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The best VPN for Chromebook in 2026: Android apps that cover more than the browser

On a Chromebook, the VPN you want is usually an Android app from Google Play, not a Chrome extension. Google says an Android VPN app carries the traffic of Chrome and your Android apps, while the vendors say their Chrome extensions cover only the browser. Proton VPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, PureVPN, VirtualShield and hide.me all point Chromebook users to their Android apps; Hotspot Shield offers its Chrome extension there, and Betternet says it doesn't support Chromebooks.

PrivacyTechReview Editorial Team Editor-in-Chief: Kirill Prosandeev Reviewed Nov 1, 2026 8 min read
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A slim grey laptop with no logo on a dark desk at night, a tunnel of violet and teal light passing from its browser window through a glass pane, a small glass key beside it

We read Google's Chromebook help and each vendor's Chromebook, app and extension pages on November 1, 2026, and rank the six that point Chromebook users to an Android app by what the vendor says the app covers on ChromeOS, its kill switch and split tunneling, and its free options. We haven't tested these VPNs, and we don't publish prices or speeds. NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, PureVPN and VirtualShield are partners: we may earn a commission when you buy through our links, and that doesn't decide the order.

Not every Chromebook can run Android apps: Google says the Play Store is available only on some, and work or school Chromebooks may not allow it.

Android app or Chrome extension?

What a VPN protects on a Chromebook depends on how you install it:

  • Android VPN app. Google says Chromebooks with the Play Store can install Android VPN apps, and that a VPN typically carries all traffic from Chrome windows, Chrome apps and Android apps. Google's admin help adds that system traffic, such as operating-system updates, isn't sent through it. Proton says its Android app also covers Linux apps on a Chromebook.
  • Chrome extension. NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton, PureVPN and VeePN say their Chrome extensions protect only your browser traffic, and most call them proxies. hide.me says its extension is not a VPN and doesn't encrypt.
  • Built-in VPN. ChromeOS supports IKEv2 and L2TP/IPsec, has basic OpenVPN support, and has basic WireGuard support on some Chromebooks, Google says. You need a VPN service that gives you the settings for one of these.
  • Kill switch. Google says you can turn on Always-on VPN for an Android VPN app, with Block connections without VPN, in the Android settings on your Chromebook.

How to set up a VPN on a Chromebook

  1. 1

    Check for the Play Store

    Google says only some Chromebooks have it; without it, you're limited to the built-in VPN or a Chrome extension.

  2. 2

    Install the Android app, not the extension

    The Android app covers Chrome and your Android apps; the vendors' extensions cover only the browser.

  3. 3

    Turn on Always-on VPN

    In the Android settings on your Chromebook, Google says you can turn on Always-on VPN and Block connections without VPN.

  4. 4

    Keep the extension for browser-only use

    An extension is fine if all you want is a different IP address in Chrome.

The six VPNs with Chromebook apps, ranked

6 compared
Editors' choice
1

Proton VPN

Best for covering Chrome, Android and Linux apps, free plan included

Our take: Proton says its Android app secures all connections from a Chromebook: ChromeOS connections such as the Chrome browser and the Files app, Android apps, and Linux apps running in the Linux container. Its free plan works there too. The app has a kill switch that uses Android's built-in settings on every plan, plus NetShield and split tunneling on paid plans. Proton says a Chromebook released in 2017 or later should run it. Its Chrome extension, free with a Proton account, covers only the browser.

Strengths

  • App covers ChromeOS, Android and Linux apps
  • Free plan works on Chromebook
  • Kill switch through Android's settings

Worth knowing

  • Split tunneling only on paid plans
  • Free plan: one device at a time, no choice of country
Platforms: Android app (Google Play)Chrome extension

Bottom line: Pick Proton if you want Chrome, Android and Linux apps covered, starting free.

