5 Best Free VPNs for Chromebook in 2024

Chromebook users want to inexpensively enjoy strong online security and prevent tracking by third parties, data theft, and data logging. Additionally, people traveling abroad or using school Chromebook devices may be unable to access geo-blocked streaming sites. Gamers also have issues accessing bot lobbies, lowering ping, and unblocking restricted games in certain regions.

Our solution is to use the best free Chromebook VPN. However, you may struggle to find free VPNs that support Chrome OS. Plus, most free VPNs have bandwidth caps, slow speeds, data logging, laggy performance, and limited server networks. They also provide weak security overall, have limited features, and might even be used to propagate malware.

That’s why we’ll reveal the best VPNs for Chromebooks with a free trial and teach you how to get one. Going that route will allow you to get a premium-level VPN for a limited time, completely risk-free.

In this guide, we'll present the best free VPNs for Chromebooks, show you how to choose the best one, and explain why you need one. We’ll also discuss the limitations of free VPNs and the dangers they bring. In the end, we’ll finish by answering some FAQs.

Best Free VPNs for Chromebook - Our Shortlist

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best Free VPN Trial for Chromebook in 2024
2. Surfshark – User-Friendly Chromebook VPN Trial with Lots of Servers
3. Proton VPN – Best Free VPN for Chromebook with Unlimited Bandwidth
4. Windscribe – Free Chromebook VPN with Upgradeable Data Allowance
5. Atlas VPN – Free VPN for Chrome OS with High-End Security

How to Get a Free VPN Trial for Chromebook?

To get a free VPN trial for Chromebook, you need to find a provider that works with the Chrome OS. Then, download it on your device. Let’s check out the detailed guide:

1. Get a Chromebook VPN free trial (we recommend NordVPN’s 30-day risk-free trial).
2. Download and install the VPN app on your device.
3. Open the VPN app and log in or create an account.
4. Connect to a server that will allow you to access the content you want to browse.
5. That’s it! You can enjoy high-end safety on your Chromebook. 

We highly recommend NordVPN over any free VPN service because it offers unlimited bandwidth, high-end security, the ability to unblock any website or streaming app, and because it's probably the most trustworthy VPN you can find right now.

Also, know that there are a few other ways to set up a VPN on Chromebook devices. You can add your VPN as an extension to Chrome, set it up manually, or configure it on a router, in addition to using a compatible VPN app.

The Best Free VPNs for Chromebook in 2024

To find the best free VPN for Chromebook devices, you need to evaluate them based on the criteria from our guide on the best free VPN providers. First, the VPN should be compatible with Chromebooks and other devices, like phones, computers, and tablets. Then, it must come with unlimited bandwidth or at least a large data allowance. 

The provider also needs to employ powerful security features, like AES 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, and strong VPN protocols, such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. On top of this, it should operate on a vast global server network that has servers in numerous countries. 

Your free VPN must have fast speeds and consistent connections. Moreover, make sure it allows numerous simultaneous connections. Pay attention to the price you'll pay (if you decide to become a paying customer at some point), and you'll also want a generous money-back guarantee. Lastly, choose a service with 24/7 customer support. 

Based on these criteria, here are the 5 best free Chromebook VPNs in 2024:

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN Free Trial for Chromebook in 2024

NordVPN is the best free VPN trial for Chromebook, which you can enjoy on any supported device with its 30-day money-back guarantee, and there is a 7-day free trial for Android users. Both have unlimited bandwidth and no other restrictions. This provider is compatible with Chromebooks and many other devices, such as phones, tablets, and computers. 

Another benefit of NordVPN is that it has 6,000+ servers in 83 countries. On top of that, it comes with powerful security features, like AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch that cuts your Internet if the VPN fails, and an audited no-logs policy. Ultimately, you’ll benefit from fast data transmission due to its robust VPN protocols like NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec. 

NordVPN has blazing speeds and stable performance that prevents lagging and latency issues. If you want to double your encryption, you can use its Double VPN feature to route your traffic through 2 servers. There are 10 simultaneous connections allowed, so you can install NordVPN on a Chromebook and use it on other devices at the same time. 

