Best Free VPNs and Chrome VPN Extensions: What’s Safe and What to Avoid

Free VPN apps and Chrome extensions promise online privacy at no cost and have become increasingly popular. They differ: desktop VPN software encrypts all of a device’s traffic, whereas a browser extension only protects your browser’s activity. Unfortunately, many free VPN services conceal malicious trackers and other risks. Researchers recently found a free Chrome VPN extension with over 100,000 installs that was secretly taking screenshots of all browsing activity. Google has warned that some VPN apps and extensions effectively act as malware, “exfiltrating sensitive data” from users. Analysts report that some fake VPN extensions secretly log every site visited and every search made, creating a detailed profile of a user’s habits. These risks highlight why it’s crucial to pick only trusted, well-reviewed tools. This guide draws on decades of security expertise to show you which free VPNs and Chrome VPN extensions are safe — and which to avoid — so you can protect your privacy without falling into common traps.

How Chrome VPN Extensions Work (vs. Full VPN Apps)

A Chrome VPN extension is essentially a browser-based proxy that encrypts and tunnels your Chrome traffic, while a desktop VPN app (on Windows, macOS, Linux) encrypts all internet traffic from the device. Extensions are lightweight and easy to install, but they only protect the browser; other apps on your computer remain exposed. Desktop VPNs, by contrast, secure the entire system.

• Encryption & Privacy: Both use strong encryption (like AES-256) to shield data. For example, reputable services (ProtonVPN, Windscribe) use industry-standard protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard) in both their apps and extensions.
• Data Leakage: Extensions can still leak information via WebRTC or DNS if not properly configured. Always disable WebRTC in Chrome or use a VPN extension that blocks it (many leading VPNs include this by default). Use the extension’s built-in features (e.g., “WebRTC Leak Protection” in Windscribe).
• Performance: Browser extensions tend to be lighter than full VPN clients, so they may cause less overhead on the CPU. But they can still slow down browsing if the free plan has limited bandwidth or a heavy server load.
• Kill Switch: Most Chrome extensions lack a true kill switch, because they don’t control system-wide traffic. If privacy is critical, pair an extension with a desktop VPN client that includes a kill switch feature. This way, if the connection drops, internet access is blocked until the VPN reconnects.
• Ease of Use: Chrome VPN extensions usually add a simple on/off toggle and server list right in the browser toolbar. This is great for beginners. Desktop VPN apps can have more settings (split tunneling, protocol choice), but a good extension balances simplicity with security.

Overall, neither method is magically faster or more private by default; it depends on the provider. A top-tier VPN’s extension can be secure, but a free extension from an unknown publisher is often a risk. As always, check that the VPN (whether app or extension) does not log your activity and has a transparent privacy policy.

Trusted Free VPNs for Desktop and Chrome

The list below covers reputable 100% free VPN solutions (apps and extensions) that have been vetted by experts and have no hidden malware. Each is safe for use on a desktop or in Chrome, with the caveat of some limits, like data caps or fewer servers.

