Opera GX, the gaming-focused browser developed by Opera Software, includes a completely free and unlimited built-in VPN service that protects browser traffic with industry-standard encryption. This integrated security feature represents a significant development in browser-based privacy protection, making Opera GX one of the few major browsers to offer native VPN functionality without requiring additional downloads, extensions, or subscription fees for basic usage. The VPN encrypts internet traffic using robust 256-bit encryption, implements a strict no-logging policy verified by independent audits from Deloitte, and operates across multiple geographic regions including the Americas, Europe, and Asia. However, the VPN’s functionality is limited to browser traffic only and does not provide device-wide protection, a distinction that is crucial for users to understand when evaluating its security benefits. For users seeking comprehensive protection across multiple devices, Opera offers the premium VPN Pro subscription service, which operates with the next-generation Lightway protocol and covers up to six devices simultaneously. This comprehensive analysis examines Opera GX’s VPN capabilities, technical specifications, security implementation, limitations, and how it compares to dedicated VPN services and other browser-based solutions.
Understanding Virtual Private Networks and Their Role in Modern Browsing
A virtual private network, or VPN, functions as a critical privacy tool by encrypting internet traffic and routing data through a remote secure server rather than directly connecting to websites through your local internet service provider. When a user accesses a website without VPN protection, the website can identify the user’s IP address and approximate geographic location, allowing for potential tracking and data collection. By activating a VPN connection, users create an encrypted tunnel between their device and a VPN server, which then connects to the destination website, making the website see the VPN server’s IP address instead of the user’s actual address. This masking of identity and location serves multiple protective functions, particularly when accessing the internet through public wireless networks where unauthorized users might otherwise intercept unencrypted data. VPNs protect users in two fundamental ways: first, they encrypt traffic between the user’s device and the VPN server so that even the internet service provider cannot observe the user’s online activity; second, they disguise the user’s IP address and location to prevent identification and tracking by both websites and malicious actors. The importance of VPNs has grown significantly as online privacy concerns have intensified, leading major browser developers to integrate VPN functionality directly into their applications rather than requiring users to download and manage separate software applications.
Opera GX’s VPN Implementation: Architecture and Browser Integration
Opera GX, launched in 2019 as a specialized browser for gamers, incorporates VPN technology as a native feature built directly into the browser application rather than requiring installation of a separate program or browser extension. This integrated approach eliminates the need for users to download additional software, create accounts, or navigate complex configuration processes—users simply need to open Opera GX, access the settings, navigate to Features, and toggle the VPN option to enable protection. The VPN badge appears immediately in the address bar once activated, providing a clear visual indicator that the user’s browser traffic is being routed through Opera’s secure servers. According to Opera’s documentation, the free VPN in Opera GX is built directly into the browser itself, meaning that unlike browser extensions that operate as add-ons and may require separate maintenance and updates, the VPN functionality receives updates simultaneously with the browser itself. The integration is so seamless that Opera GX users have access to the VPN immediately upon downloading the browser without requiring any registration process, login credentials, or account creation—contributing to Opera’s philosophy of keeping online security simple and accessible. This design philosophy recognizes that friction in the setup process often prevents users from adopting security measures, so Opera has optimized the VPN to be as frictionless as possible while maintaining robust security standards.
Free VPN Features and Geographic Coverage
Opera GX’s free VPN service provides unlimited data transfer with no bandwidth caps, allowing users to browse, stream, and download content without worrying about data usage restrictions that plague many free VPN services. Unlike many free VPN providers that limit users to a handful of server locations or impose data caps that force users to upgrade to paid plans, Opera’s free browser VPN offers genuine unlimited access to its VPN infrastructure. The free version includes access to servers across multiple geographic regions: the Americas, Europe, and Asia, though users cannot select specific countries within these regions. Instead, users can either select their preferred region or choose the “optimal location” option, which allows Opera’s system to automatically select the best-performing server based on current network conditions and load. When users enable the VPN and click on the VPN badge in the address bar, they can see real-time information about data transferred, their virtual location, and their virtual IP address, providing transparency about the VPN’s operation. The free VPN is available across all of Opera’s browser offerings, including Opera GX for both Windows and Mac, Opera for Android and iOS, and the standard Opera browser for desktop. Users have reported that the interface is intuitive and the activation process requires minimal technical knowledge, making it accessible to mainstream users who may lack experience with VPN technology.
