Opera VPN is a unique, built-in feature of the Opera browser that promises to boost your online privacy and security without any extra hassle. As someone always curious about easy and effective ways to stay protected online, I decided to take it for a spin. So, is Opera VPN the real deal, or just another gimmick? Let’s dive into this Opera VPN review and find out!
In this article, you'll learn:
- How Opera VPN performs in terms of speed and security
- Whether it can effectively bypass geo-restrictions
- How easy it is to install and use
- If it's going to slow down your internet connection
- Whether Opera VPN is as trustworthy as it claims to be
Let's examine and see what Opera VPN has to offer!
In a Hurry? Here's a Quick Summary
If you're short on time, here's a quick overview of what I found out for this Opera VPN review:
What You'll Like:
- Free version available with no data caps
- Easy to use interface integrated into Opera browser
- Unblocks some streaming services like US Netflix
- Decent speeds for everyday browsing and streaming
- 30-day money-back guarantee for paid version
What You May Not Like:
- Limited server locations, especially in the free version
- Only works in Opera browser (free version)
- No advanced features like split tunneling or kill switch
- Limited privacy features compared to standalone VPNs
- No anonymous payment options for the paid version
What Makes This Opera VPN Review Different?
Many VPN reviews out there seem to skim over the real-world performance of the services they evaluate. They often rely heavily on information from the provider's website, without really putting the VPN through its paces. That's not how I do things.
For this Opera VPN review, I spent two weeks intensively testing both the free and paid versions. I used it on my Dell XPS laptop running Windows 11, as well as on my Android smartphone. I've captured numerous screenshots to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
I didn't just run a few speed tests and call it a day. I used Opera VPN for my daily browsing, streaming, and even some light gaming. I wanted to see how it performed in real-world scenarios that you're likely to encounter.
Throughout this review, you'll find my honest observations and experiences. I'll tell you what worked well, where Opera VPN fell short, and how it compares to other VPNs I've used. My goal is to give you the most accurate and useful information possible, so you can decide if Opera VPN is right for you.
Buying Opera VPN
When it comes to getting Opera VPN, you have a couple of options. There's a free version that comes built into the Opera browser, and a paid version called Opera VPN Pro that offers more features and server locations.
The paid version, Opera VPN Pro, comes in two subscription plans: 1 month and 6 months. If you're looking to save some cash, the 6-month plan is the way to go—it comes with a 38% discount compared to the monthly option. Plus, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is always nice to have.
Here's how I went about getting the paid version:
- First, I headed over to the Opera VPN website and clicked on the "Subscribe" button for the 6-month plan.
- A window popped up telling me that I needed to use the Opera browser to complete the purchase. So, I switched over to Opera.
- Next, I had to create an account by entering my email address (you can also use Google, Facebook, or Apple IDs if you prefer) and setting a password.
- After that, I received an activation email which I had to click to confirm my account.
- From my account dashboard, I clicked the "Try for free" button to start the 7-day free trial. Interestingly, you have to start the trial even if you want to pay right away.
- To begin the trial, I had to enter my personal information and payment method. They accept debit and credit cards, but unfortunately, there's no option for anonymous payments like cryptocurrency.
One thing I appreciated was that there were no upsells or hidden costs. Everything you need is included in the subscription plan you choose.
After the purchase, I received an email from PayPal with my invoice and subscription details. The whole process was simple and took only a few minutes.
Installation
Getting Opera VPN up and running was a breeze. For the free version, you don't need to install anything extra if you already have the Opera browser. It's just a matter of enabling the VPN feature in the browser settings.
For the paid version (Opera VPN Pro), there's a desktop app to install. Here's how it went:
- I downloaded the installer directly from my Opera account dashboard.
- Launched the installer and the whole process took less than 30 seconds.
- There were no choices to make during installation, making it very simple.
The desktop client for Opera VPN Pro doesn't have a full interface like some other VPNs. Instead, it adds a system tray icon that you can use to connect, disconnect, or access settings.
One thing to note is that while the free version only works within the Opera browser, the paid version allows you to use the VPN system-wide, protecting all your internet traffic.
Overall, the installation process was quick and trouble-free, which is always a plus in my book.
