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The 5 Best Google Chromebook VPN services in 2024

Using a VPN for Google Chromebook will improve your online privacy and also allow you to unblock content and websites that aren't available in your country. Unfortunately, not all VPNs offer VPN clients for Chromebooks, making it difficult to find a service with all the features you need. 

In this guide, we list the best Google Chromebook VPN services and also give you some top tips on how you can stay secure and private by using a VPN service on Chromebook. 

What are the best VPNs for Chromebook?

We give you a sneak peek at the 5 best Google Chromebook VPN services below. If you want more information about any of these services, keep scrolling for in-depth analyzes of each provider.

  1. ExpressVPN - The best VPN for Chromebook. Super-fast, very safe, offers a great Android app for Chromebook, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. TIP

    In our testing we checked that all ExpressVPN plans work for Netflix. The one year plan is the best value: three months free and a 30 day risk-free trial.

  3. NordVPN - The most secure Chromebook VPN. Offers well-implemented OpenVPN encryption, stealth servers, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  4. CyberGhost VPN - A great value-for-money VPN, with an easy-to-use app that works well on Chromebook, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  5. Surfshark - The cheapest Chromebook VPN. You can install it with the Android app or manually configure it, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  6. VyprVPN - A well-trusted Chromebook VPN that has been publicly audited, offers proprietary servers/features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

In order to make sure you're getting the most out of your Google Chromebook VPN, we put all of the services we recommend through a meticulous reviewing process to ensure they all feature the following:

Best Chromebook VPNs – In-depth Analysis

We take a closer, more in-depth look at the best Google Chromebook VPN services below. If you want more information on any provider listed here, in particular, check out our detailed VPN reviews.

1. ExpressVPN
Editor's Choice | April 2024

ExpressVPN is the best Chromebook VPN. It's one of the fastest VPNs around and unblocks everything. Its Android app can be installed on Chromebook – a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Pricing

    • 12 months + 3 months FREE + Backblaze backup: $6.67/mth
      49% OFF
    • 6 months: $9.99/mth
    • 1 month: $12.95/mth
  • Pros

    • Multiple encryption options for top-notch speed and security
    • Super-fast servers, ideal for all your data-intensive tasks
    • Servers in 160 locations across 94 countries, plenty of choice
    • Beginner-friendly, easy-to-use on Chromebook
    • An independently audited zero-logs service
  • Cons

    • Only 5 simultaneous connections – less than its competitors
    • No port-forwarding, not the best choice for torrenters
    • Expensive, but you get premium service and features with each plan
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

ExpressVPN Demo

ExpressVPN Demo ExpressVPN Demo


ExpressVPN is a hugely respected name in the VPN industry. This no-logs service runs entirely on non-writable media to ensure no logs can persist on its servers after a reboot, which means privacy is guaranteed when using ExpressVPN on your Chromebook (or any other platform for that matter).


A beginner-friendly VPN for your Chromebook


ExpressVPN offers an OpenVPN Android app with full Chromebook setup instructions. This app features a kill-switch (“Network Lock”) and split tunneling, so you can decide which of the Android apps running on your Chromebook are routed through the VPN interface (Chrome OS itself connections will always be routed through the VPN interface when the app is running).


Although ExpressVPN offers a Chrome extension, this is not a stand-alone app and requires the Windows or macOS desktop client to work. The browser extension is, therefore, not suitable for Chromebook users. ExpressVPN supplies L2TP/IPsec setup instructions, however, for owners of Chromebooks which do not support Android. Like NordVPN, ExpressVPN provides a custom CLI Linux script for easy OpenVPN setup in Linux, and which works flawlessly on a Linux-enabled Chromebook.


Premium security features 


ExpressVPN has a strict zero-logs policy and has even undergone a Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) audit to prove it keeps no logs. In other words, all your sensitive data is in safe hands. Besides, ExpressVPN comes with robust encryption and multiple protocols to choose from for even better speeds and security. You can opt for the well-trusted and tested OpenVPN, or you can try Lightway – a cutting-edge and remarkably speedy VPN protocol (developed by ExpressVPN itself).



ExpressVPN also includes obfuscated (stealth) servers, which can help you beat censorship measures, even in places with the strictest government restrictions, such as China or Egypt. An automatic kill-switch is also available to protect you from data leaks if, by any chance, your connection drops, and split-tunneling will separate your non-VPN traffic (online banking, work-related platforms) from your VPN traffic (streaming, gaming). These, and a long list of other advanced privacy features, ensure that you can browse via your Chromebook with total peace of mind.


