Opera VPN under test: proxy service for browsers

Proxy instead of VPN

Opera VPN is permanently free and has no data restrictions. However, the service is only used as a VPN for limited purposes. Read why this happened during the test.

Edit rating6.1(139)

Server selection and speed

5.0

Operation and operating system

7.0

Transparency and security

4.0

Cost-effective

9.0

Test conclusion: suitable for occasional users

Opera VPN only improves security in the case of public networks. On the other hand, the service is ideal for covering up your identity in front of the website. Because the speed is moderate and there are few servers, the service is limited.

We like that

• free
• Unlimited data

We don't like

• Without VPN, there is no security
• Few servers
• medium speed

table of Contents

1. Opera VPN under test: VPN and proxy-what's the difference?
   

2. OperaVPN in practice
   

   1. Use Opera VPN with streaming services
      

   2. Use Opera VPN to access Kinox.to and Movie4k
      

   3. Opera VPN bypasses local network interference
      

3. Opera VPN test: performance
   

4. in conclusion
   

Opera VPN must have a big disadvantage in the test. Due to careful inspection that it is a proxy service-the term VPN is quite misleading. However, the application is suitable for disguising the identity and location on the Internet. The tool is integrated in the Opera browser, so the operating mode is limited to the data transmitted through the Opera browser. There are only three server locations available. In addition, you can find "real" VPN services in our VPN comparison test.

Surf safely with Opera browser! Integrate free VPN!

tip! You can find the download here. Both Opera VPN and desktop versions on iOS provide instructions for setting up services.

Opera VPN under test: VPN and proxy-what's the difference?

The VPN server forwards your data traffic and is always characterized by encrypting the data. The server integrated into the target server (such as a website) in this way cannot read the data in transit.

On the other hand, the proxy server accepts requests from the computer and submits them to the target server as a proxy. There is no direct forwarding, but there is data transmission and transmission. From the computer to the Opera server, these data are transmitted in encrypted form. This is why the service is also suitable for safe surfing in public networks, for example. But: Opera will decrypt your data and then pass it to the destination. In theory, a proxy server can manipulate data or analyze user behavior to support personalized advertising.

Therefore, contrary to traditional VPN services, "Opera VPN" is only used to increase online privacy within a limited range. However, compared to content accessed using a VPN server, the same anonymization effect can be achieved.

OperaVPN in practice

But what does the technical difference between proxy and VPN mean to use the service every day? To answer this question, in this section, we are not only concerned with technical data, but also with application scenarios where VPN services are used particularly frequently.

Use Opera VPN with streaming services

One of the main application areas of VPN services is to bypass countries in the field of video streaming. Netflix, Amazon Video and Co. offers vary by region. Soon, you will no longer be able to access your favorite movies and series from abroad.

In this case, we encountered a major disadvantage of Opera VPN: the service does not allow the selection of specific server locations. Instead, choose between "North and South America", "Europe" and "Asia". However, for streaming, it is important to control specific servers in the country where the streaming content is located. For this, Opera's choice is too inaccurate.

If you still want to use Opera for streaming even though the server and IP address are randomly assigned, you should be interested that Netflix did not prevent us from accessing through Opera VPN in the test. At the time we were surfing on US IP addresses through Opera VPN. However, weirdly, we obtained access to the Swedish version of Netflix. If needed, you can participate in some surprise streams through Opera.

Use Opera VPN to access Kinox.to and Movie4k

Many users are interested in whether the VPN service is suitable for accessing streaming portals (such as Kinox.to and Movie4k.to). Compared to Netflix, HBO, and Co., these pages are not blocked in any country, but are sometimes blocked by Internet providers. And you can bypass such blocking through VPN or proxy.

Using Opera VPN, you can access Kinox and Co .. You can also use the service to circumvent any provider side locks. However, we do not recommend visiting this website. You can find out the reason by clicking on the corresponding page title, followed by more information about netzwelt.

Opera VPN bypasses local network interference

VPN services and proxies (such as Opera VPN) are very suitable for bypassing Internet interference. If you connect directly from your Internet or surf directly from the target server, this is always possible. Because in this case, there may be errors on the transmission path. Because VPNs and proxies route your data traffic through alternate transmission paths, errors can usually be avoided in these situations.

The more servers the VPN service provides, the more alternative routes can be formed in the event of a corresponding failure. With only three areas, Opera VPN is not the best location here. Nevertheless, the service is usually suitable for avoiding interruptions, because the first alternative route is often useful. Before relying on VPN as a helper for connection problems, you should check whether the Internet provider or the service you are calling is currently malfunctioning.

Opera VPN in practice

Opera VPN test: performance

Opera VPN performed moderately in our speed test. When connecting to European servers, the average download speed is 13.94 Mbit, which is very good-especially for free. However, the average 0.14 Mbit upload is disappointing. The ping of 104 ms is also negative.

However, the appropriate speed should be sufficient for many daily activities. Thanks to good download speeds, music and video streaming can basically be achieved. However, due to poor uploading, Opera cannot be used for any activities that must send large amounts of data. Due to the slow upload speed, there is no need to ask Opera VPN whether it is suitable for point-to-point data transmission or torrent.

This makes Opera VPN a reliable and anonymous solution for occasional use. If you are seriously looking for privacy or speed, you should look for alternatives in our VPN comparison.

Edit rating6.1(139)

Server selection and speed

5.0

Operation and operating system

7.0

Transparency and security

4.0

Cost-effective

9.0

Information about tested products

You can find more information on how we deal with test products, how to conduct tests, and general guidelines for editors in the Transparency Guide.