The best VPN extensions for the Google Chrome browser. VPN extension conflict in Google Chrome browser Vpn for chrome browser extensions

VPN is the best way to bypass blocked sites that your ISP has blocked. You can also hide information about yourself, change your IP address and transfer data in encrypted form. But for ordinary users, a VPN, first of all, is an opportunity to visit sites that have been blocked and inaccessible in a particular country.

I have encountered this from my own experience. I tested different VPN extensions (add-ons) for the four most popular browsers: Opera, Google Chrome, Yandex Browser and Firefox. I decided to share this useful information with you. Below we look at the best (in my opinion), free (though not all) VPN add-ons for browsers. I’ll also show you how to find and install them in each browser. After installing and activating these extensions, you will be able to visit blocked sites, social networks (VKontakte, Odnoklassniki) and other resources.

A free VPN may not be of high quality. It works slowly and is not stable. Unfortunately it is so. Especially in our time, when these free services are under a lot of pressure. A free VPN is not suitable for regular use. I think you are already convinced of this.

It’s better, of course, to buy some kind of paid VPN.

A few words about what a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is and how it works. This is a virtual private network. If this doesn’t mean anything to you, now I’ll try to explain it in simple language. There are many VPN services, both free and paid. Using some kind of VPN service (configured via browser extension, PC program, Android, iOS), all our traffic goes through the server of this service. There can be a lot of such servers, in each country and several of them (it all depends on the specific VPN service).

We receive the IP address of the server through which we connect. This allows us to access blocked sites, since we change our location on the network, connecting through a server installed in another country (where certain sites are not blocked). All data we transmit or receive is encrypted. Which gives us additional protection, especially when connecting via open Wi-Fi networks.

Sometimes security can be deceiving when using a VPN. Since all our traffic goes through the servers of some company, there is always a risk that this company will use the information that passes through its servers. Therefore, I advise you to use only time-tested and most popular VPN browser extensions. I will talk about these in this article.

It's simple: if in your country the provider has blocked access to some sites (for example, as VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, Yandex and Mail.ru are now blocked in Ukraine), then we simply install a VPN add-on in our browser, turn it on and we can go to sites to which we have been restricted from accessing.

Free VPN for Opera browser

First of all, I will talk about the solution for the Opera browser. For the reason that I myself use this browser, and in this regard it is the best. Why? But because Opera does not need to install any third-party extensions to visit blocked sites. Opera has its own built-in free VPN, which works just perfectly!

All we need is to install the latest version of the browser. Then go to “Menu” – “Settings”, to the “Security” tab, and check the box next to “Enable VPN”.

All you have to do is turn on the VPN, and you can access sites that your Internet provider has blocked.

You can change your virtual location. But I advise you to leave "Optimal location".

The developers of the Opera browser are certainly great. Not only is the service free, but it also has unlimited traffic and speed. And it is very convenient to use. And most importantly, you can trust a company like Opera. In any case, this is better than some VPN services that were created a couple of days ago.

If you use the Opera browser, then I think the issue of bypassing site blocking is resolved for you.

Advice! If it is not very important for you which browser to use, then you can install Opera and visit the necessary sites through its VPN. So as not to search for and install third-party extensions in other browsers.

There are many different VPN extensions for the Google Chrome browser. They can be found and installed from the official store. Let me first show you how extensions are installed in the Chrome browser, and then I’ll show you a few specific extensions that I personally tested in use.

Open the menu, go to More Tools and select Extensions. Then, at the bottom, click on “More extensions”.

A new tab will open with a store of various add-ons for the Chrome browser. You can simply specify VPN in the search, and we will get a list of necessary extensions.

Just click on the "Install" button, and the extension will be installed in the browser. Then, its icon will appear next to the "Menu" button.

Some VPN extensions for Chrome:

I tried many different ones. Each has its downsides. In any case, download speed may decrease.

Installing a VPN in Yandex Browser

To get started, update your browser to the latest version. You can install add-ons in Yandex Browser, including VPN services.

To install an add-on, open the menu, then select Add-ons. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the "Catalogue of extensions for Yandex.Browser" button.

