Software & SaaS · Ranked by price to features
9 Best VPN Browser Extensions of 2026
By the Rankozo research desk · Updated November 11, 2026 · Next review December 26, 2026
Proton VPN is the best VPN extension for Firefox in 2026 because its open-source add-on works on a free account, runs in Firefox forks such as LibreWolf and Waterfox, and VPN Plus costs $3.49 a month on the 2-year plan for 10 browsers or devices (prices checked as of November 2026). Windscribe is the best free option with 10 GB a month, unlimited devices and built-in ad blocking, and Private Internet Access is the cheapest paid pick at $2.03 a month. Choose ExpressVPN instead if you expect to want full-device protection later, since its extension can also control the desktop app.
- Tools ranked
- 9
- With free plan
- 5
- Cheapest paid plan
- Browsec, $1.83
- per month on the 2-year plan
Comparison table
| Tool | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN | 01 | 9.2 | 9.4 | $3.49per month, billed $83.76 for the first 24 months | Yes |
| Windscribe | 02 | 8.9 | 9.0 | $5.75per month, billed $69 every 12 months | Yes |
| NordVPN | 03 | 8.5 | 7.8 | Check price | No |
| Private Internet Access | 04 | 8.4 | 8.4 | $2.03per month, billed every 3 years | No |
| Surfshark | 05 | 8.4 | 8.0 | Check price | No |
| CyberGhost | 06 | 8.3 | 8.6 | $2.19per month for the full VPN app, billed $61.32 for the first 2 years | Yes |
| Browsec | 07 | 8.2 | 8.8 | $1.83per month on the 2-year plan | Yes |
| ExpressVPN | 08 | 8.2 | 7.0 | Check price | No |
| Hotspot Shield | 09 | 7.4 | 7.2 | $7.99per month, billed annually | Yes |
Click a column to sort. Prices are the cheapest paid plan quoted from each vendor's US pricing page; "Check price" means the US price check is pending.
How this ranking works
One method for every tool. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not run hands-on tests. Value carries the most weight.
Full methodThis list is for people who only want to secure traffic inside Firefox or Chrome, not every app on the computer. A VPN browser extension encrypts what the browser sends and swaps your IP address for a server's, while games, email clients and other browsers keep using your normal connection. We compared documented features and published prices on each vendor's own site in November 2026: which browsers each extension supports, whether it works without the desktop app, free plans and data caps, leak and tracker controls, device limits and refund windows. Rankozo weights value at 40%, features at 35% and ease of use at 25%. Starting prices are the cheapest paid personal plan per month in USD. NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN showed only euro prices from our location, so their prices are marked pending. Mullvad was left out because its browser extension works alongside Mullvad VPN rather than as a standalone browser VPN, and Mullvad says it is not compatible with Chrome.
The verdict
Proton VPN is the best VPN browser extension for most people: the open-source add-on runs in Firefox, Firefox forks, Chrome, Brave and Edge, works on a free account, and adds Secure Core and split tunneling, with VPN Plus at $3.49 a month on the 2-year plan. Windscribe is the best free pick because its extension includes 10 GB a month, unlimited devices, Smokewall and ad blocking without any app. NordVPN gives subscribers 7,300+ servers in the browser, and Private Internet Access is the cheapest paid extension at $2.03 a month with fingerprint and UTM controls. CyberGhost and Browsec work with no account at all, and Hotspot Shield only lists a Chrome extension.
- 01Top value

Proton VPN
9.2/10Swiss VPN with official, open-source extensions for Firefox and Chrome that work on the free plan or VPN Plus.
Price
$3.49per month, billed $83.76 for the first 24 months
Free plan; VPN Plus $3.49 per month on the 2-year plan, $9.99 month to month
“65% off VPN Plus $9.99 $3.49 /month” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.
