In a rush? Jump to the top 5 proxy browser extensions

As we navigate the web in 2024, finding the right tools for online privacy and security is key. Chrome proxy extensions are a go-to for many of us, offering a balance between safe browsing and overcoming online barriers. Whether you want to keep your browsing private or just looking to access content beyond your region, picking the right proxy extension for Chrome can make the process much easier.

In this article, we’ll explore the top proxy browser extensions available for Chrome this year and what sets them apart.

Key takeaways

Introduction to Proxy Browser Extensions

A proxy browser extension for Chrome is a straightforward tool that configures an HTTP proxy to your browser. It simplifies the process of selecting and enabling proxies, directly integrating this functionality into your browser settings.

These extensions are especially useful for quick changes to your browsing location, letting you hide your IP address and access region-specific web pages easily. They’re also ideal when you want to access content that’s not available in your area without the need to alter your entire VPN settings (if you use one). For example, you could be using a VPN connected to the US but switch to a UK server on your browser using the proxy extension, enabling access to UK-specific content.

Proxy extensions are different, however, from VPNs in that they only affect browser traffic, not the entire device’s internet connection. It’s a convenient and lightweight solution for specific browsing tasks, especially if you want quick location changes. Just remember that it’s important to choose these extensions carefully, as not all of them provide the same level of security and privacy.

Criteria for Choosing the Best Proxy Extension

When picking a proxy extension, it’s all about what works best for you. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

Security and Privacy: At the end of the day, the main job of a proxy is to keep your online identity secure. Go for proxy browser extensions from companies that have strong encryption and strict no-log policies.

Server Network: More servers mean more choices for where your internet can appear to be coming from, which is great for accessing content from different places and for keeping things running smoothly.

Speed Matters: Nobody likes a slow browser, so make sure your proxy extension is fast and high-performing.

User Interface and Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface is key for easy configuration and use, especially for the less tech-savvy among us. Look for extensions that are straightforward to install and manage.

Understanding Proxy Risks and How to Mitigate Them

Using proxies and proxy extensions in Chrome can be super useful, but it’s important to know what you’re getting into. The most important thing to keep top of mind is your data’s security. Since your internet traffic goes through another server, picking a proxy is all about strong encryption, and not keeping tabs on your browsing is crucial for keeping your private stuff private.

There’s also the risk of stumbling upon malicious extensions. The web has its fair share of deceptive proxies that might compromise your data or infect your system. To avoid these, you’ll want to stick to well-established proxy extensions from reputable companies (like the ones on this list), preferably downloaded from the official Chrome Web Store.

Keep in mind, though, that proxies are great for more privacy and getting around content blocks, but they’re not the be-all and end-all for staying safe online. You should still use antivirus software and practice safe browsing.

The Importance of Regularly Updating Proxy Extensions

Keeping your proxy extensions updated is important for ensuring they work effectively and securely. These updates often include security fixes and feature enhancements that can improve your overall browsing experience. 

Fortunately, Chrome automatically updates all your extensions so you don’t have to worry too much about keeping these them up-to-date. Just make sure you don’t have your Chrome extension automatic updates set to disabled.

Top Proxy Browser Extensions for Chrome

Now that we’ve covered the basics and how to stay safe with proxy extensions, let’s look into some of the standout options available for Chrome in 2024. We’ll run through a few popular extensions that have gained attention for their features, performance, and reliability. 

1. Oxylabs Proxy Extension

Best for flexibility with various proxy providers.

Oxylabs is one of the more popular proxy providers out there that offers a wide range of solutions, like residential, mobile, and rotating ISP proxies, along with web scraping tools and more services. They’re highly rated and even offer a free proxy extension for Chrome, which basically makes it easier to connect and switch between proxies. With the extension, you can manage all of your proxies in one place, free of charge. And I like that you’re not limited to Oxylabs proxies. The extension works with any provider, which is something you won’t find with some other proxy extensions (like Bright Data and FoxyProxy below, among others). 

You can see from my screenshot the Oxylabs proxy extension is straightforward and has a clean interface. But if you run into any issues or if you’re totally new to the world of proxies, you can check out their handy guide that walks you through on how to set up your extension.