You can become a NordVPN subscriber for only $3.39/month (2-year plan). Furthermore, NordVPN’s aforementioned 30-day money-back policy lets you test its services and get a full refund if you are not satisfied with how it works. Last but not least, NordVPN provides 24/7 customer support via live chat that will help you resolve any issue that comes up. 

2. Surfshark – User-Friendly Chromebook VPN Trial with Lots of Servers

Surfshark offers an excellent free trial VPN with complete privacy protection. This VPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial for Android, iOS, and macOS devices. The best part is that they will both give you unlimited bandwidth and unrestricted features. Additionally, it works on all Chromebooks and other devices, like computers, laptops, and tablets.

Moreover, Surfshark will provide you with a secure shield thanks to its protocols, such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, along with AES 256-bit encryption that scrambles your data and an audited no-logs policy. What’s even better, it comes with a reliable kill switch. Aside from this, you’ll be able to connect to one of its 3,200+ servers across 100 countries.

Surfshark has lightning-fast speeds and reliable performance, regardless of your location. The server you’re using can be thousands of miles away, and you still won’t experience any lags. It allows unlimited simultaneous connections, which means you can use the VPN on school Chromebook computers and other devices at the same time. 

Taking advantage of Surfshark's offer will cost you $2.29/month (2-year plan). The 30-day money-back guarantee we mentioned briefly enables you to test the VPN and make the right decision. If this is not the right choice for your needs, you can cancel the subscription and get a refund. Ultimately, you’ll benefit from knowledgeable customer support available 24/7 via live chat.

3. Proton VPN – Best Free VPN for Chromebook with Unlimited Bandwidth

Proton VPN is the best free VPN for Chromebook devices that comes with no bandwidth limitations. The provider works well with Chromebooks and other devices, like phones, computers, and tablets, allowing you to download a free VPN on any device you’re using—except routers. 

Moreover, Proton VPN has fantastic security features, such as a no-logs policy, AES 256-bit encryption, and a kill switch that prevents data leaks. You’ll benefit from its robust VPN protocols like Stealth, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN. Its free version offers 100+ servers in only 5 countries (USA, Japan, the Netherlands, Romania, and Poland). Still, this is sufficient for an entirely free VPN.

Proton VPN delivers medium speeds with steady performance, even though you can encounter some issues from time to time due to the limited number of free servers that get overcrowded. Another drawback is that there are no simultaneous connections, so you’ll only be able to use one device with its free version. 

To gain unlimited access to Proton VPN, you'll need to pay $4.99/month (2-year plan). That said, your purchase will be protected by this VPN's generous 30-day money-back policy. Furthermore, Proton VPN has reliable customer support that will help you overcome any issue, but it’s only available via email. 

4. Windscribe – Free Chromebook VPN with an Upgradeable Data Allowance

If you want to download a free VPN without providing your personal information, Windscribe is a solid choice. It supports Chromebooks and other devices (phones, computers, and tablets), but not routers. Moreover, it has limited bandwidth (2 GB/month), but you can increase it to 10 GB/month by recommending the VPN to others, tweeting about it, or registering your email. 

Fortunately, Windscribe is not one of those VPNs that lack security features. It offers AES-256 encryption, industry-leading VPN protocols (Stealth, WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and Wstunnel), and a strong kill switch. Unfortunately, it collects anonymized logs despite claiming to have a no-logs policy, so it might compromise your online security. 

Windscribe has another drawback: limited servers in 11 countries (US, Canada, the UK, Hong Kong, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Turkey, Norway, and Romania). Its free version tries to make up for this with features like unlimited simultaneous connections, relatively fast speeds, and stable performance.

To unlock Windscribe's features, you'll need to pay $5.75/month (1-year plan). That said, keep in mind that your purchase will be backed by a 3-day money-back policy. Furthermore, Windscribe offers knowledgeable customer support via email that will assist you with any possible issue you come across. However, you may wait a bit to receive an answer.

5. Atlas VPN – Free VPN for Chrome OS with High-End Security

Atlas VPN is the best free VPN for school Chromebook devices, even though it comes with a limited bandwidth of only 5GB/month, which may not be sufficient for all your activities. On the plus side, it has native software for Chromebooks and other devices, like computers, tablets, and phones. It is not compatible with routers at all, though.

