School days are a joyful and crucial part of every young person’s life, whether in high school or college. However, securing your personal information is also essential, and a VPN can help. Trackers and viruses could get into your devices if you only use Wi-Fi at places like a coffee shop, school, or dorm.
In addition, you can utilize the same services as virtually any Windows PC. However, some VPNs are more accessible to ChromeOS users than others. They will offer more features, operate more efficiently, and provide a superior experience. On the other hand, some are not even meant to work with Chrome.
On the other hand, users of Chromebooks who use the internet need to set up a virtual private network (VPN) on their Chromebooks in a number of different situations. For example, students who use a Chromebook for school might want to use a VPN for school Chromebooks to get to websites that are blocked by the school network.
But how do you determine the 10 Best VPNs for School Chromebook and which is suitable for your device? We put several virtual private networks (VPN) providers to the test and prepared a list of our favorites specifically for Chromebooks. Continue reading to learn which internet service providers rate the highest in terms of features, speeds, pricing, and other factors.
Best VPNs for School Chromebook in 2024
We investigated different virtual private networks (VPNs) to find the one that would provide students with the best services. The very finest virtual private networks (VPNs) for schools perform exceptionally well in all contexts, even though each has its unique set of benefits and drawbacks.
In this section, we will talk about the top 10 VPNs for school Chromebooks. We will go into detail about each service’s features, pricing, and technical specs to help you choose the one that is best for you.
1. NordVPN
Regarding VPNs for use on school networks, we recommend NordVPN. NordVPN lives up to its big promises by offering fast connections, a well-designed mobile app, all the features you could want in a VPN, and an extra layer of security that is almost impossible to break.
CyberSec blocks ads and warns you about dangerous websites, and an extension that blocks WebRTC, a technique that could give your IP address to suspicious sites, are only available in Chrome.
It is not hard to argue that NordVPN is one of the market’s fastest virtual private networks (VPNs) right now. The company’s unique NordLynx protocol, which was able to keep almost 95% of the internet’s original speeds, also made this possible.
NordVPN allows users to use its service on up to six devices simultaneously. It also has apps for various devices, including a browser extension for Chrome. You can use either NordVPN’s Chrome extension or the Android app on your school Chromebook. The prices for NordVPN memberships begin at $2.99 per month for six devices simultaneously, and the company offers a money-back guarantee for thirty days. Even better, Android users are offered a free trial that lasts for seven days.
But after your first plan ends, the price of each new plan almost doubles, making NordVPN one of the most expensive services. This seemingly high cost could be discouraging to many customers. However, if it does not scare you away, you should know that NordVPN is undoubtedly the greatest VPN service out there.
Overall, its capabilities and the additional benefits it offers make it one of the finest virtual private networks (VPNs) for Chromebook users.
Specs of NordVPN
- Server count: Over 5,100 servers in 60+ countries
- Connection limit: Supports a maximum of six simultaneous connections.
- Free/trial version: None
- Standard plan price: $11.99 per month, $59.98 per year, or $126.96 every two years
- Student discount: 15 percent off
Pros of NordVPN
- Dedicated Chromebook app
- NordVPN’s unique NordLynx technology makes for blazing-fast speeds.
- Allows access to a wide variety of streaming sites.
- 5100+ high-speed servers in over 60+ countries around the globe.
- Audited no-logs policy
Cons of Nord VPN
- No free version
- Expensive subscription costs
2. Surfshark
Surfshark VPN is yet another top-tier Chromebook VPN with numerous robust security features. Surfshark is a VPN service based in the British Virgin Islands that gives students a good deal. It has more than 3,200 performance-optimized servers in more than 100 countries.
It supports IKEv2, WireGuard, and OpenVPN protocols like most other top VPNs. The encryption technique used is AES-256. In addition, Surfshark has a strict no-logging policy.
Surfshark unblocks all key streaming platforms and more. The great thing is that you can maximize the potential of devices other than the Chromebook laptop. Each subscription, however, enables an unrestricted number of devices per account.
This virtual private network (VPN) offers a silent mode called camouflage that lets users cover up the fact that they are using a VPN and get around geographical restrictions. It can also bypass any network-level restrictions that may have been put in place by your organization or school.