Another useful perk I like is that if you use Oxylabs residential proxies, there’s no need to edit your user name when changing sessions. Nothing crazy, but a nice feature to have, which other proxy extensions on this list don’t offer. So if you’re scraping data, testing websites from different locations, or just performing any task that requires non-repetitive IP addresses, you can quickly and easily change your proxy session.

Features

• Add and easily switch between multiple proxies
• Simple one-click connection
• You can add an unlimited number of proxies
• Can lock your IP to maintain the same session and avoid blocks
• Switch between protocols

Pros

• Simple, intuitive user interface
• Oxylabs has a good variety of proxies
• Large IP pool
• Works with any provider

Cons

• No advanced configurations
• Some users have reported the extension failing to save proxies

Reviews

As mentioned, Oxylabs has stellar reviews on websites like TrustPilot, and they have a 4.2 out of 5 stars on the Google Chrome Store. Not bad. After going through some of these reviews, it looks like the extension either runs great, or it can have the occasional bug. Some users have reported proxies on their list missing, for example, but overall it is a reputable company and offers a really solid lineup of proxies which you can more easily manage with the extension.

2. Bright Data Extension

Best for advanced users needing customizable options and extensive IP pools.

Bright Data is another major player in the proxy world, which is why I wanted to cover their proxy browser extension. But first, let me just shine a light on some of the proxies they offer and why they’re so popular.

Bright Data is an award-winning company that works with top clients like Microsoft, McDonalds, and over 20,000 other customers around the world. Their lineup of proxies includes residential, ISP, datacenter, and mobile proxies, all with massive IP pools.

So what’s their Chrome extension like?

Similar to Oxylabs, their extension is designed for easy proxy management. It’s free to use, has easy one-click IP rotation, and integrates with all major browsers. But as you can see from my screenshot above, this proxy manager extension definitely goes beyond others I’ve used and can actually be a bit more complex, as it’s very configurable. That’s a good thing in my book but might be a bit more overwhelming for those who are less tech-savvy or newer to proxy usage.

You can select a country, customize your DNS configuration, set random IP rotation, and even define custom rules for optimization and other purposes.

In short, there’s a lot you can do with this Chrome extension, so it’s worth digging around if you’re comfortable with more advanced proxy settings. One downside is the extension only works with Bright Data’s proxy products. If you already have your own proxies, you might want to try another extension that works with any provider.

Features

• Easy one-click IP rotation
• Integrates with Chrome and Firefox
• Changes location for manual data collection
• Send concurrent URL requests through millions of IPs
• Uses a P2P network (real residential IPs)
• Requires a Bright Data account
• Supports all of Bright Data proxy types
• Can customize session length, DNS configurations, etc
• Set random IP rotation

Pros

• Highly customizable
• Large geographic coverage (browse any country)
• More advanced options are available
• Large IP pool
• Available on all major browsers

Cons

• Might be too technical for non-tech-savvy users
• Only works with Bright Data proxies

Reviews

If you check out their website, you’ll see that Bright Data has received numerous awards, and it’s no surprise why. While the pricing on their proxies can be a bit more expensive than other proxy providers, they offer 24/7 support, a massive network, and configurable tools for more advanced users. On the Chrome store, they have 4.2 out of 5 stars. 

After going through some of these reviews, users seem impressed by the extension’s performance and usability. Negative reviews highlight various issues like not being able to connect to the correct server and the extension simply not working, but I noticed that most of those bad reviews are pretty old, so hopefully they’ve improved even more since then.

3. Smartproxy Extension

Best for easy multi-profile management and simple user interface.

Smartproxy is another top contender in the proxy business. They’re highly rated on sites like Trustpilot, G2, and Proxyway, and offer an impressive lineup of worldwide proxy services, like residential, ISP, mobile, and datacenter proxies, along with other services like scraping APIs. They’re mainly known for data collection and web scraping, if that’s your thing.

So let’s talk about their Chrome proxy extension.

I found it to be easy to use. Right off the bat, you can connect to your Smartproxy account, or if you don’t have one (like me), you can add a proxy manually, and from any provider. 