Interface
Opera VPN's interface is refreshingly simple and easy to navigate. Let's take a closer look at what you'll see when you fire it up.
The main interface of Opera VPN shows the connect button and location selectorThe main VPN menu opens when you click the VPN icon next to the address bar in Opera browser. Here's what you'll find:
- A large connect/disconnect button dominates the top of the interface
- Below that, you'll see text indicating whether you're "Protected" or "Unprotected"
- There's a gear icon that takes you to the settings
- You can select your desired server location from a drop-down menu
- At the bottom, there's a world map that shows your current VPN location
I found the interface to be intuitive and user-friendly. Even if you're new to VPNs, you shouldn't have any trouble figuring out how to connect and choose your location.
For the paid version (Opera VPN Pro), there's also a system tray icon where you can quickly disconnect, open settings, or quit the VPN entirely.
When it comes to customization, Opera VPN keeps things simple. You can view the VPN window in whatever language you've set for Opera. To change this, you'll need to go into Opera's settings, add a new language, and restart the browser.
As for themes, the VPN window will match whatever theme you're using in Opera - either dark or light. While this isn't a huge range of customization options, it does ensure that your VPN interface fits seamlessly with the rest of your browsing experience.
The settings menu for Opera VPN only has a few optionsThe settings are pretty bare-bones. The main option you'll find is the ability to auto-start the VPN after an accidental stop. While some users might appreciate more advanced settings, I found that this simplicity made the VPN very easy to use, especially for beginners.
Overall, I was impressed with how straightforward and clean the interface is. It might not have all the bells and whistles of some standalone VPNs, but it gets the job done without any fuss.
VPN Servers
As far as server coverage goes, Opera VPN offers a decent but not outstanding network. The paid version (Opera VPN Pro) boasts over 3,000 private servers spread across more than 30 countries. This is a respectable number, though it falls short of some top-tier VPNs, such as Private Internet Access and ExpressVPN.
It's worth noting that Opera VPN's headquarters are in Norway, which is part of the 14 Eyes Alliance. This could be a concern for users who prioritize privacy, as these countries are known to share intelligence information.
On a positive note, Opera VPN claims to use only physical servers, not virtual ones. This can potentially lead to better performance and security compared to VPNs that rely heavily on virtual servers.
The server selection screen showing available locationsThe server selection interface is straightforward. You can browse the full list of locations or choose from your recently used servers. There's also an "Optimal location" option, which automatically connects you to the nearest server for the best speed and ping.
In my Opera VPN review testing, connecting to a server typically took just a few seconds, which is pretty quick. Once connected, the VPN maintained a stable connection without any random drops, which was nice to see.
However, it's important to note that the free version of Opera VPN is much more limited in terms of server selection. You only get access to three server locations, which significantly restricts your options for bypassing geo-blocks or optimizing performance.
While Opera VPN's server network isn't the largest or most diverse I've seen, it should be sufficient for most users' needs, especially if you're using the paid version. Just keep in mind that if you need servers in very specific locations, you might want to look at VPNs with more extensive networks.
Gaming
When it comes to gaming, Opera VPN doesn't offer any specific features that set it apart from other VPNs. There are no dedicated gaming servers or optimization settings, which might disappoint serious gamers looking for a VPN to enhance their gaming experience.
Despite this, I decided to put Opera VPN through its paces with some popular online games. I tested it out with World of Warcraft and League of Legends, two games that require a stable connection for a good experience.
My experience was generally positive, albeit not outstanding. I didn't encounter any major issues or lag that significantly impacted my gameplay. However, the ping wasn't the best - I was getting around 35 ms, which is okay for casual gaming but might be a bit high for competitive play.
It's worth noting that using any VPN can potentially increase your ping and decrease your connection speed, which can affect gaming performance. Opera VPN seemed to have a relatively minor impact in this regard, but your experience may vary depending on your location and the server you're connecting to.
For casual gamers who just want to access geo-restricted game content or protect their connection while playing, Opera VPN should be adequate. However, if gaming is your primary reason for getting a VPN, you might want to look at services that offer more gaming-specific features and optimizations.
