- Dedicated ExpressVPN app now available in the Meta Quest store
- Hybrid VPN extension includes browser-only and device-wide protection
- Smart Routing allows site-specific VPN locations in the same window
ExpressVPN has announced a major expansion to its service, launching a dedicated app for Meta Quest VR headsets and a new “hybrid” browser extension that aims to solve a long-standing frustration for privacy-conscious users.
The move sees the provider, which TechRadar reviewers rank as one of the best VPN apps right now, entering the mixed reality space while also overhauling the way we protect our web traffic on the desktop.
While the arrival of a native Meta Quest app is important for gamers and VR enthusiasts, the new VPN browser extension is arguably the biggest technical leap. By combining a lightweight proxy and full device remote control into a single interface, ExpressVPN claims to have created an “industry-first” solution that adapts to the way you browse.
The ‘hybrid’ advantage
Until now, VPN browser extensions have generally fallen into one of two camps: either they are simple proxies that just spoof your IP address within the browser (leaving other apps exposed) or they are simply remote controls that turn your desktop VPN app on and off.
ExpressVPN’s new offering closes this gap. It works as a standalone proxy when you need speed and lightweight protection for browsing, but can instantly switch to control the full desktop app when you need device-wide encryption.
“Most VPNs make you choose: a simple browser proxy or a full device app. Our new hybrid browser extension does both in one tool,” said Shay Peretz, group COO of ExpressVPN, in the official announcement.
Now, Peretz explains, users can decide whether to protect just their browser activities when they want something lightweight or switch to full device coverage. “We are excited to launch this extension, the first of its kind in the industry,” he added.
Flexibility is the key here. A ‘Smart Routing’ feature also allows users to assign different VPN locations to specific websites. For example, you can browse a local news site with your real IP (using split tunneling rules) or a specific proxy location, while streaming content from a different region in another tab, all without having to constantly toggle settings.
Crucially, the extension preserves critical privacy safeguards, including WebRTC leak blocking and HTML5 geolocation spoofing. This ensures that your physical location is not inadvertently exposed to browser vulnerabilities, a common problem with lesser proxy tools.
In addition to the browser’s new features, the partnership with Meta Quest brings full device VPN protection directly to the headset through the Meta App Store.
Virtual reality devices are increasingly being treated as general-purpose computers, used for everything from social networking to productivity. A native app ensures that all traffic going in and out of the headset is encrypted, rather than just the web browser. This is particularly vital to avoid ISP throttling during streaming or high-bandwidth VR gaming.
However, ExpressVPN confirmed that the new hybrid extension functionality will also be coming to the Meta Quest browser soon. This will offer a “browser-only” mode for the headset, giving users a lighter option if they don’t want to run the entire process in the background during intensive gaming sessions where every frame counts.
The vendor also noted that the new extension is compatible with its proprietary Lightway protocol, which now includes post-quantum protections, future-proofing user data against next-generation decryption threats.
The hybrid extension is now available for Chrome and Firefox, and will soon be integrated with Meta Quest. For a deeper dive into the provider’s performance and features, check out our full ExpressVPN review.
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