On a Chromebook, how you install the VPN matters as much as which one you pick. A provider’s Android app from the Play Store protects the whole device. A Chrome extension only covers the browser. For a paid VPN, Surfshark was the cheapest full-device option we track when we checked on October 31, 2026, at $67.23 for 27 months with unlimited devices. If you need $0, Proton VPN’s free plan works through its Android app on one device.
- Use the Android app if your Chromebook supports Play Store apps. It protects the whole device. Extensions only protect Chrome.
- Cheapest paid: Surfshark Starter, $2.49/mo on 2 years ($67.23 for 27 months), unlimited devices.
- Free: Proton VPN Free, 1 device and a fixed set of free server locations.
- NordVPN Basic ($94.23 for 27 months, 10 devices) costs more but has a very polished Android app.
- Buy on the provider’s website, not as an in-app purchase. Then sign in on the Chromebook.
App or extension? The choice that matters most
NordVPN and Surfshark both offer two ways to run their VPN on ChromeOS, and they do different jobs:
| Method | What it protects | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Android app (Google Play) | The whole Chromebook: browser, Android apps and system traffic | Most people, especially on public Wi-Fi |
| Chrome extension | Only traffic inside the Chrome browser | Older Chromebooks without Play Store support, or quick location switching while browsing |
| VPN on your router | Every device on that network | Homes that want everything covered |
NordVPN’s support page says the Android app “protects your entire device,” while the extension “only secures your internet traffic within the Chrome browser.” Surfshark says its app “supports all Chromebooks that run Android apps.” Some older Chromebooks can’t run Android apps at all. If yours can’t, the extension or a router VPN is your fallback.
Linux on ChromeOS: Chromebooks with the Linux development environment can run Linux VPN clients, but those generally only cover apps inside the Linux container. For full-device protection, use the Android app.
Cheapest VPN options for Chromebook, compared
| Option | What you pay first | Renews at | Devices | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN Free | $0 | n/a | 1 | Free; 10 server locations |
| Surfshark Starter (2 yr) | $67.23 for 27 mo ($2.49/mo) | $79/year* | Unlimited | Cheapest paid option we track |
| Proton VPN Plus (2 yr) | $83.76 for 24 mo ($3.49/mo) | $83.88/year | 10 | Strong privacy focus |
| NordVPN Basic (2 yr) | $94.23 for 27 mo ($3.49/mo) | $139.08/year | 10 | Most polished apps; highest renewal here |
1. Surfshark: cheapest paid option
Surfshark’s 2-year Starter plan was $2.49 a month on October 31, 2026, or $67.23 for the first 27 months, and it renews at $79 a year according to Gizmodo. It’s the lowest first-term cost and the lowest renewal of the paid options above. It also has no device cap, so the same subscription covers the Chromebook, your phone, a family laptop and a TV. Surfshark has both an Android app and a Chrome extension. If you want Surfshark’s antivirus and breach alerts too, the One plan was the same $2.49 a month when we checked. See Surfshark One vs Starter.
Best for: students, families and anyone who wants the cheapest full-device VPN. Check Surfshark’s current price before you buy.
2. NordVPN: the polished pick
NordVPN Basic costs more: $94.23 for the first 27 months, then $139.08 a year. In return you get a mature Android app and a Chrome extension from one of the biggest providers, with 10 simultaneous devices. If a Chromebook is one of several devices and you value NordVPN’s app design and server network, it’s a reasonable choice. Just know it’s the most expensive at renewal of the options here. Our NordVPN pricing guide has every tier.
3. Proton VPN Free: the $0 route
Proton VPN’s free plan runs through the same Android app. It allows 1 device and connects you to one of a fixed set of free server locations. There are no ads and no data cap, according to Proton. It’s a solid choice for occasional use on café Wi-Fi. If you outgrow it, VPN Plus was $83.76 for the first 2 years when we checked. More in Proton free vs paid.
Cover your Chromebook and everything else
Both install from the Play Store on supported Chromebooks. Buy on the website first, then sign in on the device.
Affiliate links. Prices shown at checkout can differ by country, currency and tax.
How to set up a VPN on a Chromebook
- Buy on the provider’s website. In-app subscriptions bought through the Play Store can follow different pricing and refund rules. See app store vs direct checkout.
- Open the Play Store on your Chromebook and install the provider’s Android app.
- Sign in and allow the VPN connection when ChromeOS asks for permission.
- Connect, then check your IP in the browser to confirm traffic is going through the VPN.
- Optional: add the Chrome extension too if you like switching locations from the toolbar. Remember it only covers the browser.
School or work Chromebook? Managed Chromebooks often block app installs and VPNs on purpose. Surfshark’s own guidance is to check with the school’s IT department. Don’t try to get around an administrator’s policy on a device you don’t own.
What “cheap” should mean on a Chromebook
- Total cost, not the monthly badge. Compare what you pay up front and what renews. A 2-year plan with a $79 renewal beats one with a $139 renewal if you’ll keep it.
- Device count. If the Chromebook is one of several devices at home, unlimited devices (Surfshark) can save you a second subscription. See device limits compared.
- Short-term needs. Need a VPN for one trip? Monthly plans cost far more per month. Proton’s free plan or a refundable long-term plan can be cheaper. See monthly vs annual for a short trip.
- Timing. Black Friday is November 27, 2026 and Cyber Monday is November 30. Our Black Friday guide covers what usually changes.
Frequently asked questions
Do Chromebooks have a built-in VPN?
ChromeOS has settings for adding a VPN connection manually, but there’s no VPN service included. Most people use a provider’s Android app, which handles setup for you.
Does a Chrome VPN extension protect my whole Chromebook?
No. Both NordVPN and Surfshark say their extensions only secure traffic inside the Chrome browser. Use the Android app for full-device coverage.
What is the cheapest VPN for Chromebook?
Proton VPN Free costs nothing for 1 device. Among paid options we track, Surfshark Starter was cheapest on October 31, 2026, at $67.23 for 27 months with unlimited devices.
Can I use a VPN on a school Chromebook?
Often not. Schools can block app installs and VPNs. Check with the school’s IT department rather than trying to bypass their settings.
Sources
- NordVPN Help: Using NordVPN on Chromebook — Android app vs extension coverage
- Surfshark: VPN for Chromebook — Chromebook support, extension limits, school devices
- Proton VPN plans explained — free plan device limit
- Surfshark pricing page — 2-year price (checked Oct 31, 2026)
- Gizmodo: Surfshark pricing — renewal rate (Oct 24, 2026)
- NordVPN pricing page — Basic price and renewal (checked Oct 31, 2026)
- Proton VPN pricing page — VPN Plus price and renewal (checked Oct 31, 2026)
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