Technical Security Specifications and Encryption Standards
Opera GX’s VPN employs 256-bit AES encryption, which represents the strongest encryption standard available in commercial applications today and is the same encryption level used by the United States government and military for protecting classified information. The 256-bit designation refers to the length of the encryption key used to encrypt data sent over the VPN connection; to break this encryption using brute-force methods, a hacker would theoretically need more than a billion years of computational time, even using the fastest available computers. When a user enables Opera GX’s VPN, the browser creates a secure encrypted tunnel between the user’s device and one of Opera’s physical VPN servers, ensuring that all browser traffic is protected before reaching its destination. The encryption operates at the transport layer, protecting data both in transit from the browser to Opera’s servers and from Opera’s servers to the final destination websites. For users accessing websites through HTTPS connections, the protection is layered: the browser-to-VPN connection uses the Opera VPN encryption, and then the VPN-to-website connection uses additional HTTPS encryption, providing defense-in-depth security architecture. Opera’s technical implementation includes DNS leak protection, ensuring that domain name system queries—which could otherwise reveal which websites users visit—are routed through encrypted channels rather than being exposed to internet service providers. The infrastructure has been independently audited by Cure53, a respected Berlin-based cybersecurity firm, which confirmed that the VPN implementation provides good security protection against various attack vectors.
No-Logging Policy and Privacy Commitment Verification
Opera maintains a strict no-logging policy for its free VPN service, meaning that the company does not record, store, or retain any information about users’ browsing activity, originating network addresses, or any other identifying information. This commitment has been independently verified through a comprehensive audit conducted by Deloitte, one of the “Big Four” international auditing firms that has performed similar audits for other trusted VPN providers. Between June 18 and August 10, 2024, Deloitte’s team conducted an extensive examination of Opera’s VPN infrastructure, including inspection of VPN infrastructure and IT systems, review of server configuration and deployment processes, examination of relevant system descriptions and documentation, and interviews with relevant Opera employees. Deloitte’s audit confirmed that “there is no data logging functionality built into the VPN service, and no data whatsoever is collected about users’ browsing activity, browsing history, originating network address, or other identifying information,”. Importantly, the audit report stated that “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, based on the criteria described in Opera’s Management Assertion, as of 10th August 2024.” Additionally, the audit verified that logging functionality is not even built into the VPN infrastructure in the first place, meaning that even if someone attempted to force Opera to surrender user data through legal means, the company would be unable to comply because no such data exists. Opera’s commitment to privacy is further supported by its headquarters in Norway, where the company is subject to GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and other European privacy laws, some of the strictest data protection regulations in the world. When government authorities or law enforcement agencies contact Opera regarding investigations, they must do so through Norwegian authorities, and Opera has established a bi-annual transparency report documenting such requests.
Activating and Using Opera GX’s VPN Service
Enabling Opera GX’s VPN protection involves a straightforward process that even users unfamiliar with VPN technology can easily complete. To activate the VPN, users should first open the Opera GX browser, then access settings by either clicking the gear icon in the left sidebar or pressing Alt+P on Windows or Cmd+, on Mac. Once in the settings menu, users navigate to the left sidebar and select “Advanced,” then click “Features” to access the feature options. Under the VPN section, users will find a toggle switch that they can simply click to enable the VPN. Once enabled, a VPN badge appears in the combined address and search bar at the upper left corner of the browser, providing a constant visual reminder that VPN protection is active. Clicking on this VPN badge opens a control panel displaying critical information including an on/off switch, data transfer statistics, the current virtual location, and the virtual IP address being used. From this same control panel, users can change their virtual location by selecting from the available regions—Americas, Europe, or Asia—or they can choose the “optimal location” option to allow Opera’s system to automatically select the best server. To turn off the VPN, users simply click the toggle switch in the VPN badge panel, which immediately disconnects the VPN protection and reverts to normal browsing through their regular internet connection. The entire activation process takes fewer than thirty seconds, and the browser remains fully functional both with and without VPN protection enabled.