Enter "vpn" in the search. A list of the additions we need will appear.

To install what you need, select it and click on the “Add to Yandex.Browser” button. I recommend trying: Hola Better Internet, ZenMate VPN, TunnelBear, DotVPN - better than VPN. After installation, the extension icon will appear near the address bar (on the right). Most likely, you will need to start the VPN in the add-on settings.

Installing friGate in Yandex Browser

I think this is the best solution. Everything works well, and it is possible to open only some sites that are blocked via VPN. You can create lists and add your sites there. Many blocked sites are added by default. You will not be able to install friGate using the method described above. You need to download the extension file and install it.

friGate can be installed and configured in other browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Chrome.

VPN add-ons for Mozilla Firefox browser

You can also install the necessary extension in the Mozilla Firefox browser. Or configure friGate, which I wrote about above (link is also above).

Go to “Menu” – “Add-ons”.

On the extensions tab, in the search bar we write “vpn”, or the name of a specific extension.

You can go to the full list of extensions by clicking on the corresponding link below.

I checked Hotspot Shield Free VPN Proxy, Hoxx VPN Proxy, ZenMate Security and Privacy & Unblock VPN.

Hotspot Shield works immediately after downloading and turning on. Hoxx and ZenMate require registration.

After installing VPN, blocked sites will open in Mozilla Firefox. If you don’t like the download speed or stability, you can try another add-on.

Afterword

Don't get carried away with installing everything. Remember, it may not be safe! Look at the rating, reviews, number of installations of the extension.

Of the free solutions, I liked the built-in VPN in the Opera browser, and friGate, which can be installed in almost every browser.

Whatever VPN service you use, it has its disadvantages and inconveniences. He needs to be watched (enable or disable), speed and ping may also drop. It is possible that the server through which you are connecting may malfunction.

Don't forget to write comments. Share your advice, opinions, and ask questions.

Private virtual networks are becoming more popular every day. Their functionality is used by tens of thousands of users: from companies or organizations that want to provide functionality for their remote workers, or users who are trying to bypass regional restrictions.

Just recently, Opera decided to provide all its users with a free VPN inside the browser. If you're a Google Chrome user, you'll probably want to use something similar in your favorite browser too.

There are a ton of paid VPN options online, but there are also some really great free options for Chrome users to choose from. In this article, we will look at the six best VPN solutions for the Google Chrome browser.

Note: If you're using a VPN in hopes of accessing Netflix or BBC iPlayer, be aware that these services and many others block access to VPN addresses.

DotVPN

DotVPN has been around since 2014 and is still going strong. The service already has over 800,000 users according to the Chrome Web Store. It has over 6,500 user reviews, resulting in a four-star rating.

• Unlimited bandwidth.
• Twelve virtual locations (Canada, Germany, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Russia, the United States of America, England.
• Unlimited switching between locations.

The developers also tried to provide improved security, since this service uses 4096-bit encryption, which is twice as good as modern banking standards.

ZenMate VPN

ZenMate VPN promotes itself as a “cybersecurity solution.” They have a network of highly secure proxy servers that encrypt your information and protect you from malicious sites.

The ZenMate VPN service can be roughly divided into three components: Internet privacy, Wi-Fi protection and unlimited Internet access. Privacy will keep trackers of advertising banners, web analytics and social networks away from you while you surf the web. On the Wi-Fi protection side, you'll get several layers of protection when you're on unsecured public networks. Finally, with unlimited Internet access, you can bypass geo-blocking.

ZenMate VPN also provides premium services that improve speed, add additional locations, and provide 24/7 support. Available for $8 per month. So if you want to get the most out of this service, then be prepared to pay a relatively small amount.

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is a relatively new player on the scene. You should immediately point out that this resource is managed by Anchor Free, which is considered the most reliable company in the industry. Interesting Facts: Anchor Free has been around for over 10 years, they have generated over 400 million downloads across various apps and have over 20 million active users in 190 countries.

The services provided by Hotspot Shield are free and unlimited, and there is also a version for iOS, Android, Windows Phone, OS X and Windows. As you can see, there is a fairly wide range of platforms, which is good news.

