Is Opera VPN Safe? Comparison with VeePN

Introduction to Opera VPN

Opera VPN is a free virtual private network (VPN) service offered by the Opera browser, a well-known Norwegian company. This built-in feature of the Opera browser provides users with a secure and private Internet connection, allowing them to browse the Internet anonymously. By hiding their real IP address, Opera VPN helps protect users’ sensitive information from potential threats. The service is completely free, with no data retention laws or logging policies, making it an attractive option for those seeking a secure and private browsing experience. However, it’s important to note that while Opera VPN offers basic privacy features, it may not be as comprehensive as some dedicated VPN services.

Privacy and data logging

Opera VPN: Opera’s built-in VPN is free and doesn’t require signing up, but that doesn’t mean it’s fully private. Opera’s privacy policy for the VPN is very limited and claims not to log any personal browsing data. However, Opera does collect certain information through the browser. Concerns have been raised about browsing history and potential profiling. Opera is a Norway-based company (a 9 Eyes country) now owned by a Chinese consortium, which raises some privacy concerns.

The Nine Eyes intelligence sharing agreement can negatively impact user privacy due to potential surveillance and data retention laws. In fact, Opera has a history of invasive logging practices – reviewers note its vague policy and the likelihood that it stores user IP addresses and browsing-related info despite the “no-log” marketing.

Opera claims not to log detailed browsing history, but this raises skepticism. For example, Opera’s own statements admit the browser processes your IP address and location for features like personalized news and ads. This means while Opera VPN might not keep detailed logs of every site you visit, using it isn’t completely anonymous as your general activity can still be tied back to you through the browser. The absence of an independent audit raises concerns about transparency and reliability.

VeePN is based in privacy-friendly Panama and markets itself as a No Logs VPN. Panama jurisdiction (outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances), has no logging claim: these two things on the surface sound good for privacy. To sum up, VeePN has more privacy options in comparison to Opera’s free VPN (it doesn’t log your web activities or shoe ads in the app), however, it’s not as solid as top VPNs. Both of these services could enhance their user transparency: Opera by clearly disentangling VPN data and browser data, or VeePN by removing trackers and specifying how it is logging.

Security and encryption

Opera VPN: Opera’s “VPN” is technically more of a secure proxy. It does use encryption: specifically, Opera says it uses AES-256 encryption for the data passing through the browser VPN. AES-256 is a very strong cipher (used by governments for security). The catch is that Opera VPN does not use standard VPN tunneling protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard. Instead, it relies on the browser’s built-in TLS encryption (the same HTTPS encryption your browser uses for secure websites). This means Opera VPN doesn’t establish a true VPN tunnel for all your traffic as it’s only encrypting browser traffic, similar to what a HTTPS connection already does.

As a browser-based service, it only encrypts data within the Opera browser and does not extend protection to other applications or Internet activities outside of it. While it provides a secure service for browser traffic, it lacks comprehensive protection for overall device use. It secures traffic within the browser but does not provide protection for all Internet activity. A user’s Internet traffic is routed through a secure encryption tunnel to connect to a remote server. The importance of a tunneling protocol for VPN security cannot be overstated, and Opera VPN lacks this critical feature.

As a result, Opera VPN lacks advanced security features. There’s no Kill Switch to block the Internet if the VPN connection drops, and because it’s browser-only, it leaves other apps unprotected by default. Security tests have also highlighted issues like possible DNS leaks. One review found Opera VPN was not handling DNS requests itself, leading to DNS queries going to third parties and posing privacy risks. In short, Opera’s encryption is solid for what it covers, but its security scope is very limited.

VeePN works as an ordinary VPN service that provides a range of security tools. Additionally, it integrates modern WireGuard protocol with the classic OpenVPN and IKEv2 industry standard protocols. Many of these protocols will create an encrypted tunnel for all your Internet traffic. The data is protected by AES-256 encryption on OpenVPN/IKv2, WireGuard. The level of encryption on Cloud VPN is effectively unbreakable, meaning that your ISP or hackers will not be able to crack your traffic.

Additionally, perfect forward secrecy is supported, as VeePN regularly ensures the changing of encryption keys in order to prevent a single compromised key from being able to decrypt past or future data. It’s very important that VeePN has a Kill Switch on its apps to stop any Internet traffic if VPN connection fails in order to prevent any data leaks by accident. 

