Over recent years, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have surged in popularity as users look to bypass online censorship, secure their data, and access restricted content. Leading names like ProtonVPN, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are often the go-to tools — although they come at a cost. Among the few free alternatives, Opera’s built-in VPN stands out as a widely available and easy-to-use option, integrated into its mobile and desktop browsers for almost a decade.

However, in the tech world, the old adage still applies: “If you’re not paying for the product, you are the product.” And VPNs are no exception. While Opera also offers a paid VPN Pro service that uses ExpressVPN's Lightway Protocol, this article focuses solely on its free VPN option embedded in the browser.

At the core of any VPN is the promise of privacy — primarily delivered through encryption. This ensures that user data, especially over public networks, is scrambled and protected from potential threats. Opera’s free VPN also adheres to this principle.

“When you enable Opera's VPN, your browser creates a secure tunnel between you and one of our physical VPN servers, and encrypts your browser traffic with industry-standard 256-bit encryption,” says the company.

That 256-bit encryption, considered a gold standard, is almost impossible to crack — reportedly requiring “300 trillion years from traditional computers” according to the Center for Strategic & International Studies.

Beyond encryption, Opera states that it does not track or log user activity via its free VPN. Independent audits, including by cybersecurity firm Cure53, have evaluated and cleared Opera’s claims around infrastructure and privacy practices. The company monetizes this offering through its business partnerships, in-browser ads, and the VPN Pro subscription — rather than by selling user data.

Still, free VPNs generally come with warnings. The Mozilla Organization has cautioned users that “free VPNs don't have the resources to develop and maintain strong security protocols,” which leaves them vulnerable to evolving cyber threats. Often, these tools rely on advertising or even user data sales to sustain operations.

Opera’s credibility helps it stand apart, but history has shown the risks associated with lesser-known free VPNs. A case in point: an FBI investigation exposed a global botnet that used free VPN apps like MaskVPN and DewVPN to distribute malware and harvest over 19 million IP addresses, generating millions by selling the data.

Moreover, a study of the top 100 free VPN apps on Google Play Store revealed troubling results — nearly 90% leaked data, about 30% had weak encryption, and 20% were classified as malware. While Opera’s VPN has passed security audits, users should be aware of its limitations: it only secures traffic within the Opera browser, meaning data outside of it — like in other apps or browsers — is not protected. Additionally, network performance may not match that of paid competitors.