Torrenting
Regarding torrenting, Opera VPN doesn't offer any specific features tailored for P2P file sharing. There are no dedicated torrenting servers or settings to optimize your connection for downloads. However, that doesn't mean you can't use it for torrenting - it just might not be the best choice if this is your primary use case for a VPN.
Opera makes an interesting claim about their VPN Pro service potentially making your internet speed faster. They suggest that by using their VPN, your internet service provider won't limit your speed, and there are no bandwidth limitations. They even mention a data savings mode in the Opera Browser that you can use alongside the VPN.
In my testing for this Opera VPN review, I didn't notice any increase in speed - in fact, I saw a slight decrease, which is typical when using a VPN due to the encryption overhead. However, the impact was minimal and didn't significantly hinder my torrenting experience.
I tested Opera VPN by downloading some Linux package installers via BitTorrent. The process was smooth, with no interruptions, and the speed was decent - I averaged about 300 Mbps. This is more than adequate for most torrenting needs.
It's important to note that while Opera VPN allows torrenting, they emphasize not using their service for illegal activities. Always ensure you're only downloading content that you have the right to access.
Overall, while Opera VPN isn't specifically optimized for torrenting, it performs adequately for this purpose. The lack of bandwidth restrictions is a plus, especially on the free version. However, if you're a heavy torrenter, you might want to look at VPNs that offer more P2P-specific features and optimizations.
Streaming
One of the key uses for a VPN is accessing geo-restricted streaming content, so I made sure to put Opera VPN through its paces in this area. Here's what I found:
Opera VPN does a decent job with streaming, but it's not without its limitations. I tested it with several popular streaming platforms, focusing on Netflix since it's one of the toughest to unblock.
Here are my results:
- Netflix US: Successfully unblocked
- Netflix UK: Unable to connect
- Netflix Germany: Didn't work
- Netflix France: Didn't work
- Netflix Spain: Didn't work
As you can see, the results were mixed. While I was able to access US Netflix, which is a significant achievement given how hard Netflix works to block VPNs, I had no luck with other regional Netflix libraries.
This pattern suggests that Opera VPN might be more focused on providing access to US-based content rather than offering a wide range of global options. This could be fine if you're mainly interested in US streaming services, but it might be disappointing if you're looking to access content from other countries.
It's worth noting that streaming performance can vary over time as streaming services continually update their VPN detection methods. What works today might not work tomorrow, and vice versa.
In terms of streaming quality, when I was able to connect, the experience was smooth. I didn't notice any significant buffering or drops in video quality, which suggests that Opera VPN's speeds are adequate for streaming in high definition.
Overall, while Opera VPN isn't the most comprehensive option for streaming, it does offer some value, especially if you're mainly interested in US content. However, if accessing a wide range of global streaming services is your primary goal, you might want to consider a VPN that specializes in unblocking multiple regional libraries.
For my speed tests, I used a Dell XPS laptop with an Intel i7-1065G7 CPU @ 1.30GHz and 16 GB of RAM running on Windows 11. My network configuration is Wi-Fi 5 protocol with a theoretical speed of 866 MBps.
I tested both the free and paid versions of Opera VPN, connecting to various servers at different times of day. Here are my findings:
Free VPN:
No VPN: 465 Mbps download, 222 Mbps upload, and 35 ms latency
USA (Los Angeles, CA): 9 Mbps download, 4 Mbps upload, and 226 ms latency
Europe: 246 Mbps download, 79 Mbps upload, and 61 ms latency
Asia: 1 Mbps download, 1 Mbps upload, and 742 ms latency
Paid VPN:
No VPN: 465 Mbps download, 222 Mbps upload, and 35 ms latency
USA (Los Angeles, CA): 10 Mbps download, 1.2 Mbps upload, and 647 ms latency
GERMANY: 360 Mbps download, 140 Mbps upload, and 58 ms latency
FRANCE: 330 Mbps download, 140 Mbps upload, and 81 ms latency
SPAIN: 280 Mbps download, 130 Mbps upload, and 72 ms latency
ITALY: 420 Mbps download, 130 Mbps upload, and 114 ms latency
UK: 316 Mbps download, 124 Mbps upload, and 45 ms latency
Image DescriptionComparing the free and paid versions, there's a significant difference in performance. The free version suffers from considerable speed drops, especially when connecting to distant servers. The paid version, on the other hand, maintains much better speeds across various locations.