- Free plan
- Yes
- Value (40%)
- 9.4
- Features (35%)
- 9.2
- Ease of use (25%)
- 9.0
Best forFirefox users who want a free start and a trusted provider
Proton VPN ranks first because its extension covers both Firefox and Chrome, you can sign up for free to use it, and Proton publishes open-source apps with independent audits behind its no-logs policy. Proton's Firefox page says the add-on runs in LibreWolf, Waterfox and any browser based on Firefox 109.0+, and its Chrome page lists Chrome, Brave, Edge and most Chromium browsers. The extension is more than an on and off switch: Proton lists Secure Core double VPN routing, split tunneling to exclude specific websites and auto connect. Paid VPN Plus costs $3.49 a month on the 2-year plan, billed $83.76 for the first 24 months and then $83.88 a year, and covers 10 browsers or devices with 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries. Streaming through the extension needs VPN Plus or Proton Unlimited. As with every entry here, the extension only protects traffic inside the browser, so other apps keep using your normal connection.
- ✓You can sign up for free and use the extension without paying
- ✓Open-source apps with independent no-logs audits
- ✓Each Firefox-based browser can run the extension, counting as one of 10 connections on paid plans
- ✕Streaming support in the extension needs VPN Plus or Proton Unlimited
- ✕VPN Plus renews at $83.88 a year after the 2-year term
- ✕Extension covers browser traffic only, not other apps
- Browsers:
- Firefox and Firefox forks, Chrome, Brave, Edge
- Free plan:
- Yes
- Paid connections:
- 10 browsers or devices
- Refunds:
- 30 days on VPN Plus
Bottom line: Proton VPN is the best choice for Firefox users because its open-source extension runs on Firefox and its forks, works on a free account, and adds Secure Core and split tunneling. VPN Plus costs $3.49 a month on the 2-year plan.
- 02

Windscribe
8.9/10Canadian VPN whose standalone Firefox and Chrome extensions include 10 GB of free data a month and built-in ad blocking.
Price
$5.75per month, billed $69 every 12 months
Free plan with 10 GB a month; Pro $9 per month or $69 per year ($5.75 a month)
“Yearly Plan Billed $69 USD every 12 months $5.75 per month” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.
- Free plan
- Yes
- Value (40%)
- 9.0
- Features (35%)
- 9.0
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.6
Best forFree users who want ad blocking in the browser
Windscribe is the strongest free option for browser-only protection. Its Firefox page says the extension runs inside Firefox with no separate app, admin rights or restart, and the free plan gives 10 GB a month after you confirm an email address (2 GB without) across 10 countries including the US, Canada, Germany and Switzerland. Both free and Pro allow unlimited devices. The extension packs more privacy controls than most rivals: Smokewall keeps traffic from escaping unencrypted if the connection fails, WebRTC Slayer stops IP leaks, a user agent rotator and cookie auto-delete reduce tracking, and blocklists for ads, trackers, malware and cookie banners can be managed through a uBlock interface. A proxy port option over 443 or 9443 helps on restrictive networks. Pro is $9 a month or $69 billed every 12 months, which works out to $5.75 a month, and unlocks unlimited data in 69+ countries and 135+ cities. Windscribe states plainly that the extension secures Firefox traffic only.
- ✓Extension runs without a separate app, admin rights or restart
- ✓Unlimited devices on free and Pro
- ✓Pro unlocks 69+ countries and 135+ cities
- ✕Free data cap of 10 GB a month
- ✕Free plan limited to 10 countries
- ✕Extension does not protect other apps, games or torrent clients
- Browsers:
- Firefox, Chrome, Edge
- Free data:
- 10 GB a month
- Devices:
- Unlimited
- Pro locations:
- 69+ countries
Bottom line: Windscribe is the best free VPN extension for Firefox and Chrome because the free plan includes 10 GB a month, unlimited devices and built-in ad and tracker blocking. Pro costs $69 a year.
