The 5 Best Google Chromebook VPN services in 2022

ExpressVPN is a hugely respected name in the VPN industry. This no-logs service runs entirely on non-writable media to ensure no logs can persist on its servers after a reboot, which means privacy is guaranteed when using ExpressVPN on your Chromebook (or any other platform for that matter).

A beginner-friendly VPN for your Chromebook

ExpressVPN offers an OpenVPN Android app with full Chromebook setup instructions. This app features a kill-switch (“Network Lock”) and split tunneling, so you can decide which of the Android apps running on your Chromebook are routed through the VPN interface (Chrome OS itself connections will always be routed through the VPN interface when the app is running).

Although ExpressVPN offers a Chrome extension, this is not a stand-alone app and requires the Windows or macOS desktop client to work. The browser extension is, therefore, not suitable for Chromebook users. ExpressVPN supplies L2TP/IPsec setup instructions, however, for owners of Chromebooks which do not support Android. Like NordVPN, ExpressVPN provides a custom CLI Linux script for easy OpenVPN setup in Linux, and which works flawlessly on a Linux-enabled Chromebook.

Premium security features 

ExpressVPN has a strict zero-logs policy and has even undergone a Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) audit to prove it keeps no logs. In other words, all your sensitive data is in safe hands. Besides, ExpressVPN comes with robust encryption and multiple protocols to choose from for even better speeds and security. You can opt for the well-trusted and tested OpenVPN, or you can try Lightway – a cutting-edge and remarkably speedy VPN protocol (developed by ExpressVPN itself).

ExpressVPN also includes obfuscated (stealth) servers, which can help you beat censorship measures, even in places with the strictest government restrictions, such as China or Egypt. An automatic kill-switch is also available to protect you from data leaks if, by any chance, your connection drops, and split-tunneling will separate your non-VPN traffic (online banking, work-related platforms) from your VPN traffic (streaming, gaming). These, and a long list of other advanced privacy features, ensure that you can browse via your Chromebook with total peace of mind.

Geo-spoofing champion with great cross-platform compatibility

ExpressVPN comes with thousands of lightning-fast servers in 94 countries worldwide, so you'll never be stuck for choice. In addition, the service unblocks all major online streaming platforms with ease. You’ll get access to over 30 exclusive Netflix catalogs, including the massive US and UK Netflix libraries. Folks that aren't big fans of Netflix will be glad to hear that ExpressVPN also unblocks BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Disney+, and more.

ExpressVPN is also great for gamers since it doesn't impose any bandwidth caps or monthly data limits. This VPN will grant you very secure access to game catalogs abroad, too – so you can buy popular titles from other countries sooner, or for less money.

Finally, ExpressVPN offers sleek and easy-to-use apps compatible with all your OS and devices (you can even use it on a VPN router and PC console), so it's a great option for cross-platform usage. A very convenient 30-day money-back guarantee is also there, which enables you to test its myriad of privacy features risk-free for 30 days.

 

NordVPN is an enduringly popular service based in the NSA-free country of Panama – an immediate win for user privacy. The zero-logs service also offers strong support for Chrome OS, and most Chromebook users will be able to download its excellent Android app, which is stuffed with features.

Impressive privacy toolkit

NordVPN's customizable kill-switch will prevent your identifiable data leaking if your VPN connection happens to drop, and its CyberSec tool banishes those pesky trackers and ads from your browsing sessions, so you can hop from site to site without worrying about who's keeping tabs on you. And, of course, NordVPN's superb OpenVPN encryption ensures that your data remains unreadable and useless to any would-be hackers or intrusive ISPs or governments – and this is just what I like to see from the top names in the VPN industry.

If you're looking for an additional layer of privacy, you'll want to check out NordVPN's obfuscated (stealth) servers, which use XOR encryption to evade even the most stringent VPN blocks. Onion Over VPN is also available to try; an exclusive NordVPN feature that will help you protect your online activities from prying eyes.

Excellent coverage

NordVPN apps are available for all platforms, and there's even an excellent Chrome extension available to those looking for a quick-and-dirty Chromebook VPN solution. Interestingly (and for good reason), NordVPN has discontinued support for the L2TP/IPsec protocol, so manual configuration of Chrome OS' native VPN client isn't possible.

However, NordVPN is a superb pick for anyone looking to unblock the most in-demand streaming platforms and social media apps, thanks to its thousands of servers in 60 countries , and can be put to the test risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Based in Romania, CyberGhost is a no-logs provider that's noted for offering a wealth of handy VPN features at a budget-friendly price point.

