VPNs have become a necessity rather than an extra security measure. Unlike what we used to think, the internet has become more restrictive, and you cannot access content from all places. So, you need one to access geo-blocked content or improve your privacy. But you don’t always have to pay for this.
Here is how you can use a free VPN for Chrome to get these benefits without paying for it.
Using Free VPN for Chrome: An Overview
You can use a free VPN for Chrome to access geo-blocked content or hide your IP address. To get started, you have to pick one of the reliable VPN extensions for Google Chrome. Once you have configured it, the VPN extension will connect you to a suitable server.
Part #1 Set Up a VPN Extension
The easiest way to use a free VPN on Google Chrome is by installing a VPN extension. Fortunately, you have a lot of free VPN extensions to choose from, but it is important to choose one that offers you the best value.
Step #1 Finding the Right VPN Service
Considering the old saying that if you’re not paying for a product, you are the product, logging is a common practice among VPN services.
To avoid those privacy concerns, you should select one of the most reliable VPN extensions out there. You can find one by exploring user reviews and expert recommendations.
Step #2 Installing the VPN Extension
Once you have found a good and free VPN service, the next step is installing the VPN extension. Now, you may have two options. One is to download the extension file directly from the VPN service. The second is to download it from the Chrome Web Store. I always recommend the second option due to security concerns.

You can search for the VPN extension on the Google Chrome Web Store and click the “Add to Chrome” button to install the extension on your Google Chrome browser. You may have to enable the extension in some cases, depending on the security settings you have chosen.
Step #3 Configuring VPN Settings
Once you install the VPN extension, you have to configure it. Most free VPN extensions require you to create a free account with a monthly quota of bandwidth and a limited number of connection options.

In either case, you have to set up the VPN settings and enable the necessary security measures. For instance, you may have to select the VPN connection protocol or set up a list of websites for which you want to enable the VPN.

After this basic configuration, you are good to go.
Part #2 Using Free VPN on Chrome
Now that you have installed the VPN extension on Chrome, I will tell you how you can use the free VPN on Chrome to access the benefits that I talked about.
Step #1 Connecting to a VPN Server
Let’s say that you want to access the content on Netflix UK while you are in the US. Before you log on to Netflix.com, you have to click on the VPN icon, and from there, you have to choose a suitable and available UK location from the options.

Once that is done, you can click the connect button, and the extension will establish the VPN connection in just a few seconds.
Step #2 Verifying VPN Connection
It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to online security and privacy. So, you should always verify the VPN connection before you access something that you actually cannot from the existing network.

The best way to do this is to check whether your IP address has been changed. You can either use the Ookla Speedtest website or an IP address checker to see whether your connection is now showing a UK-based IP address.
After this point, you are good to go.
Step #3 Browsing Securely with the VPN Enabled
At this point, you have successfully connected to a VPN server on Google Chrome. Now you can start browsing the internet securely and access the benefits based on the location.
For instance, if you’re using a reliable VPN service, you should have seamless access to geo-blocked content on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Even otherwise, you have some level of protection from privacy threats, and you can make sure that your ISP does not have an idea of what you are accessing.
These benefits are there, but the actual speed and performance of the VPN service will depend on the VPN extension that you have installed. However, this is just one part of the equation, you can solve this issue by choosing a VPN extension from one of the trusted brands, and we will help you with that.
Top 3 Best Chrome VPN Extensions
A. WindScribe
Windscribe is my personal favorite when it comes to free Chrome VPN extensions out there. With the free version, you have up to 10 GB of bandwidth per month, and Windscribe lets you connect to a select number of servers from almost every part of the world. So, if you want to access content that is geo-restricted, the Windscribe VPN is a good option to choose.
B. TunnelBear
Tunnelbear is another option that I can confidently recommend because I have used their free and paid VPN services. Tunnelbear does not offer you a lot of bandwidth, but it is a good option for speed and performance. While the location-specific settings may vary, the VPN experience from TunnelBear is pretty impressive. However, it does not work great with highly restrictive Wi-Fi networks in your workplace or so.
C. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is from the same developers behind ProtonMail and you can use this free Chrome extension for basic features. This Swiss-based VPN service gives you access to over 65 countries so that you can explore content without limits. You also get features like auto-connect, IP masking, and an easy-to-use VPN UI design.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some issues you may find with Chrome VPN extensions and how to solve them.
VPN Connection Problems
You may come across connection issues once in a while. In these instances, you can try the Reconnect button. It could also happen due to the lack of a suitable VPN protocol. You may have to reinstall the VPN extension if the issue persists.
Slow Browsing Speed
Slow browsing speeds are a necessary evil with free VPN apps and extensions. So, you must be ready to work with slow speeds, especially while streaming content. However, the exact speed may vary based on the VPN server location.
Extensions Conflicting with the VPN
There could also be issues between the VPN and its extension. You may have to uninstall and reinstall the VPN extension to solve these problems.
How to Uninstall a Chrome VPN Extension
You may have multiple reasons to uninstall a VPN extension. Some are:
- Potential conflict between Chrome extension and VPN service
- You do not find the VPN extension good enough
- You have installed a problematic VPN extension
- The VPN service does not work as expected.
Or, if you just want to get rid of the Google Chrome extension, you can follow these steps.
- Open Chrome and go to the Extensions page from the three-dot menu on the right side.
- Locate the VPN extension and click “Remove from Chrome” from the right-click menu

- Confirm the removal of the extension
- Quit and reopen Google Chrome to get rid of temporary files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can find many free VPN apps and extensions for Google Chrome. TunnelBear and Windscribe are two great options you can try. I have tried both and offer reliable access to multiple VPN servers on Chrome.
You may not have configured the VPN extension to work on Chrome properly. Some VPN apps may ask you to create an account and choose a VPN protocol among other features.
Conclusion
I’ll tell you this:
You cannot get the full set of features with a free VPN for Chrome. Instead, they can give you basic access to better security and geo-restriction removal. I have used some of these VPNs, especially Windscribe, to access geo-blocked content on Netflix and other platforms.
Similarly, you may have instances where you need to load a US or UK version of a website. Rest assured, you can choose any of the VPNs I have recommended.