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2

NordVPN

Best for choosing between app, extension and router

Our take: NordVPN offers three ways to cover a Chromebook: its Android app, its Chrome extension or a VPN router. It says the Android app protects your entire device, while the extension, a proxy, secures only Chrome; the extension has its own kill switch that blocks the browser's internet access and lets you exclude websites. NordVPN warns that some older Chromebook models may not support its Android app.

Strengths

  • Android app protects the entire device
  • Extension with its own kill switch
  • Router option for a whole household

Worth knowing

  • Some older Chromebooks may not run the app
  • No free plan
Platforms: Android app (Google Play)Chrome extensionRouter

Bottom line: Pick NordVPN if you'll use the app on a newer Chromebook and the extension elsewhere.

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3

Surfshark

Best for many Chromebooks in one household

Our take: Surfshark's Chromebook guide uses its Android app from Google Play, with an active subscription, and Surfshark says the app protects your entire device while its Chrome extension, a proxy, secures only your browser traffic. It doesn't say whether the kill switch and Bypasser work on ChromeOS. With no device limit, one plan can cover every Chromebook in the house.

Strengths

  • App protects the entire device
  • No device limit

Worth knowing

  • Kill switch and Bypasser not stated for ChromeOS
  • No free plan
Platforms: Android app (Google Play)Chrome extension

Bottom line: Pick Surfshark for several Chromebooks on one plan.

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4

PureVPN

Split tunneling in its Android app

Our take: PureVPN's Chromebook setup uses its Android app from the Play Store and needs a premium account. That Android app has split tunneling, so you can choose which apps use the VPN, though PureVPN's Chromebook guide doesn't mention it. PureVPN says its Chrome extension connects your browser to a proxy server and "only protects your web browser and nothing else on your device." It doesn't state a kill switch for Chromebook.

Strengths

  • Split tunneling in the Android app
  • Chrome extension for browser-only use

Worth knowing

  • Needs a premium account
  • Kill switch not stated for Chromebook
Platforms: Android app (Google Play)Chrome extension

Bottom line: Pick PureVPN if you want to keep some Android apps off the VPN.

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5

VirtualShield VPN

Android app only, no extension

Our take: VirtualShield's help center says its Android app from Google Play runs on ChromeOS 79 and above. It retired its browser extensions in August 2023, so the app is the only way to use it on a Chromebook. It doesn't describe ChromeOS-specific features.

Strengths

  • Runs on ChromeOS 79 and later

Worth knowing

  • No browser extension
  • ChromeOS features not described
Platforms: Android app (Google Play)

Bottom line: Pick VirtualShield if you already use it on your phone.

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6

hide.me VPN

Android app; the extension isn't a VPN

Our take: hide.me says it has no ChromeOS app build, so Chromebook users install its Android app from Google Play; hide.me says the Play Store is supported only on 2016 models and newer. Its free Chrome extension needs no registration, but hide.me says plainly that the extension is not a VPN and doesn't encrypt. It doesn't state a kill switch or split tunneling for Chromebook.

Strengths

  • Android app from Google Play
  • Free extension with no sign-up

Worth knowing

  • Extension doesn't encrypt
  • Kill switch and split tunneling not stated for Chromebook
Platforms: Android app (Google Play)Chrome extension (proxy)

Bottom line: Pick hide.me's Android app, not its extension, if you want encryption.

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VPNs on Chromebook at a glance

What each VPN's own Chromebook, app and extension pages say.

