Best VPNs for Chromebook in 2024

Chromebook laptops are lightweight, great performance-wise, and relatively affordable. So, it’s no wonder many schools and workplaces hand them out to their students and workers. However, various network restrictions severely limit their use.

Institutions tend to block access to streaming services, music platforms, games, and social media to prevent distractions on Chromebook.

Luckily, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic, allowing you to access restricted content. Your online presence also gets secured, so getting your hands on the best Chromebook VPN is definitely beneficial.

A shortlist of the best Chromebook VPNs

1. NordVPN

   The best VPN for Chromebook
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Chromebook VPN with top-notch privacy
   9.5
3. PrivateVPN

   All-round VPN for Chromebook
   8.7
4. IPVanish

   VPN for Chromebook with malware protection
   8.4

Why do you need a VPN for Chromebook?

Due to technical specs and low prices, Chromebook laptops have quickly found their way into official settings like offices and schools. Of course, you can use it for much more than just work, but it’s not possible for many. And it all boils down to the fact that network administrators ban platforms that are unnecessary for people to do their tasks.

Streaming services? Blocked. Social media like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook? No access. Maybe you just need Spotify to get into the zone? Tough luck, pal, you’ll just have to sit in silence. On one hand, it’s understandable, but on the other, it just makes the day more miserable.

Thankfully, premium VPNs can lift these restrictions in an instant. Just connect to a VPN server, and boom, everything’s available, as it should’ve been from the start. The trick is pretty simple – since your actions online are now encrypted, the network’s firewall can’t see what you’re doing or accessing. And it can’t block something it can’t detect.

Best Chromebook VPN: detailed list

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for Chromebook
2. Surfshark VPN – Chromebook VPN with top-notch privacy
3. PrivateVPN – all-round VPN for Chromebook
4. IPVanish – VPN for Chromebook with malware protection

Chromebook runs on Chrome OS, which is Android-based, so customers should opt for a solid VPN for Android. And since our goal is to cloak your actual identity to bypass restrictions, you can’t do without the essentials that make it possible. The standard VPN toolkit includes a kill switch, AES-256 encryption, and IP & DNS leak protection.

Now, to make the most out of unblocked content, like video platforms, never settle for less than exceptional speeds. A wide-ranging server network will also let you enjoy foreign media, so the country list is something worth paying attention to.

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for Chromebook

Versatile and intuitive, NordVPN is the best VPN for Chromebook. The provider hails from privacy-friendly Panama, operates under a verified no-logs policy, and offers a robust set of tools to keep yourself hidden. Moreover, all standard servers are RAM-only and can’t store data long-term, adding extra reliability points.

The fleet has plenty of connection points on every continent and spans 7000+ servers across 118+ countries. Whether you’re picking the closest server or one on the other side of the globe, performance won’t drop below excellent. You can thank the in-house NordLynx tunneling protocol for that.

Sneaking past blocks isn’t an issue for NordVPN, and you’ll soon be streaming on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Or accessing blocked social media sites, games, music platforms, and so on. The Threat Protection feature also disables user trackers and ensures you don’t stumble onto malware.

Coming with 6 simultaneous connections, this Chromebook VPN can be yours for $2.99/month after using a NordVPN code. Get a taste of it with the 7-day free trial (available via Google Play Store) or commit risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark VPN – Chromebook VPN with top-notch privacy

Surfshark VPN is another excellent Chromebook VPN packed with many powerful security features. The fact it’s based in the Netherlands, a country with no data retention laws, boosts the provider’s unwavering refusal to monitor its users. It wouldn’t be possible even if they wanted to since all hardware runs exclusively on RAM modules.

You’ll quickly find the best server for you from the extensive network of 3200+ servers scattered in 100+ countries. And regular browsing and data-intensive activities are bound to be smooth as butter with the next-gen WireGuard protocol enabled. Software Defined Networking (SDN), introduced with the Nexus update, also plays a big part in that.