Stay protected on the go

You'll be able to make use of battle-tested OpenVPN encryption on the Android app, as well as a built-in kill-switch, and CyberGhost even supports split-tunneling for rooting selected Android apps outside the VPN tunnel. The App Protection feature will auto-launch the VPN and connect to a chosen server when using selected apps – ideal for all your BitTorrent and Netflix needs!

The Wi-Fi protection feature automatically enables the VPN when you connect your Chromebook to an unknown network. So, if you're a frequent traveler and on the go, you'll stay secure even when using public networks that are commonly found in airports, hotels, and your local coffee shop.

A beginner-friendly option

Chrome OS-specific L2TP/IPsec support appears to have been removed from CyberGhost’s help pages, but users of older Chromebooks can configure the native VPN client using the L2TP/IPsec settings described for other platforms.

CyberGhost VPN offers a CLI Linux app for easy OpenVPN configuration in Linux, and also a Chrome browser extension. This HTTPS proxy extension is free to everybody but is limited to four servers in Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and the United States. However, this VPN offers a very generous 45-day money-back guarantee, which is plenty of time to try and test all its features and capabilities.

Surfshark is a relative newbie among our best Chromebook VPNs, however, it offers the same top-notch features as some of the industry's veterans. It comes with highly-customizable privacy features, super-fast servers, and unlimited simultaneous connections that won't cost you an arm and a leg.

Go limitless with Surfshark

Surfshark puts no limits on how many devices you can connect to the service at any one time, so you don’t have to worry about logging in and out each time you want to protect a different piece of technology. Besides, its sleek and easy-to-use apps are available for all platforms – Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and even Linux; and NordVPN is compatible with routers and consoles alike. So, Surfshark is a great pick for those looking for real value for money.

This VPN easily unblocks all your favorite streaming websites, including Netflix US, Disney+, and HBO Max, and dedicated P2P servers, will make your torrenting much safer. However, keep in mind that this service doesn't come with port-forwarding, so if this is a deal-breaker for you, consider the alternatives in this list.

Stay fully protected at a minimum price

The Android app features an ad and malware blocker, a kill-switch, and split tunneling. While the Linux app is essentially a simple setup script for OpenVPN, it does make life easier by preloading Surfshark's server list. Additionally, it'll work without issues in Chrome OS so long as you install it from the command line (sudo apt-get install surfshark-vpn). 

Surfshark doesn't scrimp when it comes to security either – its Chrome browser extension has been audited for security issues by Cure53 and includes WebRTC leak protection and DNS ad-blocking. All Surfshark's advanced features come with the basic plan at a minimum subscription cost of a little over $2 a month. 

Get all the guides and support you need

Surfshark consistently impresses us with its no-logs policy and exceptional value for money. You can install it on Chromebook with the Android app or manually configure it.

Chromebook users will likewise enjoy support; there's an official guide to setting up the Surfshark Android app in Chrome OS, plus a CLI Linux app, and a stand-alone Chrome extension. Plus, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is enough to try out all the benefits of this privacy leader.

 

VyprVPN owns and manages its entire servers network – and this impressed me right off the bat. I tried out VyprVPN's applications on all my devices and liked its user-friendly and straightforward user interface, security features, and consistent speeds.

Uncompromising privacy for your Chromebook

VyprVPN is a fully audited no-logs VPN service that is based in Switzerland. It is known for owning and self-operating its entire server network, which removes the need to rely on potentially untrustworthy third-party server centers. What's more, all of VyprVPN's servers offer unlimited bandwidth without any caps, so you won't need to worry about sites loading at a snail's pace.

Easy setup and great unblocking capability

You can set VyprVPN up on Chromebook using its Android App, or manually configure L2TP/IPsec yourself. The VyprVPN Android app features a kill-switch, DNS ad and malware blocking, and public Wi-Fi protection for your Chromebook. It uses the OpenVPN protocol along with VyprVPN’s patent Chameleon encryption technology, which is reported to be very effective at defeating VPN blocks and censorship in places such as China. 

VyprVPN provides an L2TP/IPsec setup guide for non-Android Chromebooks. It has a CLI Linux app for Ubuntu and Mint (OpenVPN, PPTP, and Chameleon), but we couldn't get this to connect to a server from inside Chrome OS’ Debian container. VyprVPN also has generic Ubuntu OpenVPN setup instructions, however, which work fine for Chrome OS. VyprVPN also recently launched its very own Chrome extension, too, giving users a lightweight option that'll still prioritize their privacy.