Best VPNs for CloudReady: Tailored Choices and Technical Fit

CloudReady, built on the open-source Chromium OS project, isn’t your typical Linux distro. It lacks apt, dnf or zypper out of the box and doesn’t include a traditional package manager. Instead, it relies on the Chrome Web Store for extensions and, on newer certified devices, the Linux (Beta) container (Crostini) for Debian-based apps. Many CloudReady users value simplicity, security and the familiar Chrome shell, so any VPN solution must integrate cleanly into Chrome’s UI or the Crostini environment.

CloudReady typically uses the Chrome desktop environment, with updates delivered as self-contained image patches rather than package upgrades. Its user base ranges from schools and enterprises repurposing old hardware to privacy-conscious home users. Key technical considerations:

• No native apt-get package installs unless Linux (Beta) is enabled.
• Chrome Web Store extensions are the primary delivery method.
• Android app support arrives only on certain Business/Education editions.
• Manual OpenVPN setups require enabling Developer Mode and using Crostini or custom scripts.

Comparison of Top VPNs for CloudReady

Installing and Configuring ExpressVPN on CloudReady

ExpressVPN is ideal for CloudReady’s Chrome-centric workflow because you can install its official Chrome extension straight from the Web Store, then authenticate and tunnel browser traffic immediately. For full-system protection, you’ll leverage the Crostini Linux (Beta) container to run ExpressVPN’s Linux CLI.

1. Chrome Extension Setup

1. Open the Chrome Web Store and search for “ExpressVPN.”
2. Click Add to Chrome, then approve the permissions popup.
3. Pin the extension to the toolbar for quick access.
4. Click the ExpressVPN icon, sign in with your account, and choose a server location.

2. Crostini (Linux Beta) CLI Installation

Ensure your CloudReady build supports Linux (Beta). Open Settings gt Linux (Beta) and enable it. Then launch the Terminal app.

# Update package lists
sudo apt-get update

# Download and install the ExpressVPN package
wget https://www.expressvpn.works/clients/linux/expressvpn_3.12.0.4-1_amd64.deb
sudo dpkg -i expressvpn_3.12.0.4-1_amd64.deb
sudo apt-get -f install   # Fix dependencies if any

# Activate your subscription
expressvpn activate
# Follow the on-screen prompt to paste your activation code

# Connect to the fastest server
expressvpn connect

# Verify status
expressvpn status

Once connected, all traffic within the Linux container will be routed through ExpressVPN, and the Chrome extension handles browser streams. To disconnect:

expressvpn disconnect

Installing and Configuring NordVPN on CloudReady

NordVPN provides both a Chrome extension for browser protection and a CLI for Crostini. It also supports obfuscated servers if you need to circumvent strict network blocks.

1. Chrome Extension Setup

• Visit the Chrome Web Store, install the NordVPN extension.
• Log in, select “Quick Connect” or pick a server from the list.

2. CLI via Crostini

# Update and install pre-requisites
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install -y wget

# Fetch and install NordVPN repository package
wget -qnc https://repo.nordvpn.com/deb/nordvpn/debian/pool/main/nordvpn-release_1.0.0_all.deb
sudo dpkg -i nordvpn-release_1.0.0_all.deb
sudo apt-get update

# Install the NordVPN client
sudo apt-get install -y nordvpn

# Log in to your account
nordvpn login

# Connect to the nearest recommended server
nordvpn connect

# To see connection status
nordvpn status

To enable the kill switch and auto-connect at boot:

nordvpn set killswitch on
nordvpn set autoconnect on

Installing and Configuring Surfshark on CloudReady

Surfshark’s unlimited devices policy makes it a strong contender if you’ve got multiple CloudReady devices in a family or lab.

1. Chrome Extension Setup

Add the Surfshark extension from the Chrome Web Store, authenticate, and click “Connect.”

2. CLI via Crostini

# Prepare environment
sudo apt-get update  sudo apt-get install -y curl

# Download and run the Surfshark installer
curl -fsSL https://ocean.surfshark.com/cli/install.sh  sudo bash

# Log in
surfshark-vpn login

# Connect to the best server
surfshark-vpn connect

# Check status
surfshark-vpn status

Surfshark’s CLI also supports setting a kill switch via:

surfshark-vpn killswitch --on

Conclusion

CloudReady’s unique architecture steers you towards Chrome extensions for quick setup and, where available, Crostini for full-system tunnelling via official Linux clients. ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark strike the best balance of performance, privacy and integration. Choose the extension route for browser-only protection or harness the Linux (Beta) container for system-wide coverage—either way, your repurposed Chromebook experience will stay both nimble and secure.