Browser-Only Protection: Understanding VPN Scope Limitations
A critical distinction that Opera clearly communicates is that the free VPN in Opera GX protects browser traffic only and does not extend to the entire device. This means that when a user enables Opera GX’s VPN, only the data transmitted through the Opera GX browser itself is encrypted and routed through Opera’s VPN servers. If that same user opens another browser like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge while Opera GX’s VPN is active, the traffic from those other browsers will not benefit from VPN protection and will continue to route through the user’s regular internet service provider with no encryption. Additionally, applications running outside the browser—such as email clients, messaging apps, video conferencing software, streaming applications, or peer-to-peer file-sharing programs—will not have their traffic protected by Opera GX’s browser-based VPN. For example, if a user is downloading a file using a standalone torrent application while Opera GX’s VPN is active, the torrent traffic will be completely unencrypted and unprotected because the VPN only operates within the browser environment. This limitation is sometimes misunderstood by users who expect VPN protection to cover their entire device and all network activity, leading to potential security gaps if users assume their device is comprehensively protected. Websites and services accessed through the Opera GX browser receive the benefit of IP masking and encryption, but this protection does not extend beyond the browser itself. Opera is transparent about this limitation and recommends users who require device-wide protection across all applications and all network traffic to upgrade to Opera VPN Pro, the company’s premium VPN offering.
VPN Pro: Premium Device-Wide Protection and Enhanced Features
For users requiring comprehensive protection beyond browser-based traffic, Opera offers VPN Pro, a premium subscription service that provides device-wide VPN protection across up to six simultaneous devices. Unlike the free VPN that only protects browser traffic within Opera GX, VPN Pro encrypts all network traffic originating from the device, regardless of which application generates the traffic, providing protection for email, messaging apps, streaming services, online gaming, and any other internet-connected activity. VPN Pro is available through Opera’s subscription model with flexible pricing options: annual plans at $4 per month when paid annually ($48 yearly), semi-annual plans at $5 per month ($30 every six months), and monthly plans at $8 per month for users preferring shorter commitment periods. All VPN Pro plans include a seven-day free trial period, allowing potential subscribers to test the service before committing financially, and a 30-day money-back guarantee if users are unsatisfied with the service. The premium service has been significantly upgraded with the implementation of the Lightway protocol, an open-source VPN protocol developed by ExpressVPN and launched in 2020. Lightway is designed with efficiency and speed as core principles and is built using the Rust programming language, which contributes to its performance benefits without impacting device battery life—a particular advantage for mobile users. The protocol has been independently audited twice by security experts to confirm its effectiveness, and it incorporates post-quantum cryptography protections, ensuring that VPN Pro encryption will remain secure against potential future threats involving quantum computing.
Opera VPN Pro’s infrastructure has been substantially upgraded to support modern usage demands. The service now provides access to 3,000+ fast VPN servers located across 48 global locations, including the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, South Korea, and Japan. Each server guarantees a minimum of 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) throughput, enabling fast and reliable connections even when multiple devices are connected simultaneously. The expansion from 33 previous locations to 48 locations provides VPN Pro users with significantly more geographic flexibility and the ability to find servers located closer to their actual physical location, improving connection performance and reducing latency. Users can connect up to six devices—combining Android and desktop devices through Opera One, Opera GX, and Opera for Android—with a single VPN Pro subscription, making it a cost-effective solution for households with multiple devices or individuals managing multiple computing devices. VPN Pro maintains the same no-logging policy as the free VPN, with the additional benefit that the premium service uses Nord’s servers, which have already undergone extensive independent audits for no-logging compliance, adding an extra layer of verification to privacy claims. The integration of Lightway protocol specifically addresses previous concerns about VPN Pro’s speed, as Lightway typically delivers faster connection speeds compared to traditional VPN protocols while maintaining strong security standards.