Geo-spoofing champion with great cross-platform compatibility


ExpressVPN comes with thousands of lightning-fast servers in 105 countries worldwide, so you'll never be stuck for choice. In addition, the service unblocks all major online streaming platforms with ease. You’ll get access to over 30 exclusive Netflix catalogs, including the massive US and UK Netflix libraries. Folks that aren't big fans of Netflix will be glad to hear that ExpressVPN also unblocks BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Disney+, and more.


ExpressVPN is also great for gamers since it doesn't impose any bandwidth caps or monthly data limits. This VPN will grant you very secure access to game catalogs abroad, too – so you can buy popular titles from other countries sooner, or for less money.


Finally, ExpressVPN offers sleek and easy-to-use apps compatible with all your OS and devices (you can even use it on a VPN router and PC console), so it's a great option for cross-platform usage. A very convenient 30-day money-back guarantee is also there, which enables you to test its myriad of privacy features risk-free for 30 days.


 


Expressvpn on chromebook

NordVPN is the most secure Chromebook VPN. You get a selection of strong protocols, including OpenVPN, an audited zero-logs policy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Pricing

    • 24 months + 3 months FREE: $3.69/mth
      70% OFF
    • 12 months: $4.99/mth
      59% OFF
    • 1 month: $11.99/mth
  • Pros

    • Easy-to-use apps for Android, and a Chrome extension
    • Thousands of lightning-fast servers in 60 countries
    • Excellent OpenVPN encryption
    • Audited zero-logs service
  • Cons

    • Only 6 simultaneous connections
    • More expensive than the VPNs bellow
    • No port-forwarding, not ideal for torrenters
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

Nord Demo

Nord Demo Nord Demo


NordVPN is an enduringly popular service based in the NSA-free country of Panama – an immediate win for user privacy. The zero-logs service also offers strong support for Chrome OS, and most Chromebook users will be able to download its excellent Android app, which is stuffed with features.


Impressive privacy toolkit


NordVPN's customizable kill-switch will prevent your identifiable data leaking if your VPN connection happens to drop, and its CyberSec tool banishes those pesky trackers and ads from your browsing sessions, so you can hop from site to site without worrying about who's keeping tabs on you. And, of course, NordVPN's superb OpenVPN encryption ensures that your data remains unreadable and useless to any would-be hackers or intrusive ISPs or governments – and this is just what I like to see from the top names in the VPN industry.



If you're looking for an additional layer of privacy, you'll want to check out NordVPN's obfuscated (stealth) servers, which use XOR encryption to evade even the most stringent VPN blocks. Onion Over VPN is also available to try; an exclusive NordVPN feature that will help you protect your online activities from prying eyes.


Excellent coverage


NordVPN apps are available for all platforms, and there's even an excellent Chrome extension available to those looking for a quick-and-dirty Chromebook VPN solution. Interestingly (and for good reason), NordVPN has discontinued support for the L2TP/IPsec protocol, so manual configuration of Chrome OS' native VPN client isn't possible.


However, NordVPN is a superb pick for anyone looking to unblock the most in-demand streaming platforms and social media apps, thanks to its thousands of servers in 111 countries , and can be put to the test risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.


NordVPN on Chromebook

CyberGhost is a great Google Chromebook VPN. It has an easy-to-use Android app compatible with Chromebook, excellent security features, and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Pricing

    • 24 months + 3 months FREE: $2.11/mth
      83% OFF
    • 6 months: $6.99/mth
      42% OFF
    • 1 month: $11.99/mth
  • Pros

    • Easy-to-use apps ideal for VPN newcomers
    • Offers a Chrome extension
    • 45-day money-back guarantee
  • Cons

    • No stealth servers, not suitable for countries like China
    • Slower than the VPNs above
    • Not independently audited
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

CyberGhost Demo

CyberGhost Demo CyberGhost Demo


Based in Romania, CyberGhost is a no-logs provider that's noted for offering a wealth of handy VPN features at a budget-friendly price point.


Stay protected on the go


You'll be able to make use of battle-tested OpenVPN encryption on the Android app, as well as a built-in kill-switch, and CyberGhost even supports split-tunneling for rooting selected Android apps outside the VPN tunnel. The App Protection feature will auto-launch the VPN and connect to a chosen server when using selected apps – ideal for all your BitTorrent and Netflix needs!



The Wi-Fi protection feature automatically enables the VPN when you connect your Chromebook to an unknown network. So, if you're a frequent traveler and on the go, you'll stay secure even when using public networks that are commonly found in airports, hotels, and your local coffee shop.


A beginner-friendly option


Chrome OS-specific L2TP/IPsec support appears to have been removed from CyberGhost’s help pages, but users of older Chromebooks can configure the native VPN client using the L2TP/IPsec settings described for other platforms.


