In 2025, we tested the free Opera VPN version, which is essentially a browser proxy service. We will summarize our findings below for a glimpse of the free version’s performance.
This time, we did a thorough testing of the paid Opera VPN Pro version. It’s easy to use, but also a significantly limited VPN that performed surprisingly well in unblocking streaming services. But privacy-wise, it doesn’t offer much, and has some issues that prevent us from recommending it.
You must also install the Opera browser to use it, but it encrypts your traffic device-wide, which is an unusual solution. Here’s where it succeeds, and where it could definitely do better.
Opera VPN Overview
Opera VPN Pro was released in 2022. Even though it is based in Norway, the Opera browser was acquired by Chinese Kunlun Tech Co., Ltd., and this doesn’t say anything good about its jurisdiction.
Norway is also a member of the 9 Eyes group, but OperaVPN Pro has undergone a no-logs audit by Deloitte to prove they do not collect user data.
But that doesn’t compensate for its lack of features. You can’t choose protocols, there’s no split tunneling or double VPN servers, not even a kill switch.
On the other hand, it uses the Lightway protocol. That’s ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol, known for great connection speed and stability.
There’s not much more to add, so let’s jump into test-based facts.
| OVERALL RANK: | #27 Out of 30 VPNs |
| USABILITY: | Easy To Setup and Use |
| LOG FILES: | Audited No-Log Policy |
| LOCATIONS: | 30 Locations, 3,000 Servers |
| SUPPORT: | Limited (Live Chat for Pro Only) |
| TORRENTING: | Not Recommended (Free) / Supported (Pro) |
| NETFLIX: | Works With Multiple Regions |
| ENCRYPTION/PROTOCOL: | HTTPS/TLS Proxy (Free) / AES-256 + Lightway (Pro) |
| COST: | From $4.00/mo |
| OFFICIAL WEBSITE: | https://www.opera.com/features/vpn-pro |
Opera VPN Pros
1. Offers a Free Version
The free version remains completely free with unlimited bandwidth, which is still the most compelling feature.
It bears repeating as it’s one of the key advantages of this service. While many aspects have improved since our original review, the fundamental appeal remains.
Additionally, Opera VPN continues to work with Netflix across multiple regions, which is increasingly rare among free VPN services. The service has also received significant credibility boosts in 2024-2025.
We found the free version easy to set up and use, but with only three locations: America, Europe, and Asia. Remember that it’s essentially a browser proxy, so it uses HTTPS/TLS encryption, which is sufficient, but not the best.
Lastly, it didn’t perform well during our 2025 speed test. We witnessed 70-90% speed reduction, and some users report drops from 636 Mbps to as low as 6.93 Mbps.
But similar performance is not uncommon among free VPNs. We recommend checking out Proton VPN, which offers a better free version. Now, let’s review the paid Opera VPN Pro.
2. Still Works With Netflix (Multiple Regions)
Opera VPN continues to impress with its Netflix compatibility, working across multiple regional libraries including the US, Netherlands, and Singapore.
Why is this still awesome? Because Netflix’s VPN blocking has only gotten more sophisticated since our original review.
The streaming giant continues to employ powerful VPN detection systems, making most VPN services completely ineffective.
Recent testing in 2026 shows that Opera VPN successfully unblocks Netflix US when connected to the American server.
As proof, here’s us unblocking the US-exclusive Netflix title The Wrecking Crew.
We also unblocked Disney+ in the US.
Other libraries we accessed include Netflix and BBC iPlayer in the UK, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and Paramount+. We couldn’t unblock the Netflix Germany and Japan libraries, though.
This puts Opera VPN among a very select group of services that can reliably access Netflix and other major streaming services’ content.
3. Easy To Setup and Use
This remains one of the easiest VPN setups available, requiring no VPN downloads, registration, or complex configuration. You do need Opera browser, though, as Opera VPN Pro is unavailable as a stand-alone app.
Once you launch the Opera browser, you can find the VPN on the left side. Either the free limited version, or the paid Pro if you subscribed.
The screenshot really reveals all there is. You can also find the “Optimal location” option that automatically selects the best server for your connection.
Otherwise, there are no more built-in features. You can click on “Settings,” which will take you to a different screen. Due to the lack of customizable options, we will outline it in the cons section.
4. Independently Audited No-Logs Policy
This is a major improvement since our first Opera VPN tests. In 2024, Opera VPN completed an independent no-log audit conducted by Deloitte, one of the “Big Four” international auditing companies.
The audit, conducted from June 18 to August 10, 2024, verified that Opera’s free browser VPN infrastructure contains no data logging functionality and collects no data about users’ browsing activity or originating network addresses.
According to Deloitte’s findings:
Based on the procedures performed and the evidence obtained, in our opinion, the configuration of IT systems and management of the supporting IT operations was suitably designed and implemented, in all material respects.
This independent verification significantly improves Opera VPN’s credibility compared to the privacy concerns we noted previously.
Opera VPN Cons
While some aspects have improved, significant limitations remain, particularly with the free version.
The fundamental issue persists: the free Opera VPN is still a proxy service, not a true VPN. This means limited protection and several security concerns that users should understand.
Let’s examine the current drawbacks.
