VPN Browser Extensions Compared
Compare VPN browser extensions. Chrome, Firefox, Edge. Speed, security, features. Which extension protects you best while browsing?
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.
Related Reading
Ready to protect your privacy?
Check out our VPN reviews and find the right one for you.
View VPN Reviews →Australian VPN Team
Expert VPN reviewers helping Australians protect their privacy and access content since 2016. We independently test every VPN we recommend — checking speed, security, streaming, and value from Australian servers.
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