- 03

NordVPN
8.5/10Large VPN provider whose proxy extension for Chrome, Edge and Firefox is included with every subscription.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.8
- Features (35%)
- 9.0
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.8
Best forSubscribers who want the largest server choice in the browser
NordVPN's extension is a proxy that encrypts browser traffic with TLS and changes your IP address, and NordVPN describes it as a lightweight version of its app. The feature page lists extensions for Chrome, Edge and Firefox with access to 7,300+ VPN servers and the option to pick from 150 countries, or press the Secure my connection button to let NordVPN choose a server by distance and load. Split tunneling lets you name websites that skip the proxy, scam and phishing protection blocks intrusive ads and malicious domains through DNS filtering, and the extension disables WebRTC to reduce IP leaks. A NordVPN subscription includes all extensions and apps on up to 10 devices at once, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. There is no free plan: you must buy a subscription before you can log in. The pricing page showed only euro prices from our location, so the USD price is pending. NordVPN also states the extension secures HTTP traffic in the browser only.
- ✓One subscription covers the extensions and apps on up to 10 devices
- ✓Secure my connection button picks a server automatically
- ✓TLS encryption protects browsing on unsecured HTTP sites
- ✕No free plan; an active subscription is needed to log in
- ✕Prices showed only in euros from our location
- ✕No extension for Opera or Safari is listed on the feature page
- Browsers:
- Chrome, Edge, Firefox
- Servers in extension:
- 7,300+
- Devices:
- 10
- Refunds:
- 30 days
Bottom line: NordVPN is the best choice for existing or new NordVPN subscribers who want a large server list in the browser, since the extension reaches 7,300+ servers and includes split tunneling. It has no free plan.
- 04

Private Internet Access
8.4/10Low-cost VPN whose Firefox and Chrome extensions add anti-tracking and fingerprint controls, with unlimited devices.
Price
$2.03per month, billed every 3 years
$2.03 per month on the 3-year plan, renews at $81.20 every 3 years
“3 Years + 4 Months EXTRA $ 2.03 /mo Autorenews at $81.20 every 3 years” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.4
- Features (35%)
- 8.4
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.4
Best forPrivacy tinkerers who want extra anti-tracking settings
Private Internet Access offers the cheapest paid route to a browser VPN in this list and the most privacy settings inside the extension. PIA's Firefox page lists network prediction blocking, so Firefox stops contacting suggested websites before you visit them, plus link auditing and UTM blocking, social media tracking protection, fingerprint scrambling, WebRTC protection, Force HTTPS and PIA MACE for blocking known ad, malware and tracker domains. PIA says its Chrome extension also works in Microsoft Edge and that there is no Safari extension yet. One subscription gives unlimited device connections and access to the full apps with 180 server locations. The 3-year plan costs $2.03 a month and auto-renews at $81.20 every 3 years; new users get a 30-day money-back guarantee. There is no free tier, and PIA itself says the extension only covers browser traffic. Ease of use scores a little lower because the extra privacy switches take time to configure.
- ✓Lowest paid starting price in this list at $2.03 a month
- ✓One subscription allows unlimited device connections
- ✓Prevents Firefox from preloading suggested websites
- ✕No free plan
- ✕No Safari extension
- ✕Lowest price requires paying for 3 years and 4 months up front
- Browsers:
- Firefox, Chrome, Edge
- Devices:
- Unlimited
- Free plan:
- No
- Refunds:
- 30 days
Bottom line: Private Internet Access is the best choice for budget buyers who want fine control over tracking, because its extension adds fingerprint protection and UTM blocking from $2.03 a month. It has no free plan.
- 05

Surfshark
8.4/10VPN with extensions for Firefox, Chrome and Edge that include Clean Web ad and tracker blocking.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.0
- Features (35%)
- 8.6
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.6
Best forFamilies securing several browsers on one account
Surfshark suits households that want every browser covered by one account. Its Firefox page says the extension can protect all your family's computers with one account, and Surfshark also offers extensions for Chrome and Edge. The extension routes Firefox traffic through Surfshark servers to mask your IP, and the built-in Clean Web feature blocks ads, trackers, banners, videos and cookie pop-ups. A WebRTC leak protection switch sits under Settings, then VPN Settings, which means it is something you have to turn on yourself. Surfshark points out that the extension connects faster than device-wide protection because it changes nothing outside the browser, and it warns that other apps and system services stay exposed. There is no free plan; new buyers get a 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark's pricing page showed only euro prices from our location, so the USD starting price is pending.
