How safe is Opera's built-in VPN?

In a first of its kind, Opera has attempted to increase the security of its users’ data by adding a built-in virtual private network (VPN) to its desktop and mobile browsers.

How does it work?

It is important to remember that it is not a VPN in the true sense, but a web plug-in that will redirect the browser’s traffic through Opera’s proxy servers. This is a VPN that is a HTTP proxy.

The VPN is incredibly easy to use and works just like any other web extension on your Opera browser. Opera says that its VPN encrypts data with 256-bit encryption. It masks your device’s IP address behind a virtual IP address and ensures that your location, among other things, cannot be tracked. As of now, you can choose an IP address from Germany, Canada, or the US. Select the country that is closest to yours geographically for the best performance.

Five eyes limitation

This free, unlimited VPN is based on SurfEasy VPN, which is based in Canada. If complete privacy is your absolute concern, you’d be better off using another VPN as Canada is a part of the five eyes countries, an infamous alliance of countries that gathers a high amount of processed intelligence of its own citizens and the citizens of multiple other countries worldwide. It is much harder for a VPN based in one of these five countries to be completely secure when compared to other VPN’s.

Works for browser only

Opera’s VPN will only work for your Opera browser. As in, if you use any other applications that require the internet, their data will not be redirected through Opera’s proxy servers. This will be a drawback for most mobile users and a few desktop users, as data that does not come from the browser will be completely unprotected.

Opera’s VPN will not allow you to access Netflix, which can be a major turnoff to a lot of people. This is because Netflix’s software has the capability to detect proxy IP addresses. There are some paid VPNs that can bypass this drawback, but Opera’s built-in VPN has offered no solutions as of now.

In conclusion, the performance of Opera’s VPN is pretty fast when you compare it to other free VPNs and VPN plug-ins. It is perfect for light security needs and as Opera releases more servers in other countries, it will become faster. However, it will not be able to satisfy the needs of extremely privacy conscious users.