Opera Software launches Opera VPN Pro for Android

Martin Brinkmann
Apr 13, 2022
Opera
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Opera Software, best known for its Opera web browser, launched the commercial VPN service Opera VPN Pro for Android this month.

Opera Software's browsers include built-in VPN functionality that is free to use. The new Pro version extends the service to the entire device. Connecting to the free VPN in Opera encrypts only the traffic in the browser, but any other application that is run on the Android device does not benefit from it.

As far as specifics are concerned: Opera Software claims that customers get access to more than 3000 VPN servers in locations around the world when they subscribe to the service. Up to six Android devices can be protected, and the VPN component is integrated into the Opera web browser, which means that customers do not have to install another app to add the VPN functionality to their devices.

Opera Software states that its VPN service is a "no-log service". The company offers early bird access for interested users, and there is a 7-day trial for users who want to test the service before they make a buying decision.

All plans offer the same functionality, and the pricing differs based on the subscription period. Customers may sign-up for one-month or three-month periods, which cost $2.99 or $1.99 respectively. It is unclear for how long the early bird pricing is available.

Opera customers who subscribe to VPN Pro get several benefits. Besides device-wide support, customers may also select specific regions to connect to, enable auto-connect on startup, and switch the VPN protocol. Unfortunately, only OpenVPN and IKEv2 are available, which means that Wireguard is missing.

Usage is simple. Open the Opera web browser on the Android device, select VPN, and sign-in to the Opera account if you are not signed-in already. There you get the options to connect to the fastest server or a server in a specific region. Opera VPN Pro supports servers in more than 30 different countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, Germany, France, and United Arab Emirates.

Apps and services worked as expected during tests, but the browser in question is still a beta product.

Closing Words

Android users who want to try Opera VPN Pro may download the beta version of the browser for Android here. The version includes the VPN component that is used to establish system-wide VPN connections.

The VPN service is limited to Android currently, and this may be one of the main reasons why Opera Software is launching it with a reduced price point. It is unclear if desktop support is planned, but it seems likely as it would improve the VPN product significantly.

Plenty of information is missing at this point, including whether there are data thresholds and whether Opera Software is managing the entire infrastructure of the service.

Some Android users, especially those using the Opera browser already, may find the addition of the device-wide VPN service useful, as it eliminates the need to install another application on the device. Some users may want more information, especially about the infrastructure that is used before they make a decision.

Could this move be an option for Mozilla as well? The Firefox-maker operates a VPN service as well with the help of Mullvad and it could, in theory, integrate it into the Firefox browser to reach a larger audience.

Now You: what is your take on Opera VPN Pro? Will other browser makers follow?

Summary
Article Name
Opera Software launches Opera VPN Pro for Android
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Opera Software, best known for its Opera web browser, launched the commercial VPN service Opera VPN Pro for Android this month.
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Ghacks Technology News
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Comments

  1. Anonymous said on April 14, 2022 at 10:47 am
    Reply

    From the point of view of privacy, Opera brand itself, acquired by Chinese company, is not that reliable at all. Throw away Chinese products if you want privacy.

  2. Yash said on April 13, 2022 at 3:43 pm
    Reply

    So another company(yeah I know Opera had VPN before) starts VPN service. It has thousands of servers, a no log policy and more. What could go wrong!

    All in all Opera browser on Android is missing an app store and some games. Once those get added it will be rebranded to OperaOS. Perfect for a normie who only uses smathphone.

    1. Iron Heart said on April 13, 2022 at 7:57 pm
      Reply

      @Yash

      Last I checked, Opera’s so-called VPN was little more than a proxy service. That being said, why would anyone trust them even if it was an actual VPN? Their browser’s privacy policy is atrocious, they don’t give two shits about user privacy there. Why would they suddenly care for their VPN? I don’t trust this company at all.

      @DonaTMNT

      That Opera does not allow you to use any other search engine than the bundles ones is a unique trait of Opera. If that bothers you, use another browser. You can only improve if Opera was your starting point.

      1. ThrowAwayUrTV said on April 14, 2022 at 9:45 am
        Reply

        I think almost all browsers privacy-wise suck completely. One has to use some very niche browser, something like Lynx that lacks almost every feature, especially content blocking in order to be private.

        So people should just use whatever they want.

    2. DonaTMNT said on April 13, 2022 at 5:52 pm
      Reply

      @Yash
      Yeah, they all care about your privacy! It’s not just a marketing scheme for (dumb) humans to fall in the trap and pay for their service.
      In this case, Opera cares so much about you they won’t even let you add and make default your own search engine, something so basic is restricted by them because money… sorry, I mean because of Security!!

      All your traffic going through their nice paid VPN, it will protect you forever and you will be private, and anonymous and secured for life! This is the future and we have many companies to take care of us, that’s good!

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