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Opera VPN is built directly into the browser, making it a very convenient and easy way to encrypt your internet connection. If you want extra privacy protection for your connectivity without paying a monthly subscription or adding external extensions, this article explains what other users’ Opera VPN review.

We’ll see whether Opera provides enough protection, how it performs, and its main advantages and limitations. We’ll also explain how to use it step by step and show other alternatives so you can choose the most suitable one for your needs.

What is Opera and what is it for?

You probably know Opera for its web browser, running since 1995, thanks to a research project within the Norwegian telecommunications company. This browser stands out for integrating privacy features and advanced tools like an ad blocker or built-in messaging.

The idea of integrating a VPN directly into the browser was aimed at protecting your IP while browsing the internet, especially on public Wi-Fi, without needing an external VPN.

What does Opera VPN include?

Reviews of Opera VPN agree that it’s a good choice if you want simple, free browser protection. However, if you need a more comprehensive service that fully protects your browsing, you’ll need to get the Pro version. Here’s a table showing features of each VPN version, free and advanced:

BenefitFree VersionPro Version
IntegrationOnly within the Opera browserProtection for the entire device (up to 6)
Logging policyIncludedIncluded
LocationsAmerica, Europe, and AsiaOver 30
Number of Servers100 high-speed serversMore than 3,000 servers
EncryptedAES-256:AES-256:
DNS leak protectionIncludedIncluded
Data LimitNone.None.
AuthenticationNoTwo-factor available
Features of Opera VPN

Privacy and Data Logging Policy

According to an audit by Deloitte, a leading global consultancy, Opera VPN does not log any of your browsing data. It also doesn’t log the user’s IP, so no data will be saved from your internet connection.

Does it protect only the browser or other apps too?

It’s important to know that the free version only protects traffic within the Opera browser. If you need to protect the entire device and external apps, you need the Pro version.

Ease of use and customer support

Another positive aspect highlighted in Opera VPN reviews is its easy accessibility, as it activates directly in the browser settings. Also, with the advanced version, you can chat live with support and enjoy a free trial with a money-back guarantee.

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How to use Opera?

Let’s install Opera VPN. Although it’s a simple process, it differs depending on whether you use the free or Pro version. Here’s a detailed guide on how to install, activate, and connect to servers.

1. Choose the version you need (Free or Pro)

The free VPN version is built into the Opera browser, so you don’t have to pay anything. Just activate it in the browser settings. This option is recommended for basic email protection and general browsing.

If you choose the paid option, you’ll protect all device traffic, including apps, games, and streaming. Opera VPN Pro costs $4.65 (€4.00) per month, with a seven-day free trial.

2. Install and activate the Free VPN

  1. Download and install Opera from the official website.
  2. Open Opera and go to Menu > Settings > Privacy & Security.
  3. Find the VPN section and check “Enable VPN.” A VPN icon will appear in the address bar.

3. Install and activate VPN Pro

  1. Go to opera.com/features/vpn or the Opera menu (if you already have the browser). Choose VPN Pro and subscribe.
  2. Sign in to the browser with your Opera Account.
  3. After purchase, the browser will offer to install VPN Pro or activate device-wide functionality via the VPN badge.

4. How to connect to a server

If you have the free version, click the VPN icon in the browser and press “connect”. The best server for your region will be selected automatically, but you can also choose manually.

With VPN Pro, first open the VPN badge and click “connect”. Then you can select the location by country or city. Finally, check your connection on an IP verification website to see if your IP has changed.

VPN protocols
Easily install and activate Opera VPN. Source: Shutterstock.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Looking at most Opera VPN reviews and its official website, we found a series of advantages making it an affordable solution for basic protection. However, there are also some limitations, shown in the table below:

ProsCons
Opera VPN Free requires no paymentThe Free version only protects the browser
Very easy to use with direct activation from the browserLimited location options in the free VPN
Ideal for basic browsing, quick checks, or light workVariable speed with possible slowdowns in free version
VPN Pro protects the whole deviceVPN Pro is still less robust than premium competitors
Competitive price for VPN ProVPN Pro app isn’t always available on all platforms
Clear and modern interfaceNot optimised for streaming and may block content
Advantages and disadvantages of Opera VPN

User Experience and Reviews of Opera VPN

One way to decide on a digital product is to check reviews. Here, we look at Opera VPN reviews from trusted sources, like Reddit. We selected relevant opinions from remote work, travel, and entertainment, giving you a clear view of its performance.