Proton VPN

Chromebook install
Android app
What the app covers, per the vendor
ChromeOS, Android and Linux apps
Chrome extension
Browser only; free with an account
App kill switch or split tunneling on Chromebook
Kill switch via Android; split tunneling on paid plans
Chromebook requirement
Play Store; 2017 or later

NordVPN

Chromebook install
Android app, extension or router
What the app covers, per the vendor
The entire device
Chrome extension
Browser-only proxy, with its own kill switch
App kill switch or split tunneling on Chromebook
Not stated
Chromebook requirement
Some older models may not run the app

Surfshark

Chromebook install
Android app
What the app covers, per the vendor
The entire device
Chrome extension
Browser-only proxy
App kill switch or split tunneling on Chromebook
Not stated
Chromebook requirement
Play Store; subscription

PureVPN

Chromebook install
Android app
What the app covers, per the vendor
Not stated
Chrome extension
Browser-only proxy
App kill switch or split tunneling on Chromebook
Split tunneling in the Android app
Chromebook requirement
Play Store; premium account

VirtualShield VPN

Chromebook install
Android app
What the app covers, per the vendor
Not stated
Chrome extension
None (retired in 2023)
App kill switch or split tunneling on Chromebook
Not stated
Chromebook requirement
ChromeOS 79 or later

hide.me VPN

Chromebook install
Android app
What the app covers, per the vendor
Not stated
Chrome extension
Proxy; "NOT a VPN"
App kill switch or split tunneling on Chromebook
Not stated
Chromebook requirement
Play Store; 2016 or later

Proton VPN

An audited no-logs VPN with a no-data-cap free plan

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NordVPN

Audited VPN with desktop download scanning

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Surfshark

One VPN account for every device in the house

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PureVPN

VPN with port forwarding and dedicated IP add-ons

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VirtualShield VPN

One VPN account for computers and phones

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hide.me VPN

A no-sign-up free VPN with an audited no-logs policy

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Will your Chromebook run a VPN app?

Check these before you pay:

  • The Play Store. Google says it's available on only some Chromebooks, and that some apps don't work on some models.
  • Age. Proton says a Chromebook released in 2017 or later should support its app, hide.me that the Play Store is supported only on 2016 models and newer, and NordVPN that some older models may not support its Android app. VirtualShield needs ChromeOS 79 or later.
  • School and work Chromebooks. Google says these may not allow the Play Store, and their administrator manages the device. Follow your school's or employer's rules.

Before you rely on a VPN on your Chromebook

  • Your Chromebook has the Google Play Store.
  • You're installing the Android app, not only the Chrome extension.
  • Always-on VPN and Block connections without VPN are turned on in the Android settings.
  • You know the extension covers only Chrome, if you use one.
  • On a school or work Chromebook, you've checked the rules first.

Keep reading

Sources · checked Nov 1, 2026

Frequently asked questions

Do Chromebooks have a built-in VPN?
Yes. Google says ChromeOS supports IKEv2 and L2TP/IPsec VPNs, has basic OpenVPN support and, on some Chromebooks, WireGuard. You need a VPN service that gives you the settings for one of these; six of the nine VPNs on this page point Chromebook users to their Android apps instead.
Is a VPN Chrome extension enough on a Chromebook?
Only for browsing. NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton, PureVPN and VeePN say their extensions protect only browser traffic, and hide.me says its extension is not a VPN. An Android VPN app also covers your Android apps.
Does an Android VPN app cover my whole Chromebook?
Most of it. Google says a VPN typically carries traffic from Chrome and Android apps, but its admin help says system traffic such as operating-system updates doesn't go through it. Proton says its Android app also covers Linux apps.
Is there a free VPN for Chromebook?
Proton VPN's free plan works on a Chromebook through its Android app, for one device. Proton's Chrome extension is free with a Proton account but covers only the browser, and hide.me's free extension isn't a VPN.
Can I use a VPN on a school Chromebook?
Only if your school allows it. Google says work and school Chromebooks may not allow the Play Store, and the school's administrator manages the device, so follow its rules.
What about Betternet, Hotspot Shield and VeePN?
Betternet says Chromebooks aren't supported and suggests its Chrome extension. Hotspot Shield says its Chrome extension, a proxy, works on Chromebooks. VeePN's app pages and help center don't mention Chromebooks.

Our top pick: Proton VPN

An audited no-logs VPN with a no-data-cap free plan

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