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An estimated 68% of internet users favor Chrome as their browser, beating rivals including Safari, Edge, and Firefox. As one of the dominant browsers with a massive user base, it makes sense for VPN providers to offer a Chrome extension. Virtual private networks (VPNs) are accessible, easy-to-use software packages and apps that encrypt your online communication, mask your activities online, change your IP address location, and prevent eavesdropping.

Many VPN providers also offer their subscribers browser-based solutions, typically in the form of browser extensions. These might be the best option if you just want to quickly mask your IP address during an online session. They are easy solutions that provide less resource-intensive protection and are best used in scenarios such as short browser sessions or accessing geo-locked content online. They often work well for avoiding age verification checks.

In our latest update, we've refreshed our guide and top picks based on new home and lab speed tests. We also removed TunnelBear due to new, heavy, and stringent free plan restrictions; removed Windscribe as custom plans are not currently available; and added IPVanish to our top picks.