Comparison with Dedicated VPN Services and Other Browsers
Unlike Opera GX’s integrated VPN, most competing browsers lack native VPN functionality, requiring users to rely on standalone VPN applications or browser extensions to achieve similar protection. Google Chrome, the dominant browser with approximately 73 percent global market share, does not include any built-in VPN service, forcing Chrome users to either purchase dedicated VPN software or rely on unvetted browser extensions that may not provide adequate security. Microsoft Edge has been testing a similar feature called Secure Network, but it requires users to log in with their Microsoft account and automatically connects to the nearest location without geographic selection options, offering less user control compared to Opera’s VPN. Apple’s Safari browser, which accounts for over 92 percent of iOS browser usage and 51 percent of macOS browser usage, similarly lacks built-in VPN functionality, leaving Safari users without native privacy protection. Firefox, while offering strong privacy protections through tracking prevention and other privacy features, does not include an integrated VPN service, though users can purchase Mozilla VPN as a separate service. The availability of Opera’s free, unlimited browser VPN with no registration requirements distinguishes it from many dedicated VPN services that impose data caps, require monthly or yearly subscriptions, and demand account creation and login processes.
However, independent security reviews have highlighted important distinctions between Opera’s VPN and traditional dedicated VPN services. Some security researchers argue that Opera’s free VPN functions more as a proxy service rather than a true VPN because it lacks the full VPN protocol stack and instead uses HTTPS encryption with a preconfigured HTTP/S proxy configuration. A proxy operates at the application layer and primarily hides the user’s IP address through routing traffic through a proxy server, while a true VPN operates at the network layer and protects all device traffic regardless of application. Although this technical distinction is valid from a networking perspective, Opera’s free browser VPN still provides meaningful privacy benefits within its intended scope—protecting browser traffic with strong encryption and IP masking. The distinction becomes more important when users have specific requirements; for torrenting, accessing restricted content through specific country selection, or protecting non-browser traffic, dedicated VPN services offer advantages that Opera’s browser-based solution cannot match. Several independent VPN review sites recommend alternative VPN services for users with higher privacy demands, noting that dedicated VPN services like Surfshark, ProtonVPN, and NordVPN offer broader protection, more granular location selection, faster speeds, and additional security features. For casual users who primarily need to mask their IP address while browsing and who don’t require comprehensive device-wide protection, Opera GX’s free VPN represents a compelling option due to its accessibility, lack of subscription requirements, and integration directly into the browser.
Performance and Speed Considerations
Speed performance represents one of the most frequently cited concerns regarding Opera GX’s VPN service, with independent testing revealing varying results depending on server location and network conditions. Independent VPN reviewers have reported that using Opera’s VPN can result in significant speed reductions, with some tests showing download speed reductions of 70 to 90 percent compared to unprotected browsing speeds. Specific speed tests conducted by independent reviewers reported concerning results: European server connections showed ping latency of 135 milliseconds with download speeds of only 7.91 megabits per second and upload speeds of 2.03 megabits per second, while Americas server connections showed ping latency of 130 milliseconds with download speeds of 14.99 megabits per second and upload speeds of 1.34 megabits per second. By comparison, other VPN services using modern protocols like WireGuard typically deliver speeds that are only 20-30 percent slower than baseline speeds, with some premium services achieving speeds of 950+ megabits per second on modern connections. Opera’s own testing showed more moderate impacts, with speed tests revealing results in the 230-280 Mbps range when connecting from both UK and US locations, approximately what would be expected from an IKEv2 protocol connection. The variation in reported speeds suggests that performance depends heavily on the user’s baseline internet connection speed, the geographic region selected, and the current load on Opera’s servers. For users with faster baseline connections or those prioritizing privacy over maximum speed, the performance impact may be acceptable; for users with slower connections or those requiring high-speed streaming or downloading, the speed reduction could be problematic.