If you’re concerned about your security, there is nothing to worry about if you use Atlas VPN to get a free VPN on Chromebook. You will receive essential features, such as a kill switch, no-logs policy, AES 256-bit encryption that hides your traffic, and VPN protocols like WireGuard and IPsec/IKEv2. 

Atlas VPN’s free version comes with only 4 server locations in 3 countries. Of them, one is in the Netherlands and Singapore, while the other 2 are located in the US. It has moderate speeds at best that decrease considerably if you're located far from the server. There's also frequent lagging due to overcrowding. But it allows unlimited simultaneous connections.

If you decide to pay for this VPN, that will cost you $1.64/month (2-year plan), and your purchase will be protected by the VPN's 30-day money-back policy. Lastly, Atlas VPN has helpful customer support that you can reach via email. The support will come in handy if you experience any type of issue, as they’ll guide you through solving the problem. 

Best Free Chromebook VPNs: Compared

How to Choose the Best Free VPN for Chromebook?

To choose the best free VPN for Chromebook devices, you must stick to a few essential criteria. To start, verify its compatibility with the Chrome OS, security features, and server network size. Here are all the features you should look for: 

• 100% Free Subscription Plan - Your chosen VPN should offer a subscription plan without any strings attached. More precisely, you'll want to be able to sign up without providing your payment information or handing over anything more than your e-mail address.
• Compatible with Chromebook and Other Devices – Most importantly, the VPN must work with Chromebooks so you can install it on your device without any issues. It also needs to support other systems. 
• Data Allowance – Free VPNs are known for their data allowance limitations. Therefore, find a VPN that has unlimited or at least a sufficient amount of bandwidth. 
• Security and Privacy – Your chosen VPN must include security features, such as AES 256-bit encryption, VPN protocols (like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2), and an audited no-logs policy so you can enjoy safe browsing. 
• Server Network Size and Distribution – Most free providers have limited server networks. But there are still some free VPNs that come with a decent number of servers across a few countries, allowing you to get international content unblocked. 
• Performance – The provider you pick must be fast and have stable performance, regardless of your location. Therefore, you’ll ensure that you won’t face any lags. 
• Kill Switch – Having a VPN with a kill switch feature is a must, as you will prevent data leaks. That’s because the kill switch cuts your connections if it detects a VPN failure. 
• Simultaneous Connections – Your chosen VPN needs to have numerous simultaneous connections that will allow you to use the app on multiple devices at the same time. 
• Pricing - Perhaps you'll want an unlimited experience at some point, which is why you need to pay attention to the pricing from the get-go. Your VPN should offer a fair price and plenty of value.
• Money-Back Guarantee – The money-back policy refers to the period that you can use to test your premium VPN. If you’re not satisfied with its services, you can get a full refund. 
• Customer Support – Going for a free VPN with helpful customer support is crucial. Due to this, you will get around any issue that arises. 

Why Do You Need a Free VPN Trial for Chromebook?

You need a free VPN trial for Chromebook devices because it will help you get better online security and privacy. However, as there are many more reasons, here is our detailed list: 

• Robust Security and Privacy – You need a trustworthy VPN with powerful security features so that you can prevent unauthorized access to your sensitive information. 
• Use of Full Server Network – A premium VPN with a free trial comes with thousands of servers across the globe, letting you enjoy your favorite content from many countries. 
• Access Home Sites While Traveling – Most popular international websites and platforms are available only in some regions. Luckily, a VPN with strong unblocking abilities will let you access any content you want, regardless of your location. 
• Connect Safely to Public Wi-Fi – You need a VPN because public Wi-Fi networks are unsafe and your data can easily be accessed on them.  
• Unblock Geo-Restricted Content – VPN providers help you unblock worldwide sites, like Amazon Prime and Hulu, from anywhere. 
• Bypass Bandwidth Throttling – If you use large amounts of data, your ISP may throttle your connections, leading to slower speeds. However, you can solve this issue with a VPN that allows you to hide your traffic. 
• Hide Your Browsing Activity – Governments, ISPs, and hackers have the ability to monitor your activities, which is why you should use a VPN with encryption. 
• Mask Your IP Address – IP addresses can reveal your location and prevent your access to geo-blocked sites, so a free trial VPN is the right solution. 
• Improve Gaming Experience – Some games, bot lobbies, and features are only available in particular regions. Also, school Chromebook devices may not support gaming activities. Fortunately, a VPN with a free trial will help you avoid these issues. 
• Safely Torrent – Torrenting is considered illegal in most countries. Due to this, you should use a VPN that will conceal all your torrenting activities and hide the files you download.  