Just like ZenMate VPN, this service has a premium subscription, whose price starts from $2.08 and up, depending on the length of the subscription.

CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN is another provider that focuses more on privacy and security than geo-blocking. According to their website, this service is responsible for blocking nearly 150 million ad units, 200 thousand malicious websites, and 260 million attempts to track user activity.

Its best features include:

• Incredibly easy to use: just one click on the on/off button.
• Protection against hackers, cyber fraud, theft from bank accounts and email fraud.
• Anonymous and advertising-free movement on the Internet.
• Fight against geo-blocking around the world.
• Protection against sites with malicious content.
• Data compression for mobile hotspots.
• Force HTTP connections where possible.

A premium account is available for $3.79 per month.

Browsec VPN

Browsec VPN claims to be an improved analogue of ZenMate, Stealthy and Hola. Its main advantages are allowing its users to access any website from anywhere in the world, improving the online privacy of users and protecting their personal data from various offenders.

This service takes a big step towards unblocking content from geo-blocking, but instead of opening sites like the BBC or Netflix, it unblocks Spotify, Pandora and SoundCloud services, which are completely blocked in some regions.

Tunnel Bear VPN

Of all the services reviewed in our article, TunnelBear VPN is one of the best. Seventeen thousand reviews, which add up to a five-star rating. Instead of just being a VPN, this service is actually an encrypting proxy.

TunnelBear has been doing its job for many years now and has made a name for itself as a great product for Windows and Mac. If you've been at least a little interested in the topic of VPNs, then you've definitely at least heard about TunnelBear.

There's one big difference between the Chrome extension and the TunnelBear app you install - the Chrome extension only encrypts your browser traffic, while the TunnelBear app encrypts absolutely one hundred percent of your data.

TunnelBear provides users with the fastest speeds of any VPN on our list and its servers are available in 20 countries around the world.

If you don’t want to spend a lot of time setting up your connection and want quick access to the functions of your VPN provider, then using a special extension for Chrome is what you need.

You can control your VPN and change the geolocation of servers without minimizing your browser.
With our handy instructions, setting up a VPN will take just minutes.

What you will need

Make sure you have the latest version of the Chrome browser.
Also:

• Subscribe to a VPN service that provides a Chrome extension. Not all providers provide this service, so we advise you to check the availability of an extension before making a long-term payment.
• An account provided by your VPN provider. Make sure you activate it via a special email. Otherwise, it may not work.
• You may need your VPN's desktop app. Many providers require that the application be run alongside the Chrome extension, in parallel.

As you explore the Chrome Web Store, you'll come across many different VPN extensions. Before you choose at random, we recommend checking out our independent VPN review to make sure your choice will give you the protection you need.

How to Install a VPN Extension in Chrome

Here's how to install the extension in Chrome using ExpressVPN as an example:

• Head to the Chrome Web Store and look for your VPN provider there. Here's what the ExpressVPN extension looks like.

• Click on the Add to Chrome button to install the VPN extension.
• A window will appear in front of you, which specifies the permissions that are needed for the extension to work. Please read them carefully before clicking Add Extension.

• The button on the site will turn green, which means your VPN extension is installed.

• In Chrome, you will see an icon for your extension in the upper right corner. Click on it.

• Select a location or, if you're happy with it, stay on Smart Location.
• Click on the big round button to connect to the VPN.

Once you have installed the extension in your browser, it will automatically be installed on other desktop browsers you use if you have a Google account.
You don't need to enter your login details if you use the ExpressVPN extension, as it takes them from the desktop app automatically. It also redirects absolutely all traffic through the VPN, not just browser activity.

The best VPN services with a Chrome extension in 2019:

Need more help?

If something is not working as you expected, you should first contact your ISP.
It's also a good idea to set up a VPN on another device, such as a phone, to make sure your account is activated and your login details are correct.
If you see a cross on the ExpressVPN extension icon, it means the extension cannot find the desktop application. It needs to be installed first for everything to work correctly. If you are sure that you have installed it, then check the installation directory and the application settings are correct. You can also try reinstalling the Chrome extension.