The more recent upgrade to VPN Pro with the Lightway protocol specifically addresses previous performance concerns, as Lightway has been optimized for speed and is designed to have minimal impact on bandwidth and battery life, particularly benefiting mobile users. Tom’s Guide’s review of Opera VPN Pro noted that the infrastructure upgrades to 3,000 servers with 10Gbps capability should deliver faster and more reliable connections compared to the previous infrastructure configuration. However, it’s important to note that the free VPN in Opera GX has not yet been updated with Lightway protocol, so users relying on the free service will not immediately benefit from these speed improvements. The performance gap between Opera’s free VPN and competing services represents a trade-off between cost, accessibility, and performance that users must weigh according to their individual priorities and use cases. Gamers specifically, who represent Opera GX’s target audience, may experience reduced online gaming performance when VPN is enabled due to increased latency and bandwidth usage, potentially affecting competitive gaming where millisecond-level response times are critical.
Geographic Limitations and Content Access Restrictions
One significant limitation of Opera GX’s free VPN is the geographic restriction imposed on server selection, which prevents users from accessing content restricted to specific countries with precision. The free VPN allows users to select only broad geographic regions—the Americas, Europe, or Asia—rather than specific countries within those regions, meaning a user selecting the Americas region might receive an IP address from Canada, the United States, Brazil, Colombia, or any of the other 35 nations in the Americas. This imprecision creates problems for users attempting to access content restricted to specific countries; if a streaming service requires a UK IP address but the user’s VPN assigns them a French IP address, the geographic restriction will prevent access even though both are in Europe. Opera forum posts document user frustration with this limitation, with one user noting “If I travel to Europe and need a VPN in the US and select Americas, I could very well be getting a server located in Colombia. As it is right now, it is of no use.” The VPN Pro service addresses this limitation by providing access to private servers in 48 specific countries with precise country-level selection, though this benefit only applies to paid subscribers. For accessing region-specific streaming services, accessing content from a particular country, or ensuring consistent geographic representation, Opera GX’s free VPN has meaningful limitations that dedicated VPN services don’t share. Users seeking to access content from a specific country should either upgrade to VPN Pro or consider using a dedicated VPN service that offers precise country-level server selection.
Gaming-Specific Considerations and Resource Management
Opera GX was specifically designed for gamers and includes advanced resource management features that complement the VPN functionality. The browser includes GX Control, a dedicated resource limiter that allows gamers to set hard caps on CPU and RAM usage to prevent the browser from consuming system resources needed for gaming. This is particularly relevant to VPN usage because VPN encryption and server routing require additional computational resources and may otherwise consume CPU cycles and RAM that could be allocated to gaming applications. Gamers can configure GX Control to ensure that Opera GX uses only a specified percentage of available CPU and RAM, protecting gaming performance while still maintaining browser functionality and VPN protection. Additionally, Opera GX includes a Network Limiter feature that allows users to restrict the amount of bandwidth the browser can utilize, ensuring that gaming applications receive priority access to available bandwidth. For online multiplayer gaming where connection latency and packet loss directly impact competitive performance, users should be aware that VPN encryption adds latency compared to direct connections. The VPN will route all game traffic through Opera’s servers, which increases response times and may introduce packet loss, making the free browser VPN potentially unsuitable for competitive gaming where every millisecond matters. However, for casual gaming or single-player gaming where latency is less critical, the VPN can provide privacy benefits without significantly impacting gameplay experience.