CyberGhost VPN offers a CLI Linux app for easy OpenVPN configuration in Linux, and also a Chrome browser extension. This HTTPS proxy extension is free to everybody but is limited to four servers in Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and the United States. However, this VPN offers a very generous 45-day money-back guarantee, which is plenty of time to try and test all its features and capabilities.


CyberGhost on Chromebook

Surfshark is the cheapest Google Chromebook VPN service on the list. It's packed with features, unblocks loads of content, and you can try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Pricing

    • 24 months + 2 months FREE: $2.3/mth
      83% OFF
    • 12 months: $3.99/mth
      70% OFF
    • 1 month: $12.95/mth
  • Pros

    • Unblocks all major streaming services with ease
    • Cheap but jam-packed with privacy features
    • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Cons

    • Fewer servers than ExpressVPN and CyberGhost
    • One-month subscription price is not cheap
    • No port-forwarding, not great for torrenters
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu
  • Website

Surfshark Demo

Surfshark Demo Surfshark Demo


Surfshark is a relative newbie among our best Chromebook VPNs, however, it offers the same top-notch features as some of the industry's veterans. It comes with highly-customizable privacy features, super-fast servers, and unlimited simultaneous connections that won't cost you an arm and a leg.


Go limitless with Surfshark


Surfshark puts no limits on how many devices you can connect to the service at any one time, so you don’t have to worry about logging in and out each time you want to protect a different piece of technology. Besides, its sleek and easy-to-use apps are available for all platforms – Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and even Linux; and NordVPN is compatible with routers and consoles alike. So, Surfshark is a great pick for those looking for real value for money.


This VPN easily unblocks all your favorite streaming websites, including Netflix US, Disney+, and HBO Max, and dedicated P2P servers, will make your torrenting much safer. However, keep in mind that this service doesn't come with port-forwarding, so if this is a deal-breaker for you, consider the alternatives in this list.


Stay fully protected at a minimum price


The Android app features an ad and malware blocker, a kill-switch, and split tunneling. While the Linux app is essentially a simple setup script for OpenVPN, it does make life easier by preloading Surfshark's server list. Additionally, it'll work without issues in Chrome OS so long as you install it from the command line (sudo apt-get install surfshark-vpn). 


Surfshark doesn't scrimp when it comes to security either – its Chrome browser extension has been audited for security issues by Cure53 and includes WebRTC leak protection and DNS ad-blocking. All Surfshark's advanced features come with the basic plan at a minimum subscription cost of a little over $2 a month. 


Get all the guides and support you need


Surfshark consistently impresses us with its no-logs policy and exceptional value for money. You can install it on Chromebook with the Android app or manually configure it.


Chromebook users will likewise enjoy support; there's an official guide to setting up the Surfshark Android app in Chrome OS, plus a CLI Linux app, and a stand-alone Chrome extension. Plus, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is enough to try out all the benefits of this privacy leader.


SurfShark on Chromebook


 

5. VyprVPN

VyprVPN is a trustworthy VPN that has been audited by a third-party to prove it's secure, and it unblocks loads of content. Offers customizable features and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Pricing

    • 12 months: $5/mth
      50% OFF
    • 1 month: $10/mth
  • Pros

    • Fast and secure due to owning its infrastructure
    • An independently audited service
    • Chameleon protocol great for bypassing blocks
  • Cons

    • Does not accept crypto payments
    • Connection times can be a little slow
    • Fewer servers than the likes of ExpressVPN and CyberGhost
  • Available on

    • Windows
    • macOS
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux
  • Unblocks

    • Netflix
    • iPlayer
    • Amazon Prime
    • Hulu

VYPR Demo

VYPR Demo VYPR Demo


VyprVPN owns and manages its entire servers network – and this impressed me right off the bat. I tried out VyprVPN's applications on all my devices and liked its user-friendly and straightforward user interface, security features, and consistent speeds.


Uncompromising privacy for your Chromebook


VyprVPN is a fully audited no-logs VPN service that is based in Switzerland. It is known for owning and self-operating its entire server network, which removes the need to rely on potentially untrustworthy third-party server centers. What's more, all of VyprVPN's servers offer unlimited bandwidth without any caps, so you won't need to worry about sites loading at a snail's pace.


Easy setup and great unblocking capability



You can set VyprVPN up on Chromebook using its Android App, or manually configure L2TP/IPsec yourself. The VyprVPN Android app features a kill-switch, DNS ad and malware blocking, and public Wi-Fi protection for your Chromebook. It uses the OpenVPN protocol along with VyprVPN’s patent Chameleon encryption technology, which is reported to be very effective at defeating VPN blocks and censorship in places such as China. 


