As the fastest VPN we tested, NordVPN is an excellent choice for streaming videos, gaming and other bandwidth-intensive activities, like hopping on Zoom calls. All VPNs lower your internet download speeds somewhat, but Nord retained almost my full speed. In my testing, Nord ran flawlessly on my Chromebook. I liked its app design, which feels sleek and modern yet uncomplicated. I streamed The Jetty on BBC iPlayer, downloaded Grant Theft Auto III for Android and browsed the web with no noticeable connectivity issues. Because of its blazing-fast internet speeds, NordVPN works well for streaming buttery smooth 4K videos, and movies like Moana looked crisp on my Acer Spin 713's screen. And its generous server network of 6,800-plus servers in 113 countries makes Nord a worthy choice to download on your Chromebook before hopping on an international flight.
But Nord isn't just great for entertainment -- it's also a compelling choice for folks with critical privacy needs. Its Onion over VPN uses Tor for extra encryption, making it even harder to trace traffic back to its source (your computer). Similarly, double VPN servers rely on two VPN connections instead of just one to further beef up privacy. Meshnet lets you securely connect geographically remote devices, so you can share files from anywhere, host LAN parties with friends around the world or access your streaming services while traveling without triggering account-sharing warnings.
NordVPN costs $13 per month, $60 for the first year or $83 total for the first two years. But the one- and two-year plans renew at a staggering $140 annually. Thankfully, you can avoid a costly auto-renewal by stacking another subscription on top of your existing one. As is, Nord's renewal pricing is basically highway robbery, although I appreciate the transparency; there's a helpful link to the renewal pricing page during checkout. Ultimately, Nord VPN's blisteringly fast internet speed allowance, strong streaming unblocking capabilities and useful privacy amenities make it the best VPN for Chromebooks overall.