Which user has not had an offensive situation: you are looking for the necessary information, follow a link to a very promising site and OOPS! for some reason it is blocked in your country. Unpleasant, but completely solvable. You can find many programs on the Internet that will hide your IP address, thereby deceiving tracking programs and allowing you to access inaccessible sites.

The Browsec VPN browser extension is ideal for these purposes. After installing it, you can start data encryption at any time. And that’s it: all traffic will be routed through a secure cloud network. As a result, it will be impossible to analyze your actions (and understand that it is you).

This method works both globally (for example, it opens access to sites prohibited in the country), and more narrowly, in particular, on the corporate network. It’s no secret that management often sets system administrators the task of blocking social networks and all kinds of “entertainment” sites on work computers. After installing Browsec VPN, this chaos no longer concerns you. Unless, of course, the boss sneaks up from behind and discovers a blocked portal.

Key Features

Browsec VPN, being a browser extension and not a separate program, requires much less resources, while performing its functions perfectly. Once you click on its icon (appears to the right of the address bar), it will start working. Your IP address will change to a foreign one, and now you can work with the sites you need in complete confidence in your safety. All you need is to download Browsec VPN for free.

Browsec VPN bypasses both corporate network restrictions and regional restrictions. In addition, the extension solves the issue of data confidentiality. No one will be able to track the sites you visit while VPN is enabled. After all, according to the data, it was not you at all.

Pros and cons of the extension

• Requires little space and network resources.
• Helps to bypass the ban on visiting certain resources.
• Hides your online activities.
• You can download Browsec VPN in Russian.

• Not found yet.

What browsers is it compatible with?

Chrome, Firefox, Opera

Browsec VPN for Google Chrome

Browsec VPN for Mozilla

Browsec VPN for Yandex browser

The governments of Ukraine, Russia and other countries are increasingly blocking access to certain Internet resources. Suffice it to recall the register of banned sites of the Russian Federation and the blocking by the Ukrainian authorities of Russian social networks and a number of other Runet resources. It is not surprising that users are increasingly looking for a VPN browser extension that allows them to bypass restrictions and increase privacy when surfing. A full-fledged and high-quality VPN service is almost always paid, but there are pleasant exceptions. We will look at them in this article.

Free VPN Browser Extensions

Full functionality in most of the extensions listed below is only available in paid versions. However, free versions of such extensions are also suitable for bypassing site blocking and increasing the level of privacy when surfing. Let's take a closer look at the best free VPN browser extensions.

Hotspot Shield

Users are offered a paid and free version of Hotspot Shield

One of the most popular VPN extensions. There is a paid version and a free version, with somewhat limited features.

Advantages:

• effective bypass of site blocking;
• one-click activation;
• no advertising;
• no registration required;
• no traffic restrictions;
• a large selection of proxy servers in different countries (PRO version, in the free version the choice is limited to several countries).

Flaws:

• The free version has a limited list of servers: only the USA, France, Canada, Denmark and the Netherlands.

Browsers: Google Chrome, Chromium, Firefox version 56.0 and higher.

SkyZip Proxy

SkyZip Proxy is available in Google Chrome, Chromium and Firefox

SkyZip uses the NYNEX network of high-performance proxy servers and is positioned as a utility for compressing content and speeding up page loading, as well as providing anonymity for surfing. For a number of objective reasons, a significant acceleration in loading web pages can only be felt with a connection speed of less than 1 Mbit/s, however, SkyZip Proxy copes well with bypassing restrictions.

A significant advantage of the utility is that there is no need for additional settings. After installation, the extension itself determines the optimal servers for redirecting traffic and performs all the necessary manipulations. Enabling/disabling SkyZip Proxy is done by a single click on the extension icon. Green icon - the utility is enabled. The icon is gray - disabled.

Advantages:

• effective bypass of blocking in one click;
• speed up page loading;
• traffic compression up to 50% (including images - up to 80%, through the use of the “compact” WebP format);
• no need for additional settings;
• work “on wheels”, all SkyZip functionality is available immediately after installing the extension.