Surfshark unblocks basically every major streaming platform and then some. The best part is that you can unleash the full potential of more devices than just the Chromebook laptop. After all, every subscription supports an unlimited number of devices per account.

Apply a Surfshark VPN coupon before finalizing the purchase, and you’ll pay no more than $2.19/month for a superb VPN. A refund is available if you don’t like the service, thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee. Though it’s unlikely it will come to that, especially after testing the free 7-day trial via Google Play Store.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. PrivateVPN – all-round VPN for Chromebook

Now for a versatile service that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg – introducing PrivateVPN. It’s a reliable Chromebook VPN with the essential toolkit, a streamlined Android application, and speeds that won’t leave you hanging. Plus, the provider lives up to its name by not participating in subscriber surveillance.

While the network is a bit smaller compared to other premium services, it gets the job done well. Connect to any 200+ servers in 63+ countries, and you won’t notice a dip in loading times. As the company itself explains, this feat can be attributed to buying High Quality Network from the source instead of intermediaries.

Prepare to smash through restrictions left and right with PrivateVPN. Video platforms, social media, games, and any blocked website won’t be left unturned. This service is also exceptionally good at letting you sneak into foreign Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video libraries, exponentially expanding entertainment options.

Only $2.00/month for a superb VPN for Chromebook with 10 simultaneous devices is quite affordable. Just don’t forget to utilize a PrivateVPN discount code for a potentially lower price. Your subscription is also protected with the 30-day money-back guarantee. And feel free to explore the service beforehand by downloading the 7-day free trial.

For a deeper investigation of PrivateVPN, read our PrivateVPN review.

4. IPVanish – VPN for Chromebook with malware protection

If you’re interested in security rather than entertainment, don’t overlook IPVanish. The provider adheres to a certified no-logs policy and helps users battle all third-party online surveillance. You even get a boost in real-time protection, thanks to the VIPRE antivirus that comes at no additional cost.

The company owns a massive network of 2200+ servers scattered across 51+ countries. Eliminating third parties from operating the hardware significantly reduces the chances of someone tampering with it. Performance isn’t neglected either, as the WireGuard tunneling protocol is readily available to all subscribers.

Just like a few other Chromebook VPNs here, IPVanish doesn’t limit the number of devices you can connect to it. So, you can freely secure everything you need at work, school, and home. Getting your hands on restricted content is easy as pie, letting you indulge in much-need distractions.

Try an IPVanish code and pay essentially pocket change for the subscription – $2.19/month. Sadly, you’ll have to dive right into the service since there’s no trial or free version. But it’s not so bad when the 30-day money-back guarantee has you covered, just in case.

For a deeper investigation of IPVanish, read our IPVanish review.

How we picked the best VPN for Chromebook

Besides having a dedicated Android application, a good VPN for Chromebook should also meet specific criteria. Here are the primary aspects we paid attention to while making this list:

• Extensive network. As mentioned previously, having lots of servers in as many different regions as possible is beneficial in two ways. First, it ensures you have several connection points close to you, significantly reducing latency. Second, you get more options when it comes to unblocking foreign content platforms.
• Excellent performance. Naturally, sending all internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel creates an additional routing hop, which slows down speeds. You want to negate this reduction so it doesn’t ruin your online activities, though. So, the Chromebook VPN should have the latest tunneling protocols for that, like WireGuard. Plus, you can check out what you’re getting by using our comparison of the fastest VPN service providers.
• Security and privacy. The essential VPN tools are mandatory because they keep you hidden under all circumstances. And as a reminder, these are – military-grade encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch. Also, pay attention to the provider's stance on data logging. We advise you to never settle for anything else but a strict zero-logs policy.
• Versatility. VPNs for Chromebook can do much more than just secure your laptop. Plenty of them offer features to enhance streaming, P2P file-sharing, online games, etc., and the ones included here do so as well. You can also take a look at providers that specialize in particular activities, such as the best VPNs for streaming, for example.
• Price-to-feature ratio. The ‘high price = great quality’ mindset isn’t always correct – more often than not, you’ll find cheaper VPNs outperforming the expensive ones. There's no harm in subscribing if it’s low-cost and has everything you need.
• Customer support. You never know what might happen and when you’ll need some professional help concerning the VPN. That’s why it’s crucial for customer support to be quick to respond and available 24/7 via live chat. Our recommended Chromebook VPNs offer this.