Compared to other leading Chromebook VPNs, this one is quite cheap. In addition to Windows, Linux, and macOS, it also supports iOS and Android. It also works with some wireless routers after manual configuration.
The prices offered by Surfshark are incredibly appealing, beginning at just $2.30 per month for a subscription valid for 24 months. It is one of the most affordable premium VPNs you can discover, and it also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Specs of Surfshark
- Server count: 3,200 servers in 100+ countries
- Connection limit: Unlimited number of devices
- Free/trial version: None
- Standard plan price: $12.95 monthly, $47.88 annually, or $59.76 for two years.
- Student discount: Three free months when you subscribe for two years.
Pros of Surfshark
- Optimized app for Chrome OS
- Relatively affordable with 30 days money guarantee.
- Infinite connections
- No-log policy and AES-256 encryption
- IKEV2, OpenVPN, and WireGaurd protocols
- 24/7 helpful live chat.
Cons of Surfshark
- No free version
- Lacks some extra features.
3. ExpressVPN
Another leading service here is ExpressVPN. Because ExpressVPN provides so much value, it also charges among the highest prices of any VPN service. It has been around for a while, making it a reliable option as it is one of the oldest VPN services out there.
This application works not only with Google Chromebooks made by Samsung, Dell, Acer, HP, Asus, Lenovo, and so on. ExpressVPN offers VPN add-ons for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers.
This service contains a function that can trick your Internet service provider (ISP) or school network into letting you access blocked content. This VPN can also give you a very good video-streaming experience and access to streaming platforms that are only available in certain countries.
Since there are more than 3,000 servers in 94 different countries, you should be able to find a good connection easily. An internet kill switch, or “network lock,” as ExpressVPN calls it, is also included. It would temporarily halt all web activity for a short time if the VPN connection suddenly stopped working. That makes sure that your information stays private.
Get ExpressVPN if spending over $100 is no issue. We suggest you buy this item if you want the best quality without spending a lot of money.
ExpressVPN’s excessively high monthly rates start at $12.95, as we have already mentioned. But it is one of the best VPNs for Chromebooks because it has many benefits and works with the device.
Specs of ExpressVPN
- Server count: Over 3,000 servers in 94 countries
- Connection limit: Supports maximum of five simultaneous connections.
- Free/trial version: None
- Standard plan price: $12.95 per month, or $99.95 per year.
- Student discount: None.
Pros of ExpressVPN
- Comprehensive support for different Chromebooks and browsers
- Extremely reliable speed and service
- No-log policy and AES-256-GCM encryption
- 24/7 customer support available via live chat and email
- Allows 5 device connections at the same time
Cons of ExpressVPN
- Very Expensive
4. IPVanish
It is also worth noting that IPVanish is a great VPN service that works well with Chromebooks. Its software is easy to use and can be downloaded from the App Store. Users can enjoy fast speeds and multiple connections at the same time. It is a fantastic option for those who wish to let their loved ones in on the VPN action.
The company runs a huge network stretching over 50 countries and has over 2,000 separate servers. Eliminating the need for third parties to operate the hardware drastically reduces the likelihood that an unauthorized party may manipulate it.
Performance is also considered, as the WireGuard tunneling protocol is easy for all subscribers to use. You can get decent VPN speeds when you combine this with IPVanish’s own WireGuard system. Our tests showed this was true; it could keep about 80% of the internet speeds it had before.
You can get SugarSync for extra money. You can store sensitive files on up to 500 GB of encrypted storage. You can also hide your traffic if you do not want anyone to know that you are using a VPN.
It also operates flawlessly with Chrome, except for a well-optimized Chrome plugin. The only disadvantage is the cost.
Try an IPVanish coupon and pay the $3.99/month subscription fee for a one-year subscription. Unfortunately, there is neither a trial nor a free version of the service, so you will have to start it directly. However, it is not that bad when you get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Specs of IPVanish
- Server count: 2000+ servers across 50+ countries.
- Connection limit: Unlimited
- Free/trial version: None
- Standard plan price: $11.99/month, or $47.89/year for the first year.
