As online security becomes increasingly important, the VPN extension for Google Chrome offers a lightweight and easy-to-use solution. Unlike VPN apps, it protects only your browser traffic, making it simpler to configure.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up a VPN Chrome extension to enhance your surfing experience and security – let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What Is a VPN Extension for Google Chrome?
A VPN extension for Google Chrome is a browser-integrated plugin that activates VPN functionalities directly within the browser, such as VPN encryption and bypassing geo-restrictions.
Unlike standalone VPN apps or software installed on your device, a VPN Chrome extension only protects data transmitted through Chrome. This makes it particularly user-friendly and has a negligible impact on the overall performance of your device. Meanwhile, it can be quickly downloaded from the Chrome Web Store and typically requires minimal system resources.
However, while VPN extensions have significant advantages, they also have limitations. Compared to standalone VPN apps, they can’t protect traffic from other apps on your computer, and advanced features can be limited. However, a VPN Chrome extension is an efficient and lightweight solution for users primarily looking to protect their surfing activities.
Pros and Cons of VPN Extensions vs. VPN Apps:
| 😆Pros | 😣Cons |
|---|---|
| Lighter and faster to install and run | Limited protection |
| Protects only browser traffic, not affect other apps | Fewer VPN features |
| Very friendly to users | Not as robust as full VPN apps |
Why Do You Need a VPN Chrome Extension?
While we mentioned that VPN extensions sometimes fail to offer more advanced VPN features, a premium product can still help you with the following:
・Extra Security: While Chrome offers malware and virus protection, VPN encryption adds an extra layer of security, safeguarding your privacy and protecting against third-party snooping and malicious attacks.
・Access to Restricted Content: Change your IP address by routing browser traffic through remote servers, lifting geo-restrictions to access region-specific online content.
・Online Anonymity: Hide your real location, making third parties cannot identify you.
・Prevent Tracking: Stop websites and advertisers from tracking your Chrome activity, reducing personalized data collection and targeted ads.
・Resource-saving: Uses fewer system resources than VPN apps, ensuring efficient Chrome performance.
・Easy Control: Quickly turn the VPN on or off directly from Google Chrome for a fast connection.
・Focused Protection: Specifically secures Chrome activity without affecting other apps, offering flexible VPN use.
How to Setup VPN Extension on Chrome?
To set up a VPN extension on Google Chrome, start by selecting a reliable, Chrome-compatible VPN provider. X-VPN is an excellent choice due to its outstanding compatibility, extensive server network, high speeds, and rich features. It offers both free and paid VPN extension options for Chrome users.
Next, we will use X-VPN as an example to provide a detailed guide on how to set up an extension on Google Chrome.
Step 1. Download and Install
・Download X-VPN from the Chrome Web Store or hit the download button below to get the VPN download from its official site.
・Hit the Add to Chrome> Add extension, and wait a few seconds for the installation.
・Once the installation is done, hit the extensions icon on the top-right corner of Chrome, then pin X-VPN for quick access.
Step 2. Open the Extension
・Click the X-VPN extension icon, and a small tool window will pop up.
・Read the privacy policy carefully and hit Agree & Continue.
・A comparison table for the premium plan vs. free plan will be shown next, you can click the See All X-VPN Plan option to learn more details about its premium plan, or:
– For free users: Just hit the button on the top-left corner, and proceed without login and data limitation.
– For Premium users: Hit the Sign in option to synchronize your account information.
Step 3. Connect to X-VPN
・When entering the X-VPN Chrome Extension’s main page, click the Select Server option to select a server location.
– For free users: Free users can only connect to the free servers. Despite limited choices, X-VPN automatically selects the fastest server from 1000+ servers in 17 countries, ensuring a free but high-quality experience.
– For Premium users: You can choose from any of the 8000+ servers located in 60+ countries without any restrictions.
・Tap the Quick Connect button to connect or disconnect the VPN quickly.
