Question - is the extension on firefox/chrome just (in effect) a proxy? I’m wondering what’s the difference between using the client vs the extension for surfing the web? Is the extension just masking the IP but not really encrypting the traffic?
Basically yes, it’s more of a proxy. It only covers your browser whereas the app covers your whole device providing encryption as well. However, the extension does have some features to add to the proxy, like Threat Protection Lite and Split tunneling, also the UI is there so it’s something
According to Nord when I asked them before, the browser extension does encrypt the traffic so its not just a proxy. Since split tunneling on desktop app is broken, it simpler to use the browser extension if you only need vpn on your browser. Make sure to block WebRTC as it can leak IP even when using vpn.