A Chrome VPN extension is a VPN proxy extension that encrypts your browser traffic and masks your real IP address when you use Google Chrome. The Surfshark extension offers advanced features, including ad blocking, cookie pop-up blocking, and malware and data leak alerts.

This browser extension, however, only safeguards traffic within the Chrome browser. For greater online privacy, use the Surfshark app.

To add a VPN for Chrome, follow these steps:

1. Find your desired VPN in the Chrome Web Store.
2. Select the extension and click Add to Chrome.
3. Run the extension from your browser toolbar and connect to a VPN server.

To turn off a VPN extension in Chrome, follow these steps:

1. Click the Extensions icon on your Chrome browser’s toolbar.
2. Find the VPN extension for Chrome you want to disable and click Manage Extension.
3. Toggle the top switch to the Off position to disable your VPN extension. The extension will no longer be active in your browser.

Google Chrome doesn’t come with a built-in free VPN provided by Google.

Google does offer a VPN service called Google One VPN for Google One subscribers on certain plans, but this isn’t a built-in extension for Chrome. Users can download it as a separate app or service on Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS devices.

However, Google One VPN lacks advanced features like a kill switch and isn’t available as a VPN extension. For these reasons, third-party extensions like Surfshark that can be added from the Chrome Web Store may be a better choice for users who want a VPN for Chrome.

While Chrome doesn’t have a true built-in VPN, Google offers a separate service called Google One VPN for eligible Google One subscribers. This VPN can provide basic privacy protection with an encrypted connection, but it has several limitations compared to third-party VPN apps and extensions that are also found in the Chrome store:

• Limited availability: Google’s VPN for Chrome isn’t available in all regions;
• Fewer features: Chrome’s VPN typically offers fewer privacy and security features than most reputable VPN extensions, like a kill switch, advanced encryption, or several server locations;
• Less transparency: third-party VPN providers often have independently audited privacy policies and strict no-logs commitments.

If you want more security and privacy options, a trusted third-party VPN extension is generally more effective than relying just on Google One VPN.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an application that encrypts all your internet traffic on a connected device, masking your IP address and protecting data across different apps and browsers.

A VPN extension only encrypts traffic that goes through the browser, leaving other apps and services on your device that use an internet connection unprotected.

The best Chrome VPN extension should be easy to use while combining high-speed servers, robust security features, and a user-friendly interface.

Also, the best extension probably won’t be a free VPN. A free VPN Chrome extension is more likely to be slower, offer limited protection, and lack a strict no-logs policy, so the best VPN for you is probably a paid option like Surfshark.

WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) leaks happen when a person tries to make a video or audio call with another person via a browser that uses the WebRTC protocol. The browser reveals your IP, even if a VPN browser extension is active.

WebRTC allows real-time communication between browsers without an intermediate server. Google developed this technology to enhance video and audio chats.

Surfshark’s Chrome extension has a built-in function that helps prevent WebRTC leaks. To check if it’s enabled, open the extension, click Settings, then VPN Settings, and toggle WebRTC on.

You can learn more about performing a WebRTC leak test here.