Opera adds automatic VPN for public Wi-Fi

Opera’s free desktop browser VPN can now turn on automatically when it detects a public or unsecured Wi-Fi network. The opt-in setting is rolling out to desktop users in the US and France.

Users must enable the feature in settings first. Opera has offered its built-in VPN since 2016; it does not require an account and has no fixed bandwidth cap. The company says its no-logs policy has been independently audited by Deloitte.

The option appeared in testing earlier this month in release notes for Opera Developer 137. Arjan van Leeuwen, Head of Opera One Engineering, said VPNs “are a vital part of users’ digital hygiene.” Opera also says Chrome and Safari do not offer built-in browser VPN features by default. It cites We Are Social data showing that 23% of internet users worldwide used a VPN in Q4 2025.

Opera VPN Free protects traffic only inside the browser. Opera VPN Pro, a paid tier launched in 2022, covers up to six Windows, macOS, or Android devices. Since mid-2025, it has used ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol, with 48 server locations and post-quantum protection enabled by default. Opera lists Pro from $4 per month and offers new users a 7-day free trial.