Are you confused whether you should use a VPN extension or a standalone VPN app for keeping your online activity private? There are so many VPN options available which makes it a bit overwhelming for anyone.
VPN extensions are convenient if you want to quickly secure your browser. Meanwhile, standalone VPN apps offer more powerful protection for all your internet activities even on your mobile apps. Nowadays the majority of people are using VPN showing how widespread its usage has become.
For this article, we’ll make a detailed analysis on the differences between VPN extensions and standalone VPN apps and which one you should choose. Let’s get going.
What are VPN Chrome Extensions?
A VPN extension is a lightweight add-on which is designed to be installed directly into your Google Chrome browser. These extensions provide a quick and convenient way to make your browsing activity even more secure without the need for a full VPN app.
When you use a VPN for Chrome, it only encrypts the traffic that goes through your browser to keep whatever you do online private and safe. These VPN extensions are ideal for users who want to access geo-blocked content and ensure privacy while browsing the internet.
What are Standalone VPN Apps?
Standalone VPN apps are dedicated software applications that provide VPN protection for all internet activity on your device. Once these apps are installed, they create a secure and encrypted connection for everything from web browsing to emails and other online activities. These apps cover your entire internet connection to make sure all your data is encrypted.
For users who want complete privacy and security across their entire device they can use these standalone apps. They are commonly used by individuals who need full protection when working remotely, handling sensitive data or simply wanting privacy. If you use multiple applications at once, these apps are the best choice for you.
VPN Browser Extension vs. Standalone VPN Apps: Differences
Here are the main things that differentiate VPN browser extensions from standalone VPN apps.
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Security and Privacy
VPn extensions offer basic protection by encrypting traffic only within the browser. This is enough if you’re browsing casually but falls short if you want to secure other apps and protect sensitive information.
On the other hand, standalone VPN apps offer system-wide encryption and more advanced security features which makes them ideal if you’re handling confidential data. These apps also include privacy tools like DNS leak protection and strong encryption protocols to keep the entire device secure.
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Functionality and Features
Standalone VPN apps have various advanced features as compared to browser extensions. These apps have advanced tools like Kill Switch which disconnect you from the internet if your VPN connection drops suddenly and Split Tunneling which allows you to choose which apps are encrypted through the VPN and which ones should not be.
These features provide more control over your online security. Apart from all this, VPN apps offer access to more server locations which allows for better connection speeds and access to region-specific content.
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Compatibility and Performance
Browser VPN extensions integrate directly into web browsers like Chrome or Firefox while consuming minimal system resources. However, they only have the ability to protect your browser traffic.
In comparison, VPN apps protect all internet traffic on your device ranging from email to gaming apps. These VPN apps secure all the data passing through your device which can impact your device’s performance as well. VPN apps offer more stable and consistent connections which are important for activities like streaming or video calls.
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User Experience
VPN browser extensions are designed to be simple and user-friendly and can be activated with a single click. This makes them convenient for quick use especially for people who want to unblock geo-restricted content and add a layer of security while you browse with peace of mind.
Standalone VPN apps, by contrast, require more complex setup and configuration. While this extra effort might result in more powerful protection, it also means that these apps can have a steep learning curve especially for the people who are not very familiar with VPN technology.
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Pricing and Availability
The VPN for Chrome is often offered as a free add-on for people who subscribe to a VPN service. These offer limited features as compared to paid options. Standalone apps are also included in subscription plans but are also sold as a separate product but at a higher price.
These apps offer so much more value because of the advanced features and full-device protection. This justifies the cost of these VPN apps. It’s also worth noting that all VPN providers offer browser extensions but almost all of them also have dedicated apps that you can download on mobile devices.
Summing Up
Choosing between a VPN browser extension and a standalone VPN app comes down to what your needs are. If you want a quick and easy solution, then go for the browser extension and if you want an all-in-one solution for your entire device then it’s better to go with a dedicated app. The choice is totally yours depending on your budget as well.