- ✓One account can protect all of a family's computers
- ✓30-day money-back guarantee
- ✓Also offers apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS
- ✕No free plan
- ✕Prices showed only in euros from our location
- ✕WebRTC protection must be switched on in settings
- Browsers:
- Firefox, Chrome, Edge
- Ad blocking:
- Clean Web
- Free plan:
- No
- Refunds:
- 30 days
Bottom line: Surfshark is the best choice for families who want one account across several browsers, since its extension covers Firefox, Chrome and Edge and includes Clean Web blocking. Check the USD price before buying.
- 06

CyberGhost
8.3/10VPN brand with a free Firefox and Chrome extension that needs no account, plus a paid full VPN app.
Price
$2.19per month for the full VPN app, billed $61.32 for the first 2 years
Free extension; full VPN app from $2.19 per month on the 2-year plan
“$ 2.19 /mo Billed $61.32 for first 2 years, then autorenews at $61.32 annually” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.
- Free plan
- Yes
- Value (40%)
- 8.6
- Features (35%)
- 7.4
- Ease of use (25%)
- 9.0
Best forPeople who want a free extension without creating an account
CyberGhost's extension is the easiest to start with because CyberGhost says you do not need an account, a card or a sign-up to use it in Chrome or Firefox. The trade-off is reach: the Chrome page says the extension uses 8 servers across 4 countries, the US, Germany, the Netherlands and Romania, while the paid app covers 100 countries. CyberGhost lists unlimited bandwidth with no data caps for the extension, and it says the add-on works in other Chromium browsers such as Microsoft Edge and Brave. Its own comparison table marks the extension as having no kill switch, no protocol choice and no multi-device support, so it is a lightweight IP changer for the browser rather than a full VPN. The full CyberGhost VPN app costs $2.19 a month on the 2-year plan, billed $61.32 for the first 2 years, with a 45-day money-back guarantee (14 days for monthly plans) and up to 7 devices.
- ✓No sign-up at all for the free extension
- ✓No data cap, unlike Windscribe's free tier
- ✓Paid app adds 100 countries and up to 7 devices
- ✕Only 4 server countries in the extension
- ✕No kill switch or protocol choice in the extension
- ✕Monthly plans get a 14-day refund window instead of 45 days
- Browsers:
- Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave
- Extension countries:
- 4
- Account needed:
- No
- Refunds:
- 45 days (14 for monthly)
Bottom line: CyberGhost is the best choice for people who want a free browser VPN with no account and no data cap. Its extension only offers 4 countries, so frequent location switchers should look higher on the list.
- 07

Browsec
8.2/10Long-running browser VPN extension for Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Opera with a free plan that needs no account.
Price
$1.83per month on the 2-year plan
Free plan; Premium from $1.83 per month on the 2-year plan, $4.99 month to month
“Get Premium from $1.83/mo” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.
- Free plan
- Yes
- Value (40%)
- 8.8
- Features (35%)
- 7.0
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.8
Best forOpera users and people who want a cheap upgrade
Browsec has offered a browser VPN since 2012 and is the only entry here with an extension for Opera as well as Chrome, Firefox and Edge. Browsec Free needs no account, card or trial, has no time limit, and covers 4 server locations with unlimited traffic and no ads, at standard speed. In the extension, Browsec says traffic runs over an HTTP proxy over TLS with AES-256 encryption, and Smart Settings let you set rules for individual sites. Premium adds 46+ countries, speeds up to 1 Gbps, desktop apps, priority support and unlimited Smart Settings. The Premium price was on sale when we checked: $1.83 a month on the 2-year plan, $2.30 a month yearly and $4.99 monthly. Refunds are limited to the first week of Premium, much shorter than the 30 to 45 days elsewhere in this list, and Browsec documents fewer extra privacy tools such as leak or tracker controls.