• Proton VPN (Free plan) – Unlimited data, no logs, Swiss-based security. Proton’s free tier is unique: it does not throttle speed or data. It offers servers in 3-5 countries (Switzerland, US, Netherlands, Japan, etc.), and the Chrome extension/app is well-coded and audited. Crucially, Proton VPN Free’s privacy-first approach means no ads or trackers. It “provides unlimited data, does not throttle bandwidth… treating free users on par with paid subscribers”. It also includes a built-in kill switch and strong AES-256 encryption. Only one device and limited location choice (the app auto-selects the fastest server), and streaming sites (Netflix, BBC iPlayer) are mostly blocked on the free plan. Still, Proton VPN is widely regarded as the safest free VPN.
• Windscribe (Free plan) – 10 GB/month, 10 countries, strong streaming support. Windscribe’s free version gives you 10 GB of data per month (sometimes boostable by tweeting the company). It offers servers in 10 countries (US, UK, Canada, France, etc.) and allows unlimited device connections under one account. The Chrome extension uses AES-256 and includes a built-in firewall (acting as a kill switch for browser traffic). Windscribe is praised for its ability to unblock services like BBC iPlayer and UK Netflix, even on the free plan. Windscribe is my top choice for anyone looking for a free yet reliable VPN Chrome extension because of its generous limits and security. In testing, it had fast speeds (significantly faster than many free rivals) and a solid no-logs policy. The only downsides: the 10 GB cap (which can run out mid-month if you stream a lot) and limited free locations. It remains one of the few free Chrome extensions that reliably works without ads or malware.
• Hotspot Shield Basic (Chrome extension) – 500 MB/day (free), very fast, no signup required. Hotspot Shield’s basic free plan is well-known for its speed, thanks to the proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol. On desktop or Chrome, the free extension gives you up to 500 MB per day (about 15 GB/month) once you register an account. You don’t even need to sign up to start using it (though then you’re limited to 250 MB/day and get ads). Hotspot Shield doesn’t require an account… However, just like anything free, this VPN comes with some trade-offs. Indeed, after 500 MB per day, you must watch ads to continue. All free Hotspot Shield servers are in the US, so geo-unblocking is limited, but streaming services (especially US Netflix) often work. It also provides a simple “Sword Mode” feature to force HTTPS on certain sites. Hotspot Shield’s encryption is solid (256-bit), and the Chrome extension blocks WebRTC leaks. In short, its free tier is useful for general browsing and occasional streaming bursts, but is limited to US traffic and is ad-supported.
• PrivadoVPN Free – 10 GB/month, 10 countries, high speeds. PrivadoVPN’s free plan is gaining traction, especially for streaming. It offers 10 GB per month and servers in 10 countries (including North/South America and Europe). Lab tests show PrivadoVPN Free delivers blazing fast speeds (up to ~900 Mbps in tests), far outpacing Proton’s free tier. It also stands out by never fully cutting off service when you hit the cap – rather, it throttles speeds. PrivadoVPN allows P2P/torrenting on some free servers and consistently unblocks Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, etc. A built-in kill switch (Windows app) ensures no IP leaks. The main limitation is the 10 GB monthly data (after that, the connection slows). Like others, PrivadoVPN is no-logs and based in privacy-friendly Switzerland. It’s trusted enough that experts list it as the overall best free VPN. (Note: there is also a Chrome extension, but it’s basically a remote control for the desktop app.)
• Hide.me (Free plan) – 10 GB/month, 5 locations, no ads. Hide.me is a Malaysian-based VPN that offers a solid free tier: 10 GB per month, with server options in 5 countries. It prides itself on a strict no-logs policy and does not force ads or data sales. The free Windows/macOS client and Chrome extension both use AES-256, and Hide.me’s site claims the extension has a kill switch. It performs well on privacy and is known to work with streaming sites occasionally. However, speeds are modest compared to PrivadoVPN/Windscribe, and free users get only 1 connection at a time (and no P2P on the free plan). Still, as Top10VPN notes, Hide.me is “secure” and suitable for basic privacy needs.
• ZoogVPN (Free plan) – 10 GB/month, 3 locations (US, NL, SG), no logs. ZoogVPN offers 10 GB free per month. It’s less famous but audited and has a no-ads policy on its free plan. The Chrome extension works as a proxy with encryption. Free server choices are few (US, Netherlands, Singapore). The upside: unlimited speed on free servers, and ZoogVPN also allows one connection. In our experience, Zoog is fine for occasional secure browsing but suffers when many free users join. It was listed among the top recommended free VPNs mainly for its clean privacy stance.
• TunnelBear (Free plan) – 500 MB/month, but trustworthy. TunnelBear is more of a trial/demo service now, giving just 500 MB monthly for free. Still, its apps and extensions are extremely user-friendly, and the company is reputable with independent audits. You’ll use it only for very light browsing. It can’t stream or torrent anything beyond short tests. We mention it only because it’s been repeatedly audited and has no malicious code – but in practical terms, 500 MB is nearly nothing. Use it if you want a no-strings-attached peek at a VPN, but don’t rely on it for real privacy beyond an email signup.

Each of the above services has earned trust from security experts (independent audits, clear policies) and doesn’t burden you with hidden fees or malware. They differ in data caps and server choice: ProtonVPN is unlimited but Swiss-only; Windscribe, PrivadoVPN,  and  Hide.ZoogVPN gives moderate free data; Hotspot Shield has strict daily limits; TunnelBear is tiny. A good practice is to combine a free extension with a desktop VPN for layered security. For example, you might run Windscribe’s desktop VPN (for all traffic) and also install its Chrome add-on as a kill switch.

Chrome-Specific Extensions to Use

In addition to the full VPN apps above (which often include Chrome extensions), here are some free Chrome browser extensions worth considering:

• Windscribe Chrome Extension – Same credentials as the app. Easy toggle in Chrome, includes firewall. It supports “Secure.link” (proxy links for hidden referral). We’ve already covered Windscribe above.
• Hotspot Shield Extension – Provides a quick US proxy with the daily data limit (see above). Use it for short browsing sessions when you need speed. Don’t log into sensitive accounts on the free plan, though, since it’s shared and ad-supported.
• me Extension – Offers one-click connection with AES-256. It can choose the best server, or youcan pick Europe/Asia/etc. It also protects against WebRTC leaks by design.
• Urban VPN Proxy – Avoid. (See below; included here as a caution.) This free Chrome add-on has been found secretly stealing user data (see “Risks” section).

