Opera VPN Review—Is It Safe?
Known for its innovative features, such as browser AI, the Opera browser offers its 350 million users[1] a built-in Virtual Private Network (VPN) for enhanced privacy and security. This Opera VPN review will examine the VPN's safety, performance, and overall reliability, helping you determine whether it is the right choice for your online security needs.
If you're interested in further boosting your cybersecurity, this article will also introduce a way to secure your payment card details when shopping online.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is valid as of June 2024. The features and offerings of Opera VPN described in this review may change after the publication.
An Overview of Opera VPN Features
This review will analyze Opera VPN by grouping its features into five categories:
- Security and privacy
- Speed and performance
- Server network
- Device compatibility and customer support
- Pricing
Security and Privacy
Opera VPN is available as a free and paid service:
- The free version operates as a browser VPN, encrypting data between the browser and the VPN server.
- The paid version, Opera VPN Pro, integrates with the browser but is also capable of device-wide protection, encrypting traffic between all apps on a device and the VPN server.
Both service options rely on 256-bit encryption[2], the highest level of encryption available. Opera VPN doesn't disclose which protocols it uses, although users have suggested that it employs HTTPS[3]. Opera VPN Pro supports OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec[4]. OpenVPN is the industry standard protocol known for its security, while IKEv2/IPsec is known for its speed and stability.
Opera VPN's security features include[5][6]:
Users looking for advanced security features should consider other service providers, such as Surfshark VPN, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost VPN.
Speed and Performance
In third-party speed tests, Opera VPN has shown mixed results. Opera VPN Pro has faired slightly better, showing decent speed and performance, especially when connected to nearby servers.
Distance from the VPN server, server congestion, baseline connection speed, and chosen protocols can influence the VPN speeds users experience. For those seeking faster and more consistent speeds across a wide range of servers, other VPN services with a free plan, such as Windscribe VPN, Hide.me VPN, or Hotspot Shield VPN, may offer superior performance.
Server Network
Opera's free VPN provides users with access to over 100 servers in three locations. VPN Pro significantly expands the network, offering over 3,000 servers in 30 locations[6].
Access to a bigger network can reduce server congestion, leading to faster and more reliable connections. For users seeking VPNs with even broader server networks, other services such as HideMyAss VPN and Turbo VPN provide extensive server options.
Device Compatibility and Customer Support
Opera VPN is compatible with various devices and operating systems:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Android
- iOS
Opera VPN Pro is available only for Windows, MacOS, and Android[7]. It protects up to six devices with a single account.
Regarding customer support, Opera VPN offers several resources to assist users:
- The Opera Forums provide a community-driven space for users to share experiences and solutions[8].
- The Opera blog features articles and updates related to VPN usage and security[9].
- Tutorials and a comprehensive FAQ page offer guidance on common issues and setup procedures[10].
- For Pro users, a help center with an online form is available for direct inquiries[11].
Opera VPN doesn't provide live chat and phone support, which may be a drawback for users who require immediate assistance.
Pricing
Users who find the free version limiting should consider Opera VPN Pro, which provides three standard plans[12]:
- One month—$8 per month, billed monthly
- Six months—$5 per month, billed as $30 every six months
- One year—$4 per month, billed as $48 annually
Each plan includes a free seven-day trial, allowing users to test the service before purchasing it. Opera also offers occasional discounts on these plans, providing further savings opportunities.
How Safe Is Opera VPN for Online Activities?
Opera VPN creates a secure tunnel to encrypt information, ensuring that data transmitted between your browser and the internet remains protected during transit. However, this encryption may not address all potential risks.
Even with a VPN, you can still fall victim to sophisticated phishing scams or fraud if you share your sensitive information with unfamiliar merchants or accidentally download malware.
To address the potential risks Opera VPN may not mitigate, you should employ additional security methods:
- Cybersecurity education—Educating yourself about the latest cybersecurity threats and knowing how to recognize them can significantly reduce the risk of being tricked by scammers and fraudsters.
- Regular software updates—Ensure your operating system, browsers, and applications are regularly updated, as developers often release updates to fix security vulnerabilities.
- Virtual cards for online transactions—Consider using virtual cards when shopping online to add a barrier between your financial details and potential hackers. While some banks offer virtual cards, independent virtual card providers such as Privacy provide comprehensive security features and more control over spending.
How Privacy Cards Can Boost Online Security
Privacy is a BBB-accredited virtual card provider that allows you to generate unique card numbers with expiration dates and CVVs. If a merchant you used them with suffers a data breach, the hackers can only access your virtual card numbers as your actual financial details are never disclosed to the vendor.
As a PCI-DSS-compliant payment card provider, Privacy uses AES-256 encryption, a military-grade standard, to protect your sensitive data during transmission. Beyond top-tier encryption, Privacy employs several other robust security features:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)—This feature requires a password and an additional verification step to access the account.
- Transaction alerts—Privacy sends real-time notifications to inform you of all activities associated with your virtual cards, allowing you to detect and respond to unusual transactions immediately.
- Fraud mitigation—If you dispute a transaction, Privacy will examine it and file a chargeback against the vendor if there are grounds for it, ensuring your funds are protected.
Privacy Card Types
Privacy offers three types of virtual cards:
Privacy allows you to set spending limits, helping protect your bank account against overcharges and hidden fees as any charge attempt above the limit will be declined.
You can also pause and close your Privacy Cards. This feature can be useful in case a subscription service tries to charge you for another month of unwanted services during the subscription cancellation process.
Convenience Features
To provide a seamless experience when transacting online, Privacy offers several user-friendly features:
- Mobile app—Available for iOS and Android, the Privacy App lets you access and control your Privacy Cards from your smartphone, ensuring you can manage transactions and security settings on the go.
- Browser extension—Available for Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Safari for iOS, the Privacy Browser Extension allows you to generate new card numbers and autofill existing ones directly in your browser.
- Card Notes—Creating customized notes can help you stay organized and mindful of your transactions.
- Shared Card—This feature allows you to share your Privacy Cards with trusted individuals without sharing your financial information.
- 1Password integration—If you use 1Password to manage your passwords, you can also use it to create, use, and control your Privacy Cards.
How To Get a Privacy Card
To get a Privacy Card, follow these four steps:
- Create an account
- Complete the identity verification process
- Link your bank account or debit card to set up a funding source for your virtual cards
- Request your first Privacy Card
Privacy offers four plans:
- Personal—This plan is free for domestic purchases. It allows you to create up to 12 new Merchant-Locked & Single-Use Cards monthly. You can set spending limits, pause, and close cards as needed. The plan provides access to the mobile app and browser extension.
- Plus—At $5 per month, this plan includes all features in the Personal plan and allows you to create up to 24 new cards per month. You receive priority support with live chat available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. This plan also offers Category-Locked Cards, Shared Cards, and custom card notes.
- Pro—For $10 per month, the Pro plan is designed for those needing more cards. It includes everything in the Plus plan and allows the creation of up to 36 new cards per month. Pro users benefit from no foreign transaction fees and 1% cashback on eligible purchases, up to a total of $4,500 per month.
- Premium—At $25 per month, this plan includes all features in the Pro plan and allows the creation of up to 60 new cards per month.
