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ChromeOS VPN Solutions

VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks are tools designed to tunnel all of your internet traffic over a secure connection to a network run by a VPN provider. There are countless VPN providers on the market that target the consumer and enterprise markets, and most of these existing solutions will work with your ChromeOS devices. There are three primary ways to setup a VPN on ChromeOS with the easiest methods being installing a Android Application or Chrome Extension, additionally ChromeOS does include a built-in OpenVPN, L2TP and WireGuard VPN client.

Android Applications

ChromeOS does have a built-in VPN client; however, it is far from the most intuitive application to setup, often requiring specialized and complicated configuration instructions. Fortunately, ChromeOS allows you to use Android VPN clients on your device instead of the native ChromeOS VPN client. There are hundreds of popular free and commercial VPN client applications that can be installed directly from the Google Play Store.

When an Android VPN client is started and has established a connection to the remote VPN server, ChromeOS will automatically route your internet traffic through the Android VPN client. When an Android VPN client is running, you will see a notification in your ChromeOS Notification Tray, and you will also see the VPN listed under "Network Settings" in the ChromeOS settings application.

Chrome Extensions

Many VPN providers offer Chrome extensions that integrate directly into the Chrome web browser, allowing for a seamless VPN experience. These extensions typically act as a proxy rather than a full VPN tunnel, meaning that only web traffic in Chrome is routed through the VPN, leaving other applications and system-wide network traffic unaffected.

To install a VPN extension on ChromeOS:

  1. Open the Chrome Web Store.
  2. Search for your preferred VPN provider’s extension.
  3. Click Add to Chrome and confirm installation.
  4. Sign in to your VPN account and connect to a server.

Pros of Chrome Extensions:

  • Easy to install and use – No complicated setup required.
  • Quick toggle – Connect or disconnect with a single click.
  • Ideal for browser-based activity – Secures your Chrome browsing experience.

Cons of Chrome Extensions:

  • Limited protection – Does not secure traffic outside the Chrome browser.
  • Depends on provider – Not all VPN providers offer Chrome extensions.

If your VPN provider offers both an Android app and a Chrome extension, it’s generally recommended to use the Android app for full system-wide protection.

Native VPN Solutions

ChromeOS has a built-in VPN client that supports L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard. These solutions require manual configuration but provide a more integrated experience.

L2TP/IPsec VPN Client

The Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol with IPsec (L2TP/IPsec) is a commonly used VPN protocol that provides a secure connection but may require manual setup. Some VPN providers still support L2TP, but it is gradually being phased out in favor of more modern protocols.

Setting Up L2TP/IPsec on ChromeOS:

  1. Open Settings > Network > VPN.
  2. Click Add a VPN and select L2TP/IPsec.
  3. Enter your VPN provider’s server details, username, and password.
  4. Select Save and connect.

OpenVPN Client

OpenVPN is an open-source VPN solution known for its strong security and reliability. Unlike L2TP, OpenVPN often requires importing a configuration file (.ovpn) from your VPN provider.

Setting Up OpenVPN on ChromeOS:

  1. Download the OpenVPN configuration file from your VPN provider.
  2. Open Settings > Network > VPN.
  3. Click Import a VPN configuration and select your .ovpn file.
  4. Enter your VPN credentials and connect.

WireGuard VPN Client

WireGuard is a modern VPN protocol that is faster and more lightweight compared to OpenVPN and L2TP/IPsec. ChromeOS natively supports WireGuard, making it a great choice for speed and security.

Setting Up WireGuard on ChromeOS:

  1. Obtain the WireGuard configuration file from your VPN provider.
  2. Open Settings > Network > VPN.
  3. Click Add a VPN and choose WireGuard.
  4. Import the configuration file and connect.

Pros of Native VPN Clients:

  • System-wide security – Encrypts all device traffic, not just browser-based activity.
  • No need for third-party apps – Uses ChromeOS’s built-in networking tools.
  • Advanced configuration options – Useful for enterprise VPNs and custom setups.

Cons of Native VPN Clients:

  • Manual setup required – Can be complex for less experienced users.
  • Limited protocol support – Some VPN providers may not offer configuration files for ChromeOS.