- ✓Free plan needs no registration and has no time limit
- ✓Cheapest paid upgrade in this list at $1.83 a month
- ✓Supports Opera, which most rivals here do not
- ✕Free plan runs at standard speed on 4 locations
- ✕Refund window is only the first week of Premium
- ✕Fewer documented privacy features than the top picks
- Browsers:
- Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera
- Free locations:
- 4
- Premium locations:
- 46+ countries
- Refunds:
- First week
Bottom line: Browsec is the best choice for Opera users and anyone who wants the cheapest paid browser VPN upgrade, with Premium from $1.83 a month. Its refund window is only one week.
- 08

ExpressVPN
8.2/10Premium VPN whose Firefox, Chrome and Edge extension works as a browser proxy or as a remote control for the full app.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.0
- Features (35%)
- 9.0
- Ease of use (25%)
- 9.0
Best forPeople who may later want full-device protection
ExpressVPN's extension stands out because it works two ways. In Proxy Mode it encrypts browser traffic and hides your IP on its own, and when paired with the ExpressVPN desktop app it switches to Remote Control mode so the app encrypts the whole device. That makes it a good fit if you start with browser-only protection but may want full coverage later. ExpressVPN lists extensions for Firefox, Chrome and Edge, servers in 214 locations across 113 countries, WebRTC blocking and HTML5 geolocation spoofing. Web Protection blocks ads, trackers, malicious sites and adult content in the browser even when the VPN is off. ExpressVPN says its no-logs policy and RAM-only servers were audited by KPMG and PwC, and a subscription covers 10 to 14 devices. There is no free plan, and the order page showed euro prices from our location, so the USD price is pending; the 30-day money-back guarantee applies to website purchases only.
- ✓One extension covers browser-only and full-device use
- ✓Independently audited no-logs policy and RAM-only servers
- ✓Covers 10 to 14 devices depending on the plan
- ✕No free plan
- ✕Prices showed only in euros from our location
- ✕Highest likely cost in this list
- Browsers:
- Firefox, Chrome, Edge
- Modes:
- Proxy or Remote Control
- Locations:
- 214 in 113 countries
- Refunds:
- 30 days (website purchases)
Bottom line: ExpressVPN is the best choice for people who want a browser extension that can grow into full-device protection, because the same extension runs as a proxy or controls the app. It costs more than most rivals.
- 09

Hotspot Shield
7.4/10VPN with a Chrome extension and a free Basic plan limited to 500 MB a day.
Price
$7.99per month, billed annually
Free Basic plan; Premium $7.99 per month billed annually
“Premium $7.99/mo save 38%” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.
- Free plan
- Yes
- Value (40%)
- 7.2
- Features (35%)
- 6.8
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.4
Best forChrome users who already pay for Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield earns a place for Chrome users but trails the list for anyone on Firefox, because its site lists a Chrome extension and no Firefox add-on. The Chrome page says the extension also works on Chromebooks and gives access to 1,800+ servers in 80+ countries including 35+ cities. The free Basic plan is tight: the plan page lists a 2 Mbps speed limit, 500 MB of data a day and 1 virtual location in the US. Premium costs $7.99 a month billed annually, the highest verified price here, and adds unlimited bandwidth, 24/7 live support and up to 10 linked devices. Every plan carries a 45-day money-back guarantee when bought directly.