VyprVPN provides an L2TP/IPsec setup guide for non-Android Chromebooks. It has a CLI Linux app for Ubuntu and Mint (OpenVPN, PPTP, and Chameleon), but we couldn't get this to connect to a server from inside Chrome OS’ Debian container. VyprVPN also has generic Ubuntu OpenVPN setup instructions, however, which work fine for Chrome OS. VyprVPN also recently launched its very own Chrome extension, too, giving users a lightweight option that'll still prioritize their privacy.


VyprVPN on chromebook

Why do I need a Google Chromebook VPN?

Still undecided if you need a VPN service for your Chromebook?

When you use a VPN service, everything you do on your computer is encrypted. This improves your online privacy, as well as the overall security of your Chromebook. Using a VPN will give you the following advantages:

How to use a VPN on Chromebook

Usually, a VPN will route all internet connections from your device through the VPN interface to your chosen VPN server. In Chrome OS, though, this situation is much more complicated, as you may be running apps from three different platforms side-by-side.

If that sounds confusing, don't worry, we will explain the four ways to run a VPN in Chrome OS:

1. Using an Android VPN app (recommended)

If your system supports Android, then you can use an Android VPN app to protect all Chrome OS and all Android connections, but not Linux ones. Using an Android VPN app is the recommended route for most Chromebook users because of its simplicity and features.

Android VPN app

2. Using the native Chrome OS VPN client.

This supports the L2TP/IPsec VPN protocol and routes all Chrome OS and all Android connections through the VPN interface (just like using an Android app does). Linux connections are not routed in this way and thus do not benefit from the VPN.

native chrome OS VPN client

When properly implemented, L2TP/IPsec is typically regarded as secure – but it's worth noting that it's almost definitely been cracked by the NSA. This situation is not helped by the fact that every VPN service we know that offers this VPN protocol uses insecure pre-shared keys.

Given that Android apps that use OpenVPN or IKEv2 are more secure, and because manually configuring the Chrome OS L2TP/IPsec VPN client can be a bit fiddly anyway, we strongly recommend using an Android VPN app over this method if your Chromebook supports Android.

It's worth noting that the native VPN client also has basic OpenVPN support, but it cannot import the standard .ovpn configuration files used by almost all commercial VPN services.

Google itself recommends using an Android app for this, which makes Chrome OS' native OpenVPN support all but useless for most VPN users.

3. Using a Linux VPN app

Using a Linux VPN app on chromebook

A Linux VPN app will protect Linux connections, but will not route Chrome OS or Android connections through the VPN interface.

There are only two full GUI Linux VPN apps that work on a Chromebook at the time of writing (Private Internet Access and Mullvad), but using OpenVPN in Terminal works for any VPN service that supports manual OpenVPN setup (which is most of them).

If you want to route both Chrome OS/Android and Linux connections through a VPN, then you will need to run either the Chrome OS client or an Android VPN app and run a Linux VPN app.

4. Using a Chrome browser extension

Using Chrome Extensions

A VPN browser extension for Chrome is not really a VPN in the genuine sense of the term, as it only routes connections from the Chrome browser through a proxy. But if you are not using Android or Linux apps, then the Chrome browser is basically your entire OS!

So for users who prefer to keep their Chrome OS experience pure and simple, a Chrome Browser extension can provide a quick and lightweight way to access most of the benefits of using a true VPN without having to download an entire VPN package.

Please check out How to Install a VPN on Chromebook for step-by-step guides to using each of these methods to run a VPN in Chrome OS. And if you torrent, then you may enjoy How to Torrent with a VPN on Chromebook.

Conclusion

This guide should have given you a bit of insight into how VPNs can help you protect your Chromebook device. If you're new to VPNs and want to find out what else they can do for you, as well as their limitations, be sure to check out our Beginner's Guide to VPNs.

In the meantime, here is a reminder of our top Chromebook VPNs:

  1. ExpressVPN - The best VPN for Chromebook. Super-fast, very safe, offers a great Android app for Chromebook, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. TIP

    In our testing we checked that all ExpressVPN plans work for Netflix. The one year plan is the best value: three months free and a 30 day risk-free trial.

