatest potential pitfalls for Chromebook owners. For now, Android VPN apps are your best option for protecting your privacy online while using a Chromebook.
Max Eddy contributed to this article.