Independent Security Audits and Third-Party Verification
Opera’s commitment to transparency regarding VPN security is evidenced through third-party security audits conducted by respected independent security firms. In March 2022, Cure53, a Berlin-based IT security consultancy with more than 15 years of experience in cybersecurity assessments, completed a comprehensive security audit of Opera’s VPN clients, servers, and related infrastructure. The Cure53 team conducted penetration tests, code audits, and security examinations of Opera VPN server and client components, testing across four major work packages. The audit identified 14 security-relevant issues, of which 8 represented actual vulnerabilities and 6 were general weaknesses with limited exploitation potential. Five findings were rated as high severity, but importantly, no findings received critical severity ratings. Most identified issues were addressed and fixed by Opera’s development team, with 8 of the 14 issues confirmed as properly mitigated through diff reviews, 1 issue partly fixed with verification, and 5 remaining issues classified as acceptable risks due to tightly controlled factors or flagged as false alerts. Cure53’s conclusion was unambiguous: “the overall security strength of the Opera VPN clients, servers and periphery delivers, after fix verification having concluded, good impressions, particularly with regard to injection attacks, malicious users and external data access from sources outside of the organization as no injection-related or access-control issues were left unfixed.”
The more recent Deloitte audit specifically focused on Opera’s no-logging policy and data privacy practices, examining the infrastructure and systems supporting the free VPN service across desktop, Android, and iOS platforms. Deloitte’s engagement period ran from June 18 to August 10, 2024, and included inspection of VPN infrastructure and IT systems, review of server configuration and deployment processes, examination of relevant documentation and policies, and interviews with Opera employees. Deloitte verified that “the configuration of IT systems and management of the supporting IT operations was suitably designed and implemented, in all material respects”. The audit confirmed that there is no data logging functionality built into the VPN infrastructure, meaning even if Opera received legal orders to produce user data, the company would be unable to comply because no such data is collected or stored. This independent verification by two separate reputable auditing firms—Cure53 for general security and Deloitte for no-logging practices—provides strong third-party assurance that Opera’s VPN security claims are genuine rather than mere marketing claims. However, critics note that independent audits, while valuable, represent snapshots in time and don’t constitute continuous real-time monitoring, so potential vulnerabilities introduced through future updates would not be detected until subsequent audits are conducted.
Privacy Policy Considerations and Data Collection Practices
While Opera maintains a strict no-logging policy for VPN traffic specifically, users should understand that Opera does collect certain data for product improvement and security purposes, as documented in Opera’s Privacy Statement. Opera’s Privacy Policy explains that a unique device ID is used to track “the product features you use, how often you use the app, runtime environment and UI session activity,” though Opera claims this ID is not linked to personally identifiable information. If the VPN application crashes, Opera collects crash reports including browser, operating system, platform, and memory data to help developers identify and fix issues. Additionally, Opera partners with certain third-party advertising platforms, including Google and Facebook, for advertising and analytics purposes, which has led some privacy advocates to question the company’s overall commitment to privacy despite the no-logging VPN policy. Opera is based in Norway and subject to GDPR, which provides strong legal protections for user privacy and data retention, and the company has committed to complying with these regulations. When government authorities or law enforcement agencies request user data, they must do so through Norwegian authorities, who then contact Opera; since Opera maintains no logs of VPN activity, such requests cannot result in the disclosure of VPN browsing activity. This framework provides meaningful privacy protection within the limits of what data is actually being collected, though users concerned about comprehensive privacy should review Opera’s complete Privacy Statement to understand all data collection and retention practices.
