Updated 01/09/2020
While you are online, your web browser continually sends information it collects about you to every website you visit. It transmits your IP address, information about your operating system, your device, and even other devices connected to your network. Even if a website you trust (such as Google or YouTube) can obtain this data without your knowledge, Just imagine what a malicious site can discover!
By using an unsecured web browser, you are putting your sensitive information (such as passwords and security codes) at risk. goodVPN-the extension will encrypt your web browser traffic, so that attackers will not be able to use your personal data to hack your accounts.
In addition to protecting your connection, the VPN browser extension will mask yourIP-address, what will allow you view geo-blocked content and bypass censorship from anywhere in the world.
Your online security depends on you choosing the best extension available. Average VPN extensions cannot guarantee that your device will not remain vulnerable, Moreover, they can even sell your data to third party companies.
To ensure an adequate level of security, you you need to make sure that the service you choose does not store logs your search history. You also need unlimited channel bandwidth, high-speed connection, and if you plan to view geo-blocked content on streaming services, then you also need a service that can bypass the latest anti-VPN technologies.
We've tested the best VPN extensions for Chrome and selected the best ones based on their security, speed and user reviews. Here is a brief description of the capabilities of the services we have selected - Below you can find out more.
Quick Guide: The Best VPN Extensions for Chrome
- Proxy expansionNordVPN
Superfast proxy extension from NordVPN for Chrome encrypts your browser traffic and masks your IP address, to keep your online activity anonymous. The CyberSec feature of this VPN extension allows it to also act as powerful ad blocker, which automatically blocks dangerous websites, thereby protecting your device from malware and cyber attacks. - ExpressVPNForChrome
This extension works in tandem with the ExpressVPN app to guarantee you complete control over your online security. ExpressVPN extension for Chrome - one of the fastest on the market, and no logs of your online activity are saved here. You will also be able to use unique split tunneling feature from ExpressVPN, which lets you choose which websites you want to visit from your local IP address and which through your VPN. - Hotspot Shield for Chrome
if you need a reliable and inexpensive VPN, an extension for the Hotspot Shield browser - great choice. The extension combines powerful security features with high speed and unlimited bandwidth. It's incredibly easy to use. You can secure your online activities with one click! - SaferVPN
SaferVPN offers impressive fast and safeVPN for Chrome. SaferVPN Basic Subscription Guarantees You 500 MB of free traffic every month. This VPN extension for Google Chrome is very easy to install and you don't need to have a deep technical understanding to set it up. - ZenMate VPN
You will be able to enjoy absolute Internet security for free, using ZenMate's powerful VPN browser extension. The free version of the extension is limited, but you can always upgrade to one of the available premium plans to get more features. ZenMate Extensions encrypt all your browser traffic, to provide you with anonymity and online security.
Here's why you need to use one of the best VPN extensions for Chrome
A good VPN web browser extension will allow you to access geo-blocked content, secure your connection, and hide your personal information from hackers and cybercriminals.
Unfortunately, many of the available VPN extensions cannot be called secure. In fact, many have been caught red-handed for abusing users' trust and transfer of confidential data without their knowledge. For this reason, it is very important to protect your connection with a reliable VPN web browser extension.
The number of VPN extensions available for Chrome may seem overwhelming. There are so many VPNs to choose from, and each of them “is the best” - according to the providers themselves.
You should Avoid standalone VPN extensions and give preference to those who created reliable and provenVPN-providers. At best, standalone extensions are just proxy services that won't encrypt your data, and at worst they can be malware that is designed to collect your sensitive data.
All of the options we offer are from trusted VPN providers who do everything they can to protect your data and you online.
Best VPN extensions of 2020 – detailed analysis
The best proxy VPN extension in all respects: NordVPN
NordVPN offers a proxy extension first-class balance of discretion and privacy. Unlike power-hungry applications, this extension is lightweight and will not slow down your computer. As soon as you log into your NordVPN account, the extension will automatically start protecting you by connecting to the best server available.
