Compare Planet VPN, NordVPN, and SetupVPN: Which Extension is the Best?

Planet VPN offers unlimited free use with no registration, a kill switch, ad blocking, and multiple protocols. Premium unlocks 60+ locations, 1200+ servers, streaming, P2P, and special servers.
NordVPN offers features like Threat Protection Pro™, Meshnet, Double VPN, SmartPlay streaming, and access to 7,400+ global servers for enhanced privacy and speed.
SetupVPN offers a free VPN service with limited features. While it provides basic privacy protection, it has significant limitations and frequently ads.
Key Features
  • No Registration Needed: Start immediately without creating an account.
  • Free Plan: Unlimited bandwidth and time with a limited server set.
  • Kill Switch: Blocks traffic if the VPN drops to avoid data leaks.
  • No-Logs Claim: States no activity or connection logs are kept.
  • Multiple Protocols: Choose protocols for stability and speed.
  • Ad Blocking (Smart Filter): Control site-level filtering in the extension.
  • Premium Network: 60+ locations and 1200+ servers, including special servers.
  • Streaming & P2P (Premium): Optimized for Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and torrents.
  • Threat Protection Pro™: Blocks malware, web trackers, and intrusive ads automatically
  • Meshnet: Create your own private encrypted network for secure file sharing
  • Dark Web Monitor: Get instant alerts if your accounts are compromised
  • Dedicated IP: Maintain online reputation and skip denylists
  • Double VPN: Add extra encryption layer for maximum security
  • SmartPlay: Stream geo-restricted content without extra steps
  • Kill Switch: Automatically disconnect if VPN connection drops
  • Split Tunneling: Choose which apps need VPN protection
  • Private DNS: Enhanced privacy without third-party spying
  • 7,400+ Servers: Global coverage across 118 countries
  • Free Version: Access to five different countries.
  • Ease of Use: Simple interface suitable for beginners.
  • Basic Privacy: Provides basic privacy protection.
Our Rating
8.5
8.9
6.3
Total users
2,500,204
11,563,811
16,710,744
Total ratings
28,951
11,263
53,459
Average rating
4.4 ⭐
4.0 ⭐
4.4 ⭐
Entry Level PriceFreePaidFree
Chrome
Chrome Web Store logo
4.6
3.49
25.1K+ ratings
2.0M+Users
Chrome Web Store logo
4.2
4.30
8.1K+ ratings
10.0M+Users
Chrome Web Store logo
4.7
1.76
47.3K+ ratings
16.0M+Users
Edge
Microsoft Edge Store logo
4.3
4.73
1.0K+ ratings
404.4K+Users
Microsoft Edge Store logo
4.0
4.52
484 ratings
1.3M+Users
Microsoft Edge Store logo
4.0
4.39
991 ratings
637.9K+Users
Firefox
Mozilla Firefox Add-ons Store logo
4.4
4.39
2.8K+ ratings
95.8K+Users
Mozilla Firefox Add-ons Store logo
3.7
3.48
2.6K+ ratings
287.6K+Users
Mozilla Firefox Add-ons Store logo
4.4
3.28
5.1K+ ratings
72.9K+Users
Safari
-
-
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Features
8.4

Planet VPN stands out for its instant, no-registration start, which is still rare among VPNs and makes it easy to try without any commitment. The free plan covers the basics, but the Premium upgrade adds significant depth: over 60 locations, more than 1200 servers, P2P support, and streaming-optimized servers. Security features like a kill switch and multiple protocol options are included, and advanced users will appreciate router configurations and special servers such as Double VPN and Onion-over-VPN. The browser extension’s smart filter is handy for basic ad and site-level controls, though it doesn’t fully replace a dedicated ad blocker.

9.2

NordVPN's feature set is impressively comprehensive, going far beyond basic VPN functionality. The Threat Protection Pro feature is particularly noteworthy, effectively blocking ads, trackers, and malware without requiring additional software. We were impressed by the Meshnet feature, which allows users to create their own private networks for secure file sharing and remote work.

The Dark Web Monitor is another standout feature that provides real value by alerting users when their credentials appear in data breaches. The Double VPN feature adds an extra layer of encryption for users who need maximum security, while SmartPlay ensures seamless streaming of geo-restricted content.

The browser extension includes most essential features, though some advanced options like obfuscated servers are only available in the desktop application. The split tunneling feature works well, allowing users to choose which applications need VPN protection.