1. Free Version Is Still a Proxy, Not a VPN
The core limitation remains unchanged: Opera’s free “VPN” is actually a secure proxy that only encrypts browser traffic using HTTPS/TLS protocols.
While this provides some privacy benefits, it’s fundamentally different from a true VPN:
- No system-wide protection: Only Opera browser traffic is routed through the proxy
- Limited encryption: Uses standard HTTPS encryption, not VPN tunneling protocols
- No protection for other apps: Email clients, torrent software, and other applications remain unprotected
A true VPN creates an encrypted tunnel for all device traffic using protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2. Opera’s free service only masks your IP and encrypts browser data at the HTTPS level.
2. Lack of Cybersecurity Features
Let’s start with the good. Opera VPN Pro successfully passes IP address, DNS, and WebRTC leak tests.
Here’s our alternative IP address and DNS servers.
It also passes WebRTC leak test.
This is great, but also a minimum for all fully-developed VPNs.
We couldn’t find a working kill switch, which other reviews also say is lacking. While switching Opera VPN Pro servers, it kept defaulting to our original connection, causing an IP leak.
Also, there are no obfuscated servers, so it’s not the best choice to bypass censorship. As discussed before, you also won’t find specialty servers, while some VPNs include features like dark web and data leak monitors, while costing less.
3. Speed Limitations
Even though Opera VPN Pro runs on the speedy Lightway protocol, it doesn’t use it to the fullest. Some servers showed decent performance, while others should have had much better results.
We tested it by marking down our baseline speed without a VPN. Then we connected to Opera VPN Pro servers in several regions and noted the difference. Here’s what we got testing Opera VPN Pro speed in 2026:
Baseline
- Download: 252.70Mbps
- Upload: 252.78Mbps
- Ping: 1ms
Nearest Server
- Download: 238.81Mbps
- Upload: 235.93Mbps
- Ping: 9ms
Europe
- Download: 224.96Mbps
- Upload: 226.18Mbps
- Ping: 26ms
US East
- Download: 216.10Mbps
- Upload: 88.10Mbps
- Ping: 97ms
US West
- Download: 194.32Mbps
- Upload: 205.18Mbps
- Ping: 166ms
Asia
- Download: 193.51Mbps
- Upload: 117.59Mbps
- Ping: 288ms
These are by no means bad results. For example, Opera VPN Pro retained 85% of the initial connection speed on the US East server. However, it lowered our upload speed significantly more than twice. Also, we are comparing its speed to other VPNs, and Opera VPN Pro is simply too slow in comparison.
4. Limited Customer Support
The free Opera VPN offers no dedicated customer support:
- No live chat support
- No email support
- Limited to general Opera browser help pages and community forums
- No direct contact options for VPN-specific issues
Opera VPN Pro users get live chat support during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 4 PM CET), but free users must rely on self-service resources.
Firstly, we value that Opera VPN Pro has a live chat support option. However, our queries were only half-satisfied. We asked whether its Lightway protocol was developed by ExpressVPN, and were redirected to an article that doesn’t exactly answer that.
We also read in another review that the Pro version uses NordVPN servers, and asked for information out of genuine curiosity. We were redirected to its Help Center, which is very limited considering other VPN guides and tutorials.
In the end, we didn’t get a straight answer and still lack this information, so customer support can definitely be better.
5. Jurisdiction and Ownership Concerns
While Opera is a Norwegian company subject to strong privacy laws, ownership complexity remains:
- Opera browser was acquired by the Chinese consortium Kunlun Tech in 2016
- VPN infrastructure reportedly operated by third-party providers
- Norway is part of the Nine Eyes intelligence alliance
However, the recent Deloitte audit provides some reassurance about data handling practices.
Opera VPN Costs, Plans, & Payment Methods
Free version: Completely free with unlimited bandwidth, no registration required.
Opera VPN Pro:
- Monthly: $8/month
- 6-month: $5/month (paid upfront)
- Annual: $4.00/month (paid upfront)
All Pro plans include:
- 7-day free trial
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Device-wide protection for up to 6 devices
- 30+ server locations
- Lightway protocol with AES-256 encryption
- Live chat support
Payment is accepted via credit card only. PayPal and cryptocurrency options are not currently available.
Do We Recommend Opera VPN in 2026?
Free version: Limited recommendation.
The free Opera VPN has improved significantly with its audited no-log policy and continued Netflix compatibility. However, it remains a proxy service with substantial limitations:
Good for:
- Casual browser-based privacy
- Accessing geo-blocked content like Netflix
- Basic IP masking for web browsing
- Users who primarily browse within Opera
Not suitable for:
- Complete device protection
- Torrenting or P2P activities
- High-security applications
- Consistent streaming across all platforms
- Business or professional use
Opera VPN Pro: Better but limited value.
VPN Pro addresses many free version limitations but faces stiff competition from established VPN providers. At $4.00/month, services like Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN often provide better value with more features, larger server networks, and better connection speed.
Bottom Line: Opera VPN Pro is acceptable for basic needs if you understand its limitations. For serious privacy protection, consider dedicated VPN services like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
Out of 30 VPN services we’ve reviewed, we currently rank Opera VPN Pro at number 27.