Top 6 best VPN add-ons 2023

However, VPN add-ons have a drawback: They only protect the web browser, not other apps or services on your device. Applications, games, and other tools will still use a direct, unencrypted Internet connection. If you want to protect them, you'll need to install a native VPN app.

Luckily, all of the VPN providers we recommend in today's best VPN add-on list come with native apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and more.

1. NordVPN

1. Available for: Chrome, Firefox and Firefox for Android
2. Money Back Guarantee: 30 Days

NordVPN is the first choice on today's list when it comes to browser extensions. This service encrypts your browser's web traffic and replaces your device's IP address with one of NordVPN's more than 5,500 servers in 59 countries. This extension also blocks ads and malware. Users can select a specific location or simply click Auto connect to select the best server nearby, but there is no option to select a specific server like with the desktop application.

The plugin includes an option to disable WebRTC, a protocol that can show your real IP address even when connected to a VPN.

NordVPN boasts excellent privacy and security standards, and is a great choice for unblocking geo-restricted content like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

2. Surfshark

1. Available for: Chrome, Firefox and MS Edge
2. Money Back Guarantee: 30 Days

Surfshark is a budget-friendly provider that operates over 1,700 servers in over 60 countries. This alone makes Surfshark a great choice for unblocking geo-restricted services like Netflix. It's fast enough for almost any purpose, including lag-free streaming. Not only that, this VPN even allows you to secure all your devices at once.

This service comes with all the security features. There's 256-bit encryption, IPv6 leak protection, DNS and WebRTC, a kill switch, and even a NoBorders feature that you can use to freely browse the Internet in countries with strict online censorship. Surfshark doesn't record any personally identifiable information, but if you're worried about privacy, you can always pay with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Ripple. If you need any help, you can contact 24/7 support via live chat.

Surfshark offers apps for iOS, Windows, Android, MacOS, and Linux devices. If you want, you can also install it manually on supported home routers.

3. ExpressVPN

1. Available for: Chrome, Firefox and Safari
2. Money Back Guarantee: 30 Days

ExpressVPN's web browser extension works differently from the other options on this list because it's not a standalone product. Instead, you must have the native VPN app installed on your system. The browser extension will remotely control the native VPN app. The benefit is that your device is always fully protected, even when you exit the web browser.

You can choose from a list of server locations in 94 countries, or tap Smart Location to automatically choose the best server nearby. ExpressVPN hosts servers that can unblock Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, among many others.

Like NordVPN's extension, ExpressVPN's plugin has an option to prevent WebRTC leaks. However, instead of just turning off WebRTC, ExpressVPN changes the network path so that WebRTC traffic goes through the VPN server and your IP address is never exposed. A kill switch and DNS leak protection are built in. HTTPS enforcement selects HTTPS encrypted versions of websites whenever available. ExpressVPN's browser extensions have been tested by a third-party cybersecurity company and are all open source.

Furthermore, the extension will shuffle the location reported by Google Geolocation API and HTML5 geolocation, browser features that can be used to track your location. Once connected, your reported location will be a random location from a certain distance of the VPN server.

4. CyberGhost

1. Available for: Chrome and Firefox
2. Money Back Guarantee: 45 days

CyberGhost has discontinued free versions of its original VPN apps, but browser extensions are still available for free. Note that CyberGhost says "this browser plugin is not secure when accessing Flash content and does not protect you from webRTC leaks". For full protection, you'll need a paid subscription and a native desktop or mobile app.

The plugins are built on the Ethereum blockchain, which CyberGhost claims ensures your data stays private. You get unlimited traffic, but as with any free VPN or proxy, that doesn't mean unlimited bandwidth. CyberGhost says you probably won't be able to unblock streaming channels with the extension. Moreover, there are only 4 locations: Germany, Netherlands, Romania and USA.

5. Ivacy

1. Available for: Chrome and Firefox
2. Money Back Guarantee: 30 Days

The Ivacy browser extension easily unblocks a wide range of popular streaming channels including Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now and BBC iPlayer. Along with all the usual benefits of a VPN, you'll be protected against WebRTC leaks. Choose from over 50 server locations, or use Smart Purpose Selection to get the connection that suits your needs.

Ivacy offers great security, a no-logs policy, and fast servers.

6. StrongVPN

1. Available for Chrome and Firefox
2. Money Back Guarantee: 30 DAYS

The StrongVPN browser extension gives you all the standard features of the service in a lightweight and easy to use plugin. That includes access to all 700+ servers, 24/7 in-app support, and great speeds. Once installed, just one click to connect. A free version is available if you want to try it out, but you only get 500MB of bandwidth per month – enough to scroll through the Facebook newsfeed a few times before the service cuts off.

SaferVPN boasts some of the fastest servers, a super simple interface, and reliable security. It unblocks Netflix as well as several other popular streaming sites from abroad.

David Pac

Update 17 February 2023