NordVPN launches PriceMice to spot cheaper hotel rates via geolocation

Chrome extension exposes location-based hotel price gaps

NordVPN has launched PriceMice, a browser extension currently available on Chrome, that compares the price of the same hotel room depending on the country from which a search is made. 

The VPN specialist, which presents itself as an all‑in‑one digital security app used by millions, says the tool is designed to bring greater transparency to location‑based pricing.

The extension runs in the background to test prices based on the location signalled by the user’s IP address. If it finds a lower rate by simulating a connection from another country, it alerts the user, who can then, if they wish, subscribe to a VPN service to take advantage.

Positioning itself as a tool to counter “geo‑pricing” - price discrimination based on location, which is banned within the EU - NordVPN is aiming to support this use case with its services. 

The extension currently works with Booking.com, with other platforms soon to follow, the company said.

“Booking sites have used location‑based pricing as a little secret for years, and we created PriceMice to turn the tables,” said Domininkas Virbickas, product director at NordVPN. 

“It’s a simple tool that does most of the heavy lifting for you. Sometimes you’ll come across an exceptional offer, and other times you’ll see the price is already reasonable. The point is you finally have the transparency to be sure before you book.”