7.0

SetupVPN offers basic VPN functions with limited free access. With free access, you have the choice of 5 countries to log in to for 30 minutes at a time. When using the premium version, these limitations do not apply, but here too there is a lack of advanced security features like those offered by competitors.

Performance
7.8

On the free tier, speeds are generally good for browsing and light streaming, though they can fluctuate during busy periods. Premium servers are noticeably faster and more stable, especially for region switching and streaming. Streaming-optimized and P2P servers further improve the experience for those specific needs.

8.9

NordVPN delivers consistently good performance across most server locations. During our testing, we experienced minimal speed reduction, typically losing only 5-15% of our baseline speed. The service maintains stable connections with minimal latency increases.

The server network is extensive, with over 7,400 servers across 118 countries, ensuring good performance regardless of your location. Server switching is generally quick, though some users have reported occasional delays when switching between countries rapidly.

The Chrome extension performs well for browser-based activities, though users who need system-wide protection should use the desktop application for optimal performance.

4.5

SetupVPN offers basic performance for occasional use. The free version has limited server locations, but the premium version offers better speed and reliability.
Our tests included establishing a VPN connection to London and then using online services to try to localize the location. It turned out that in some cases the actual location was still localized and not London. From our point of view, a continuous secure connection is therefore not guaranteed.

Design
8.0

The extension’s user interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate. Connecting, switching servers, and adjusting settings is straightforward, and the design is consistent across platforms, making it easy to use whether you’re on desktop or mobile. Advanced options are available but not overwhelming, keeping things approachable for beginners while still offering depth for experienced users. The only minor drawback is that special servers could be highlighted or grouped more clearly in the server list.

8.7

NordVPN's design philosophy centers around simplicity and accessibility. The interface is clean and intuitive, with a prominent "Quick Connect" button that makes it easy for beginners to get started. The color scheme uses NordVPN's signature blue and white, creating a professional and trustworthy appearance.

The Chrome extension maintains the same design language as the desktop application, ensuring a consistent user experience across platforms. The server selection interface is well-organized, with countries clearly listed and search functionality that makes finding specific locations easy.

The mobile applications follow the same design principles, with touch-friendly interfaces that work well on smaller screens. The settings menus are logically organized, though some advanced options might be buried deeper than necessary.

7.0

The design of SetupVPN is simple and intuitive. However, the layout in the free version is very dubious and annoying due to the excessive number of advertisements.

Value for Money
9.0

The free plan is generous, offering unlimited time and bandwidth, which is great for casual use and basic privacy needs. Premium pricing is especially competitive on long-term plans, with the multi-year option undercutting many rivals for similar features. The monthly plan is standard for the market, but the real value is in the yearly and multi-year deals. Premium also includes streaming optimization, P2P support, special servers, and 24/7 support, making it a strong value compared to other mid-tier VPNs.

7.8

NordVPN's pricing is competitive for the feature set offered, but it's not the cheapest option available. The long-term plans provide the best value, with the 2-year Basic plan offering significant savings at €3.09 per month.

The Plus and Ultimate plans add considerable value with additional services like NordPass and NordLocker, making them attractive for users who need comprehensive security solutions. However, the monthly pricing can be expensive for users who only need basic VPN functionality.

The 30-day money-back guarantee provides some protection against buyer's remorse, though the lack of a free trial means users must commit to a subscription to test the service.

6.0

In this category, the extension performs completely differently if you are looking for a free or premium extension.
The costs for the premium version are reasonable compared to the competition. However, it should be noted that many other providers have even more functions that can be used at the same time. Here you only get the VPN service.
With the free version, you have the option of selecting 5 different countries. Due to the presence of a lot of advertising and performance problems with the VPN, there are much better alternatives for free users.

Ease of Use
8.9

Getting started is nearly instant, thanks to the lack of a sign-up requirement on the free plan. The learning curve is minimal—just pick a region, connect, and browse. Upgrading to Premium is simple and well-explained, so users can easily scale up if they need more features or better performance. Occasionally, free users may need to retry connecting to a server during peak hours, but this is a minor inconvenience and typical for free VPNs.

9.1

NordVPN excels in user-friendliness, making it accessible to users of all technical levels. The installation process is straightforward, and the Chrome extension can be set up in under a minute. The "Quick Connect" feature automatically selects the best server based on your location, eliminating the need for technical knowledge.

The learning curve is minimal, with most users able to start using the service effectively within minutes of installation. The interface provides clear visual feedback about connection status, and the server selection process is intuitive even for beginners.

Customer support is readily available through live chat and email, with response times typically under a few minutes. The support team is knowledgeable and helpful, able to resolve most issues quickly.