- Student discount: Available
Pros of IPVanish
- Unlimited connections
- No-log policy, powerful security, and AES-256 encryption
- Unblocks some streaming sites
- Great speeds supporting WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, IPSec, L2TP, PPTP protocols
- Huge server collections
Cons of IPVanish
- No live customer support
- Price rises after a year
- No specific Chromebook app
5. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access (PIA) is currently one of the finest VPNs for school Chromebooks. It is an American provider that also offers student discounts.
For less than $40 per year, you can connect to servers in 78+ countries with great speeds (an average drop of 25% from the initial download speed). Private Internet Access follows a no-logging policy and provides port forwarding. Also, you can use it on up to ten devices simultaneously, including your school Chromebook.
This VPN employs the AES-128 and AES-256 encryption algorithms and the OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard VPN protocols. However, it can bypass the most powerful VPN-blocking technologies. Therefore, even if your school employs techniques to restrict VPN, Private Internet Access will still function there.
Unfortunately, their live help is not available 24/7, so you might need to wait quite a while for a response to some of the problems you will be having. Because the initial configuration can take some time, it may be some time after you sign up for Private Internet Access (PIA) before you can begin using it to browse the web securely.
But if you have the patience for it, Private Internet Access is a service worth its weight because of its features, quality, good price, and Chrome-specific features like blocking WebRTC and allowing websites.
Specs of Private Internet Access (PIA)
- Server count: 35000+ servers across 78+ countries.
- Connection limit: Supports up to ten simultaneous connections.
- Free/trial version: 30-day money-back guarantee for any purchases made with PIA
- Standard plan price: $2.03/month (2 years package), $7.50/month (6 months package), $11.99/month.
- Student discount: Available
Pros of Private Internet Access (PIA)
- Good range of streaming content.
- Apps for both Android and iOS devices.
- Strict no-logging policy and AES-256 encryption.
- IKEV2, OpenVPN, and WireGaurd protocols.
Cons of Private Internet Access (PIA)
- Live support is not available 24/7.
6. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN is another great VPN for school Chromebooks for a number of important reasons. It is a VPN company based in Romania with a large global network and a number of safety and privacy features.
It was not disliked but lacked a few leading providers’ high-end, premium-class reputations. Aside from this minor concern, there are no problems with the encryption standards chosen.
Recent events have seen CyberGhost take a huge step forward in the direction of a comprehensive update of its service. Its connection speeds are faster (about 45% of the original speed loss, compared to 70% in the past), and its connection reliability has improved.
Currently, this VPN has almost 7900 high-speed VPN servers in 91+ countries, which is an adequate number of locations. It supports the superior performance and security technologies WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN. Cyberghost, like other industry-leading VPN service providers, uses AES-256 encryption to safeguard customer data.
It won’t be easy to find a better deal for the same level of quality as CyberGhost. You have to pay a fee upfront, but you can get your money back within 45 days and use CyberGhost’s Android app on Chromebook for free. CyberGhost is perfect if you need a VPN for a limited time, as you can quickly receive a full refund after using the service.
Specs of CyberGhost VPN
- Server count: 7,900 servers in 91+ countries
- Connection limit: Supports 7 device connections at once.
- Free/trial version: 45-day money-back guarantee.
- Standard plan price: $12.99 per month, $51.48 per year, or $78 every two years.
- Student discount: $33 a year for 1 year
Pros of CyberGhost VPN
- No data limits on free Chrome browser extension or Android app
- No-log policy and AES-256 encryption.
- 45 days money-back.
- 24/7 helpful live chat.
Cons of CyberGhost VPN
- Does not support in China.
7. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN is a cheap service that can be used in many ways. PrivateVPN is one of the more current services on the list. However, it is not worth your time. It is a reliable VPN for Chromebooks with all the tools you need, a simple app for Android, and speeds that will make you get started. Also, true to its name, the provider does not do subscriber monitoring.
With an annual plan costing less than $50, you get good speeds, security, and servers in more than 60 countries. You can connect to any of the more than 200 servers in more than 63 countries, and the loading times won’t change. The company says this is because they bought High-Quality networks straight from the source instead of going through intermediaries.