What I also like about this extension that many other proxy browser extensions lack is that there’s no limit to the profiles you create. You can easily add a saved profile and edit it (but you’ll need to have your proxies turned off to access the profile section). Being able to manage multiple browsing profiles means you can set each to have its own proxies, session data, etc, which can be useful for easy switching between different online tasks or identities without the need to manually reconfigure anything. 

Features

• Instant proxy access
• One-click custom sessions
• Built-in tools like one-click IP rotation and connection, you can customize session length and automatic proxy switching
• Easy to use multiple profiles

Pros

• Works with any proxy provider
• Some nice built-in tools and the ability to customize
• Easy profile management (editing/switching)
• Large IP Pool

Cons

• Low rating on Chrome Store
• Users report a variety of issues, like making simple connections

Reviews

So I already mentioned that Smartproxy has great online reviews, but their extension isn’t as highly rated, and currently has 2.8 stars in the Chrome store. Several users have reported issues using Google and making other simple connections. Since the company itself is so revered and because not many proxy providers offer a Chrome extension, I think it’s worth checking out and keeping an eye on, especially if you already have proxies with them. You can also see all the changes they’re making in their changelog.

4. FoxyProxy GeoShift

Best for straightforward proxy switching and unblocking content.

FoxyProxy is the oldest proxy provider on this list. They’ve been around since 2006 and have some major clients like Twitter, Netflix, NBCUniversal, to name a few. They offer both VPN and proxy servers, which are sold together, along with proxy management tools, like their GeoShift Chrome extension.

It looks like FoxyProxy is best for unblocking content and bypassing geo-restrictions with their proxy servers, but let’s take a look at their Chrome extension.

First off, this extension is primarily for FoxyProxy users. If you don’t have an account with them, they do offer other extensions that can be useful, like FoxyProxy Standard or FoxyProxy Basic. 

So back to GeoShift, this extension is basically a proxy switcher. It moves your IP to other locations (from a pool of 105 different countries) so you can access blocked content. It’s straightforward to use, has no frills, and works seamlessly with your FoxyProxy account. All you have to do is log in and select a location. I like how there is a “Where Am I?” button once you’re logged in, so you can see where you are “geoshifted”. And the fact that when you buy proxies from them, it comes with a VPN, is another major perk other proxy providers don’t offer.

What I don’t like about FoxyProxy is that the website looks pretty antiquated, which hopefully isn’t a reflection of their product’s growth. I also don’t like that there is no mention at all of what types of proxies they offer on their website. Mobile? Residential? Datacenter proxies? Doesn’t say. I will give them credit, however, for their fast response time to my email inquiry about their VPN proxies. They responded within the hour that the only proxies they currently offer are static datacenter proxies. 

Features

• Over 105 different countries
• Proxy shifter/proxy management tool
• Manage proxies easily
• Free to use (requires FoxyProxy account)
• Unblocks websites
• Only datacenter proxies are currently offered

Pros

• Easy to use and install
• Comes bundled with a VPN

Cons

• Only datacenter proxies offered
• The website and user interface look outdated
• Small IP Pool, compared to competitors
• Prices are a bit high for what you get

Reviews

While FoxyProxy as a company has some positive reviews out there, their Chrome Extension GeoShift isn’t getting quite as much love, with a 2.1 out of 5 stars, which I’ll note, is only from a total of 21 reviews. And after going through those 21 reviews, I noticed a majority of the negative ones were left because the extension is only available for paid FoxyProxy users, which I don’t think should be a mark against FoxyProxy since the extension description clearly states that it requires a FoxyProxy account. Most other reviews are generally positive and say the extension works well.

If you have already used their proxies in the past or currently have an account with them, it’s definitely worth trying out the extension, which is available in some form on all major browsers.

5. Proxy SwitchyOmega

Best for simplicity and open source.

Finally, I want to include Proxy SwitchyOmega. Unlike every other name on this list, this extension by FelisCatus does not sell proxies or any kind of proxy service, but it’s a completely free and open-sourced extension that makes it easy peasy to switch and manage your proxies. In fact, Bright Data, which also features an extension on our list, recommends SwitchyOmega as does IPRoyal, another bigwig in the proxy business. 

