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VPN for Chromebook: best providers + install [2023]

Written by:

Ruud Caris

All content is written by smart home experts, not AI and robots.

If you are looking for a Chromebook VPN, then you've come to the right place. In this article, I describe in detail which one to choose, but also how it is installed. So after reading this VPN before Chromebook guide, you know all about connecting securely from your device.

Of course I will go into more detail about which VPN you should use on your Chromebook including the reason why this is simply the best choice. However, if you have come here to check which one is best for you, here is a list with the best choice of one Chromebook VPN of the moment.

9.5

NordVPN Best choice

Strong encryption
Works with all Chromebooks
5000+ servers worldwide
Good working app
Use on 6 different devices
From € 3 per month
NordVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee. More Info
9.3
ExpressVPN logotype

ExpressVPN

Works with all Chromebooks
2000+ servers worldwide
5 simultaneous connections
From € 8 per month
Express VPN also has a 30-day money-back guarantee. More Info

VPNs are becoming more and more popular for a reason: they offer a number of interesting features, capabilities and extra protection when you are online.

A VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, where you as a user connect to a 'private server'. You then access the internet via this server, so that your data (such as your IP address, for example) is hidden. This allows you to go online in a more privacy-friendly way. However, there are more reasons to use a VPN, but more on that later.

Let's start by looking at some pros and cons of a VPN.

Benefits
  • Better security
  • Anonymous(er) online
  • More privacy
  • Access to geo-blocked content
  • Online with a different IP address
Cons
  • Can have a negative impact on speed
  • VPNs are often paid

now that we've seen the pros and cons of a VPN, there may be some applications you can think of where a VPN could be useful.

To explore this a bit further, below is a (non-exhaustive) list of applications for which a VPN can be used.

VPN Chromebook: reasons to use one

A VPN can therefore be used for many purposes. Personally, I always have my VPN on, this gives a slightly safer feeling when I go online.

Fortunately, it is also possible to use a VPN Chromebook so that you can also safely online on your beloved device. Below I continue with why NordVPN is the best VPN for Chromebook and then I'll explain how to install it. On a Chromebook you can connect to a VPN in no fewer than four ways, but more on that later.

VPN Chromebook

As indicated earlier, my preference is for NordVPN. In recent years I have tested about 10 VPNs and have come to the conclusion that this is the most suitable for me. In terms of price and quality, but also certainly in terms of use and app.

Below is an overview of Chromebook VPNs I would recommend, but of course you are free to choose what is most suitable for you.

1

NordVPN

Best choice

View the current price for the NordVPN
Best VPN on Chromebook

NordVPN is one of the largest VPN providers in the world and for good reason. The first thing I ever noticed was that the app reviews were so good and that triggered me to take a closer look at NordVPN years ago. I have to say that they were right: the app is simply well put together.

But with only a good app you will not get into VPN Chromebook country, you must have more at home. Fortunately, NordVPN also has the encryption in order (AES-256) and they use a so-called doubleVPN. The traffic goes through two servers, creating an extra layer of security.

At NordVPN you can choose from many servers to connect to (read many countries), with many dozens available in the Netherlands. Depending on the chosen protocol, you can also choose specialist VPNs here, for example for streaming or a fixed IP. You do share this fixed IP with other users.

Nevertheless, NordVPN is the best Chromebook VPN of the moment. In addition, I have been using it for years on multiple devices, so not just on the Chromebook, but also on smartphones and tablets.

NordVPN has vane interesting offers, so if you are considering a subscription, be sure to keep an eye on it!

Also read: 5 reasons to choose NordVPN

Pros
  • Strong encryption (AES-256)
  • Many locations available
  • Multiple VPN protocols
  • Also works with Netflix
  • App for Chromebook works well
  • Double VPN – so encrypted twice
Cons
  • No customer service by phone

2

ExpressVPN

Good choice

ExpressVPN logotype
View the current price for the Express VPN

ExpressVPN is also one of the major providers in the world and has therefore been offering VPNs for years. They do this on the OpenVPN protocol, which according to the company is an ideal combination of speed, security and performance.

ExpressVPN's app is also highly rated and has received thousands of positive reviews. This does not only apply to Chromebooks, but also for Android smartphones and iPhones, for example. ExpressVPN also works well on Windows, but slightly less so on Mac.

ExpressVPN offers over 2000 servers worldwide, which make it possible to connect to a total of 160 countries. This way you have a very wide choice of servers to connect to.

Pros
  • Good speed
  • Many locations available
  • Multiple VPN protocols
  • Also works with Netflix
  • App for Chromebook works well
Cons
  • No customer service by phone
  • Not recommended for Macs

There are three ways you can use a VPN on your Chromebook can install. The operation is basically the same, but the 'place' where you use a secure connection is always different.

