ExpressVPN icon

ExpressVPN

A browser extension with two modes: a browser-only proxy, or a remote for the ExpressVPN desktop app. It needs a subscription.

Reviewed by Xplorekit's independent developer · Last checked · How we choose

Add to Chrome Requires ExpressVPN subscription · Chrome Web Store

Key fact: a browser extension is not a device-wide VPN. In Proxy Mode, ExpressVPN says only your browser traffic is encrypted, and it describes the protection as limited. Whole-device coverage comes from the desktop app, which the extension can control in Remote Control Mode.

Why it's a strong pick

ExpressVPN's extension gives you a choice. Use Proxy Mode when you want a quick browser-only connection with no desktop app. Use Remote Control Mode when you already run the desktop app and want to switch it from the toolbar. ExpressVPN says its servers run on RAM only and publishes audit reports for its no-logs policy and for this extension. The trade-offs: it needs a paid subscription, and Proxy Mode gives only limited protection.

What it does

The extension has two modes, per ExpressVPN's help pages.

Proxy Mode runs on its own, without the desktop app. Only browser traffic is encrypted. ExpressVPN calls this limited privacy protection. Proxy Mode arrived in extension version 8.0.0 (12 February 2026 release notes).

Remote Control Mode controls the ExpressVPN desktop app from your browser. The app encrypts all device traffic. You need the app installed for this mode.

ExpressVPN says the extension also handles WebRTC blocking and HTML5 geolocation spoofing in the browser.

Key features

  • Two modes. Proxy Mode for the browser, Remote Control Mode for the desktop app.
  • Smart Routing. ExpressVPN says it works in Proxy Mode only.
  • WebRTC blocking and geolocation spoofing. Handled by the extension, per ExpressVPN.
  • Encryption. ExpressVPN says Chrome traffic is secured with 256-bit AES and lists the Lightway protocols. It does not say Lightway applies to Proxy Mode, so we do not claim that.
  • RAM-only servers. ExpressVPN says its servers store no data on hard drives and that RAM data is erased on reboot (its TrustedServer technology).
  • Many browsers. ExpressVPN lists Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave and Vivaldi.

Who it's for

ExpressVPN suits people who already pay for ExpressVPN and want a quick way to use it in the browser, or to control the desktop app from the toolbar. It is a poor fit if you want a free option. See Proton VPN for a free plan. It is also not the right tool if you want more than browser traffic and do not want to install the desktop app.

Is the ExpressVPN extension a full VPN?

Not on its own. In Proxy Mode, ExpressVPN says only browser traffic is encrypted and calls the protection limited. In Remote Control Mode the extension drives the desktop app, which encrypts all device traffic. So the full-device part comes from the app, not from the extension. Install the app if you want that.

Does ExpressVPN need a subscription?

Yes. ExpressVPN's help page says the extension needs an active subscription, and you sign in by email with a six-digit code. It also lists a 30-day money-back guarantee for new subscribers on its refund policy page. We list no prices because they change. Check ExpressVPN's own site for current plans and terms.

What does ExpressVPN say about logs and audits?

ExpressVPN says it keeps no activity logs. It says KPMG audited the no-logs policy (2019, 2022, 2023 and 2025), and that Cure53 audited the browser extension (October 2018 and June 2024). It says the extension source is published under GPLv2. These are ExpressVPN's statements. We have not tested them, so read its policy and reports yourself.

What permissions does ExpressVPN ask for?

We could not read the Chrome Web Store permissions for this review, so check the install prompt before you add it. A VPN extension that manages proxy settings is likely to ask for broad access, so read the prompt carefully. Permissions can change between releases, and the prompt is the source of truth.

FAQ

Who owns ExpressVPN? ExpressVPN says it joined Kape Technologies on 16 December 2021, per its own announcement, and that it continues as a separate brand. We have not checked later changes to the parent company.

Does it work outside Chrome? ExpressVPN lists Firefox, Edge, Brave and Vivaldi too.

Can I use it without the desktop app? Yes, in Proxy Mode, with limited protection. Remote Control Mode needs the app.

Good to know

Proxy Mode covers the browser and nothing else. System updates, other apps and other browsers keep your normal connection. If you want those covered, install the desktop app and use Remote Control Mode. The newest release in the notes we saw is 8.0.0, but a newer one may exist, so check ExpressVPN's release notes if the date matters to you.

Other vpn & privacy tools to compare

ExpressVPN is one of 12 picks in our VPN & Privacy Tools guide, which compares them side by side and explains how to choose. The other picks:

  • NordVPN: A proxy extension that routes your browser traffic through NordVPN. It needs a NordVPN subscription.
  • Proton VPN: A browser VPN extension from Proton AG, the company behind Proton Mail. It has a free plan and covers browser traffic only.
  • Surfshark VPN: A lightweight Surfshark extension that protects browser traffic and adds ad, tracker and breach-alert tools. The 7-day trial needs payment details first.
  • Privacy Badger: A tracker blocker from the EFF that learns which third parties track you as you browse.
  • Ghostery: An open-source tracker and ad blocker that also removes cookie pop-ups and shows tracker info for each site.
  • DuckDuckGo Search & Tracker Protection: Tracker blocking and HTTPS upgrades from DuckDuckGo. It also makes DuckDuckGo your default search engine.
  • I Still Don't Care About Cookies: An open-source community fork that removes cookie banners on most sites. It hides or accepts them. It does not reject them.
  • ZeroOmega: Open-source proxy switcher for proxies you supply. Not a VPN: it provides no servers.
  • FoxyProxy: Open-source proxy switcher with per-site rules for proxies you supply. Not a VPN: it provides no servers.
  • JShelter: Browser privacy hardening: limits what sites can read from your browser APIs and helps against fingerprinting. Not a VPN and does not hide your IP address. Open source.
  • NoScript: An open-source script blocker that stops JavaScript, embedded objects and media until you allow a site.

Collection: Best Chrome extensions for privacy

This is a third-party extension, not built or maintained by Xplorekit. We link to the official Chrome Web Store listing — install and permissions are entirely between you and the extension's own publisher.