在Chromebook上安装虚拟专用网络 (VPN)(virtual private network (VPN))至关重要。VPN服务可以保护您的Chromebook免受公共Wi-Fi网络和网络攻击的危险。您还可以使用 VPN 解锁受地理限制的内容、绕过防火墙并节省购物费用(save money on shopping using a VPN)。
我们将列出一些在运行Chrome操作系统 ( Chrome OS ) 的设备上运行的最佳 VPN 提供商的应用程序。此外，我们将向您展示在 Chromebook 上
设置 VPN 应用和连接的不同方法。(set up VPN apps and connections)
1.质子VPN
Proton VPN具有独特的以隐私和安全为中心的功能，可将其功能扩展到屏蔽您设备的 IP 地址之外。该应用程序使用原生“安全核心”技术来保护您的连接免受基于网络的网络攻击。
它还包括DNS过滤和广告拦截功能 ( NetShield )，可提供针对网站跟踪器、恶意软件和恶意广告的保护。ProtonVPN还附带流行的VPN功能——终止开关、无日志策略、AES-256位加密等。
通过Google Play 商店(Google Play Store)在您的Chromebook上安装Proton VPN 的 Android 应用程序(Proton VPN’s Android app)。请注意，免费版本不支持同时连接并提供有限的连接速度。
订阅提供扩展功能，例如Tor over VPN、超过 1700 个服务器位置和多达 10 个同时连接。访问Proton VPN 的网站(Proton VPN’s website)，了解有关订阅、功能和定价的更多信息。
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN是VPN生态系统中家喻户晓的名字，原因有很多。它也是解锁Netflix、HBO Max 和 Hulu 等
受地理限制的流媒体服务的最佳 VPN之一。(best VPNs for unblocking geo-blocked streaming services)
(Key)ExpressVPN的(ExpressVPN)主要功能包括拆分隧道、网络锁定（终止开关）以及恶意网站和跟踪器的“威胁管理器”。ExpressVPN在(ExpressVPN)Chromebook的(Chromebooks)Playstore上可用。
与Proton VPN不同，ExpressVPN没有免费版本——您必须购买订阅才能使用VPN。但是，ExpressVPN为新客户提供 7 天免费试用和 30 天退款保证试用。利用免费试用期探索其功能并决定在哪里购买或不购买订阅。
3.NordVPN
NordVPN还为首次订阅者提供 7 天免费试用和 30 天退款保证。将NordVPN(Think)视为一套隐私保护工具——NordLocker和(NordVPN)NordPass。
NordLocker是一种端到端的加密云存储，您可以在其中安全地存储文件，远离黑客或窥探者。另一方面， NordPass(NordPass)兼作密码管理器和“数据泄露扫描器”。
它在您的设备上备份和同步您的密码。同样，它会检查您的个人信息（电子邮件地址、密码等）是否被泄露或出现在数据泄露中。
通过Google Playstore在您的Chromebook上安装NordVPN 应用程序(NordVPN app)。请注意，应用程序中可用的功能将根据您的订阅计划而有所不同。有趣的是，您可以在六台设备上同时使用一个NordVPN订阅。(NordVPN)访问NordVPN 的网站(NordVPN’s website)以了解有关该服务的功能和订阅信息的更多信息。
4.冲浪鲨
Surfshark是市场上最实惠的VPN之一，具有所有行业标准的安全功能。私有DNS和泄漏保护功能可确保从您的Chromebook发送的信息对您的互联网服务提供商 ( (Chromebook)ISP )隐藏。Surfshark有两个拆分隧道功能：“Bypasser”和“Route via VPN ”。
“Bypasser”可让您阻止特定应用程序或网站使用VPN连接。相反，“通过VPN(VPN)路由”允许您指定应使用VPN连接的应用程序和网站。“CleanWeb”功能还可以阻止弹出广告(blocks pop-up ads)和恶意网站。
Surfshark 的 Android 应用程序(Surfshark’s Android app)和Google Chrome 扩展程序(Google Chrome extension)可在Chromebook(Chromebooks)上运行。VPN没有带宽限制，您可以在无限数量的设备上使用一个订阅
。
Surfshark提供学生折扣（15% 折扣）、7 天免费试用和不定期促销。有关详细信息，请参阅Surfshark 的网站(Surfshark’s website)。
5.热点盾
Hotspot Shield有一个“基本”版本，本质上是一个免费的VPN应用程序。您可以随意更改您的 IP 地址位置（无限带宽），而无需购买订阅。但是，我们应该提到Hotspot Shield Basic提供有限的连接速度并显示应用内广告。此外，每个连接只能使用一个虚拟位置。
订阅可让您访问广泛的服务器网络（115 多个位置和 500 台服务器）、流媒体模式、游戏模式等。根据您的订阅计划，您可以同时在 5-25 台设备上
使用VPN 。
购买订阅后，您将享受 7 天免费试用和 45 天无风险使用VPN 。如果您不喜欢该应用程序，请在购买后 45 天内申请退款。
如何在 Chromebook 上设置 VPN
上面列出的Chromebook VPN应用程序可在(Chromebook VPN)Google Play商店中获得。如果您的Chromebook不支持Android应用，请使用Chrome VPN应用或扩展程序。
如果应用程序不在Playstore上，请在您的(Playstore)Chromebook上安装 VPN 的APK 文件(APK file)或Linux设置文件。有关分步说明，请参阅我们关于在 Chromebook 上安装和运行 Linux 应用程序(installing and running Linux apps on Chromebooks)的教程。
1. 从Google Playstore安装(Google Playstore)