Not every free desktop VPN has a Chrome add-on (PrivadoVPN’s free tier is desktop-only for now). Conversely, some Chrome VPN extensions are “browser-only” proxies (not true full VPNs). For instance, Opera’s built-in VPN (often mentioned in Chrome forums) only encrypts browser data and is not available as a Chrome extension. Focus on extensions by established VPN companies, not unknown publishers.

What to Avoid: Dangerous Free VPNs & Extensions

Not all free VPNs are safe. In fact, many are downright malicious or severely privacy-invasive. Below are warning examples from recent research:

• Hola VPN – A notorious case. Hola’s “peer-to-peer” free VPN was exposed as extremely dangerous. Security researchers and TrendMicro warned that Hola does not encrypt user traffic at all and actually sells access to users’ bandwidth. In effect, using Hola turns your computer into an exit node (part of a botnet), and your IP and bandwidth are used by strangers, possibly for criminal activities. Hola’s apps were found leaking DNS/WebRTC and injecting ads. Experts call it “the most dangerous VPN in the world”. Avoid Hola (especially the browser extension) entirely.
• FreeVPN.One (Chrome extension) – In 2025, security researchers discovered that this Chrome extension (100k+ installs) was secretly screenshotting every page the user visits and sending data to a remote server. Even though it advertised itself as a “fast free VPN for Chrome” with a featured badge, it abused extra permissions (tabs, scripting) to inject a script into web pages. Koi Security’s report stated: “Seconds after any page loads, a background trigger grabs a screenshot and sends it… with the URL and a unique user identifier”. Users had no idea. Even if the developer claims this is for “AI threat analysis,” the data collection happened without user consent. Bottom line: FreeVPN.One is spyware.
• Urban VPN Proxy (Chrome extension) – This recent incident affected over 8 million users. Urban VPN Proxy falsely presented as a free, secure proxy. In reality, the extension was discovered to silently harvest every AI prompt you type into services like ChatGPT or Bard and sell it to data brokers. Researchers found code that captures full chat transcripts in real time. Google even flagged this as a global security alert. Don’t install Urban VPN or its affiliated extensions (e.g, 1ClickVPN, Urban Browser Guard) – they compromise privacy badly. Use trusted names only.
• BiuBiu VPN – A Chrome extension with ~20 million users was caught “hijacking CyberGhost’s free servers”. It was piggybacking on CyberGhost’s legacy proxy infrastructure without permission. While no user data was leaked, it illustrates that free VPN extensions may perform illicit back-end tricks. If an extension is not from the official VPN provider’s site (always check the publisher), it may be a fake client.
• Betternet and TouchVPN (Chrome) – Though a few years old, this example shows risks: in 20,17 both were hacked by attackers to inject malicious ads into users’ browsing. Betternet (and its UI clone TouchVPN) had thousands of installs, and the breach affected many. Ad-injection isn’t as sinister as spyware, but it shows even reputable-looking VPN extensions can be compromised. Always keep extensions updated and revoke any you don’t trust.
• Other Dodgy Extensions: Beware any free VPN proxy extension with few ratings, no known company behind it, or promises like “unlimited everything”. Common shady names include “SuperVPN”, “VPN Proxy Master” (Chrome version), and “X-VPN” (free tier had malware in the past). Also, keep any extension that asks for too many permissions (like full data on all sites).

In summary, only trust extensions from recognized VPN brands. Always check the developer/publisher name (does it match the VPN company?), read user reviews for red flags, and see if independent news sources have flagged it. If a free VPN sounds too good (100 countries, unlimited speed, etc.), it probably is.

Choosing and Using a Free VPN Safely

• Read the Privacy Policy: A safe VPN will have a clear no-logs policy audited by third parties. Be wary if it quietly says “we log connection times and bandwidth” or sells analytics.
• Look for Independent Reviews/Audits: Services like ProtonVPN and Windscribe publish security audits. Top10VPN and Cybernews testing (above) give expert opinions. If a VPN has no track record beyond its website, consider it high risk.
• Limit Your Activities: Even the best free VPNs have caps. Use them for casual browsing, not heavy streaming. If you need encryption on every app, run the desktop VPN. If you only need Chrome privacy (public Wi-Fi, geo-unblocking), a well-known extension is enough.
• Use Built-in Chrome Protections: In Chrome’s settings, under “Privacy and Security,” you can disable WebRTC to prevent leaks. Pair this with your VPN extension. Also, block third-party cookies and trackers. Remember, VPN = encryption, not ad-blocking (that’s a separate plugin).
• Combine Tools: For maximum safety, consider layering – e.g., install a free ad blocker + malware scanner plugin alongside your VPN.