Limitations Specific to Opera GX’s VPN Implementation
Beyond the geographic and scope limitations already discussed, Opera GX’s free VPN has several other limitations that users should understand when evaluating whether it meets their specific needs. The VPN is not available in all geographic regions; some users have reported that the VPN option is simply not available in their location due to regulatory or business restrictions. Users accessing Opera GX from certain regions may find the VPN simply doesn’t appear in settings, and Opera forum moderators have suggested that this is intentional due to geographic restrictions on VPN services in particular countries. Websites that provide content restricted by geographic location sometimes detect and block VPN usage, preventing access to content even when a VPN is active. Additionally, the precise IP address assignment cannot be controlled in the free version, meaning users cannot guarantee they’ll receive an IP address from a particular country, making it unsuitable for accessing strictly location-dependent content. The browser-only protection means that other applications running simultaneously will have no VPN protection, which could lead to leaks of sensitive information if users assume comprehensive device protection is active. Torrenting is explicitly not supported through Opera GX’s free VPN, meaning users attempting to download files through peer-to-peer protocols will find their traffic unprotected and unencrypted. These limitations collectively mean that Opera GX’s free VPN is best suited for casual browsers prioritizing privacy and anonymity during general web browsing rather than for users with specific needs like content streaming, torrenting, accessing geo-restricted content, or comprehensive device-wide protection.
Regional Availability and Geolocation Restrictions
Opera’s VPN service is not universally available to all users worldwide, and geographic restrictions prevent some users from accessing the VPN feature entirely. Forum posts document users unable to find the VPN option in their Opera GX settings, with Opera moderators confirming that this reflects intentional geographic restrictions rather than technical failures. Users in regions where Opera has determined VPN services face regulatory challenges or business constraints may find the VPN feature simply absent from their Opera GX installation. Additionally, some users have reported that while the VPN feature appears in their settings, activation generates error messages stating “this service is currently not available in your region”. These geographic restrictions reflect the complex legal landscape surrounding VPN services in different countries; some nations have imposed restrictions or bans on VPN usage, while others require local licensing or compliance with local data protection laws. For users located in affected regions, the free VPN remains inaccessible, though they can still use all other Opera GX features. VPN Pro, Opera’s premium service, may have different geographic availability than the free VPN, but Opera’s website does not provide a comprehensive list of countries where VPN services are restricted. This geographic fragmentation means that global users should not assume the VPN will be available in their location and should verify availability before relying on Opera GX VPN for privacy protection.
Recent Updates and Ongoing Development
Opera continues to enhance both its free VPN and VPN Pro services through regular updates and technological improvements. The most significant recent development is Opera’s implementation of the Lightway protocol in VPN Pro, which represents a major architectural upgrade providing faster speeds, improved battery efficiency, and enhanced security through post-quantum cryptography. Opera has indicated through its public roadmap that additional VPN product improvements are planned based on community feedback, suggesting that the company remains committed to evolving both free and premium VPN offerings. In May 2025, Opera GX released a major update focused on tab management features including side-by-side tab viewing, recent page history tracking, and collapsible tab grouping, demonstrating the browser’s continued evolution as a feature-rich gaming browser. The integration of Bluesky into the Opera GX sidebar in this update further demonstrates Opera’s commitment to adding social features alongside privacy protections. Opera has also expanded VPN Pro’s server network from 33 locations to 48 locations and increased server capacity to guarantee 10 Gbps per server, showing investment in infrastructure to support growing user numbers. These ongoing developments suggest that Opera recognizes the importance of VPN functionality and continues investing in improving both the free service available to all users and the premium service for users requiring comprehensive device-wide protection.
User Adoption and Market Position
Opera GX has gained significant traction among its target gaming audience, with approximately 34 million monthly active users as of the fourth quarter of 2024, representing 14 percent annual growth. Among Generation Z users globally, Opera GX has experienced a 26 percent rise in usage, indicating strong appeal to younger demographics who prioritize both gaming functionality and privacy features. Overall, the Opera browser family (including all variants such as Opera, Opera GX, and Opera for Android) maintains approximately 1.75 percent of global browser market share, placing it fifth in market share behind Chrome (73.22%), Safari (13.27%), Edge (4.61%), and Firefox (2.2%). While Opera’s overall market share remains modest compared to dominant browsers, Opera GX’s growth trajectory and user engagement metrics demonstrate meaningful market validation for the gaming-focused approach and privacy-first feature set. Users switching to Opera GX from other browsers can import their bookmarks, history, passwords, and other settings through Opera GX’s simple import feature, reducing switching friction. Opera GX users report strong satisfaction with the combined package of privacy features, gaming-specific functionality, and performance optimization tools, contributing to the browser’s growing user base.
