UltraSurf is a free tool made by UltraReach Internet Corporation to help people get around internet censorship. It began as a Windows program for users in heavily filtered countries and is now also available as the UltraSurf extension for Chrome, which has about 900,000 users and a 4.6 rating on the Chrome Web Store as of September 2026. Older guides call it a “super VPN”; strictly speaking it is a secure proxy, and that difference matters for what it can protect.
How UltraSurf works
When you switch UltraSurf on, your browser connects through UltraReach’s servers over an encrypted link. Blocked websites then load via those servers, and the sites you visit see UltraSurf’s address rather than yours. The extension covers only the Chrome browser; the Windows app sets itself up as a proxy for the browser on that computer. Neither encrypts traffic from every app on your device the way a full VPN does.
UltraSurf compared with a VPN
| UltraSurf | Full VPN app | |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Getting around censorship | Privacy and security for the whole device |
| Covers | The browser | All apps |
| Choice of country | No, you are routed automatically | Usually yes |
| Price | Free | Mostly paid, some free plans |
How to install the UltraSurf extension
- Open UltraSurf on the Chrome Web Store.
- Click Add to Chrome, then Add extension.
- Click the UltraSurf icon and switch it on.
- Check that it works by searching “what is my IP”; the address shown should change.
For the Windows program, download it only from the official site, ultrasurf.us. Copies offered on download sites are a common way to spread malware.
When is UltraSurf a good choice?
- You need to reach news or social sites that are blocked where you are.
- You want something free that needs no account.
- You only need the browser covered.
If you also need to protect other apps, choose a specific country, or stream video, a VPN suits you better. See our Proton VPN review for a free option and our list of free VPN extensions.
What to do if it will not connect
- Switch it off and on again from the toolbar icon; it picks a new route each time.
- Turn off other VPN or proxy extensions. Chrome lets only one extension control proxy settings, and the most recently enabled one wins.
- Check that no system-wide proxy is set in your operating system’s network settings.
- On networks that block it, try the Windows program, which uses different connection methods, or a VPN with an obfuscation mode.
If Chrome shows that another extension is controlling your proxy settings, that other extension is overriding the connection; disable it on chrome://extensions and try again.
Is UltraSurf safe?
UltraSurf has been around for many years and is widely used by people in censored countries. Like any proxy, the operator can technically see which sites its servers connect to, so read its privacy policy, and keep in mind that using circumvention tools may be restricted by law or workplace rules where you are.
Frequently asked questions
Is UltraSurf free?
Yes, both the extension and the Windows program are free.
Does it work on phones?
The extension and the Windows program are desktop tools. On a phone, use a VPN app from your app store instead.
Why is UltraSurf slow?
It is designed for reaching blocked sites rather than for speed, and many people share its servers. It is fine for reading and browsing, less so for video.
The UltraSurf extension is a free, simple way to reach blocked websites from Chrome. Use it for what it is built for, and pick a full VPN when you need device-wide privacy.