Moreover, VeePN has a built-in ad and tracker blocker, and Double VPN connections are supported, directing you via two servers for extra security. By recent tests, VeePN hides your IP and DNS requests without any leaks. In general, VeePN offers much greater security than Opera’s free VPN with VPN tunneling, overall device protection, and other security features.

Opera VPN Pro and extra features

Opera VPN Pro is the premium version of the Opera VPN service that has extra features and benefits for people who require extra security and performance. Users who use Opera VPN Pro will enjoy unlimited bandwidth so that they can have a smooth browsing experience. In addition, the premium service includes access to multiple server locations so that users can choose from a range of the virtual location where they could get more speed and reliability.

Speed, streaming, and P2P

Being a free service, Opera VPN can be slower and less consistent in speed compared to paid VPNs. There are no data limits (unlimited bandwidth), but the server network is small – Opera VPN only lets you choose from three broad regions: Europe, the Americas, and Asia. You cannot select a specific country or city server, and sometimes the “virtual location” you get may not even correspond accurately to the region chosen (users reported cases like selecting “Americas” but getting an IP from an entirely different region).

This lack of choice can affect speed; if Opera connects you to a far-away or congested server, your browsing might feel slow. Opera VPN only routes traffic from the browser through its VPN servers. Additionally, VPN services provide users with a different IP address that enhances online anonymity. In general usage, Opera VPN is fine for basic web surfing, but it’s not known for fast performance under heavy tasks.

When it comes to streaming, Opera VPN is hit-or-miss. It can occasionally unblock some geo-restricted content, for instance, testers have noted it was capable of accessing Netflix US in some cases. However, because you can’t pick specific streaming-optimized servers (and Opera’s IP ranges might be known to streaming services), it’s not a reliable solution for streaming. Many popular platforms like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or BBC iPlayer either won’t work or will have buffering issues on Opera VPN. It is important to select a VPN that allows users to watch Netflix and Hulu without interruptions.

Peer-to-peer file sharing is a definite no-go with Opera VPN. Since it only protects the Opera browser, any BitTorrent client or P2P application you run on your computer will bypass Opera VPN entirely, exposing your real IP. In fact, Opera’s free VPN doesn’t support P2P traffic at all – you would need Opera’s paid VPN Pro (or another VPN) to safely torrent. This means Opera VPN is not suitable for p2p file sharing downloads or other out-of-browser activities that require encryption.

As for VeePN, it delivers more robust performance thanks to its global server network and paid-service resources. It has servers in dozens of countries (with hundreds of servers in total), which helps users find relatively nearby servers for better speeds.

For streaming, VeePN actively advertises unblocking capabilities and it does fare better than Opera VPN. In tests, VeePN was able to access Netflix, allowing viewing of US-exclusive shows. It also succeeded with HBO Max/Go.

For P2P, VeePN is clearly ahead. VeePN allows it on all its servers with no bandwidth limits. You don’t need to jump through hoops – just connect and use your torrent client. Reviews note that downloads through VeePN are fast and stable, with no disconnects during the transfer. Moreover, VeePN’s full-system VPN protection means your P2P traffic stays encrypted and your identity concealed. This is a key advantage if you plan to download files, something Opera VPN’s free version simply cannot safely do. In summary, for speed-intensive activities like streaming and torrenting, VeePN offers much better performance and support than Opera’s free VPN, even if it’s not the fastest VPN on the market.

Opera VPN on devices

Opera VPN can be accessed on multiple devices, meaning if you want to secure the Internet connection of different platforms you have a single option. Opera browser, usable on Windows, macOS and Linux, makes the service available. This implies users are able to take advantage of the benefits of Opera VPN on their desktop computer or laptops with no problems.

Opera VPN also has mobile apps for Android and iOS devices apart from desktop platforms. As a result, it helps users to protect their Internet connection while on the go, by guaranteeing their browsing activities are protected and guarded, no matter if you are using a smartphone or tablet. Opera VPN allows its users to connect multiple devices to the same account, allowing them to protect all their devices with a single subscription. This guarantees secure and private Internet connection on all devices.

Ease of use

Opera’s built-in VPN can be enabled with a simple toggle in the browser settings, as shown above. This integration makes Opera VPN extremely easy for anyone to use — no additional app or signup is required. Once activated, an icon in the address bar indicates your VPN status. The trade-off is that Opera’s VPN only works within the Opera browser, so any activity in other browsers or applications isn’t protected.