Reviews for remote work

“Personally, I use Opera VPN as a backup tool. It’s useful for quick fixes, but for serious privacy, I always go with a reliable VPN. This way, I don’t worry about what is actually protected.” (Source: LewisDyer14 – Reddit)

Reviews for streaming

“I tried some websites and streaming services with geo-blocking; some worked, others didn’t. YouTube worked fine, but Netflix didn’t load. Speed was enough for normal browsing, though it slowed slightly when streaming.” (Source: R/VPN_Reviewer – Reddit)

“For general browsing, it’s okay. Speed is usually stable and it reconnects quickly if dropped. But it won’t unblock streaming sites or handle heavy traffic like a real VPN.” (Source: Autobús_amable_1987 – Reddit)

woman in front of a catalogue of streaming services.
Opera VPN reviews for streaming services. Source: Shutterstock.

Reviews for students

“I started using Opera’s built-in VPN this week because I’m staying in a dorm with public wifi, which doesn’t seem very secure…. It connects fast and offers basic regions like America, Europe and Asia, but you can’t choose specific countries, which is a bit limiting” (Source: R/VPN_Reviewer- Reddit)

Reviews for digital nomads

“Speed dropped by 70% in both the US and EU… its only Asian server is unusable… the number of servers offered by Opera VPN… is really poor.” (Source: MundoBytes)

Alternatives to Opera VPN

Besides Opera VPN, many digital options may match or surpass it, according to some user reviews. Here are three alternatives to compare features, prices, and limitations.

1. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is one of the most complete options for privacy, transparency, and clear logging policy. You can choose a free plan with medium speed and servers in five countries, a Plus subscription from $3.47 (€2.99) with 10 servers, and the Unlimited plan from $7.53 (€6.49) per month. Proton VPN has over 15,000 servers in 122 countries, supporting WireGuard, OpenVPN, and AES-256/ChaCha20 encryption protocols.

2. AVG Secure VPN

Another option is AVG Secure VPN, designed to protect your internet connection with bank-grade encryption and allows browsing from over 100 locations. While not the most powerful VPN, it is a good choice for simple, secure protection and costs $4.63 (€3.99) per month. Key features include:

  • Over 700 servers in 36 countries.
  • Supports up to 10 devices simultaneously.
  • 60-day free trial for PC and 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Supports torrenting/P2P in specific locations.
  • Uses AES-256 encryption to protect your connection.

3. TunnelBear VPN

Finally, TunnelBear VPN, founded by McAfee in 2018, offers a free version with a 2 GB monthly limit and an annual plan for $4.00 (€3.45). It’s suitable for basic browsing and connecting to public Wi-Fi easily. Its VigilantBear kill switch protects your IP if the connection drops. Limitations: It’s not the fastest for streaming or torrent downloads.

Frequently Asked Questions about Opera VPN

Does Opera VPN work in China?

According to reviews from users who have travelled there, it doesn’t work reliably. China’s Great Firewall blocks many connections.

Can Opera VPN be used in Cuba?

Cuba’s network infrastructure is limited, so stable access to any content is not guaranteed.

Is there a free Opera VPN plan?

Yes, the free version is included in the browser and requires no registration or additional installation.

Does Opera VPN log browsing data?

Opera states it doesn’t log VPN activity, but since it’s integrated into the browser, it collects some usage data to improve the service.

Can Opera VPN access Netflix or other streaming platforms?

According to various user reviews, this VPN cannot unblock foreign catalogues of major streaming platforms.

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