Flaws:

• download acceleration is felt only at ultra-low network connection speeds (up to 1 Mbit/sec);
• not supported by many browsers.

Initially, the extension was supported for Firefox, but, unfortunately, the developer later refused support.

TouchVPN

One of the disadvantages of TouchVPN is the limited number of countries where servers are located

Like the vast majority of other participants in our rating, the TouchVPN extension is offered to users in the form of free and paid versions. Unfortunately, the list of countries where servers are physically located is limited. There are four countries to choose from: the USA and Canada, France and Denmark.

Advantages:

• no traffic restrictions;
• choice of different countries of virtual location (although the choice is limited to four countries).

Flaws:

• limited number of countries where servers are located (USA, France, Denmark, Canada);
• Although the developer does not impose restrictions on the amount of data transferred, these restrictions are self-imposed: the speed is significantly affected by the total load on the system and the number of users using it simultaneously*.

We are talking primarily about active users using the server you have chosen. When changing servers, the loading speed of web pages may also change, for better or worse.

Browsers: Google Chrome, Chromium.

Tunnel Bear VPN

An expanded set of features is available in the paid version of TunnelBear VPN

One of the most popular VPN services. Written by TunnelBear programmers, the extension offers a list of servers geographically located in 15 countries to choose from. To work, you just need to download and install the TunnelBear VPN extension and register on the developer’s website.

Advantages:

Browsers: Google Chrome, Chromium.

Browsec VPN for Firefox and Yandex Browser

Browsec VPN is easy to use and does not require additional settings

One of the simplest free browser solutions from Yandex and Firefox, but page loading speed leaves much to be desired. Works with Firefox (version 55.0), Chrome and Yandex Browser.

Advantages:

• ease of use;
• no need for additional settings;
• traffic encryption.

Flaws:

• low page loading speed;
• There is no option to select the country of virtual location.

Browsers: Firefox, Chrome/Chromium, Yandex.Browser.

Hola VPN servers are located in 15 countries

Hola VPN is radically different from other similar extensions, although the difference is not noticeable to the user. The service is free and has a number of significant advantages. Unlike competing extensions, it functions as a distributed peer-to-peer network in which the role of routers is performed by computers and gadgets of other system participants.

Advantages:

• a choice of servers physically located in 15 countries;
• the service is free;
• there are no restrictions on the amount of data transferred;
• using computers of other system participants as routers.

Flaws:

• using computers of other system participants as routers;
• limited number of supported browsers.

One of the advantages is also the main disadvantage of expansion. In particular, the developers of the utility were accused of having vulnerabilities and selling traffic.

ZenMate VPN requires registration

A good free service for bypassing site blocking and increasing the level of security when surfing the global network.

Advantages:

• there are no restrictions on the speed and volume of transmitted data;
• automatic activation of a secure connection when accessing the appropriate resources.

Flaws:

• registration on the ZenMate VPN developer website is required;
• small selection of virtual location countries.

The choice of countries is limited, but for most users the “gentleman’s set” offered by the developer is quite enough.

Browsers: Google Chrome, Chromium, Yandex.

Free VPN in Opera browser

VPN is available in browser settings

By and large, the VPN use case described in this paragraph is not an extension, since the function of creating a secure connection using the VPN protocol is already built into the browser. Enabling/disabling the VPN option is done in the browser settings, “Settings” - “Security” - “Enable VPN”. You can also enable or disable the service by single clicking on the VPN icon in the Opera address bar.

Advantages:

• work “from the wheels”, directly after installing the browser and without the need to download and install a separate extension;
• free VPN service from the browser developer;
• no subscription;
• there is no need for additional settings.

Flaws:

• The function is not sufficiently developed, so from time to time there may be minor problems with bypassing the blocking of certain websites.

Browsers: Opera.

Please note that the free extensions listed on our list will not meet the needs of all users. Truly high-quality VPN services are not completely free. If you feel that none of the listed options suits you, try the paid versions of the extensions.

They are typically offered with a trial period and, in some cases, a 30-day refund option. We have reviewed only some of the popular free and shareware VPN extensions. If you wish, you can easily find other extensions on the Internet to bypass site blocking.