Android应用程序可在Chrome OS上运行，因此您可以在 Chromebook 上安装和使用Android VPN应用程序而不会出现问题。(Android VPN)打开Playstore，找到您喜欢的VPN，然后安装应用程序。
当您第一次打开VPN应用程序时，您的Chromebook应该会显示连接请求提示。在提示上选择确定(Select OK)以授予VPN监控您的网络流量的权限。
如果您拒绝连接请求/权限，VPN应用程序将无法在您的 Chromebook 上运行。
2. 设置 Chrome VPN 应用
(Use Chrome VPN)如果您不想安装独立的VPN应用程序（可能是因为您的Chromebook存储空间不足），请使用 Chrome VPN应用程序。Chrome VPN应用程序是Chrome 网上应用店中提供的(Chrome Web Store)VPN扩展程序。
在上面列出的五个VPN应用程序中，只有三个（NordVPN、Surfshark和Hotspot Shield）具有Chrome扩展程序。按照以下步骤安装任何VPN应用
的Chrome浏览器扩展。
- 在Google Chrome网络浏览器中打开Chrome 网上应用店。(Chrome Web Store)在搜索栏中输入(Enter)VPN应用程序的名称，然后按(VPN)Enter。
- 在搜索结果中
选择VPN应用。(VPN)
- 选择添加(Select Add)到Chrome以在(Chrome)Chrome中安装VPN扩展。
- (Select Add)在确认提示中
选择添加扩展名。
- 要设置VPN应用，请点击 Chrome 工具栏上的扩展(Extensions)图标，然后选择您安装
的VPN 。
登录您的帐户，您应该可以使用VPN扩展。请注意，与独立应用程序相比，某些VPN扩展程序的功能可能有限。此外，VPN扩展提供部分保护。
它们仅针对浏览器流量（即您在Google Chrome中访问的网站）提供在线安全性。VPN扩展程序不会在系统级别保护您的 Chromebook 的互联网连接或在线活动。
Chromebooks + VPNs：手动设置(Set Up)和配置(Configuration)
许多Chromebook(Chromebooks)支持使用以下加密/安全协议的VPN ： (VPNs)IKEv2、L2TP/IPsec、OpenVPN、WireGuard和PPTP。请参阅此Google 支持文档，了解如何在(Google Support document)Chromebook上手动设置这些VPN协议。该文档还介绍了在Chromebook上安装(Chromebooks)VPN服务器和用户证书的步骤。
5 Best VPNs for Chromebooks and How to Set It Up
Havіng a virtual private network (VPN) on your Chromebook is essential. VPN services can shield your Chromebook from the dangers of public Wi-Fi networks and cyberattacks. You can also unblock geo-restricted content, bypass firewalls, and save money on shopping using a VPN.
We’ll list some of the best VPN providers’ apps that work on devices running the Chrome operating system (Chrome OS). In addition, we’ll show you different ways to set up VPN apps and connections on Chromebooks.
1. Proton VPN
Proton VPN has unique privacy and security-focused features that extend its functionalities beyond masking your device’s IP address. The app uses a native “Secure Core” technology to protect your connection against network-based cyberattacks.
It also includes a DNS filtering and adblocking feature (NetShield) that offers protection against website trackers, malware, and malicious ads. ProtonVPN also ships with prevalent VPN features—kill switch, no-logs policy, AES-256 bit encryption, etc.
Install Proton VPN’s Android app on your Chromebook via the Google Play Store. Note that the free version doesn’t support simultaneous connections and offers limited connection speed.
A subscription offers extended features like Tor over VPN, over 1700 server locations, and up to 10 simultaneous connections. Visit Proton VPN’s website for more information about subscriptions, features, and pricing.
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a household name in the VPN ecosystem for many good reasons. It’s also one of the best VPNs for unblocking geo-blocked streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu.
