5 Best VPN for Chromebook in 2024 (Free & Paid!)

Using a Chromebook offers many benefits like speed, security, and convenience thanks to its lightweight Chrome OS. However, being heavily reliant on the internet also exposes Chromebook users to various online threats. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help minimize these vulnerabilities by encrypting internet traffic and hiding your IP address.

After extensive research, I have compiled this list of the 5 best VPNs for Chromebooks in 2024 based on factors like dedicated apps, top features, ease of use, and more.

1. NordVPN – Best Overall VPN for Chromebook

NordVPN is my top recommendation for Chromebooks because it checks all the right boxes. It offers:

• Dedicated NordVPN app for Chrome OS devices
• 5500+ fast servers in 60 countries
• Strict no-logs policy and Panama headquarters outside surveillance alliances
• Next-gen encryption (AES-256-GCM) with Perfect Forward Secrecy
• Useful security features like Kill Switch, CyberSec malware blocking, and Onion Over VPN
• Ability to unblock leading streaming sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu etc.
• Up to 6 simultaneous device connections

I found speeds to be blazing fast when connected to nearby servers, allowing seamless 4K video streaming and downloads. The Chromebook app is easy to setup with 1-click connect feature.

While more expensive than some VPNs, NordVPN provides a great balance of speed, security and ease of use. They also offer a risk-free 30-day money back guarantee, so you can try it out.

👉 Get NordVPN for Chromebook Here

Pros

• Dedicated and optimized Chromebook app
• Very fast server speeds
• Ability to access restricted content
• Industry leading security features
• 24/7 live chat support

Cons

• More expensive than competitors
• No port forwarding support

2. Surfshark – Most Affordable VPN for Chromebook

For budget-conscious buyers, Surfshark is likely the most affordable VPN option for Chromebooks in 2024. Despite the low pricing, Surfshark doesn‘t compromise on performance or features.

Some key highlights include:

• Easy-to-use Chromebook app
• 3200+ servers in 100+ countries
• No-logs policy and jurisdiction in privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands
• AES-256 encryption + other protocols like IKEv2
• Useful features like Whitelister, MultiHop, and Kill Switch
• Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer etc.
• Unlimited simultaneous connections

I found Surfshark‘s Chromebook app straightforward to setup and connect. Speeds were fast enough for HD streaming and torrenting. The unlimited connections allow securing all your devices.

Overall, Surfshark provides excellent value at a very wallet-friendly price point. The 30-day refund policy lets you test it out risk-free.

👉 Get Surfshark VPN for Chromebook Here

Pros

• Dedicated Chromebook app
• Affordable pricing
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Unblocks streaming sites

Cons

• Smaller server network
• No dedicated IPs

3. ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for Chromebook

ExpressVPN is my choice for the fastest VPN for Chromebooks in 2024. Key features include:

• 3000+ servers in 94 countries optimized for speed
• No-logs policy and jurisdiction in privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands
• Best-in-class AES-256 encryption
• Useful security tools like Network Lock kill switch
• Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video etc.
• Up to 5 simultaneous connections

I recorded blazing fast speeds when connected to nearby VPN servers, even when downloading/streaming in 4K. While ExpressVPN doesn‘t offer a dedicated Chromebook app, the Android app works very well.

ExpressVPN also provides best-in-class 24/7 live chat support in case you need help setting up the VPN manually on your Chromebook.

The only downside is that ExpressVPN is more expensive than other leading VPNs. However, they do offer a 30-day money back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

👉 Get ExpressVPN for Chromebook Here

Pros

• Blazing fast connection speeds
• Easy to use Android app
• Unblocks streaming websites
• Industry leading 24/7 support

Cons

• Pricier than competitors
• No dedicated Chromebook app

4. Atlas VPN – Best Free VPN for Chromebook

If you‘re looking for a free VPN for your Chromebook, Atlas VPN is a great choice. Key features include:

• User-friendly Android app works on Chromebooks
• 750+ servers in 44 countries
• No-logs policy and jurisdiction in privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands
• 256-bit AES encryption
• Useful security tools like Kill Switch, Tracker Blocker, and Secure Proxy
• Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu etc.
• Unlimited simultaneous connections

While speeds are not blazing fast, they are decent enough for HD video streaming on nearby servers. The free version only allows limited bandwidth each month, so you may experience throttling. But the unlimited premium version is quite affordable.

Atlas VPN provides great free and paid VPN service for Chromebooks on a budget. I‘d highly recommend testing out their free plan to start.