Comparison with Opera for General Users
While this analysis focuses on Opera GX, it’s important to note that Opera’s standard browser for general users offers similar VPN functionality with identical security and privacy characteristics. The standard Opera browser includes the same free, unlimited browser VPN with 256-bit encryption, no-logging policy, and the same geographic region limitations. The primary distinctions between Opera and Opera GX lie in gaming-specific features such as GX Control for resource management, GX Corner for gaming news and deals, Twitch integration, and the extensive modding capabilities. For general users who aren’t interested in gaming features but want browser privacy protection, the standard Opera browser offers all the privacy and security functionality at potentially lower resource consumption than Opera GX. VPN Pro is available for both Opera and Opera GX users, providing the same device-wide protection with identical pricing and features. Users choosing between Opera and Opera GX should base their decision on whether they value the gaming-specific features, not on VPN functionality, since both browsers offer equivalent VPN capabilities.
Opera GX’s VPN: The Query Concluded
Opera GX absolutely includes a built-in VPN service that provides meaningful privacy protection for browser-based internet activity. The service is completely free, requires no registration or login, operates with unlimited data transfer, uses industry-standard 256-bit encryption, and maintains a verified no-logging policy through independent audits by Deloitte and Cure53. For casual internet users seeking to mask their IP address, encrypt their browser traffic, and maintain browsing privacy without paying for a subscription service, Opera GX’s free VPN represents an excellent solution that eliminates the friction typically associated with VPN adoption. The seamless integration directly into the browser, combined with the transparent interface showing data usage and virtual location, makes VPN protection accessible to mainstream users without requiring technical expertise.
However, potential users should understand the important limitations and trade-offs inherent in Opera GX’s browser-based VPN implementation. The protection is limited to browser traffic only, meaning other applications and device-wide traffic remains unprotected. Users cannot select specific countries but only broad regions, limiting the service’s utility for accessing region-specific content. Performance is notably slower than some competing dedicated VPN services, with some testing showing substantial speed reductions. The service is not available in all geographic regions, and some users find the VPN feature simply unavailable in their location. For users with these specific requirements—comprehensive device protection, precise country selection, maximum speed, or guaranteed global availability—Opera GX’s free VPN may not fully meet their needs.
For most appropriate use cases, Opera GX’s VPN works exceptionally well: casual browsing on public Wi-Fi networks where security is paramount, general privacy protection from ISP tracking and website identification, and basic anonymity for typical web browsing activities. The verified no-logging policy and independent audits provide genuine assurance that browsing activity isn’t being logged or sold to advertisers, addressing legitimate privacy concerns. For users requiring device-wide protection, precise country selection, or applications beyond the browser, Opera VPN Pro represents a compelling paid option at $4 per month with the Lightway protocol providing strong security, access to 48 countries, device-wide protection, and performance optimization.
Ultimately, Opera GX’s integrated VPN represents a significant development in browser privacy protection by democratizing access to VPN technology without subscription requirements, complex setup processes, or additional software installations. While not a replacement for dedicated VPN services in all use cases, Opera GX’s VPN functionality meaningfully enhances online privacy for millions of users, particularly gamers and casual internet users prioritizing security simplicity over maximum feature comprehensiveness. As privacy concerns continue increasing and users seek simpler mechanisms to protect their data, Opera’s built-in VPN approach demonstrates that substantial privacy protection can be achieved through thoughtful browser design and integration rather than requiring users to adopt multiple separate applications and services.
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