The Limitations of a Free Chromebook VPN

A free VPN for Chromebooks will always come with certain limitations, like a lack of essential security features, limited server fleets, and restricted data allowance. Aside from these, there are other issues, so let’s explore them: 

• Limited Bandwidth – Usually, free VPNs have a limited amount of bandwidth, which means you will no longer be able to use the VPN once the monthly cap is reached.  
• Weak Privacy and Security – Free VPNs are often missing essential security features, which leads to DDoS attacks, data theft, and IP address and data leaks. 
• Restricted Server Network – Due to the limited server network size, your free VPN may not be able to unblock some of your favorite platforms, such as Hulu or Amazon Prime. 
• Minimal Supported Devices – Some free providers won’t work on Chromebooks due to the lack of a native app.  
• Few Simultaneous Connections – Your free VPN might come with only one simultaneous connection, restricting usage on multiple devices at the same time. 
• Slow Speed and Limited Performance – Another issue is that free VPNs are noticeably slower, with disappointing overall performance, often due to their limited server networks. 
• Limited Features – Free VPNs don’t come with extra features for some activities, such as specialized streaming or torrenting servers. 
• Cannot Bypass Geo-Restrictions – Because of their small server networks, free VPN services have weak unblocking abilities and usually fail to give you access to your favorite restricted content. 
• No 24/7 Customer Support – Most free VPNs don’t come with 24/7 customer support, and it is only available via email. 

Why Free VPNs for Chromebook Might Be Dangerous?

Free Chromebook VPNs might be dangerous because they don’t include essential security features. Let’s have a look at all the potential hazards:

• Free VPNs Provide Weak Security and Encryption – Free VPNs lack crucial security features, such as encryption, allowing third parties to monitor your traffic and restricting your activities on school Chromebook. 
• Free VPNs Expose Your Sensitive Information – Very often, free VPNs expose your sensitive data, which leads to many security issues, such as data theft. 
• Free VPNs Often Use Aggressive Trackers – Free VPN clients usually come with heavy monitoring, compromising your safety. 
• Free VPNs Are Easily Breached – Because of the lack of security features, hackers can easily cause data breaches and compromise your overall online safety. 
• Free VPNs Can Collect and Sell Your Data – By installing a free VPN on Chromebook devices, you’re risking the collection and sale of your data to third parties, as that’s how these services make their money. 
• Free VPNs Might Inject Online Ads – Free VPN clients often impose overwhelming online ads. By clicking on them, you might be redirected to a malicious site that installs a virus on your device. 
• Free VPNs Might Infect You with Malware – Some free providers come with malware that gets installed together with the VPN. This increases the possibility of allowing cybercriminals to access your data. 
• Free VPNs Often Bring Outdated Software – Many free VPNs have outdated software that doesn’t come with the latest security features and techniques for preventing advanced data theft. 

As you can see, even the best free Chromebook VPNs will come with certain strings attached. That's why we highly recommend NordVPN's free trial, which features unlimited bandwidth and high-end security features. More precisely, NordVPN is a 100% safe and trustworthy VPN provider.

Final Thoughts

Chromebook users want better online security and access to geo-restricted content from anywhere, even while traveling. They also want a better gaming experience with access to bot lobbies and features blocked in their region. Free Chromebook VPNs are appealing, but they are very limited in bandwidth, server selection, and capabilities. Therefore, we suggest testing a premium VPN.

We recommend NordVPN’s free trial as the best free VPN for Chromebook devices, as you can use its money-back policy to give its vast server network a test run. Plus, it has bulletproof security features and strong unblocking abilities. However, if you want an entirely free VPN, go for Proton VPN. You will still receive solid protection and be able to bypass many geo-blocks.  

That’s all for our guide on the best free VPN for Chromebook. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. Thank you for reading!