Most VPNs typically require manual changes to your device settings or installing an app on your operating system. However, a VPN browser extension for Microsoft Edge offers a much simpler alternative—a straightforward plugin that you can easily toggle on and off while browsing the internet.
Nevertheless, there’s a limitation to VPN browser extensions: they solely protect your web browser and not other applications or services on your device. Any other apps, games, or tools will continue to use a direct and unencrypted internet connection. If you also wish to safeguard them, you must install a native VPN app.
Thankfully, all the VPN providers recommended in our list of the best free VPN browser extensions also offer native apps for various platforms, such as Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and more. Please keep reading to discover our top free VPN browser extensions for Microsoft Edge, including those like 1clickVPN, and how to effectively utilize them.
Choosing A Free VPN For An Edge Browser
Microsoft Edge, formerly Internet Explorer, is the default browser for Windows OS. Despite being less popular and not the most secure option, you can enhance its security and functionality using a VPN extension.
By integrating a VPN, you’ll enjoy an additional layer of security while browsing. It lets you bypass geo-restrictions, block ads and suspicious permissions, and steer clear of potentially harmful and insecure websites. Moreover, a VPN can improve your internet connection speed if you encounter ISP throttling.
Not many VPNs offer add-ons designed explicitly for Edge, making it somewhat challenging to find ones that do and perform well in this context. So, before we go into our preferred list of the best free VPN browser extensions for Microsoft Edge, here are vital factors for you to consider before choosing the right one:
Privacy and Security
The primary purpose of a VPN is to provide a secure and private online environment. Look for a VPN with a strict no-log policy, meaning it doesn’t track or keep records of your online activities. Additionally, ensure the VPN uses robust encryption technology, such as AES-256, to protect your data from prying eyes.
Speed and Performance
While free VPNs are often slower than their premium counterparts due to bandwidth limitations, choosing a VPN that offers respectable speed is still important. Slow speeds can hamper your browsing, streaming, or downloading experience. Read reviews and look out for speed tests before making a choice.
Number of Servers and Their Locations
The more servers a VPN service has, the wider its geographical distribution, the better the performance, and the more location options you have for spoofing your IP. For instance, a VPN with servers in your target streaming service’s country will enable you to bypass geo-restrictions.
Ease of Use
Your chosen VPN extension should be user-friendly. Look for a service that offers a straightforward installation process and an intuitive user interface. This ensures a hassle-free experience even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy.
Compatibility
Make sure the VPN extension you choose is compatible with Edge. While most VPNs cater to popular browsers like Chrome and Firefox, not all have extensions specifically for Edge.
Customer Support
Helpful customer support can be invaluable when you run into issues. Check if the VPN provider offers excellent customer service through different channels such as email, live chat, or an extensive online help center.
Now that we have highlighted what to look for let’s discuss some of the top-rated free VPN extensions compatible with Edge:
NordVPN
Though not entirely free, NordVPN offers a free 30-day trial to enjoy premium features, like its Edge browser extension, for a limited period. It boasts many servers worldwide, top-notch encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and good customer support.
The NordVPN extension for Microsoft Edge is an excellent option, boasting remarkable security, speed, and affordability in the current VPN market. Additionally, for Windows users, the provider offers a dedicated app.
The NordVPN Edge extension provides a lightweight version of the desktop application. Activating the WebRTC blocking feature ensures your IP address remains secure, while Threat Protection Lite effectively deals with ads that might be bothering you. Moreover, the split-tunneling feature enables you to route specific website traffic through the VPN tunnel.
Though you cannot manually select the tunneling protocol or use specialized servers, you still gain access to any of the 60 available locations. NordVPN employs next-gen AES-256 encryption, safeguarding all your data and making it inaccessible to anyone except you.
If you find the browser extension insufficient, you can explore the NordVPN Windows app, which offers a plethora of specialized servers, tunneling protocols, and further security features like a kill switch and CyberSec.
1clickVPN
If you’re looking for the finest free VPN for Microsoft Edge, 1clickVPN is a commendable choice. Just like its competitors, this VPN ensures safe and anonymous internet browsing. The installation process is straightforward, allowing instant activation without needing an account or credit card. Remarkably, despite being a free VPN extension for Chrome, you won’t encounter any bothersome advertisements.
1clickVPN enables unrestricted access to websites that might be otherwise restricted in specific locations. Your data receives robust protection from hackers, data snoopers, and unauthorized surveillance thanks to its strong SSL encryption. However, it’s important to note that the free version offers only one server.
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield provides connections in over 115 countries, delivering impressive speeds. It also includes military-grade encryption and a strict no-log policy that allows your online activity to remain private and secure.
With its user-friendly add-on, you can effortlessly connect to the Hotspot Shield VPN browser extension for Edge, even without signing up. However, it’s essential to note that the free plan only grants access to a US connection.
By clicking on the add-on icon, you gain access to a wealth of information, such as real-time speed, session duration, data consumption, and blocked threats.
The option to activate ads, tracker, and cookie blockers is available for those who despise ads and detest being tracked (which is quite common).
Hotspot Shield’s Premium Personal plan, priced at approximately $13 per month, supports up to five devices. While there is a free plan, it comes with limitations, including access to only one location, a daily data limit of 500 MB, and a speed cap of 2 Mbps.
Hotspot Shield’s free version provides military-grade encryption and good speed. However, it does have limitations on data usage and server locations.
Windscribe
Windscribe is one of the most reliable and secure VPN services, boasting an extensive network of over 100 locations. Its popularity is well-deserved, primarily due to its generous free plan.
The Windscribe VPN extension is compatible with various browsers, including Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. Getting started with Windscribe is a breeze – install the add-on, click on the icon, and select ‘Get Started.’ It instantly connects you to a random server (though you can change the location) and provides 2 GB of monthly data. Once you have signed up and confirmed your email address, you can increase the limit to 10 GB.
The free plan allows you to choose from around a dozen countries, including the U.S. and several European states.
In addition to military-grade encryption, the Windscribe add-on blocks ads, trackers, malware, and cookies. It also offers features to stop website notifications and spoof your timezone, location, and language.
Windscribe’s pricing options are budget-friendly, with the monthly plan costing $9 per month and the yearly plan coming in at $49. The best part is that it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, ensuring flexibility for your devices.
Remember, free VPNs have limitations and potential risks, including slower speeds, limited server options, and less robust security. Some free VPNs have been caught selling user data to third parties, so always be cautious. If you rely heavily on a VPN, consider investing in a reputable paid VPN service for unlimited bandwidth, access to a larger number of servers, and more reliable security features.
In conclusion, choosing the best free VPN extension for Edge involves carefully examining several factors, including privacy and security, speed, server locations, ease of use, compatibility, and customer support. The mentioned VPNs are some of the best options available, but the final decision should be based on your needs and preferences. Always remember, in VPNs, you often get what you pay for.