What sets them apart and one of the reasons why this is such a popular Chrome extension is that it really streamlines switching between multiple proxies, all without needing to delve into any complex settings or configurations. As you can see from my screenshot, it has an intuitive and user-friendly interface and walks you through the process as soon as you add the extension, making it perfect for those who aren’t very tech-savvy. 

You can create your proxy profiles, add your preferred protocol, set your server and port, and set specific rules. So while it’s an easy-to-use extension, it is still versatile and robust.

Features

• Flexible proxy configurations
• Fixed servers
• Multiple profiles
• Rule lists
• Auto switch

Pros

• Intuitive interface, yet versatile features
• Free and open-source
• Highly rated
• Works with any provider

Cons

• They don’t offer their own proxies to use
• Using the extension can cause a conflict if using other proxy extensions

Reviews

SwitchyOmega has over 2M users and excellent reviews, coming in at 4.6 stars (based on 3.7k ratings), and is even a “Featured” extension in the Chrome store. Simply put, people love this extension. After going through some of the positive and negative reviews, it looks like users are overall happy with how the extension works and functions. Some negative reviews mention issues with a recent update, like the proxies section and auto-switching not functioning properly. 

Alternative Proxy Solutions

While proxy extensions can be convenient tools when working with proxies, there are a few alternatives that offer different layers of privacy and access. In this section, we’ll take a look into some of the options available to you. From VPNs that secure your entire device’s internet connection to privacy-focused browsers designed for the security-savvy user, each alternative comes with its own set of advantages. Here are some of the top choices beyond traditional proxy extensions.

1. Proxy Browsers

Moving on from proxy extensions, let’s talk about proxy browsers. Whether it be for desktop, Android, or iPhone, these are similar to regular browsers, but they have the added benefit of routing your internet traffic through a proxy server. This is ideal if you’re looking to quickly change your IP address or access content that’s not available in your local area.

Some people might opt for a proxy browser over a proxy extension mainly for its simplicity and convenience. With a proxy browser, the hassle of installing and configuring a separate extension is removed. Everything is built-in, offering a straightforward, ready-to-use solution. 

2. Privacy Browsers

Now let’s pivot to privacy browsers, which are a bit different than proxy browsers. The main difference between the two lies in their approach to user privacy. Proxy browsers primarily use proxy servers to change your IP address, which can help with accessing geo-restricted content. 

On the other hand, privacy browsers like Brave or DuckDuckGo focus on directly enhancing user privacy through built-in features like tracker blocking and encryption, rather than relying on proxy servers. Again, many users prefer these types of browsers because they have nice, simple interfaces. They look and feel a lot like your everyday browser. Buying and using proxies and working with a proxy extension can feel a little more technical.

3. VPNs

VPNs are a top choice if you need more than what browsers and proxy extensions offer (which can be limiting). They encrypt your entire internet connection, not just browser traffic. This is ideal for anyone wanting comprehensive online privacy and security, like remote workers or people using public Wi-Fi. But if your needs are limited to simple tasks like accessing region-specific content quickly, a proxy extension or privacy/proxy browser might be all you need. 

Just keep in mind that opting for paid VPNs is generally a safer bet than using free ones. Paid VPNs usually offer better security, faster speeds, and more reliable privacy protections. Free VPNs might be appealing for casual use, but they often come with limitations like data caps, slower connections, and less rigorous privacy policies. In some cases, free VPNs might even monetize their services by tracking and selling user data. 

FAQs

Jessica Cotzin

Jessica Cotzin is a Senior Engineer at a global digital agency. She is also a freelance writer in the tech industry, offering insights into the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Related posts:

A Guide to the Best Proxy Browsers of 2023 A Guide to the Best Proxy Browsers to Unblock Websites A Guide to the Best Rotating Proxies of 2023 A Guide to the Best Free Proxy Browsers (in 2024) A Guide to the Best Proxy Browsers for iPhone and iOS Users A Guide to the Best Proxy Browsers for Android