What is a VPN Chrome extension?

As you probably know, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a solution that encrypts the Internet traffic between your computer and a VPN server. Thus, your browsing data is secured, and your public IP address is hidden behind the VPN server. It is important to underline that a VPN app encrypts ALL your Internet traffic, for ALL applications, not only for your web browser.

Then, what is a VPN Chrome extension? Well, truth to be told, there is no such thing as a VPN web browser extension. For the simple reason that browsers can not set up VPN connections, only proxy connections. Proxies work similarly with VPNs, but they are less secure, and they can be configured application-based (you may set up a specific app to use a proxy and let others un-proxified).

To sum up, the extensions you may find in Google Web Store and that call themselves “VPN” are not using, in fact, VPN technology, but a proxy. Why do they use the VPN term? Probably because not many users know the differences between VPN and proxy, plus both can be used to hide your IP address. It’s only marketing

Free VPN for Chrome extensions

I have tested several Google Chrome extensions advertised as VPN, and that show up to the top of the search results. Read my findings below.

Hotspot Shield VPN Free Proxy

Hotspot Shield Chrome extension offers an elegant browser extension with a lot of extra, security and privacy-related options, like an ad blocker, tracker blocker, and cookies blocker. The default server selection is “Optimal,” but you may switch to manual and pick one of the following countries: Canada, Chile, Sweden, Netherlands, Spain, Czech Republic, Turkey, Russia, India, Germany, and Singapore.

The extension is very popular and used in millions of Google Chrome browsers, but don’t install it just yet. You should first be aware that AnchorFree, the company that runs Hotspot Shield, was recently accused of snooping on its users and selling data to an advertising company. True or not, you should use it cautiously.

Betternet Unlimited Free VPN Proxy

Betternet offers a basic, but friendly, user interface with no extra options besides connecting/disconnect and select from the two available server locations: the United States and the United Kingdom. It works smoothly and it can be activated with a single click. It may be a good free VPN for Chrome. However, the latest news shows that Betternet is not safe.

Hola – Unlimited Free VPN

Another very popular VPN extension (10+ million users) is Hola. It seems to be designed for unblocking certain websites (like Netflix) and not for general browsing. To be honest, I find the usage a little bit complicated and confusing. Too many messages and options. Plus, I see the pages that load from time to time quite annoying.

The same concerns as for Hotspot Shield: before installing the browser extension you should read the info regarding the rumors that Hola sold users’ bandwidth.

TouchVPN – Free Proxy to Unblock any sites

TouchVPN (a project associated with AnchorFree/Hotspot Shield) states that it uses proxy, not VPN. Thumb up!

The extension combines the site unblocking with hiding the IP address in a more straightforward interface than Hola. The available locations/servers are Canada, France, United States, Chile, Sweden, Netherlands, Spain, Czech Republic, Turkey, Russia, India, Germany, United Kindom, Singapore.

ibVPN – Best VPN & Proxy

ibVPN Chrome extension is an alternative to the more popular free VPN for Chrome extensions listed above. ibVPN has recently launched the so-called Guest Mode that allows you to enter without signup and connect to servers located in the United States, Netherlands, Germany, and Singapore.

A nice feature (also available in the free version) is the Bypass List (Whitelist) that allows you to select sites that are not using the proxies even if the ibVPN extension is activated. Also, it offers WebRTC leak protection. The extension automatically disconnects every 10 minutes, and manual re-connection is needed.

Which free VPN extensions for Chrome should you use?

It depends on what you need.

• If you are concerned about your private data, I recommend using ibVPN.
• If you need to access blocked sites (unblock Netflix or other online streaming channels), then you may try HotspotShield or Hola. Make sure you activate the VPN extensions only on the web browser you are using for unblocking the website, and you are not using the browser at the same time for accessing your PayPal account or performing any online shopping.
• If you need to change your IP to multiple locations install HotspotShield, TouchVPN or subscribe to the premium ibVPN service (it offers 150+ locations).

What do you think?

Do you use free VPN for Chrome add-ons? Which one is your favorite? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Prerequisites for Using Google Chrome proxy extensions 

It is highly recommended to talk about some salient points to consider when using proxy extensions on your browser of choice.

To begin with, go with the ones that provide you with a simple user interface. It ought to be supporting all websites that you access on every day but are not capable to do it because of the geo-location restrictions.

These websites may consist of Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Wikipedia, and more. Also, you must consider speed if you opt to utilize one of the proxy add-ons extensions for Chrome below.

Having above-mentioned points in mind, you will find the most popular proxy extensions/add-ons for Chrome web browser.

Let’s take a look at some of the most useful I was able to find. If you know others feel free to share them in the comments.

1. ibVPN

ibVPN is a proxy extension provided as an additional service from the VPN provider. It simply connects the browser to proxies from different locations, thus changing the visible IP address. The search of locations is nicely implemented as you can even look for streaming channels to unblock.

You may create a 6-hour free trial account in order to test the service before creating a subscription.

2. TunnelBear

TunnelBear is a beautiful proxy extension that you can easily use to change your IP address and unlock streaming channels. Also, it reduces websites and advertisers ability to track you and secures your browser on public WiFi. It is one of the greatest Chrome extensions for anonymous browsing.

3. Free Web Proxy

This extension exposes a web proxy list that will keep you hidden at all times from network monitoring. You can unblock popular social networking sites such as Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and many other sites. It offers free web proxy, anonymous web proxy. Free and simple to use.

4. Proxy Switchy!

Proxy Switchy! is an advanced proxy manager for Google Chrome, it allows users to manage and switch between multiple proxy profiles quickly and easily.

Proxy Switchy! allows you to:

– Manage and switch between multiple proxy profiles.
– Change the proxy configuration of Chrome and IE in one click.
– URL based switch rules.
– Change LAN and VPN/Dial-up proxy settings.
– Quickly add rules for currently active websites.
– Quick proxy switch between two profiles or cycle all profiles.
– Online rule list support (AutoProxy compatible).
– Export switch rules as PAC/RuleList file.
– Backup/Restore options.
– Proxy change monitoring.

5. Easy proxies

Easy proxies use proxies from Proxy.org. It’s simple: write address, select proxy and go!

+1:  Chrome SwitchProxy

This particular proxy calls for several clicks, the minimum being six in order to start the proxy.

You can do this by simply –

1. Go to Tool menu >
2. Then Options >
3. Under the hood >
4. Change proxy settings >
5. LAN settings >
6. Use proxy > 

You can run the entire process by simply clicking on your mouse. Furthermore, it likewise enables end-users to edit, modify, or configure the proxy server to suit their online browsing needs.

To conclude, if you want to change or hide your IP address while browsing the Internet with Google Chrome you need an extension that easily provides access to proxies. Choose one from the above list or directly from the Google Web Store. Enjoy!