VPNs to Use Online Without Downloading: Best Tools to in 2025

Not everyone wants to install bulky VPN apps on their devices . And thankfully, you don’t have to.

Whether you’re on a shared computer, saving storage space, or just need quick anonymity, there are ways to use a VPN online without downloading a dedicated app:

• VPN browser extensions
• Using browsers with built-in VPNs
• Getting a router connected to VPN

1. VPN Browser Extensions

Browser extensions are one of the simplest ways to get VPN protection without installing a full app. Here are some of the best ones I’ve personally tested:

NordVPN Extension – Fast, Secure & Feature-Rich

Works With	Browser Compatibility	Free/Paid	Our Rating
Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox	Paid (with NordVPN sub)	4.5/5

I’ve used NordVPN’s extension when I didn’t want to launch the full desktop app, and it’s surprisingly powerful.

You can quickly mask your IP and choose from thousands of servers globally. It has WebRTC leak protection and a Threat Protection Lite feature that blocks trackers and malware.

Unlike the full app, it only secures browser traffic, not your whole device. Still, for fast, secure access without downloads, it’s solid.

• Pros:
  • Extremely fast connections
  • Clean, easy interface
  • Blocks malware and trackers
• Cons:
  • Requires a NordVPN subscription
  • Only encrypts browser traffic

Check It Out

CyberGhost Extension – Easy & Free to Use

Works With	Browser Compatibility	Free/Paid	Our Rating
Chrome, Firefox	Chrome only	Free	4/5

CyberGhost’s browser extension is one I recommend if you’re looking for a free VPN without registration. It offers four locations. Not much, but enough for basic privacy.

It doesn’t require a login or account creation, which is a huge plus. However, there’s no ad blocking or advanced features. It’s bare-bones but reliable for casual use or quick access to restricted content.

• Pros:
  • 100% free, no signup needed
  • Clean, lightweight extension
  • Good speeds for a free service
• Cons:
  • Only four countries available
  • No extras like ad-blocking

Check It Out

Hide.me Extension – Privacy-Focused & No Login Required

Works With	Browser Compatibility	Free/Paid	Our Rating
Chrome, Firefox	Chrome, Firefox	Free	4/5

I like Hide.me’s extension because it doesn’t require any login. Great if you’re concerned about privacy or want a quick solution for public Wi-Fi dangers.

It also supports split tunneling, so you can use the VPN only on specific sites, which is handy if you’re trying to use a VPN only for certain sites. For a free option, it’s stable and trustworthy.

• Pros:
  • No login or registration
  • Allows split tunneling
  • Clear privacy policies
• Cons:
  • Limited locations
  • Can lag during peak hours

Check It Out

PrivadoVPN Extension – Free with Generous Bandwidth

Works With	Browser Compatibility	Free/Paid	Our Rating
Chrome	Chrome only	Free	3.5/5

PrivadoVPN’s extension offers 10 GB/month for free, which is pretty generous for a no-download VPN.

I found it easy to use, and speeds were good on most servers. It also lets you hide your IP address quickly without hassle. The downside?

If you need more bandwidth or faster speeds, you’ll need to upgrade to the paid plan.

• Pros:
  • 10 GB/month free
  • Easy one-click setup
  • No account needed
• Cons:
  • Chrome only
  • No advanced settings

Check It Out

2. Browsers with Built-In VPNs

These browsers come with VPN functionality built-in, meaning you don’t need to download separate software or extensions.

Opera Browser – Built-In & Unlimited VPN

Platforms	VPN Type	Free/Paid	Our Rating
Windows, macOS	Encrypted proxy	Free	4.5/5

Opera’s built-in VPN is what I use when I need a quick and unlimited VPN while browsing. It’s totally free, no login needed, and routes traffic through a secure proxy.

You can choose general regions (Europe, the Americas, Asia), but not specific countries.

It’s not a full VPN, it won’t encrypt all device traffic, but for web browsing, it works well and is especially useful on unsecured Wi-Fi.

• Pros:
  • Unlimited and free
  • No account required
  • Easy to toggle on/off
• Cons:
  • Not a true VPN (proxy-based)
  • Limited server location options

Check It Out

Brave Browser – Private Browsing with Premium VPN

Platforms	VPN Type	Free/Paid	Our Rating
Windows, macOS, iOS	Real VPN (Guardian)	Paid	4/5

Brave offers a VPN through a partnership with Guardian — and I’ve tried it on iOS where it works system-wide.

On desktop, though, the VPN isn’t integrated yet. What Brave does offer right now is strong tracker blocking and private browsing by default.

If you’re on iOS, the built-in VPN is robust, but for most desktop users, you’ll still need an external VPN.

• Pros:
  • Premium-grade encryption (on mobile)
  • Fast, privacy-focused browser
  • Blocks trackers out of the box
• Cons:
  • VPN feature not available on desktop
  • Paid only on iOS

Check It Out

UR Browser – Lightweight Browser with Built-In VPN

Platforms	VPN Type	Free/Paid	Our Rating
Windows	Encrypted proxy	Free	3.5/5

UR Browser flies under the radar, but I gave it a shot and found the built-in VPN decent for casual use. It includes ad blocking, anti-tracking, and a quick toggle for private browsing modes.

The VPN behaves more like a secure proxy than a full VPN, so it’s browser-limited. Still, it’s a good pick if you want privacy features bundled into a single lightweight browser.

• Pros:
  • Includes ad blocker + anti-tracking
  • Simple, fast setup
  • Free to use
• Cons:
  • Proxy-level VPN only
  • Small dev team, slower updates

Check It Out

Tor Browser – Anonymity-Focused, Not exactly a VPN

Platforms	Network Type	Free/Paid	Our Rating
All platforms	Onion routing (not VPN)	Free	3.5/5

Tor isn’t technically a VPN, but I often use it when I need maximum anonymity. It routes your connection through a network of volunteer servers .

It’s slow, but ultra-private. Unlike VPNs, Tor hides your activity from both ISPs and websites, though it doesn’t allow access to all the same locations (you can’t spoof countries easily). It’s best for anonymity, not streaming or speed.

• Pros:
  • Maximum privacy/anonymity
  • Totally free
  • No setup required
• Cons:
  • Very slow speeds
  • Doesn’t replace a VPN

Check It Out

3. VPN Router

ExpressVPN Aircove – Whole-Home VPN Without Apps

Works On	Setup Needed	Free/Paid	Our Rating
All devices	One-time router setup	Paid	4.5/5

I tested the ExpressVPN Aircove router recently, and it’s the most seamless way to use a VPN without installing anything on your phone or computer.

Once you set it up, all devices connected to your Wi-Fi are automatically protected — even smart TVs and consoles.

It’s ideal if you’re worried about security on devices that can’t install apps, or if you’re trying to hide your IP address at the network level. The price is high, but the convenience is unbeatable.

• Pros:
  • No apps needed on any device
  • Covers your whole network
  • Top-tier VPN speed and reliability
• Cons:
  • Upfront hardware cost
  • Requires a subscription to ExpressVPN

Check It Out

Final Thoughts

If you need a VPN without downloading software, you’ve got options: browser extensions are the fastest, VPN browsers are the most convenient, and a VPN router like Aircove is the most powerful. Whether you’re browsing over public Wi-Fi or trying to stay anonymous without registration, there’s a solution that fits your setup.