How to set up a Chromebook VPN

There are three ways you can install a VPN on your Chromebook. You either download it from the Google Play Store, install the VPN extension (if the provider offers one), or sideload the application using Linux mode. We detail each method below.

Set up Chromebook VPN via Google Play Store

The most straightforward way to install any VPN on your computer, provided the application is in the Play Store.

1. Boot up your browser and navigate to the Google Play Store
   
   
2. Search for the VPN you subscribed to and download it. Our top recommendation is NordVPN, one of the best VPNs out there.
3. Once the installation is complete, open the application and log in
   
   
4. Connect to any server you want
5. That’s it, now you’re secure and free to explore the web!

Get the best VPN for Chrome OS

Set up Chromebook VPN via browser extension

Most premium VPNs also offer browser extensions that change your IP address and secure your browsing. Keep in mind these are proxies and not full-fledged clients – only browser activities are protected, leaving everything outside of it visible. Plus, you don’t get most of the useful features.

1. Go to your Chromebook VPN provider’s website. NordVPN has a handy browser extension, compatible with Chrome, Edge, Brave, and Firefox browsers.
2. Find the downloads page and download the appropriate browser extension
   
   
3. Click on its icon at the top right corner of your browser and log in
   
   
4. Pick the best server for you
5. Now you’re good to go. Enjoy safe browsing!

Unblock Chromebook with a VPN

Set up Chromebook VPN via Linux mode

There are cases where users aren’t even able to download VPNs because access to them is blocked on Chromebook. Thankfully, you can still get your hands on these tools, though the process is a bit more complex.

1. Subscribe to a VPN on a different device. Intuitive and packed with robust security features, NordVPN is worth the price.
2. Open the Menu on your Chromebook, then go to Settings > Linux (Beta) > Develop Android Apps
3. Enable the ADB debugging option and reboot your laptop
4. After, a window will pop up asking you to confirm ADB debugging. Do it.
5. Download the VPN APK file from the provider’s website and transfer it to Chromebook via USB or another file-sharing method
6. Navigate to Files > My Files > Linux files and drop the APK file there
7. Open the terminal, type in sudo apt install adb, and press Enter. Then type adb connect arc, press Enter again, and confirm you want to use USB debugging
8. FOR CHROMEBOOK WITH ARM PROCESSORS: type adb install [name of the apk file].apk
9. FOR CHROMEBOOK WITH INTEL/AMD PROCESSORS: type adb -s emulator-5554 install [name of the apk file].apk
10. Now the VPN application will install, and you’ll find it in the App Launcher. Open it, log in, and connect to any server.

Get a VPN – secure Chromebook

VPN is not working on Chromebook: solutions

Sadly, we don’t live in a perfect world where everything works without a hitch. If you cannot unblock content on Chromebook with a VPN anymore, there are a few things you can try to fix the problem.