・In the Select Location option, you can also go to the Recommended tab to see the top-performing servers or check the Streaming tab to choose a dedicated server for a smooth, low-latency streaming experience.
・When you see the X-VPN extension icon lit up, it means the VPN is on.
Step 4. Manage VPN Features and Settings
・Hit the icon on the top-right corner to configure X-VPN’s advanced features.
– Split Tunneling: Let you choose which websites use the VPN and which ones connect directly to the internet without encryption.
– Stable Connection: When turned on, the VPN connection takes more time, but prevents frequent disconnections.
– Auto Protection: Automatically turns on the VPN when you connect to certain websites (depending on your settings).
– Kill Switch: Cut off your internet automatically when the VPN disconnects, preventing potential data leakage.
・Also, you can still find the Security Test tools here, including:
– DNS Leak Test: Check if your DNS queries are leaking.
– IP Checker: Check if your IP address is protected via X-VPN.
– Password Generator: Help you generate strong multi-digit passwords to improve your account security.
– WebRTC Leak Test: Check if Chrome or other browsers leak your IP Address.
💡You can run a VPN test with these security tools regularly to ensure that you are always in safe hands.
Pro Tip: 3 Free VPN Chrome Extensions Recommended
If you want to try using a VPN to hide your Chrome browsing history, starting with some free services can be a good option.
Here are our recommendations for quality, secure, and high-performing free VPN Chrome extensions. Let’s take a look at the comparison table.
| X-VPN | Proton VPN | Windscribe | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Privacy | No-log Policy | No-log Policy | No-log Policy |
| Free Servers | 1000+ | 5 | 10 |
| All Servers | 8000+ | 6500+ | 480+ |
| Speed | Fast | Decent | Decent |
| Free Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB/mon |
| Connections | 5 | 1 | Unlimited |
Of course, while these free VPN extensions work, they do have limited features. If you need more comprehensive online protection or want to connect to servers in specific regions, consider upgrading to the X-VPN Premium plan – click the button below for a 30-day free trial!
Conclusion
Now you must learn the method of how to set up a VPN extension on Google Chrome. Just choose a standout provider, like X-VPN, download its VPN Chrome extension, connect to a server, and enjoy safe browsing.
💡To set up a VPN on different devices, do not miss these guides:
- How to Set Up a VPN on Windows 10/11?
- How to Set Up a VPN on MacOS?
- How to Set Up a VPN on Chromebook?
- How to Set up a VPN on Your Router?
- How to Set Up a VPN on iOS Devices – iPhone and iPad?
- How to Set up a VPN on Android in 2024
FAQs
How do I add a VPN extension on Chrome?
To add a VPN extension on Chrome, you can follow the simple 3 steps.
Step 1. Choose a VPN provider, like X-VPN, and navigate to its Google Web Store page.
Step 2. Hit the Add to Chrome> Add extension button to install the extension on Chrome.
Step 3. Click the VPN Chrome extension icon, and choose a server to connect.
How do I use a VPN extension in Chrome Incognito mode?
You can use a VPN extension in Chrome incognito mode by the tutorial below.
Step 1. Hit the Extension icon on Chrome.
Step 2. Find the VPN Chrome extension you want to use.
Step 3. Navigate to Detail, and check the Allow in Incognito option.
How to use VPN in Chrome Mobile?
You can get detailed VPN info, including server IP address, VPN protocol, username/password, etc., and perform manual VPN configuration using the built-in features of iOS or Android. However, this process is cumbersome for most users. The easiest way is to download a VPN app on your mobile – the VPN app will protect all traffic activities on your phone, including Chrome browsing.
Is a free VPN Chrome extension reliable to use?
In the vast majority of cases, free VPN Chrome extensions are unreliable – many providers will choose to profit by inserting ads/malware or selling users’ privacy. But on the other hand, some sincere providers have always insisted on providing quality free services with No-log Policy, fast free servers, unlimited data, and robust security, such as X-VPN.
