ExpressVPN Chrome Extension: What It Is and How to Install It on Your Browser
One of the reasons why ExpressVPN ranks among the best VPNs is its variety of clients and apps, which allow you to surf online more securely on all devices. And it goes even further with the ExpressVPN Chrome extension, allowing you to connect and control your VPN right from the heart of your internet browser.
But how, if at all, does its functionality differ from other ExpressVPN apps, and how do you install it?
We’ve covered all of those basics below, including what features you’ll be able to enjoy, system requirements before installing, and why it’s our best Chrome VPN to recommend.
What is the ExpressVPN Chrome Extension?
While some VPN providers offer a browser extension that functions as a somewhat diluted version of its desktop counterpart, in ExpressVPN’s case it’s actually an expanded version of its full app.
Above all, it’s a good thing. Rather than just functioning as a proxy, you get the added benefit that your activity is encrypted as it travels from A to B, along with anonymous browsing and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions.
However, you will need its desktop application installed on your computer as well as the browser extension itself, which may be considered a disadvantage for some only from the perspective of inconvenience, unlike, for example, Windscribe, which packs all of its features and weight behind its standalone extension. ExpressVPN’s extension, on the other hand, lacks some of its desktop features like its speed test tool and favorites list.
In short, the browser extension works like a remote control in Google Chrome, letting you do just about anything you would do in its Windows or Mac VPN app without clicking to do it.
How to Install the ExpressVPN Chrome Extension
Installing the ExpressVPN Chrome extension is simple, but first you need to make sure that the desktop app you have is the following version or higher:
- Mac version 7.1 or newer
- Windows version 6.9 or newer
- Linux version 2.0 or newer
Once you have installed the correct desktop client, follow the step-by-step guide below to install the ExpressVPN Chrome extension on your browser.
- Go to ExpressVPN website
- Click on ‘My Account’
- On the right side, find “Configure your devices”
- Click on Google Chrome
- Click the green “Get extension” button
- Once in the Chrome Web Store, click “Add to Chrome”
- Here is! The extension is located under the puzzle piece extension icon
What can you do with the ExpressVPN Chrome extension?
As mentioned, the ExpressVPN Chrome extension offers more than just a proxy experience like many of its competitors and their extensions. This means that much of its configuration is actually done in the desktop app, whether you have the Windows VPN, Mac, or Linux app installed.
When you click on the burger menu button and press the ‘Settings’so you will find a nifty button that will take you directly to ‘Configure desktop app settings’as well as a shortcut to go directly there.
Within the Chrome extension, however, you can set certain preferences, including the ability to connect to a server as soon as you launch your browser, ensuring that your connection is always secure.
Under ‘Privacy and Security’, you can also enable and disable hiding your location, as well as block WebRTC and make sure you only visit secure HTTPS sites. In order to choose a protocol, to use features such as IPv6 detection and its kill switch, you will need to configure these settings in your desktop application.
Other noteworthy aspects are that ExpressVPN’s Chrome extension is available in 17 languages and the ability to experience the extension in dark mode.
What other browsers can I get an ExpressVPN extension on?
Why should I choose ExpressVPN?
At the top of our list of the best Chrome VPNs, ExpressVPN repeatedly holds up as TechRadar’s go-to recommendation. It’s also one of the best streaming VPNs, as well as the most private VPN with an excellent no-logs policy and security track record.
Equipped with over 3,000 servers across 160 locations, ExpressVPN excels in all areas. With excellent clients on a range of devices including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire Stick and others, it also comes with great features.
Along with your choice of protocol for even better security – as well as industry-standard encryption – ExpressVPN also offers its new Lightway protocol. When put through its paces, Lightway delivered impressive speed performance with peaks of 580 bps.
For avid streamers, ExpressVPN triumphs as our Netflix VPN of choice, as well as being able to handle unblocking Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus when you’re abroad. It’s also a handy BBC iPlayer VPN for accessing the on-demand platform when you’re outside the UK.
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