  3. NordVPN - The most secure Chromebook VPN. Offers well-implemented OpenVPN encryption, stealth servers, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  4. CyberGhost VPN - A great value-for-money VPN, with an easy-to-use app that works well on Chromebook, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  5. Surfshark - The cheapest Chromebook VPN. You can install it with the Android app or manually configure it, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  6. VyprVPN - A well-trusted Chromebook VPN that has been publicly audited, offers proprietary servers/features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Written by: Attila Tomaschek

Attila is a Hungarian-American currently living in Budapest. Being in the VPN game for over 5 years, along with his acute understanding of the digital privacy space enables him to share his expertise with ProPrivacy readers. Attila has been featured as a privacy expert in press outlets such as Security Week, Silicon Angle, Fox News, Reader’s Digest, The Washington Examiner, Techopedia, Disruptor Daily, DZone, and more. He has also contributed bylines for several online publications like SC Magazine UK, Legal Reader, ITProPortal, BetaNews, and Verdict.

15 Comments

Ian
on May 2, 2018
Hi Douglas This is a very helpful article - thank you. Unfortunately I have had bad experiences trying to install a VPN on my chromebooks from two of the five best buys you list above. I'm wary of trying any others until I work out what's going on. Essentially, the appear to install correctly and they allow me to connect to overseas servers using L2TP/IPsec, even confirming "connected" on the settings screen. But when I then check my IP address, I find it has not changed at all. I have spent several hours online to support reps from the two suppliers who have both been very helpful. They have confirmed there is a problem and have tried to solve it, but both have finally admitted defeat, and I have had to seek a refund in both cases. Any idea what might be happening here? I know that connecting to VPN on chromebooks is not straightforward, which was why I looked for specific recommendations before starting. Unfortunately, that hasn't guaranteed success. I'd be most grateful for any thoughts.
https://cdn.proprivacy.com/storage/images/2024/01/douglas-crawfordpng-avatar_image-small_webp.webp
Douglas Crawford replied to Ian
on May 2, 2018
Hi Ian, Hmm. Connecting on a Chromebook should be straightforward enough using L2TP/IPsec. I must admit that I have no idea, off hand, why you are having problems. I am very busy at the moment, but when I have a little time I will try to investigate a little further.
Scott Johnson replied to Douglas Crawford
on April 27, 2019
"L2TP-IPsec provides weak security benefits" This is quoted from ExpressVPN's site. L2TP is a 20 years old and very outdated.
https://cdn.proprivacy.com/storage/images/2024/01/douglas-crawfordpng-avatar_image-small_webp.webp
douglas replied to Scott Johnson
on April 30, 2019
Hi Scott, As we explain here (https://proprivacy.com/guides/vpn-encryption-the-complete-guide/#l2tpipsec), L2TP/.IPsec does have security issues. But unless your threat model includes the NSA then they are probably not worth losing sleep over. To put it another way, L2TP is _good enough_ for _most_ purposes. And more to the pint as far as this article is concerned, it is the only VPN protocol supported natively by ChromeOS.
Kharma
on March 6, 2018
Why is being based in Canada considered as a con here in your reviews? I only ask because while I was researching for good web hosts and about web hosting in general, I found that a host with data centers in Canada was a good thing and something most people sought out to find. Also, I Am Canadian, so.. I'm a little biased lol
https://cdn.proprivacy.com/storage/images/2024/01/douglas-crawfordpng-avatar_image-small_webp.webp
Douglas Crawford replied to Kharma
on March 6, 2018
Hi Kharma, Canada is listed as a con because it is a core member of the NSA-led Five Eyes spying alliance. Bills C-11 and c-51 are also deeply concerning for privacy. As Wikipedia notes: "The Edward Snowden revelation that the Communications Security Establishment (CSE), without a warrant, used free airport Wi-Fi service to gather the communications of all travellers using the service and to track them after they had left the airport sparked an ongoing concern about mass surveillance in Canada. The number of Canadians affected by this surveillance is unknown apparently even to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service."
Heather
on January 5, 2018
I need a pc perfect a laptop mac for tech. School and I have a brand new PlayStation 4 limited but not to sure if I can make that work til I get a laptop.
https://cdn.proprivacy.com/storage/images/2024/01/douglas-crawfordpng-avatar_image-small_webp.webp
Douglas Crawford replied to Heather
on January 5, 2018
Hi Heather, Sorry, but you will need to explain your problem a little more clearly if am to help you :).
https://cdn.proprivacy.com/storage/images/2024/01/douglas-crawfordpng-avatar_image-small_webp.webp
Douglas Crawford
on October 4, 2017
Hi bobs uncle, As I clearly state in the article above: "Unusually, the ExpressVPN Chrome browser add-on is not a browser proxy, but an interface for the full desktop app (which must be installed). This means that the Chrome browser add-on does not work on Chromebooks." L2TP/IPsec setup instructions are available for Chromebook, however, as are Chromebook-specific instructions for its Android VPN app.

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