1. Android app on Chromebook to install

This is the most commonly used option: this way you can see all traffic that goes through the Chromebook expires, whether in the browser, or a call with Meet, Skype or Zoom, but also for example Netflix, run through the VPN.

It's a matter of installing the right app, logging in and then activating the VPN. This way you are complete Chromebook active through the VPN.

2. Using Chrome extension

All major VPN providers also offer a Chrome extension. This way you can easily log in with the correct data and activate the VPN. Here, however, you are only connected for traffic via Chrome (the browser). This means that not the entire Chrome OS runs through a VPN.

If this is sufficient, an extension is a handy option to add a Chromebook VPN, but it may not be enough if you do more business outside the browser.

3. On Chrome OS

It is also possible to add a VPN in Chrome OS. This ensures that all traffic on the Chromebook, provided it is connected of course, runs via the secure connection.

The possible problem with this is that not all VPN providers support this. This often works with VPNs from, for example, the company where you work or school, to log in to the remote system.

Also read: Chromebook security, literally everything you need to know

4.VPN in router

Whether this is possible with your router depends on the specific model and the support of the VPN service. Nord VPN supports the necessary router brands and models, so it's an idea to take a look here.

The big advantage of this is that your internet traffic runs entirely through the VPN. This does not only apply to the Chromebook, but also for you, for example Chromecast, smartphone and other devices connected to the router. This way you don't have to remember to turn on the VPN. Easy!

Also read: Chromecast with VPN: this is how you easily set it up

By now you know in which ways a VPN can be installed on a Chromebook. The easiest way is to use the app that is available. Therefore, this explanation also focuses on this method, using the Nord VPN app as an example.

Fortunately, it is very easy to do this Chromebook VPN installation, so let's quickly start with the step-by-step plan below.

VPN Chromebook to install
Fortunately, it is very easy to do this Chromebook VPN installation, so let's quickly start with the step-by-step plan below.
Create an account on NordVPN
Create an account on NordVPN and choose the package that suits you best. If you are not sure yet whether you want to go for NordVPN, you have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it. More information about the different packages can be found here.
Download the app from Google Play
Navigate to Google Play on your Chromebook and search for NordVPN here. Do you watch this on your Chromebook, then you can too click this link to go directly to the right app.
Log in with the correct details
You should have created an account in step #1, which we will now use to log in to the app.
Select a server and connect
It can be that simple: select a server you want to connect to. For example, a Dutch or another country and choose connection. As the Chromebook before asking permission for these connections you can allow them. This is necessary for the proper functioning of the app.

VPN Chromebook
Check the settings
Then check the settings and see which options are desirable for you. For example, it is possible to automatically connect as soon as the Chromebook is started. You can also choose a protocol here and adjust other options.

VPN Chromebook

So now you have a VPN installed on you Chromebook. Don't forget to turn it on when you use the Chromebook used.

Install your own VPN

Do you want to install your own VPN, from which you have received data from work or school, for example, that is also possible on a Chromebook. There are often no apps available for this, so you have to do this in a different way.

Install your own VPN
Also installing a private VPN on a Chromebook is not very complicated. Of course you need the correct data for this.
Go to settings > network and select VPN
Go to settings on your Chromebook and look up VPN here. This is in the network tab, under WiFi.
VPN Chromebook
Add a new VPN
Add a new VPN and then enter all the information you received from work or school, for example. Obviously, the VPN will not work if this information is not correct.
VPN Chromebook
Just connect
You may have to give permission once and you can connect to the VPN.


VPN Chromebook

With this method you can only add your 'own' VPN. It is possible, after the VPN profile of, for example, NordVPN on your Chromebook is installed, connect it from here.

There are also free VPNs for that Chromebooks available, but the big question is: is it wise to use it?

As you now know, VPNs are mostly paid. Companies that offer a 'free' VPN are generally not good samaritans, they make money in a different way. They generally do this with your data, which they collect while using the VPN.

So, there's a free one Chromebook vpn? Yes, there are. However, it is not necessarily wise to use it, because data is often resold or used without you noticing it.

Do you still want a free VPN on your Chromebook go, take a look around the Chrome Store, like for example here.

There is a lot of competition in the VPN market, with the necessary providers 'fighting' for customers. You notice this on the one hand in the marketing budgets that are spent, but also in the discounts that are given.

For example, there are interesting offers available for a VPN at practically any time. This also applies to NordVPN for example.

In addition, as with most services, it is cheaper to go for the slightly longer term. Personally, I always take out a three-year subscription for my VPN because it saves a lot of money. In addition, I know that I will continue to use the VPN.

So if you're looking for a discounted VPN, keep it this page then keep an eye on it to see which discounts apply at that time. You can also find a VPN with a discount via the button below.

[quick_offer id=”3955″]

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Chromecastenthusiast from the very beginning. Been using Google services for years and know a lot about it Chromecast, Chromebook, Google Home and streaming.

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