PrivateVPN is a great choice for a simple VPN that gets the job done at a fair price. The only downside is that live chat support is only sometimes available, and it might take a while for someone to answer your questions.
Along with making Chrome run smoothly, the service is also very good at letting you sneak into foreign Disney+, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video libraries, giving you many more ways to have fun.
Specs of PrivateVPN
- Server count: 200+ servers in 63+ countries
- Connection limit: Supports 6 simultaneous connections.
- Free/trial version: 30 days money-back guarantee.
- Standard plan price: $2.00 per month(36 months), $72.00 per year after 36 months.
Pros of PrivateVPN
- Strict no-logging policy.
- Excellent cost-to-feature ratio.
- Outstanding against geo-blocks.
- Servers in over 60 countries.
Cons of PrivateVPN
- Live support is not available 24/7 and can be hard to access.
8. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is a second fantastic option for classroom Chromebooks. However, premium plans might be pricey in some cases. However, it offers free and inexpensive programs that are ideal for students.
Use the free Android app for Chromebooks from Proton VPN as much as you like without worrying about data restrictions. The free plan of ProtonVPN stands out because it is the only free VPN service from a reputable provider that does not impose a bandwidth limit. This means you can use it for more than just a “trial,” It will protect all of your internet activity on whatever device you choose.
The free service of ProtonVPN does not compete with its premium plan. You can only access the United States, the Netherlands, and Japan servers. This will result in slower internet connections, especially if you are geographically distant from these places. You can only protect one device at a time, so you can only protect some of your devices at a time. It also slows down your internet connection a lot.
Also, free ProtonVPN accounts do not let you use streaming sites like Netflix or BitTorrent to download files. But you can switch to the premium version, which fixes the problems with the free version. It offers 1,700 servers in 63 countries, allowing a sky-high ten simultaneous connections per device. It is a great service but a bit more expensive than NordVPN and ExpressVPN, two more popular VPN clients.
If you are a student and want to test out a free VPN to understand all the buzz, ProtonVPN is a good choice for you to consider. The free service is a far better deal than the premium plan, which does not deliver the best value for your money.
Specs of ProtonVPN
- Server count: 1,700+ servers in 63+ countries (premium).
- Connection limit: Supports 10 simultaneous connections (premium).
- Free/trial version: Yes, speed-limited.
- Standard plan price: $10.52/month, $75.69/year, or $126.10 /two years (billed in Euro).
- Student discount: None
Pros of ProtonVPN
- Free and inexpensive plans are offered in the United States, the Netherlands, and Japan.
- IKEV2, OpenVPN, and WireGaurd protocols
- Upgradeable to premium plan.
- Email accessibility for customer service.
Cons of ProtonVPN
- Supports 1 connection per free user account
- Expensive Premium plan.
9. TunnelBear
Tunnelbear is a small, trustworthy VPN software company that keeps things easy. If you aren’t the most tech-savvy person and are scared by terminologies like DNS and IP addresses, Tunnelbear is your VPN client. Tunnelbear is a very simple, free VPN service that provides solid speeds.
TunnelBear has a VPN app for Android that has many of the same features as the paid plan. This includes access to its servers in more than 47 places, AES 256-bit encryption, and protection against leaks (Vigilant Mode). There is also an extension for the Chrome browser, but it only works with 20 server locations, making it less useful.
Because it has an Android app and a Chrome extension, Tunnelbear is easy to use on Chromebooks. It is convenient enough that kids just learning how to use computers might be capable of figuring it out. Tunnelbear is worth a look if you are looking for a free/cheap premium VPN that does the basics.
TunnelBear’s free VPN is run with money from people who pay for it (not advertisers). The company’s privacy policy has even been checked by a third party to ensure that no personal information is logged or saved on its servers.
Specs of TunnelBear
- Server count: N/A (Servers available in more than 40 countries)
- Connection limit: Supports 5 simultaneous connections.
- Free/trial version: Yes, but, speed-limited to 500MB.
- Standard plan price: $9.99/month, $59.98/year, or $120.00/three years.
- Student discount: None.
Pros of TunnelBear
- Setup is simple on all devices, even Chromebook.