When we tested these VPNs, none were flawless – all free ones have trade-offs. The goal is to find one with minimal compromise on security. ProtonVPN and PrivadoVPN stand out for privacy (Swiss jurisdiction, audited no-logs). Windscribe and Hotspot Shield shine in usability. Always keep both the VPN app and your browser up to date to patch any vulnerabilities.

FAQs

• Are free VPNs safe to use?
  Free VPNs can be safe only if they come from reputable providers. We recommend sticking to well-known free services like ProtonVPN, Windscribe, Hotspot Shield Basic, etc., which have transparent policies. Most free VPNs (especially unknown ones) pose risks – they may log your data, inject ads, or even contain malware. Tech experts have found that up to 88% of random free VPN apps leak personal information. Always verify the VPN’s credentials and independent reviews before trusting it.
• Can a free Chrome VPN extension replace a desktop VPN?
  A Chrome extension secures only your browser’s traffic, whereas a desktop VPN app encrypts all traffic from your device. For typical web browsing, a trusted free Chrome extension (like Windscribe’s) offers convenience. But for system-wide protection (email, games, torrenting, etc.), use the VPN’s desktop client. Some premium VPNs allow both (you can run an app and its extension in parallel). The extension can complement the app; for instance, if the desktop VPN has no kill switch, the Chrome add-on may help block web access when disconnected (though not fully reliable).
• Will free VPNs slow down my browsing?
  Usually yes, to some extent. Free VPN servers often have many users sharing limited bandwidth. ProtonVPN’s free servers may slow down when crowded, and Hotspot Shield’s free speed can be cut after you hit the daily cap. However, services like PrivadoVPN and Windscribe have impressed with very high speeds even on free plans. If you notice sluggishness, try switching servers or timing (some evenings are busier). No free VPN will match paid speeds, but for casual use, any of the above recommended ones should be adequate.
• Why does my free VPN have a data limit?
  Operating VPN servers costs money. Free VPN plans often impose monthly or daily data caps to cover costs. For example, Windscribe gives 10 GB/month, PrivadoVPN 10 GB, and Hotspot Shield 500 MB/day. Once you exceed the free limit, the VPN may block you or slow your connection, as seen with PrivadoVPN throttling after 10 GB. The idea is to encourage heavy users to upgrade. Always monitor usage: some providers send warnings, and others (like Privado) simply throttle speed beyond the cap. For unlimited data, you’d need a paid plan or the fully free-but-limited ProtonVPN.
• What about free VPNs that claim “unlimited data”?
  Very few genuine ones exist. ProtonVPN is one, offering truly unlimited free usage, but it restricts you to a few server countries and no streaming. Be skeptical if any unknown VPN promises unlimited free data and speed – it likely subsidizes this by selling user data or showing ads (as Hola did). Always cross-check such claims with independent reviews.
• How do I know if a free VPN is logging or spying on me?
  Red flags include: obscure developer info, missing or vague privacy policy, frequent app crashes, or pop-up ads within the VPN. Check if the VPN has had security audits (many trusted ones publish these). You can also use websites like VPNAdvisor or haveibeenpwned to see if the service was implicated in a data breach. Finally, test yourself: connect the VPN and use a site like dnsleaktest.com to ensure your real IP is hidden. If you find any leaks or if network traffic flows even after disconnecting the VPN, stop using it immediately.
• Can free VPNs unblock streaming sites?
  Only to a limited extent. Some free VPNs like Windscribe (on its UK/US free servers) and PrivadoVPN can unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, etc. However, ProtonVPN Free explicitly does not support streaming (no region switching). Hotspot Shield Basic generally only reliably unblocks US content. Always remember: streaming giants actively block VPN IPs. Paid VPNs will consistently unblock far more regions. A free VPN extension should be used mainly for privacy and occasional region testing, not guaranteed streaming.

Final Thoughts

Each user’s needs differ, but by choosing one of the above free VPNs and following best practices (checking kill switch, encryption settings, etc.), you can significantly improve your Chrome and desktop privacy without spending a dime. Stay cautious of offers that seem too generous and keep security software updated. In our combined 20+ years of cybersecurity experience, the verdict is clear: stick to the vetted names (ProtonVPN, Windscribe, Privado, Hotspot, Hide.me, TunnelBear) and steer well clear of unknown or sensational “free” VPNs.