This incredibly flexible extension is compatible with Chrome, Firefox and Android devices. For additional protection you can turn off completelyWebRTC. WebRTC works by default in most web browsers and can leak your IP address even if you are using a VPN. The CyberSec feature allows the NordVPN extension to act as a as an ad and malware blocker.
You will only be able to run this extension if you have a NordVPN account. There are more 2,800 servers worldwide, so you'll love what NordVPN has to offer. This service is an absolute no-brainer and you can try its services for yourself without the fear of wasting your money thanks to the 30-day money back guarantee.
NordVPN is able to unblock:
- Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Showtime, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video and Sling TV.
Torrent support:
- Yes, dedicated P2P servers.
NordVPN runs on the following devices:
- Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, Linux, Chrome and Firefox. Also compatible with routers.
Best VPN Extension for Features: ExpressVPN
Simple and convenient ExpressVPN's extension gives you complete control over your connection without ever having to minimize your web browser window. Unlike most VPNs for Google Chrome, it encrypts all data transmitted over your network.
If you're still annoyed by websites that block you from access unless you allow them access to your device's GPS, then ExpressVPN can hide your locationHTML5, to provide you with access where you you don't have to sacrifice your anonymity.
The extension and app from ExpressVPN together are a powerful combination for online protection. Thanks to lightning speeds, unlimited bandwidth channel and with over 1,500 servers to choose from around the world, it's no wonder why ExpressVPN is too.
ExpressVPN can unblock:
- Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, Sling TV, DAZN and BBC iPlayer.
Torrent support:
- Yes, all servers support P2P.
ExpressVPN works on the following devices:
- Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, Linux, Chrome and Firefox. Also offers an application for working with routers.
Best Value: Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield extension for Chrome is ideal security tool.
Extension Great will do for beginners, its installation is very simple. You can download, install and connect it in one click.
To protect your data, the extension uses military grade encryption. Built-in WebRTC blocker prevents IP address leaks and also contains ad and malware blocker!
You can test limited free version Hotspot Shield before upgrading to premium with 45-day money back guarantee.
Thanks to high speed And unlimited bandwidth your capabilities will expand significantly. .
Newbie's Best Choice: SaferVPN
SaferVPN Chrome Extension - a great option for newcomers to the worldVPN, as well as for experienced users. You will definitely appreciate the simplicity settings in one click- from installation to connection. And we're not kidding: you really only need one click to protect yourself online.
You will also get access to 24/7 technical support straight from the extension, so help is always at arm's length.
At the same time, the VPN community wondered whether the SaferVPN extension encrypts user data, and we received confirmation from technical support staff that it truly encrypts all your web browser data.
If you are not yet ready to apply paid subscription, then the SaferVPN service offers 500 MB of free traffic monthly, so you can try these services first. But if you like this VPN, you'll also like SaferVPN's full VPN services. Who can go wrong when they offer you high-quality security features, super-fast connection speeds and unlimited data?
The great thing is that you can try an unlimited package of services without any risks for 30 days. .
Best Free VPN Extension: ZenMate VPN
If you're looking for a full-featured VPN extension for a fraction of the cost, then ZenMate's VPN Extension is your best choice! Free version has a huge number of functions with minimal risks. This is also one of the simplest VPN for Chrome in terms of installation and configuration.
One of the unique features of this extension is SmartPrice, which is enabled by default. SmartPricesaves you money when you go to online stores, showing prices for the selected product in comparison and only useful customer reviews. Some of the security features of this extension include: blocking WebRTC, data encryption and firewallNAT, which will prevent hackers from scanning your device.
As a bonus, you'll have AlwaysOn, which turns on your device's VPN protection as soon as you connect to the Internet. so your confidential data will never be visible to strangers.
The premium version of the extension from ZenMate is also very affordable and, unlike free version, offers unlimited connection speeds and servers around the world. You will also be able connect up to five devices to your account simultaneously.
The good news is that when you activate your free account, ZenMate gives you a 7-day free trial of premium services. !
Make Chrome Better with the Most Trusted VPN Extensions
We, of course, recommend taking the safest route and using extensions from reliable VPN services, but the VPNs we discussed in this article are the exception to this rule. Whether you're looking for strong protection for your anonymity, the ability to access blocked content, or a powerful combination of both, you'll definitely find it in our options.