• Faulty connection. You first need to rule out whether the issue lies with the VPN or your internet. Disable the VPN and proxy and try browsing as is – if everything loads like usual, there’s likely something wrong with the VPN.
• IP and DNS leaks. A visible IP address and unprotected DNS requests can stop you from accessing restricted websites and platforms. Perform an IP and DNS leak test via sites like ipleak.net and dnsleaktest.com, toggle your Chromebook VPN’s security settings, and try different tunneling protocols.
• Check for updates. Outdated VPN software isn’t as reliable when it comes to keeping you hidden. Open the client and see whether any updates are pending. Better yet, change the settings so that the application gets updated automatically whenever new versions roll out.
• Disable antivirus and firewall. These might also flag VPN traffic as suspicious, blocking your restriction circumvention efforts. Temporarily disable both and see if the VPN starts working as it should. If that’s the case, turn on your antivirus and firewall again, just whitelist the VPN software in the settings.
• Delete other proxy add-ons. For those primarily utilizing browser extensions, delete all the other proxy add-ons not being used. Multiple extensions are very likely to cause software conflicts, canceling out everything.

The last option, per usual, is contacting your VPN provider’s customer support for further troubleshooting. In the case it doesn’t work either, your best bet is switching to another service compatible with Chromebook.

Free VPN for Chromebook

We understand the temptation, but the free VPN route isn’t the road you should go down. While not all costless providers are like this, most tend to be unreliable and even put your security & privacy at risk. Some of their concerning practices include:

• Extensive data logging and then selling that info to shady third parties
• Injecting malicious software into clients, which collects information while you’re not connected to the VPN
• Riddling applications with intrusive ads, which can contain viruses and user trackers

Besides these, free Chromebook VPNs have subpar tools that won’t be able to mask your IP address and DNS requests properly. What does this mean for you? Well, your efforts to gain access to blocked content will be fruitless.

Out of all providers, there are a few you should avoid at all costs. Namely, these are:

• Psiphon. The software is outdated, doesn’t have a kill switch, DNS requests leak constantly, applications are full of ads with user trackers, and shares all aggregated data with its sponsors.
• Betternet VPN. No kill switch, weak IP and DNS leak protection, logs user info, and injects malware into its VPN clients.
• Hoxx VPN. Does not have any of the essential VPN tools, doesn’t disclose what kind of encryption is being used, collects data, and discloses it to the authorities if need be.

We’re trying to secure your Chromebook and expand its capabilities, not shoot yourself in the foot by making it worse. Go premium if you can afford it, but if it’s not possible – take advantage of services with free trial versions. Use them until the end of the term, and hop on to other providers as often as you need.

Start today with NordVPN

Conclusion

Chromebook laptops are the go-to work tools in many official settings. Yet this also means what you can do is severely limited due to various restrictions put in place to reduce distractions.

Quickly access streaming, social media, and games with the best Chromebook VPNs. The ones included here, like NordVPN, offer robust tools that maximize anonymity, allowing you to bypass these pesky Chromebook blocks.

What absurd thing has your school or workplace banned on Chromebook? Let us know in the comments below!

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FAQ

Can a VPN be used on a Chromebook?

Yes, a VPN can be used on Chromebook. It’s a valuable tool that increases the laptop’s security & privacy exponentially. VPNs also bypass any restrictions on Chromebook, allowing you to view content usually blocked by your school’s or workplace’s network administrators.

What is the best free VPN for Chromebook?

The best free VPN for Chromebook is Proton VPN. It comes with no speed or bandwidth limits, 10 simultaneous connections, and free servers in the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, and the United States. Streaming won’t really be an option, but torrenting is enabled.

How do I install a VPN on my Chromebook?

There are three ways you can install a VPN on your Chromebook. The easiest would be to go to the VPN provider’s website, subscribe, and create an account. You’ll get an option to download the application – pick the Android one. Then click on the app installer, follow the instructions, and you’re good to go.

Does Chromebook have a built-in VPN?

No, Chromebooks don’t have built-in VPNs of any kind. While they do have tools with similar capabilities, you still need a separate VPN server to connect to for them to work. Signing up for the best Chromebook VPNs will do the trick.

What VPNs work on a school Chromebook?

Yes, a VPN will work on a school Chromebook and help you bypass any blocks imposed by network administrators. Pick a reliable Chromebook VPN, connect to a server closest to you, and browse the web without restrictions.