Opera VPN: Usability is one area where Opera VPN shines for casual users. Since it’s built directly into the Opera browser, enabling it is straightforward. You just go to Opera’s settings and switch on the VPN option, or click the “VPN” label in the address bar to toggle it on/off when browsing. There’s no need to install a separate program or create an account/password.

As soon as it’s on, Opera will route your browser traffic through the VPN. The simplicity is excellent – even a non-technical user can turn it on with one click. The interface is minimal: you can see a small panel showing data used and a “virtual location” selector (e.g. choose Asia, Europe, or Americas). Because Opera VPN is integrated, it’s also lightweight – it won’t bog down your device with extra background processes (unlike some VPN apps). The downside, as mentioned, is that this convenience only applies to Opera itself.

If you open Chrome, Firefox, or any other app, those will not be using Opera VPN. Additionally, Opera VPN enhances privacy and user experience by removing unwanted advertisements and trackers through its ad blocking feature. However, it lacks split tunneling functionality, which can be a significant drawback for users seeking comprehensive protection. In essence, Opera VPN is as easy as flipping a switch, but its ease of use is limited to the browser environment.

VeePN: Using VeePN involves a few more steps initially, but it’s designed to be user-friendly as well. You’ll need to sign up for a VeePN account and download the app on your device (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and so on). The installation is typical and quick. Once installed, VeePN’s app has a clean interface: usually a big power button to connect, and a server list to choose your desired country. Connecting to VeePN is literally one click (“Connect”) and the app will handle the rest – it will find a server and establish the VPN tunnel.

The app settings allow you to toggle features like the kill switch or auto-connect, but average users don’t need to tweak much. Multi-platform support is a strong point for VeePN. You can use it on your computer, phone, or even as a browser extension for Chrome/Firefox, ensuring all your online activities are covered. 

The service allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, meaning one account can secure all your family’s devices at once. In terms of learning curve, if you’ve never used a VPN app, VeePN’s interface is quite approachable – it’s on par with other popular VPNs. The only slight complexity is that you have to remember to launch the app and connect, whereas Opera’s VPN can start with the browser. All in all, VeePN is easy to use, but requires that initial setup and activation each time, while Opera’s VPN is seamlessly integrated but constrained to Opera’s usage.

Opera VPN and DNS leaks

Opera VPN provides DNS leak protection, a crucial feature that helps prevent users’ sensitive information from being exposed to potential threats. DNS leaks can occur when a user’s Internet Service Provider (ISP) or other third-party services can see their browsing activities, even when using a VPN. Opera VPN’s DNS leak protection feature helps to prevent this by routing all Internet traffic through a secure tunnel, ensuring that users’ data remains private and secure.

Nevertheless, it is important to understand that there is no VPN service that is 100 percent unbreakable. It’s important that users always take precaution when browsing on the Internet, especially when they visit some specific web pages or do certain activities. Although Opera VPN uses DNS leak protection to give further security protection, users need to be more cautious and could use more security protection to keep online privacy.

Conclusion

So, is Opera VPN safe for general use? Opera’s free VPN is safe in the sense that it provides basic encrypted proxy protection in your browser and doesn’t cost anything. It can hide your IP address from the websites you visit and secure your browser traffic on public WiFi to an extent. For very casual needs – like reading geo-blocked content or adding a little privacy while using Opera browser – it’s a convenient tool.

However, Opera VPN comes up short in many areas that matter for safety. It only protects browser traffic, has an unclear logging policy, and operates under a jurisdiction not known for privacy (plus ties to a Chinese firm). It lacks standard VPN security features and doesn’t support activities like P2P file sharing or consistent streaming. In fact, experts strongly advise against relying on Opera VPN if privacy and security are your primary concerns. The pro version offers enhanced features compared to the free version. Maintaining a stable and secure connection while using the service is crucial. Comprehensive security measures are necessary to safeguard users’ Internet activity. On the whole, Opera VPN is a welcome free bonus for Opera browser users but is not a safe VPN for everyday use.

If you want to protect your online activities, to keep privacy and be able to enjoy the content without restrictions a dedicated VPN such as VeePN will be a better choice. More confidence that your data isn’t being logged or leaked, additional protection from malicious WiFi hotspots, and encrypted protection over all your Internet traffic will be given to you by VeePN.

Download VeePN today and enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee! 

Written by VeePN Research Lab VeePN Research Lab is dedicated to provide you latest posts about internet security and privacy.

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