Today, the abbreviation VPN can be heard literally on every corner. Services, browser plugins, and even routers with a VPN connection option are appearing. Many users use a VPN connection to access websites blocked in the country. Others use it to increase general security when accessing the Internet. However, most VPN users They don’t know how it works.
About VPN technology in simple terms
The term VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. Let's look at this definition in detail. We will start from the word Private, which is the main thing in this term. It means that:
The VPN connection is secure, private and created personally for the user using certain virtual servers. The information passes through this server and then reaches the user without the ability to track it. It can be compared to a car that is hiding in a tunnel with many exits. An outside observer cannot see where this car is going inside the tunnel, and will not be able to figure out exactly where it will exit.
There is usually no need to use a VPN connection all the time. It slows down your network speed, so it's best to turn on your VPN before visiting a site where you want to remain anonymous.
What is such a secure connection used for:
I would like to talk about whether using a VPN violates Russian laws. In reality, of course not. And it’s not even that a VPN can be used for a variety of purposes, not just to access prohibited sites. The technology for blocking websites in Russia is not ideal. Just recently, my ISP blocked access to many sites that I didn’t even think about banning; they came under attack by accident. Other users encountered the same problem. In this case, although the VPN was used to bypass the block, it allowed access to services, including those for which people paid their money (for example, the Playstation Network service). Maybe someday the use of VPN itself will be banned, but I hope it doesn’t come to that. As for accessing sites that are prohibited in our country, I in no way encourage anyone to use loopholes in the system. The purpose of this article is to give people information about VPNs, not to teach them how to bypass official bans.
Video: Briefly about VPN
VPN in Google Chrome
Some browsers have the option to enable VPN by default, but Google Chrome is not one of them. To use a VPN connection in this browser, you must install one of the popular custom extensions.
One of the advantages of using VPN extensions is that they do not have any special technical requirements. If you work yourself Google browser Chrome, then VPN extensions will work correctly.
Extensions for accessing VPN in Google Chrome
There are many extensions for accessing VPN, but they all differ in connection quality and other parameters. But before we begin reviewing specific extensions, let’s figure out how to install them:
- After opening the browser, find and click on the icon with three horizontal stripes in the corner of the screen.
Click on the button with three stripes to open a drop-down menu
- Go to the “Tools” or Tools section.
- Then select Extensions.
In the "Tools" section, select "Extensions"
- You will see a list of all installed extensions. Here you need to click on the line “Get more” to open the extension store.
In the extension selection window, click the Get more extensions button
- After selecting the extension in the store, click on the plus that appears on the right side of the page.
Click on the plus on the extension page to add it
- And confirm its addition using the “Add” button.
Click the “Add” button for the extension to be added
- The extension is installed in your browser.
ZenMate
The ZenMate browser extension offers easy access to VPN servers. In the free version of the extension, you can choose a server in one of four countries. If you have a paid premium account, the choice will increase to thirty. The extension requires simple registration once added to the browser:
This extension has only one serious drawback. Servers in the free version are often overloaded, so the connection speed may not be satisfactory at all. The paid version of the extension does not have this problem; although the speed is reduced, the Internet works fine.
The paid version of the ZenMate extension has higher Internet speeds
Video: How to use the ZenMate extension
Hola VPN
The Hola service was quite popular at one time. Easy installation extensions, completely free access to servers. But, unfortunately, the developers turned out to be not the most honest people. The fact is that the Hola service not only opened a VPN connection to the user, but also installed it on the computer malware, used user traffic for DDOS attacks and had other hidden and unpleasant effects. Now the rating of this service on most sites is very low.
Hola extension has been found dangerous for users
Browsec
Next up is the Browsec service. He's completely on English language. The price of the paid version is from 220 rubles per month. In the free version you can choose a server from one of four countries, and in the paid version - from twenty-four. This extension is good at protecting user traffic: it hides the user’s IP address, encrypts his data, and helps bypass blocking.
Installing this extension is extremely simple:
The downside of this extension is the complete lack of information about its developers. The entire privacy policy remains hidden, and no one guarantees that the situation with the Hola extension will not be repeated here. On the other hand, so far the developers have not given any cause for alarm. This is a good free extension with no traffic limit.
Chromebook users can remotely connect to a private network (such as school or work) using a VPN connection.
Note. If you're having trouble setting up a VPN on your work or school Chromebook, contact your administrator for help.
Restrictions. Chromebooks do not support IKEv2, the XAUTH command, or IPsec connections without L2TP.
How to create a connection
How to connect to a VPN
How to install certificates
Certificates may be needed to connect to VPNs and WPA2 Enterprise networks (such as EAP-TLS), as well as to sites that require TLS mutual authentication. In this case, the administrator may require you to visit a special website directly through corporate network or downloaded and installed the certificates yourself.
You will need:
- server certificate, which is issued to all employees of the organization;
- a user certificate that only you have.
What is a VPN for browsers, why is it needed and how to install VPN extensions - clear instructions in this article. If you have problems accessing the desired site or need to ensure the anonymity of entering some resources, then the following guide will help you bypass the blocking and quickly achieve your desired goal.
Content:
VPN is a reliable method for a user to easily visit sites blocked in his country, without disclosing personal data. The connection goes through a server that plays an intermediate role, and it can be located in any country in the world.
The use of VPN on phones and computers is especially popular among people who travel frequently, since the technology allows for good protection of personal data, as well as providing free access to pages prohibited in some countries.
“Virtual Private Network” securely encrypts the connection to Internet resources. This technology is used not only by individuals, i.e. ordinary users, but also by organizations to protect their network from hacking, infection by virus applications, etc. In the Russian interpretation, the abbreviation of the technology can be deciphered as a “virtual private network”, which connects local networks and various PCs for information protection.
It should be noted that VPN technology is legal. It is used by law-abiding users and large companies. Thanks to it, effective protection against cybercriminals is provided.
Schematically, a VPN connection can be represented in the form of encrypted channels between the subscriber and servers providing Internet access.
The connection is made through an encrypted communication channel via a VPN server, that is, the technology is based on at least two components of a secure connection (channels) for the purpose of secure data exchange with an external network (the Internet). Firstly, traffic passes through the equipment of the Internet provider (provider) in a form encrypted with VPN technology. Secondly, the user’s access to the external network is carried out not with the IP issued by the provider, but with the address of the VPN server. This allows the user to be completely anonymous in the resources he visits.
The main disadvantage of the technology is the reduction in data transfer speed, due to the need for traffic to pass through an additional server.
How to use a VPN?
VPN provides for connecting to the required resource through an intermediary server using applications installed on a mobile device or PC. For security purposes, this connection is encrypted and the user’s IP is changed to a fake one. For this purpose, it is enough to install a special extension in the Internet browser or install a special utility. Some browsers, for example, Opera, already have such an extension, so you should just enable VPN in it and use it for free.
VPN browser extensions
Already using installed browser V mobile device or PC, you can bypass resource blocking. The user only needs to install the most convenient extension for him in Yandex, Chrome, Mozilla, or activate it in Opera.
The optimal solution and free for the Yandex browser is “FriGate”. Thanks to the work of this plugin, many portals blocked in the Russian Federation become available to Russian users, and for users living in Ukraine, a special modification “FriGate UA” has been released, through which blocked social networks and services of Mail.ru and Yandex are opened.
To install the extension, it is recommended to use the official source “frigate.org”, where you just need to click on one of the plugin modifications. Next, in the store window that appears, click “Install”. After waiting for the process to complete, all that remains is to activate it and use it. The activation procedure is described later in this manual.
Additional extensions are also available for the Yandex browser, which are installed through its store. To get to it, click on the “Add-ons” column in the browser menu. Then click on the virtual button “Extension Catalog”.
For example, in order to install Hola VPN, you need to type its name in the search and click “Enter”. After installation, the extension enable button automatically appears in the Yandek browser.
-Zenmate VPN
This extension is also available in the Yandex store and can also be used for free. After installation, a link “Try Limited” will appear, which you need to click.
After that, click “Select Limited”. Then go through simple registration. Ready.
To use it, all you have to do is enable the extension.
Let's look at the top three VPN extensions that are popular among Fire Fox users.
To install them, you will need to do the following sequential steps:
- Go to the resource “addons.mozilla.org” or click on the 3-bar button in your browser and go to the “Get add-ons” tab;
- Next, click “View more add-ons”;
- Print the name of the user-selected extension;
- Click "Enter";
- Ready. All that remains is to install a VPN.
For example, to install “AnonymoX” you need to click “Add to Firefox”. Then click “Install”.
An additional add-on icon with an “X” symbol will be displayed in the browser, through which the plugin is activated and configured. Unfortunately, the extension menu is not Russified, but it is intuitive clear interface will allow users who have never studied English to work successfully with it.
- Hide My IP VPN
Installation of this extension is completely identical to the previous one. First, you need to click “Add to Firefox”, then “Install” and register.
After waiting for the installation to complete, the user will see the add-on icon in the Firefox toolbar. The speed of operation is also similar to the plugins described above and allows you to surf the Internet comfortably.
— Hoxx VPN Proxy
If a Russian-language interface is important to the user, then there are no problems with languages in this extension. First, you need to specify the language and only then go through a simple registration.
In addition to the convenience of the Russian-language menu, this extension provides access to a significant list of gateways at good speed.
This browser is the most convenient way to use VPN technology, since it already has its own free VPN.
To install it you need to perform the following steps:
- Click “Menu”;
- Click “Settings”;
- Next, click “Security”;
- Click “SurfEasy VPN”;
- Click “Download for free”;
- Specify operating system on your device or PC;
- Specify the location where to save the program;
- Click “Save”;
- Wait for the process to complete;
- Next, go to the “Downloads” tab;
- Click “SurfEasyVPN-Installer.exe”;
- Wait for the process to complete;
- Click “Next”;
- Click “I Agree”;
- Wait for the installation to complete;
- Click “Finish”;
- Ready.
For Opera, you can also install addons from third-party developers:
- Click “Menu”;
- Click “Extensions”;
- Type the specific name of the extension or simply “VPN” and click “Enter”;
- A significant number of plugins will be displayed, among which the user can choose any one he likes;
- For example, if the choice fell on “VPN.S HTTP Proxy”, then click on it and then click “Add to Opera”;
- Wait for the process to complete. The browser will display a button to activate the installed VPN.
Despite the huge variety of extensions, it is recommended to use only time-tested plugins from large companies. Therefore, Opera's own utility is the most preferable and safe option.
Below are the best VPNs for the popular Chrome browser.
friGate— To install this extension, you need to launch Chrome and go to the address “https://fri-gate.org/ru”.
After installation, an icon similar to a triangle will be displayed in the menu, through which you can enable and configure the application.
anonymousX
The following steps should be taken:
- Enter the menu and click “Additional tools”;
- Next, click “Extensions”;
- In the next menu, click “More extensions”;
- Type “anonymoX” and click “Enter”;
- Click “Add to Chrome” and then “Install”;
- An icon will appear in the toolbar;
- By clicking on the “X” you can activate the VPN and configure its parameters.
Hola— This extension is installed in exactly the same way, after which a “fire” icon appears in the browser panel.
ZenMate— You can install from the resource “zenmate.com”. Thanks to the Russified interface, this plugin is especially popular in the Russian Federation.
After completing the installation, you can activate the VPN by clicking on the “Shield” icon.
The procedure for activating a VPN in various browsers has similar algorithms. Below are specific examples on the most popular Internet browsers.
— Enable VPN in Yandex browser
- Enabling “FriGate” is done by simply clicking on its icon in the top panel of the browser.
- Next, by clicking on the flag icon, the user can select a state.
- If adjustments are required, this can be done by right-clicking on the plugin icon and then clicking “Settings”.
- Available in the menu that appears manual setting list of Internet resources.
To enable Hola, you need to click its shortcut.
To change the country, you just need to call the drop-down menu from the flag icon.
To enable Zenmate VPN, click on the button in the browser tools menu and, if necessary, change the state.
— Connect VPN in Firefox
After installing the extension, an additional add-on icon with an “X” symbol will be displayed in the browser, through which the plug-in is activated and configured. To connect a VPN, you need to change the position of the switch.
To change the country, click the button next to the flag. This extension works stably and is easy to configure, but has a relatively small list of free servers.
To activate gateways in Hide My IP VPN, you only need to set the switch sliders to the desired position.
- Enable VPN in Opera
After installing “SurfEasy VPN”, you can immediately quickly enable and configure it. To do this you need to follow these steps:
- In the menu that appears after installation, click “Continue”;
- Then click “Create an account”;
- Select “Free”;
- An icon will be displayed in the tray, through which it is very convenient to enable VPN and change your IP address.
— Enable VPN in chrome
To enable and configure anonymoX in Chrome, you will need to do the following:
- Click "X" in the browser toolbar;
- Specify identification address;
- Set the slider to the “On” position;
- Select a state;
- You can immediately change the server if the previous one is not working;
- Ready.
If the user has chosen the “ZenMate” extension, then you can activate the VPN by clicking on the icon in the form of a green shield and in the menu that appears, execute necessary settings, fortunately, the entire menu is Russified.
Which VPN to choose for an Android or iOS phone (iPhone)?
Many VPN servers are adapted to interact with phones on Android and iOS platforms. Therefore, the answer to the question whether VPN technology is applicable in mobile gadgets and what it is on a phone is quite obvious. Firstly, it is applicable, and secondly, the encryption algorithms and data transfer methods are the same as when using conventional PCs. It’s just that its use is more relevant for smartphones, since channels often change depending on the current location of the owner mobile device. There are free and paid VPN servers, and which one to choose depends only on the person’s desires.
How to connect VPN for Android?
To connect and configure VPN on ANDROID:
- Open “Settings;
- Enter the “Wireless Networks” tab;
- Tap on “Advanced”;
- In the “VPN” section, click “+”;
- Information about connection protocols to these services will be displayed;
- Specify the required connection and register;
- Ready.
The best solution to ensure your security is to use this browser extension. It's free and has a lot useful functions. After installing it from Google Play, the user will have access to an intuitive interface, for which it is unnecessary to study the instructions in advance.
In addition to protecting the user’s personal data by encrypting, you can even hide your location and all this is completely free.
- VPN Hola
An excellent solution for Android, but although this VPN is free, after installation the user will have access to in-app purchases, and special attention should be paid to this to avoid unexpected costs.
- SuperVPN
It has a laconic design and does not contain unnecessary buttons with settings, which will especially appeal to novice users, for whom ease of use and reliability of the application are in the foreground.
How to connect VPN on iPhone?
To connect a VPN to your IPHONE, you will need to do the following:
- Open “Settings”;
- Go to the VPN tab;
- Place the switch in the “On” position;
- Click “add configuration”;
- Set the type to “IKEv2”, “IPSec” or “L2TP” and enable the configuration;
- Provide network details and register;
- Tap "Done".
How to set up VPN for a Windows computer?
The following steps must be followed:
- "Start";
- "Control Panel";
- Enter the “Network and Internet” tab;
- Click “Set up a new connection.” or networks";
- Click “Connect to a workstation” and then follow the instructions of the installation wizard.
On PCs running Windows 7 and 10, the process is not at all complicated. You will need to click the connection icon in the tray and find the name of the VPN network in the list of connections. Once highlighted, the “Connect” button will appear. You need to click it and then set the settings that are important to the user.
In the case of a PC running Windows XP, you must do the following:
- "Start";
- "Control Panel";
- “New Connection Wizard”;
- Check the box “Connect to the network at your workplace”;
- Click “Next”;
- Click “Connect to a virtual private network”;
- Then follow the wizard's instructions.
On PCs running Windows 8, the developers automated the procedure. It consists of several steps:
- Call context menu from the tray icon in the form of a monitor;
- “Network and Public Access Management Center”;
- “Creating a new connection or network”;
- Follow the instructions of the master.
VPN programs
Among the many VPN programs for computers, the following are especially popular among most users:
- Hola VPN;
- ZenMate;
- OpenVPN;
- hide.me VPN;
- HideGuard VPN;
- Psiphon;
- VPN Unlimited;
- betternet;
- Hotspot Shield;
- CyberGhost VPN;
- TunnelBear.
The installation and configuration procedures for some of them have already been described above in this manual, but as for the rest of the utilities, their installation is almost identical and usually does not cause problems even for novice users.
VPN ban in Russia, what threatens us?
We have a law banning the use of tools to bypass blocking.
There is no threat to a Russian user for bypassing the blocking.
Roskomnadzor provides measures only for sites that provide users with access to prohibited pages.
The restrictions will not affect departments, government agencies and some companies, as it is necessary to maintain the safety of their employees’ work on the global network.
There is no ban on using VPN for users yet. You can use methods to bypass blocking and not break anything, that is, do it absolutely legally. For example, use 2 VPNs at once. To do this, enter the 1st, which did not fall under the sanctions of Roskomnadzor, and from there enter the 2nd, which has access to the resource required by the user. Thus, the first VPN will not determine which resource the user is trying to access, which means that it will not block access. As for the 2nd one, he will not be able to identify a user from the Russian Federation (after all, he will click on the flag of another country in the settings), and will also not block access to the resource. Moreover, even when both the 1st and 2nd servers unquestioningly follow the letter of the new Russian law, that is, the user will freely visit the page he wants.
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The governments of Ukraine, Russia and other countries are increasingly blocking access to certain Internet resources. Suffice it to recall the register of banned websites of the Russian Federation and the blocking of Russian websites by the Ukrainian authorities. social networks and a number of other Runet resources. It is not surprising that users are increasingly searching for vpn extension for the browser, allowing you to bypass restrictions and increase privacy when surfing. A full-fledged and high-quality VPN service is almost always paid, but there are pleasant exceptions. We will look at them in this article.
Free VPN Browser Extensions
Full functionality in most of the extensions listed below is only available in paid versions. However, free versions of such extensions are also suitable for bypassing site blocking and increasing the level of privacy when surfing. Let's take a closer look at the best free VPN browser extensions.
Hotspot Shield
Users are offered a paid and free version of Hotspot Shield
One of the most popular VPN extensions. There is a paid version and a free version, with somewhat limited features.
Advantages:
- effective bypass of site blocking;
- one-click activation;
- no advertising;
- no registration required;
- no traffic restrictions;
- large selection of proxy servers in different countries ah (PRO version, in the free version the choice is limited to a few countries).
Flaws:
- The free version has a limited list of servers: only the USA, France, Canada, Denmark and the Netherlands.
Browsers: Google Chrome, Chromium, Firefox version 56.0 and higher.
SkyZip Proxy
SkyZip Proxy is available in Google Chrome, Chromium and Firefox
SkyZip uses the NYNEX network of high-performance proxy servers and is positioned as a utility for compressing content and speeding up page loading, as well as providing anonymity for surfing. For a number of objective reasons, a significant acceleration in loading web pages can only be felt with a connection speed of less than 1 Mbit/s, however, SkyZip Proxy copes well with bypassing restrictions.
A significant advantage of the utility is that there is no need to additional settings. After installation, the extension itself determines the optimal servers for redirecting traffic and performs all the necessary manipulations. Enabling/disabling SkyZip Proxy is done by a single click on the extension icon. Green icon - the utility is enabled. The icon is gray - disabled.
Advantages:
- effective bypass of blocking in one click;
- speed up page loading;
- traffic compression up to 50% (including images - up to 80%, through the use of the “compact” WebP format);
- no need for additional settings;
- work “on wheels”, all SkyZip functionality is available immediately after installing the extension.
Flaws:
- download acceleration is felt only at ultra-low network connection speeds (up to 1 Mbit/sec);
- not supported by many browsers.
Initially, the extension was supported for Firefox, but, unfortunately, the developer later refused support.
TouchVPN
One of the disadvantages of TouchVPN is the limited number of countries where servers are located
Like the vast majority of other participants in our rating, the TouchVPN extension is offered to users in the form of free and paid versions. Unfortunately, the list of countries where servers are physically located is limited. There are four countries to choose from: the USA and Canada, France and Denmark.
Advantages:
- no traffic restrictions;
- selection of different countries of virtual location (although the choice is limited to four countries).
Flaws:
- limited number of countries where servers are located (USA, France, Denmark, Canada);
- Although the developer does not impose restrictions on the amount of data transferred, these restrictions are self-imposed: the speed is significantly affected by the total load on the system and the number of users using it simultaneously*.
We are talking primarily about active users using the server you have chosen. When changing servers, the loading speed of web pages may also change, for better or worse.
Browsers: Google Chrome, Chromium.
Tunnel Bear VPN
An expanded set of features is available in the paid version of TunnelBear VPN
One of the most popular VPN services. Written by TunnelBear programmers, the extension offers a list of servers geographically located in 15 countries to choose from. To work, you just need to download and install the TunnelBear VPN extension and register on the developer’s website.
Advantages:
Browsers: Google Chrome, Chromium.
Browsec VPN for Firefox and Yandex Browser
Browsec VPN is easy to use and does not require additional settings
One of the simplest free browser solutions from Yandex and Firefox, but page loading speed leaves much to be desired. Works with Firefox (version 55.0), Chrome and Yandex Browser.
Advantages:
- ease of use;
- no need for additional settings;
- traffic encryption.
Flaws:
- low page loading speed;
- There is no option to select the country of virtual location.
Browsers: Firefox, Chrome/Chromium, Yandex.Browser.
Hola VPN servers are located in 15 countries
Hola VPN is radically different from other similar extensions, although the difference is not noticeable to the user. The service is free and has a number of significant advantages. Unlike competing extensions, it functions as a distributed peer-to-peer network in which the role of routers is performed by computers and gadgets of other system participants.
Advantages:
- a choice of servers physically located in 15 countries;
- the service is free;
- there are no restrictions on the amount of data transferred;
- using computers of other system participants as routers.
Flaws:
- using computers of other system participants as routers;
- limited number of supported browsers.
One of the advantages is also the main disadvantage of expansion. In particular, the developers of the utility were accused of having vulnerabilities and selling traffic.
ZenMate VPN requires registration
Not bad free service to bypass site blocking and increase the level of security when surfing the global network.
Advantages:
- there are no restrictions on the speed and volume of transmitted data;
- automatic activation of a secure connection when accessing the appropriate resources.
Flaws:
- registration on the ZenMate VPN developer website is required;
- small selection of virtual location countries.
The choice of countries is limited, but for most users the “gentleman’s set” offered by the developer is quite enough.
Browsers: Google Chrome, Chromium, Yandex.
Free VPN in Opera browser
VPN is available in browser settings
By and large, the VPN use case described in this paragraph is not an extension, since the function of creating a secure connection using the VPN protocol is already built into the browser. Enabling/disabling the VPN option is done in the browser settings, “Settings” - “Security” - “Enable VPN”. You can also enable or disable the service by single clicking on the VPN icon in address bar Opera.
Advantages:
- work “from the wheels”, directly after installing the browser and without the need to download and install a separate extension;
- free VPN service from the browser developer;
- no subscription;
- there is no need for additional settings.
Flaws:
- The function is not sufficiently developed, so from time to time there may be minor problems with bypassing the blocking of certain websites.
Browsers: Opera.
Please note that the free extensions listed on our list will not meet the needs of all users. Truly high-quality VPN services are not completely free. If you feel that none of the listed options suits you, try the paid versions of the extensions.
They are typically offered with a trial period and, in some cases, a 30-day refund option. We have reviewed only some of the popular free and shareware VPN extensions. If you wish, you can easily find other extensions on the Internet to bypass site blocking.