Opera's Android browser will soon include a free VPN (Update: rolling out)

Update, March 20, 2019, 04:30 ET: Opera for Android version 51 is now rolling out, along with its free, built-in VPN service. Opera announced its rollout to the main app in a press release we received via email, following a short beta period.

The unlimited service uses an encrypted, 256-bit connection, and there’s no sign-in procedure required to make use of it. Simply enable the VPN in-browser, select a location, and enjoy a more private connection (you can learn more about what VPNs are and how they work at the link).

Opera said the rollout had already begun but that it would take more or less time to hit Google Play depending on the region. See if it’s available in your location now via the Play Store link below if you’re interested.  

Previous coverage, February 7, 2019, 15:45 ET: Opera announced that it’s testing a free virtual private network (VPN) in the beta version of its Android browser.

According to Opera, there’s no need to download a separate app to get the VPN up and running — it’s built into the browser itself. Even nicer, the VPN features unlimited use with no data cap. By comparison, other free VPNs usually allot a certain amount of free data use before charging money for further use.

In terms of functionality, you can pick between Europe, America, and Asia. There’s also an Optimal mode which lets the VPN choose the best connection for your location.

You can also enable your search engine to bypass the VPN and detect your region for more relevant search results. Finally, you can enable the VPN for private tabs only.

Opera said its VPN is a no-log service — the company won’t collect information that goes through network servers, which is good news for privacy advocates. Opera didn’t say how fast the VPN connections would be or what type of encryption the VPN uses.

Still, it’s hard to ignore a free VPN with unlimited use. Opera is testing the built-in VPN will gradually roll out to beta users of the Android browser.