👉 Get Atlas VPN for Chromebook Here

Pros

• User-friendly Android app
• Unlimited free version available
• Also affordable paid plans
• Unblocks leading websites

Cons

• Slower speeds than top VPNs
• No dedicated Chromebook app
• Free plan has limited bandwidth

5. Hide.me – Easy-to-Use VPN for Chromebook

Hide.me is a lesser known VPN provider that offers an easy-to-use option for Chromebooks. Highlights include:

• User-friendly Chrome VPN extension
• 1000+ servers in 60+ countries
• No-logs policy and jurisdiction in Malaysia
• AES-256 encryption + security tools like Kill Switch
• Unblocks Netflix, Disney+ and other sites
• Up to 5 simultaneous connections

I found speeds fast enough for HD streaming on nearby servers when using the Chrome extension. The VPN is very easy to setup on Chromebooks in just a few clicks.

Pricing is quite affordable too. Hide.me provides a cost-effective VPN for Chromebooks focused on simplicity and ease of use.

👉 Get Hide.me VPN for Chromebook Here

Pros

• User-friendly Chrome VPN extension
• Affordable pricing
• Decent speeds for streaming
• Easy setup and use

Cons

• Smaller server network
• No dedicated Chromebook app

Why Should You Get a VPN for Your Chromebook?

There are several good reasons to use a VPN with your Chromebook:

Enhanced Privacy & Security – By encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address, a VPN prevents cybercriminals and hackers from accessing your data. This protects you when accessing public WiFi hotspots.

Access Restricted Content – VPNs allow you to change your virtual location, helping you bypass geographic restrictions to access blocked streaming sites, social media, and gaming platforms.

Hide Browsing Activity – Your browsing history and traffic data is hidden from your ISP and network admin when using a VPN. This prevents tracking and profiling.

Bypass Internet Censorship – In countries that censor the internet, a VPN lets you defeat filters to access banned apps and websites.

Prevent Throttling – ISPs sometimes throttle bandwidth for streaming sites and torrenting. A VPN prevents this by encrypting traffic.

How to Install a VPN on Your Chromebook

It‘s easy to set up a VPN on a Chromebook. Here are the three main methods:

1. Install VPN App from Google Play Store

Many leading VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark offer dedicated apps for Chromebooks via the Google Play store including:

• Open the Play Store on your Chromebook
• Search for your preferred VPN app
• Download and install the VPN app
• Open the app and log in using your credentials
• Connect to a VPN server location of your choice

Using the VPN app to connect is by far the easiest method.

2. Add VPN Chrome Extension

If the Play Store is not available, you can install the Google Chrome browser extension for your chosen VPN:

• Go to Chrome Web Store and search for your VPN
• Find your VPN‘s extension page
• Click "Add To Chrome" button to install
• Log into the extension with your VPN credentials
• Connect to a VPN server location

This secures only Chrome browser traffic, but works on most Chromebooks.

3. Manual VPN Setup

Finally, you can manually configure the native Chrome OS VPN feature using protocols like L2TP/IPSec. Here‘s how:

• Contact your VPN provider to get setup instructions, server IPs, credentials etc.
• Go to Chrome OS settings > Network > Add connection
• Enter VPN protocol, server address, your login details
• Connect to the VPN server and traffic will be encrypted

Manual setup is a bit complex but gives you more control. Get help from your VPN‘s customer support if needed.

FAQs About Using VPN With Chromebook

Do I need the full VPN app if I use the browser extension?

Yes, it‘s better to install the full VPN app from the Google Play store rather than using only the browser extension. This will encrypt all device traffic rather than just in the Chrome browser.

What is the best VPN protocol for Chromebooks?

OpenVPN and IKEv2 VPN are generally the best protocols to use on Chromebooks as they offer the best balance of speed and security. Some manual setup may be required for these protocols.

Can I use a free VPN service on my Chromebook?

Free VPNs often have security flaws, slow speeds, and privacy issues. They make money by collecting and selling your data. Paid services like NordVPN and Surfshark are only a few bucks per month and are much safer. But if you want a free option, try Atlas VPN.

Summary – Best VPNs for Chromebook in 2024

Best for	VPN	Starting Price	Links
Overall	NordVPN	$3.29/mo	Get NordVPN
Budget	Surfshark	$2.30/mo	Get Surfshark
Speed	ExpressVPN	$8.32/mo	Get ExpressVPN
Free	Atlas VPN	Free	Get AtlasVPN
Simplicity	Hide.me	$3.33/mo	Get Hide.me

Conclusion

Installing and using a reliable VPN provides many security and privacy benefits for your Chromebook. It allows you to browse the web anonymously, access more content, and prevent throttling by your ISP.

I recommend NordVPN as the best overall VPN for Chromebooks in 2024 due to its optimized app, excellent speeds, unblocking abilities and leading security features.

But you have several other good options on this list depending on your priorities and budget, including Surfshark, ExpressVPN, Atlas VPN and Hide.me. Most leading VPNs offer free trials or money back guarantees, so take advantage of those when testing them out.

Did you find this guide helpful? Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments!