Chromebooks run on Chrome OS, Google’s Linux-based operating system. Chromebook operations primarily rely on the internet, meaning most apps and documents only run when there’s Wi-Fi or cellular data connection. And there lies a problem.
Chromebooks are lightweight devices with super-fast browsing speeds. For this reason, a quick browsing session gives away a lot of data. This is especially true if your device isn’t protected.
Worse off, your OS provider (Google) is renowned for collecting browsing data. And that’s part of the problem. And since you can download Android apps via your Chromebook, you increase this risk.
Note that some of the apps you download can track you unsuspectingly, harm your machine, or steal your personal information, which makes securing your Chromebook as crucial as protecting any device. And a VPN is a thoughtful way to ensure your device and data are well-protected.
A VPN ensures all your connections are private, secure, and anonymous. How it does it?
To protect you from prying eyes, malware, and hackers, a VPN changes your IP address and encrypts your traffic.
No matter you are using public Wi-Fi on public transport or at a hotel, a good VPN should protect your Chromebook without compromising your security and privacy.
To that end, a reliable VPN service would shield you sufficiently by keeping your activities private. Plus, the VPN can also help you access geo-blocked content, and stream Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Fire TV, BBC iPlayer, and more.
All said and done; in most cases, a single VPN subscription allows you to secure more than one device at the same time. Sadly, not all VPNs work with Chrome OS.
In this guide, we discuss a list of 5 feature-rich, some of the fastest, most secure VPNs that work well with Chromebooks.
Best VPNs for Chromebook
Below is a quick roundup of the top-tier VPNs you can use with your Chromebook. These 5 VPNs stood up for the task after thorough tests.
1. ExpressVPN: This VPN provider stands at the top of the pile, thanks to its exceptional connection speeds, excellent geographical coverage, and top-notch security. Besides, ExpressVPN is powerful enough to spoof locations and unblock restricted content.
2. NordVPN: Coming with unbeatable content unblocking power, NordVPN provides its users with more services at an affordable cost. It’s well-encrypted, providing robust security and privacy. Moreover, it’s speedy enough to stream HD/4K videos.
3. CyberGhost: CyberGhost is an affordable VPN provider with internet-centric features. It features fast connection speeds to sustain the heavily internet-dependent Chromebook. The VPN also unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.
4. IPVanish: IPVanish is a worthy consideration if you want simultaneous connections on multiple devices, fast connection speeds, and industry-standard security service. Worth to mention, they own and run all their servers.
5. PrivateVPN: This is a fast-growing VPN provider with an award for the best in-house support. While we don’t like that it packs a small network of servers, the VPN provides a secure way to torrent anonymously on Chromebook.
We continuously review the best, and latest VPNs to keep tabs on the ever-changing VPN market. In this round of tests, we evaluated and ranked the best VPNs for Chromebook based on these factors:
- Geographical server coverage
- Connection speeds
- Privacy and security protections
- Availability of Chrome browser extension or Android app
- Simultaneous connections
- Customer service support
Each VPN has its strong points, and various users want a VPN that meets their specific needs. The good thing, we tested several top-rated VPNs to create a list of perfect pairings that work for Chromebook users.
Here’s the list of the best 5 VPNs for use with Chromebook, Chrome OS, and Chrome.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN offers its users a comprehensive global coverage. The VPN has over 3000 servers distributed across 94 countries in 160 locations around the world. This, coupled with its powerful geo-spoofing abilities, allows its global users to access a wide variety of content.
With ExpressVPN, your Chromebook can unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO, Showtime, and more.
As mentioned earlier, Chromebooks mostly rely on the internet to operate effectively. So ExpressVPN’s super-fast connection speeds come in handy for streaming HD/4K content and sharing large files.
ExpressVPN provides an Android app that’s compatible with Chromebook and a Google Chrome browser extension. Plus, explicit installation instructions are offered for both the Android app and the L2TP/IPSec protocols for Chromebook.
The VPN provider offers some of the best (if not the best) security and privacy features. With military-grade encryptions, a working no-logs policy, and acceptance of the Bitcoins, you can be sure snoopers remain at bay.
ExpressVPN provides 5 simultaneous connections per user account so you can use it on your other devices, including Android, iOS, Windows, and more. Plus, you can increase the number of connected devices. Thanks to the VPN’s router compatibility.
The VPN boasts a 24/7 live support chat, a dedicated ticketing system, and email. As well as, you can access support via a searchable library.
Pros
- Top-level security
- Excellent customer support
- Fast connection speeds
- No data caps or bandwidth limitations
Cons
- A bit pricey, with value
ExpressVPN is an all-round VPN. Its super-fast internet connectivity, extensive server network, and reliable security features are a few features that stand out.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is an affordable option with best in class service. First off, the VPN provider sets up a real challenge with its vast global server coverage. This provider hordes over 5100 servers in 59 countries, which promise a wide-ranging pool of content for its users.
Moreover, this VPN offers some of the swiftest connection speeds, guaranteeing fast and uninterrupted browsing. This, combined with its unblocking power, lets you stream Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Showtime, and more.
To protect your online travels, NordVPN adheres to a no-logs policy, uses 2048-bit encryption, and Double VPN.
The Double VPN increases your privacy by channeling your VPN connection via two servers instead of one. Plus, the VPN accepts Bitcoin, so your payment information remains anonymous.
While NordVPN doesn’t support configuration for older machines, it provides both Android app and Chrome browser extension.
Into the bargain, with a single subscription, the VPN lets you secure up to 6 devices simultaneously. Besides, it works on Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, and so on.
Need help to set up the VPN? Or unblock content? The provider offers support via a 24/7 live chat, email, and searchable website. Maybe you should try your hands at their 7-day free trial.
Pros
- Affordable
- Supports up to 6 connections at a go
- Extensive server network
- Top-rated encryptions
Cons
- The interface can be improved
NordVPN is a reasonably-priced VPN with premium features. An ideal choice if you care more about security and speeds. Plus, you can try their 7-day free trial.
3. CyberGhost
CyberGhost offers not only great configurability with Chromebook but also blazing fast and stable connection speeds.
With more than 5700 servers in over 90 countries, you can unblock content from virtually any place. For instance, you can unblock Netflix, ESPN, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, and Amazon Fire TV.
Most importantly, the VPN offers both Android App and Chrome browser extension. Also, the software is easy to use and installs quickly on all major devices, and platforms including macOS, Windows, iOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire Stick.
CyberGhost protects your Chromebook via the mindboggling L2TP/IPSec. Besides, the service doesn’t monitor or record your search preferences, browsing history, and traffic destination. Thanks to their adherence to a no-logs policy. The provider also accepts Bitcoin payment, which keeps your payment information under wraps.
CyberGhost treats users to up to 7 simultaneous connections per single account login, which you can expand using a router.
We like the provider’s dedicated customer service support via 24/7 live chat, a knowledgeable web base, a ticketing system, and a well presented FAQ section.
What’s more, CyberGhost offers a free trial to test the service. And well, all subscribers are furnished with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Impressive unblocking power
- Decent privacy and security features
- Fast internet connections
- Torrent friendly
Cons
- Less attractive interface
Are you a VPN beginner? Good, CyberGhost is an easy-to-use, fast, and powerful VPN to unblock lots of exciting content. Plus, you may love the 45-day risk-free money-back guarantee.
4. IPVanish
IPVanish boasts of over 1300 self-owned servers spanning across more than 75 locations. And it’s super-fast (In reality, it gives ExpressVPN a run for its money in this aspect). With these, you can bypass most geo-blocks, torrent anonymously, unblock Netflix, and more.
The VPN also provides an Android app and a Chrome browser extension. Plus, it doesn’t need any fanciful configuration to work across about all devices you can imagine.
This VPN best suits large families and small scale businesses, as one user account, allows you to protect up to 10 devices at the same time. Aside from Chromebook, the VPN works on Android, Windows Phone, iOS, macOS, FireTV, and more.
While IPVanish keeps your data safe via AES 256-bit encryption, it doesn’t let you pay anonymously via Bitcoin. To make up for this shortfall, the service adheres to a no-logs policy and packs a plethora of protocols including OpenVPN, SOCKS5, and L2TP.
The 24/7 live chat support, email service, and the searchable support library provide ready-to-go customer service solutions.
While its 7-day money-back guarantee is long enough to see if it meets your VPN needs, it’s shorter than those offered by its top competitors.
Pros
- Fast connections
- Top-notch security and privacy
- Excellent customer support
- Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections
Cons
- Doesn’t support Bitcoin payment
A single IPVanish login supports several devices, making it an ideal choice to protect your big family or small business on a budget. While its lack of Bitcoin payment doesn’t take away credit for its high-grade performance on Chromebooks, it’s still a concern.
5. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN is an upcoming player in the VPN world, with just over 100 servers distributed across 60 countries. For this reason, the provider lets its users open access to fast connections and a reasonable variety of content.
With the fast connection speeds, be sure to enjoy streaming Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and so on without buffering via the provider’s designated servers.
And above, in Stealth VPN mode, it’s powerful enough to bypass tough-censorships so that you can access restricted content. For a reason, you can use PrivateVPN to access geo-restricted content in China.
PrivateVPN offers an Android app and a Google Chrome browser extension. Plus, with a single subscription, you can connect up to 6 devices simultaneously.
What’s worthy, you can connect additional devices using a router. Better still, the provider offers dedicated apps for Mac, iOS, Android, and Windows devices.
This VPN protects Chromebook users with the most secure AES 256-bit encryption. Similarly, it provides watertight security via DNS leak protection, as well it features a no-logs policy to keep your activities private and anonymous.
About customer service, PrivateVPN scores well, as the provider offers support via 24/7 live chat. Additionally, the support team can also be reached via email and support ticketing system. There’s also a 7-day free trial to test this service.
Pros
- Top-notch security
- Easy to use
- Up to 6 simultaneous connections
- Free trial for seven days
Cons
- Small server network
PrivateVPN is a thoughtful choice for Chromebook users needing a fast VPN to stream Netflix, Hulu, among other services in countries with tight restrictions, like China.
How to Install a VPN on Your Chromebook
Chromebook VPN set up can be done in three ways. That is, through a Chrome extension, or an Android app, or setting up a VPN service to the Chromebook via manual configuration.
The good news is that almost all VPNs support Android apps. So once you download the app on your Chromebook, install and set it up – and you’ll be good to go.
Then again, before everything else, ensure that you obtain a CA certificate (if the VPN uses it). Type “chrome: //settings/certificate” in your Chrome browser’s address bar. Then click on the “Authorities” tab, then click on “Import” and select the CA certificate. After that, follow the rest of the on-screen guidelines.
Next, enter the VPN network settings by clicking on your account photo. Select “Add connection” and click on “Add OpenVPN/L2TP”. Fill in the pop-up form, then select “Connect.” Hurray! You’re now protected.
Why Do You Need a VPN for Chromebook?
The speeds and convenience of Chromebooks are always under threat as there are many security threats on the internet.
Google itself is an internet watchdog. Other prying eyes include your ISP and government security agencies seeking any information about your internet dealings. And worse of all, hackers who are readily poised to steal or destroy essential personal data. Or both. That’s where a reliable VPN comes in; to ensure that your privacy and security are never compromised as you use your Chromebook.
VPNs can also slide through geo-barriers, allowing you to access content that otherwise wouldn’t be available for your consumption initially. For instance, with a good VPN, you can easily unblock Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer from about any location.
Is a Free VPN Good for Chromebook?
Free VPNs may never be the best options to protect your Chromebook. Lest you’re entirely budget-constrained, this isn’t recommended.
With free services, you can’t be sure if you’re being monitored. But higher chances are, your free VPN provider is selling your information to third parties to foot their bills.
Also, free VPNs are associated with data caps, and bandwidth limitations imposed no matter the session you run.
The limited features, combined with an extremely slow internet connection, often leads to low-quality quality music and video streaming. And as a Chromebook user, you know how super-important a fast and stable internet connection is.
Conclusion
If you are looking to protect your Chromebook, a VPN might be the solution to your impasse. VPNs can do a couple or more things – protect your identity and privacy online and also help you to access geo-restricted content.
With that said, you might want to use a reliable VPN to protect your Chromebook. While all these VPNs will protect your online activities sufficiently, ExpressVPN is our winner for its all-round offerings of security, connection speeds, round the clock customer support, and ease-of-use. And yes, we found a flaw in the VPN’s pricing. It’s a bit expensive. Want to know why? Try their risk-free 30-day-money-back guarantee.
