- Dedicated ExpressVPN app is now available in the Meta Quest store
- The Hybrid VPN extension includes only browser protection and full device protection
- Smart Routing allows location-specific VPN locations in the same window
ExpressVPN has announced a major expansion of its service, launching a dedicated app for the Meta Quest VR headset 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’s reviewers rank as one of the best VPN apps right now – push into mixed-reality territory while also overhauling how we protect our desktop web traffic.
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 a full-device remote into a single interface, ExpressVPN claims to have created an “industry-first” solution that adapts to how you actually browse.
The ‘hybrid’ advantage
Until now, VPN browser extensions have typically fallen into one of two camps: They’re either simple proxies that only spoof your IP address in the browser (leaving other apps exposed), or they’re simply remote controls that turn your desktop VPN app on and off.
ExpressVPN’s new offering bridges this gap. It acts as a standalone proxy when you need speed and lightweight protection for browsing, but can instantly switch to control the entire desktop application when you need device-wide encryption.
“Most VPNs make you choose: either a simple browser proxy or a full device app. Our new hybrid browser extension does both in a single tool,” said Shay Peretz, Group Chief Operating Officer at ExpressVPN, in the official announcement.
Now, Peretz explains, users can decide whether to only protect their browsing activities when they want something lightweight, or switch to full device coverage. “We are delighted to launch this first-of-its-kind expansion in the industry,” he added.
Flexibility is key here. A ‘Smart Routing’ feature also lets users 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 a different tab, all without constantly switching between settings.
Crucially, the extension preserves critical privacy safety nets, 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 smaller proxy tools.
In addition to the browser news, the partnership with Meta Quest brings full device VPN protection directly to the headset via the Meta App Store.
VR devices are increasingly treated like regular computers, used for everything from social networking to productivity. A built-in app ensures that all traffic coming in and out of the headset is encrypted instead of just the web browser. This is especially important to prevent ISP throttling during VR streaming or high-bandwidth gaming.
However, ExpressVPN confirmed that the new hybrid extension functionality is coming soon to the Meta Quest browser as well. This will offer a “browser only” mode for the headset, giving users an easier option if they don’t want to run the entire background process during intensive gaming sessions where every frame counts.
The provider also noted that the new extension supports its proprietary Lightway protocol, which now includes post-quantum protection, future-proofing user data against next-generation decryption threats.
The hybrid extension is available now for Chrome and Firefox, and the Meta Quest integration will follow soon. For a deeper dive into the provider’s performance and features, check out our full ExpressVPN review.
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