VPN Browser Extensions: Chrome, Firefox, Edge Comparison
Best VPN extensions for each browser—and why app + extension combo is your best defense.
By Australian VPN
App vs. Extension: What's the Difference?
VPN App (Full Protection)
Protects ALL traffic: browser, email, messaging, torrents, everything.
✓ Recommended for serious privacy
VPN Extension (Browser Only)
Protects browser traffic only. Email clients, downloads, other apps see real IP.
⚠️ Useful for convenience (quick on/off)
Best practice: Run BOTH. App for always-on protection, extension for quick geo-spoofing in browser.
Chrome VPN Extensions
NordVPN Chrome Extension
Rating: 4.3/5 stars (100k+ reviews)
Key features: CyberSec (blocks malware), Split tunneling, Threat Protection
Cost: Free with NordVPN subscription ($5.99-12.99/mo)
✓ Most popular, highly rated
⚠️ Requires NordVPN account (not standalone)
ExpressVPN Chrome Extension
Rating: 4.2/5 stars (80k+ reviews)
Key features: Location spoofing, Speed test, Bandwidth monitor
Cost: Free with ExpressVPN ($6.67-12.95/mo)
✓ Fast, clean UI, excellent support
⚠️ Premium pricing
Surfshark Chrome Extension
Rating: 4.1/5 stars (40k+ reviews)
Key features: Whitelisting, Kill switch, Tracker blocker
Cost: Free with Surfshark ($2.49-3.99/mo)
✓ Best value, great privacy features
⚠️ Less polished UI than competitors
Firefox VPN Extensions
NordVPN Firefox Extension
Rating: 4.4/5 stars
Key features: Same as Chrome version
✓ Works great on Firefox
Mozilla Firefox VPN (Built-in)
Rating: 4.3/5 stars
Key features: Built into Firefox browser, free trial, no extensions needed
Cost: Free (with limitations) or $4.99/mo
✓ Native to Firefox, super easy to use
⚠️ Limited server locations (30 countries)
Mullvad Firefox Extension
Rating: 4.2/5 stars
Key features: Open-source, extremely private, no logging
Cost: Free
✓ Most privacy-focused, completely free
⚠️ Fewer servers, slower than premium options
Edge VPN Extensions
NordVPN Edge Extension
Status: Available, same as Chrome/Firefox
✓ Full compatibility with Edge
ExpressVPN Edge Extension
Status: Available
✓ Same great features as Chrome
Surfshark Edge Extension
Status: Available
✓ Full support, great value
Quick Comparison Table
| Extension | Chrome | Firefox | Edge | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | $5.99/mo |
| ExpressVPN | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | $6.67/mo |
| Surfshark | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | $2.49/mo |
| Mullvad | ✓ | ✓ | ❌ | Free |
| Firefox Native | — | ✓ Built-in | — | $4.99/mo |
Security Warnings: Avoid These Extensions
❌ Free VPN extensions with 1-star reviews
Many are honeypots designed to log your data. Only use trusted brands.
❌ Proxy extensions (not VPN)
Proxy ≠ VPN. Proxy doesn't encrypt traffic, just redirects it. Avoid.
❌ Extensions asking for "all website data" access
Legit VPN extensions need minimal permissions. Be suspicious.
My Recommendation
Best overall: Install full NordVPN app + NordVPN Chrome extension. Always-on protection + quick browser switching.
Budget option: Surfshark app + extension. Best value.
Most private: Run Mullvad (free, open-source) on both app and extension.
Firefox users: Consider built-in Firefox VPN for simplicity, or use Mullvad extension for more privacy.