- ✓Free Basic plan with no payment
- ✓Long 45-day refund window
- ✓Chrome extension and apps share one account
- ✕No Firefox extension is listed on its site
- ✕Basic plan: 500 MB a day, 2 Mbps cap and 1 US location
- ✕Highest verified paid price in this list
- Browsers:
- Chrome
- Free data:
- 500 MB a day
- Premium devices:
- 10
- Refunds:
- 45 days
Bottom line: Hotspot Shield is a fair choice for Chrome users who already pay for Premium, but it lists no Firefox extension and its free plan caps data at 500 MB a day. Premium costs $7.99 a month billed annually.
What to check before you pay
Know what an extension does not cover
A VPN extension only protects the browser it runs in. Windscribe says other apps, other browsers, games and torrent clients are not covered, and NordVPN says its extension secures HTTP traffic in the browser only. If you need every app protected, buy a full VPN app; ExpressVPN's extension can control its app when you are ready.
Check Firefox support before you pay
Proton VPN, Windscribe, NordVPN, Surfshark, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN and Browsec all list Firefox extensions. Hotspot Shield lists a Chrome extension only. Proton VPN also names Firefox forks such as LibreWolf and Waterfox, and Browsec is the only pick here with an Opera add-on.
Compare free plans by their limits
Windscribe Free gives 10 GB a month across 10 countries. CyberGhost's free extension has no data cap but only 4 countries, Browsec Free has 4 locations with unlimited traffic, and Hotspot Shield Basic allows 500 MB a day at 2 Mbps. Proton VPN lets you sign up for free and use its extension.
Look for leak and tracker controls
Browsers can leak your real IP through WebRTC. Windscribe, NordVPN, Private Internet Access, Surfshark and ExpressVPN all document WebRTC protection in their extensions; Surfshark's must be switched on in settings. Windscribe's Smokewall stops unencrypted traffic if the connection fails.
Read the renewal price and refund window
Proton VPN Plus is billed $83.76 for the first 24 months, then $83.88 a year, and Private Internet Access renews at $81.20 every 3 years. Refund windows range from 45 days at CyberGhost and Hotspot Shield to 30 days at Proton VPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, PIA and ExpressVPN, and only the first week at Browsec.
FAQ
Which VPN extension is best for Firefox?
Proton VPN is the best VPN extension for Firefox in 2026. Its open-source add-on works on a free account, runs in Firefox and forks such as LibreWolf and Waterfox, and VPN Plus costs $3.49 a month on the 2-year plan, according to protonvpn.com in November 2026.
Which VPN is best for Firefox?
Proton VPN ranks first for Firefox, ahead of Windscribe and NordVPN. Windscribe is the best free alternative with 10 GB a month and ad blocking, and NordVPN's Firefox extension reaches 7,300+ servers for paying subscribers.
Is there a free VPN extension for Firefox and Chrome?
Yes. Windscribe's free extension gives 10 GB a month, CyberGhost's free extension needs no account and has no data cap but only 4 countries, and Browsec Free covers 4 locations with unlimited traffic. Proton VPN also lets you sign up for free to use its extension.
Does a VPN browser extension protect my whole computer?
No. An extension only secures traffic inside the browser it is installed in. Windscribe and NordVPN both say other apps are not covered; use a full VPN app if you need device-wide protection.
What is the cheapest paid VPN browser extension?
Browsec Premium is the cheapest at $1.83 a month on the 2-year plan during its November 2026 sale, followed by Private Internet Access at $2.03 a month on the 3-year plan. PIA adds unlimited devices and fingerprint protection.
Is the Firefox built-in VPN as good as a VPN extension?
Not for most needs. ExpressVPN notes that Firefox's built-in proxy has a 50GB monthly data cap, no server choice and is limited to the US, UK, Germany and France, while extensions such as Proton VPN and Windscribe let you pick server countries.
Does Hotspot Shield have a Firefox extension?
No Firefox extension is listed on hotspotshield.com; the site offers a Chrome extension that also works on Chromebooks. Firefox users should look at Proton VPN, Windscribe or NordVPN instead.
Questions or corrections: editorial@rankozo.comSee our disclosure. Prices change; confirm on the vendor page before buying.
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