Key features of ExpressVPN include split tunneling, network lock (kill switch), and a “threat manager” for malicious websites and trackers. ExpressVPN is available on the Playstore for Chromebooks.
Unlike Proton VPN, ExpressVPN doesn’t have a free version—you must buy a subscription to use the VPN. However, ExpressVPN offers new customers a 7-day free and 30-day money-back guarantee trial. Take advantage of the free-trial period to explore its features and decide where or not to buy a subscription.
3. NordVPN
NordVPN also offers first-time subscribers a 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee. Think of NordVPN as a suite of privacy protection tools—NordLocker and NordPass.
NordLocker is an end-to-end encrypted cloud storage where you can securely stash files away from hackers or prying eyes. NordPass, on the other hand, doubles as a password manager and “data breach scanner.”
It backs up and synchronizes your password across your devices. Likewise, it checks if your personal information (email address, password, etc.) is compromised or appears in a data breach.
Install the NordVPN app on your Chromebook through the Google Playstore. Note that features available in the app will vary based on your subscription plan. Interestingly, you can use a single NordVPN subscription on six devices simultaneously. Visit NordVPN’s website to learn more about the service’s features and subscription information.
4. Surfshark
Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market with all industry-standard security features. The private DNS and leak protection feature ensures that information sent from your Chromebook is concealed from your internet service provider (ISP). Surfshark has two split tunneling features: “Bypasser” and “Route via VPN.”
“Bypasser” lets you block specific apps or websites from using the VPN connection. Conversely, “Route via VPN” allows you to specify applications and websites that should use the VPN connection. A “CleanWeb” feature also blocks pop-up ads and malicious websites.
Surfshark’s Android app and Google Chrome extension work on Chromebooks. The VPN has no bandwidth limitations, and you can use one subscription on an unlimited number of devices.
Surfshark offers a student discount (15% off), 7-day free trial, and occasional promotions. Refer to Surfshark’s website for more information.
5. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield has a “Basic” version that’s essentially a free VPN app. You can change your IP address location for as long as you want (unlimited bandwidth) without buying a subscription. However, we should mention that Hotspot Shield Basic offers limited connection speed and displays in-app ads. Plus, you can only use one virtual location per connection.
A subscription hands you access to extensive server networks (115+ locations and 500 servers), streaming mode, gaming mode, etc. Depending on your subscription plan, you can simultaneously use the VPN on 5-25 devices.
When you buy a subscription, you enjoy a 7-day free trial and 45 days to use the VPN risk-free. If you don’t like the app, request a refund within 45 days of purchase.
How to Set Up VPNs on a Chromebook
The Chromebook VPN apps listed above are available on the Google Play store. If your Chromebook doesn’t support the Android app, use the Chrome VPN apps or extensions.
If the app isn’t on the Playstore, install the VPN’s APK file or Linux setup file on your Chromebook. For step-by-step instructions, refer to our tutorial on installing and running Linux apps on Chromebooks.
1. Install from the Google Playstore
Android apps work on Chrome OS, so you can install and use Android VPN apps on your Chromebooks without issues. Open the Playstore, find your preferred VPN, and install the app.
When you open a VPN app for the first time, your Chromebook should display a connection request prompt. Select OK on the prompt to grant the VPN permission to monitor your network traffic.
The VPN app won’t work on your Chromebook if you deny the connection request/permission.
2. Set Up Chrome VPN Apps
Use Chrome VPN apps if you don’t want to install standalone VPN apps—maybe because your Chromebook is low on storage. Chrome VPN apps are VPN extensions available in the Chrome Web Store.
Of the five VPN apps listed above, only three (NordVPN, Surfshark, and Hotspot Shield) have Chrome extensions. Follow the steps below to install the Chrome browser extension of any VPN app.
- Open the Chrome Web Store in the Google Chrome web browser. Enter the VPN app’s name in the search bar and press Enter.
- Select the VPN app in the search results.
- Select Add to Chrome to install the VPN extension in Chrome.
- Select Add extension on the confirmation prompt.
- To set up the VPN app, tap the Extensions icon on Chrome’s toolbar, and select the VPN you installed.
Sign in to your account, and you should be able to use the VPN extension. Note that some VPN extensions may have limited features compared to the standalone app. Also, VPN extensions offer partial protection.
They only provide online security against browser traffic—i.e., websites you visit in Google Chrome. VPN extensions don’t protect your Chromebook’s internet connection or online activity at the system’s level.
Chromebooks + VPNs: Manual Set Up and Configuration
Many Chromebooks support VPNs using the following encryption/security protocols: IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, WireGuard, and PPTP. Refer to this Google Support document to learn how to manually set up these VPN protocols on your Chromebook. The document also covers steps to install VPN servers and user certificates on Chromebooks.