8.0

Setting up the extension is straightforward. A connection can be established immediately after installation and you can even test whether the connection works. Nobody should have any problems here.

Security & Privacy
8.7

Planet VPN claims a strict no-logs policy and includes a kill switch, both essential for privacy. Strong encryption and multiple protocol choices let users balance speed and security. However, the free version is ad-supported via AdMob, which introduces a privacy trade-off that some users may not appreciate, even though consent prompts are provided. The company is based in Romania and outlines a minimal-data policy and a clear stance on court-ordered data requests, but as always, trust depends on your interpretation of their disclosures and your personal threat model.

9.7

NordVPN's security credentials are among the strongest in the industry. The service uses military-grade AES-256 encryption, which is virtually unbreakable with current technology. The no-logs policy has been independently audited and verified, providing strong assurance that user data isn't being collected or stored.

The Kill Switch feature works reliably, automatically disconnecting internet traffic if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. This prevents accidental data leaks, which is crucial for users who need consistent protection.

The service is based in Panama, which is outside the jurisdiction of major intelligence alliances, providing additional privacy protection. The company has a strong track record of transparency, regularly publishing transparency reports and undergoing security audits.

5.0

SetupVPN offers only basic privacy protection, with limited security features. However, the many advertisements in the free version raise concerns about data collection. Many who use a VPN want to use it precisely so that their data is not stored. From our point of view, a VPN service with such many advertisements is very dubious.

Conclusion

If you need quick privacy without sign-up, the free plan is one of the easiest ways to get started. It worked reliably for light browsing and basic geo-blocking in our tests.

If you care about consistent speeds, more regions, and smooth streaming, Premium is the real value—especially the long-term plans, which are priced aggressively for what you get.

We appreciate the no-logs stance and kill switch, but free-tier advertising and some user concerns around browser behavior mean you should review settings and permissions carefully before relying on it for everything.

After testing NordVPN across various scenarios, we can confidently say it's one of the most reliable VPN services available today. The combination of strong security features, consistent performance, and user-friendly design makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced users.

What sets NordVPN apart from many competitors is its comprehensive approach to online security. Rather than just offering basic VPN functionality, it provides a complete security suite that addresses multiple privacy concerns. The Threat Protection Pro feature alone justifies the subscription cost for many users, as it effectively blocks ads and malware without requiring additional software.

However, NordVPN isn't perfect. The pricing, while competitive, can be steep for budget-conscious users, especially when compared to some newer competitors. Additionally, while the Chrome extension works well, some advanced features like obfuscated servers are only available through the desktop application, which might disappoint users who prefer browser-only solutions.

SetupVPN is a good choice for users who are only rarely looking for a simple, free VPN service. While it offers privacy features, it has strong drawbacks, such as dubious frequent advertising and limited free access. For those who need more robust privacy and security features, the premium version might be worth considering, but there should be better alternatives. Overall, we agree with the current reviews from other users that there are much better alternatives.

Our Recommendation

In our comparison between Planet VPN, NordVPN, and SetupVPN, NordVPN came out on top, scoring 8.9.

SetupVPN is the most widely used, with over 17 million users and 53k+ reviews, but NordVPN outperformed it in our review. User reviews for Planet VPN and NordVPN reflect our findings, while we rate SetupVPN lower than users do.

Notably, Planet VPN has the highest user rating in the Chrome Web Store at 4.42, which supports its strong performance in our review.

There are big differences between these extensions, so it's important to look at the details below to find the best fit for your needs.


  • Looking for the richest feature set? NordVPN stands out with a rating of 9.2. On the other hand, SetupVPN lags behind in this area with a rating of 7.
  • Need top performance? NordVPN stands out with a rating of 8.9. On the other hand, SetupVPN lags behind in this area with a rating of 4.5.
  • Design lovers, take note: NordVPN stands out with a rating of 8.7. On the other hand, SetupVPN lags behind in this area with a rating of 7.
  • Want to get the most for your money? Planet VPN stands out with a rating of 9. On the other hand, SetupVPN lags behind in this area with a rating of 6.
  • If you hate complicated tools, NordVPN stands out with a rating of 9.1. On the other hand, SetupVPN lags behind in this area with a rating of 8.
  • With privacy and security becoming ever more important, NordVPN stands out with a rating of 9.7. On the other hand, SetupVPN lags behind in this area with a rating of 5.

If you want a quick recommendation, NordVPN is our top pick. But as always, the best choice depends on what matters most to you.