- Cheaper than most premium VPNs
- Strict no-logs policies and military-grade encryption makes safe internet traffic.
- Email help for tickets is provided on the free plan.
- Free trial
Cons of TunnelBear
- Only 5 simultaneous connections.
- Some streaming services are not supported.
10. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is a VPN you can leave on your device with minimal impact. This is terrific for Chrome users. This VPN provides speed in abundance, which is necessary. Hotspot Shield offers a free Chrome extension and an Android VPN app, but you can only use them on one device simultaneously, so you must choose between downloading the app or the extension.
The free plan limits you to one virtual server in the United States and 500 megabytes of data daily. In terms of performance, Hotspot Shield’s speed results are quite remarkable. A portion of this is due to the Catapult Hydra tunneling protocol.
The browser add-on protects your privacy by blocking trackers, advertisements, cookies, and viruses; it also has a Sword feature that sends fake tracking information to websites.
With a premium subscription, you can use One Password, a safe way to store and manage login information. In addition to the Aura antivirus, you are receiving complete security.
And if you are concerned about online privacy, Hotspot Shield VPN guarantees that your data will not be logged. However, there is one exception: the free version. Since it contains advertisements, your city-level location may be recorded. Therefore, the premium plan is the preferable option.
Easy Guide: How to Setup and Use a Chromebook VPN
Setting up a VPN on your Chromebook is rather simple, and there are a few primary ways to do so. You can add the VPN as an extension to your browser, download it from Google Play, or use the sideloading method.
The following are straightforward, step-by-step installation instructions.
Install a Chrome OS Browser Extension
Using a Chromebook VPN browser plugin is the simplest way to gain safety. Remember that the majority of browser extensions are proxies that do not provide the same level of encryption as a full VPN program.
- Subscribing to a VPN is the very first step to set up.
- Visit the website of the VPN of your choice and locate the link to the extension of your choosing.
- Install the extension/add it to chrome.
- Log in by clicking on the extension icon.
Download a VPN app for Android on Chromebook
- Subscribe to a VPN.
- Launch the Google Play Store app.
- Search for the app of your preferred VPN and install it..
- Connect to a server using your VPN app by logging in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which VPN is the best for Chromebooks?
NordVPN is the best VPN for Google Chromebooks. It is a service that provides high levels of security with features like threat protection and a reliable kill switch.
Are free VPNs safe for Chromebooks?
Yes, but be careful to use a VPN that has been confirmed to be compatible with Chromebooks. Not all free VPNs are safe. Many dishonest free VPNs will secretly log your private information and sell it to third parties to make money, which is a huge invasion of your privacy.
Does the Chromebook have a built-in VPN?
No, Chrome does not include a VPN by default. However, Chrome has an integrated VPN client. You can use a VPN on your Chromebook if it has manual OpenVPN or L2TP setup settings.
Do I need a VPN for my Chromebook?
Yes, a VPN should be used with a Chromebook. Without a VPN, anyone who wants to can see what you do on the internet and what devices you use. By securing your Chromebook with a VPN, you make sure that your information is securely concealed.
Why do schools restrict access to websites and services?
There are many reasons why a school or college might not let students use certain websites or services. The content may be regarded as unsuitable or a disruption to the students’ education.
Wrapping Up!
While any of the ten VPNs listed above would be a wonderful option for you at the moment, we would like to share our suggestions for the best Chrome VPN in each category. The time has come to introduce our three champions.
First, NordVPN is our pick for speed. While a couple VPNs on this list offer insanely fast connections, NordVPN has the best technology and is the fastest VPN in the world. With any other VPN, you can expect a minor decrease in connection speed.
Second, Surf Shark is our pick for the best Chromebook VPN that does not limit the connection. We pick Surfshark due to its lightning-fast speeds, low prices, and large number of available connections. Surfshark is a great choice if you want a VPN that won’t break your budget but will still give you enough protection.
Third, ExpressVPN is our pick when it comes to blazing-fast connections and top-tier security. Prices are high generally, but the speed is consistent across the board. ExpressVPN is not only one of the best VPNs overall, but it is also the best VPN for mobile phones because it has a large number of servers and an easy-to-use interface for mobile devices.