It's worth noting that the speeds for US servers were surprisingly low in both versions. This could be due to high server load or distance from my location. European servers performed much better, often maintaining speeds above 300 Mbps.
Overall, the paid version of Opera VPN offers decent performance, with speeds that should be more than sufficient for most online activities including streaming and browsing. The free version, while usable for basic tasks, shows significant limitations, especially when connecting to distant servers.
VPN Privacy Features
Is Opera VPN’s free offering a lifesaver in 2024 or just a marketing gimmick? See how it compares in this Opera VPN Review.
VPN Protocols
As far as VPN protocols go, Opera VPN keeps things simple - perhaps too simple for some users' tastes. The service primarily uses OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec protocols, which are both well-regarded in the VPN industry for their balance of security and speed.
OpenVPN is known for its robust security and is often considered the gold standard in VPN protocols. It's open-source, which means it's been thoroughly examined by the security community. IKEv2/IPsec, on the other hand, is known for its stability and is particularly good for mobile devices as it can effortlessly switch between Wi-Fi and cellular networks.
However, it's worth noting that Opera VPN doesn't support the WireGuard protocol, which is increasingly popular due to its speed and efficiency. This could be seen as a disadvantage, especially for users who prioritize cutting-edge technology.
Opera VPN doesn't offer users the ability to choose which protocol they want to use. The service automatically selects the best protocol based on your network conditions. While this simplifies things for less tech-savvy users, it might frustrate those who prefer more control over their connection.
Encryption and No-Logs Policy
Opera VPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard and considered virtually impenetrable with current technology. This level of encryption ensures that your data remains secure as it travels between your device and the VPN server.
Regarding their logging policy, Opera VPN claims to operate a strict no-logs policy. According to their privacy statement, they don't keep any logs of your online activity or your original IP address. This is crucial for maintaining user privacy.
However, it's important to note that Opera VPN hasn't undergone any independent audits to verify these claims. Many top-tier VPNs now regularly submit to third-party audits to prove their no-logs policies, and the lack of such audits for Opera VPN might be a concern for privacy-conscious users.
DNS and IP Leak Protection
To test the DNS and IP leak protection for this Opera VPN review, I ran several tests using online tools. Here are the results:
IP Leak Tests:
- ipleak.net: Opera VPN passed
- perfect-privacy.com: Opera VPN passed
DNS Leak Test:
- dnsleaktest.com: Opera VPN passed
These results suggest that Opera VPN does a good job of protecting against both IP and DNS leaks. This is crucial for maintaining your privacy online, as leaks could potentially expose your real location or browsing activity.
However, it's worth noting that Opera VPN doesn't offer any additional features in this area, such as IPv6 leak protection or a WebRTC leak prevention tool. While the basic protection seems solid, users looking for more thorough leak protection might find the offerings a bit limited.
Wi-Fi Protection
Opera VPN provides basic Wi-Fi protection by encrypting your internet traffic. This is particularly useful when you're connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unsecured and can be trouble spots for cybercriminals.
When you're connected to Opera VPN, your data is encrypted, making it much harder for anyone on the same network to intercept and read your information. This includes sensitive data like login credentials, financial information, or personal messages.
However, Opera VPN doesn't offer any specific features or settings for Wi-Fi protection beyond its standard VPN functionality. Some other VPNs offer features like automatic connection when detecting an unsecured Wi-Fi network or the ability to set trusted networks. The absence of these more advanced features might be a drawback for some users.
Device Compatibility
Opera VPN's device compatibility is somewhat limited compared to standalone VPN services. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Free Version: Only works within the Opera browser on desktop computers (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Paid Version (Opera VPN Pro): Supports Windows and Android devices
With one Opera VPN Pro subscription, you can secure up to 6 Android and desktop devices. This is a decent number and should be sufficient for most individual users or small families.
However, there are some notable limitations:
- No iOS Support: At the time of this review, there's no dedicated app for iOS devices. This is a significant drawback if you're an iPhone or iPad user.
- Limited Desktop Support: While the free version works on any desktop OS that can run the Opera browser, the paid version only has a dedicated app for Windows. Mac and Linux users are left out.
- No Smart TV or Gaming Console Support: Unlike some VPNs that offer apps for smart TVs or setup guides for gaming consoles, Opera VPN doesn't provide these options.
- No Router Support: You can't install Opera VPN directly on your router to protect all connected devices.
These limitations mean that Opera VPN might not be the best choice if you're looking for comprehensive protection across all your devices. It's particularly limiting if you use a mix of operating systems or want to protect devices beyond your computer and phone.
On the positive side, the integration with the Opera browser in the free version is flawless, and the Android app for the paid version works well. But if you're looking for a VPN that covers a wide range of devices and operating systems, you might need to look at other options.
Opera VPN Review: Conclusion and Recommendations
After spending two weeks writing this Opera VPN review, I've come away with mixed feelings. It's a service that offers some solid benefits but also has significant limitations. Here's my overall assessment:
The Good:
- Easy to use, especially the free version integrated into the Opera browser
- Decent speeds on the paid version, suitable for most online activities
- Successfully unblocks US Netflix
- No bandwidth restrictions, even on the free version
- 30-day money-back guarantee on paid plans
The Not-So-Good:
- Limited server locations, especially in the free version
- Lack of advanced features like split tunneling or kill switch
- No support for iOS devices
- Limited device compatibility overall
- No anonymous payment options
My Recommendations:
- For Casual Users: If you're primarily a desktop user who just wants basic protection while browsing, the free version of Opera VPN integrated into the Opera browser could be a good fit. It's simple to use and doesn't restrict your data.
- For Streaming Fans: If your main goal is to access US Netflix, Opera VPN can do the job. However, for more comprehensive streaming options, you might want to look at VPNs with broader unblocking capabilities.
- For Privacy-Focused Users: While Opera VPN offers basic protection, the lack of advanced features and independent audits might be a concern. If privacy is your top priority, you might be better served by a more feature-rich, audited VPN service.
- For Multi-Device Users: The limited device compatibility, especially the lack of iOS support, makes Opera VPN less than ideal if you need to protect a variety of devices.
- For Gamers and Torrenters: While Opera VPN works for these activities, there are no specialized features. If gaming or torrenting is your primary use case, consider a VPN with dedicated servers or optimizations for these tasks.
In conclusion, Opera VPN is a decent option for basic VPN needs, especially if you're already an Opera browser user. However, it falls short in several areas compared to top standalone VPNs. If you need more comprehensive protection, wider device support, or advanced features, you might want to investigate other options in the VPN market, such as CyberGhost and NordVPN.
FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Opera VPN:
1. Is Opera VPN really free? Yes, Opera VPN offers a free version that's integrated into the Opera browser. However, it's limited in server locations and only works within the browser. There's also a paid version (Opera VPN Pro) with more features and broader device support.
2. Is Opera VPN safe to use? Opera VPN uses standard encryption protocols and claims to have a no-logs policy. However, it hasn't undergone independent audits to verify these claims. While it provides basic protection, users requiring high levels of privacy might want to consider alternatives.
3. Can Opera VPN unblock Netflix? In my testing, Opera VPN was able to unblock US Netflix consistently. However, it struggled with other regional Netflix libraries. Its performance with other streaming services may vary.
4. Does Opera VPN work in China? Opera VPN doesn't advertise the ability to bypass China's Great Firewall, and there are no specific features designed for heavily censored countries. Users in China or other countries with strong internet restrictions might need to look for VPNs specifically designed to work in these environments.
5. How does Opera VPN compare to standalone VPN services? While Opera VPN offers basic VPN functionality, it lacks many advanced features found in standalone VPNs. It has a more limited server network, fewer supported devices, and doesn't offer features like split tunneling or a kill switch. However, its free version and browser integration could make it attractive for casual users who primarily need protection while browsing.
Octav Fedor (Cybersecurity Editor)
Octav is a cybersecurity researcher and writer at AntivirusGuide. When he’s not publishing his honest opinions about security software online, he likes to learn about programming, watch astronomy documentaries, and participate in general knowledge competitions.