Opera's VPN Service Discontinued
Opera's mobile VPN applications for iOS and Android are no longer available.
This shutdown specifically impacts users of those standalone mobile apps.
The integrated VPN feature within the Opera browser itself remains unaffected and continues to function.
This browser-based service is actually powered by Surfeasy, a company formerly owned by Opera.
Opera permanently ended its standalone VPN service on April 30, 2018.
While Opera points users towards Surfeasy's own VPN offerings, better alternatives generally exist.
Surfeasy provides both free and paid VPN tiers, but other providers surpass it in critical areas.
Faster connection speeds, enhanced security protocols, and superior access to restricted content are common advantages found elsewhere.
Numerous robust VPN options, both free and paid, serve as effective replacements.
Thorough comparisons of leading paid VPN services highlight key features for informed decisions.
NordVPN consistently ranks as a top contender among these alternatives.
Its performance and reliability make it a highly recommended choice for former Opera VPN users seeking a new solution.
For those seeking robust alternatives to Opera VPN, focusing on premium services that deliver excellence is crucial.
Key benchmarks include multi-device compatibility, swift performance, and ironclad security measures.
Additionally, strict no-log policies and reliable support are vital for user trust and efficiency.
NordVPN exemplifies these standards, offering a standout paid option with full functionality during its 30-day trial.
Access all features without limitations and cancel easily within the period for a complete refund.
This approach ensures you test thoroughly before any long-term commitment.
Explore further insights in our dedicated VPN testing methodology for deeper analysis. Jun 2025
Boasting top-tier status among Opera VPN replacements,
NordVPN excels particularly for accessing geo-restricted entertainment platforms.
It reliably unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer,
and Amazon Prime Video across its expansive global server infrastructure.
Your privacy remains ironclad thanks to military-grade encryption,
rigorous leak prevention, and an automatic kill switch.
The service strictly adheres to a verified no-logs policy,
ensuring none of your online activities or connection details are recorded.
Compatible across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices,
a single subscription supports six simultaneous connections.
While occasional delays might occur when initially connecting to servers,
its overall performance delivers impressive speeds for smooth browsing and streaming.
Robust 24/7 live chat support complements the experience,
readily available to guide you or answer any questions. Surfshark stands out as a budget-friendly, high-speed VPN with an impressive global network of approximately 3,200 servers spanning over 100 locations, including major countries like the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. In recent speed tests, it averaged over 300 Mbps, making it one of the fastest options available.
One of Surfshark’s unique features is its unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to protect all your devices without any additional costs. It also offers robust security and privacy features such as 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. The service includes a stealth mode that can bypass strict internet controls, such as those in China.
For those who need assistance, Surfshark provides 24/7 live chat support to help with any issues. Apps are available for a variety of platforms, including macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS.
- Outstanding value for money
- High-speed performance
- Unlimited device connections
- Round-the-clock customer support
- Multi-hop servers for added security
However, some advanced features may require upgrading to a higher plan. Overall, Surfshark is a top choice for anyone looking for a reliable, fast, and secure VPN at a very affordable price. It even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
For a more detailed look, check out our comprehensive Surfshark review. ExpressVPN stands out as a premium service, albeit at a higher cost. It excels in delivering consistently fast speeds and robust security features, such as military-grade encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and top-notch leak protection. Importantly, the company maintains a strict no-logging policy, ensuring your online activities and IP address remain private.
For streaming enthusiasts, ExpressVPN is a reliable choice. It supports popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. If you need help finding the right server for your preferred streaming service, their 24/7 live chat support is always available to assist.
The service is accessible across a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and certain Wi-Fi routers. This versatility makes it easy to stay protected on all your devices.
Key highlights include:
- An extensive network of servers
- Some of the fastest connection speeds in the industry
- Compatibility with numerous streaming services
- Advanced security and privacy features
- Round-the-clock customer support
However, it's worth noting that ExpressVPN is one of the more expensive options, and identifying the best servers for streaming can sometimes be challenging.
Overall, ExpressVPN is a highly versatile and user-friendly service. Its vast, high-speed server network, strong privacy measures, and compatibility with major streaming platforms make it a top choice. Additionally, a 30-day money-back guarantee provides peace of mind for new users.
Top VPN Options
CyberGhost stands out as a premier VPN choice, especially appealing to those new to virtual private networks.
Its standout feature lets you pick a server specifically designed for your activity—whether torrenting safely, browsing privately, or unblocking major streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video.
Enjoy reliable HD streaming speeds alongside robust security measures, including military-grade encryption, DNS leak prevention, and an automatic kill switch.
Accessibility is a strength, with intuitive apps readily available for all major desktop and mobile operating systems.
While it boasts one of the largest global server networks, it faces limitations accessing content within China.
Power users might find its configuration options somewhat limited compared to more technical competitors.
Overall, CyberGhost delivers exceptional value:
Simple interface requiring no complex setup
Strong commitment to user privacy protection
Consistent performance for streaming high-definition video
A generous 45-day refund policy offers ample time for testing
Note that connections to certain streaming services can occasionally be inconsistent.
For a detailed evaluation, consider exploring a comprehensive CyberGhost review. IPVanish VPN: A Comprehensive Analysis
When seeking alternatives to Opera VPN, IPVanish emerges as a robust contender in the VPN market. This service delivers exceptional connection speeds across its global server infrastructure, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive activities.
Security stands as a cornerstone of the IPVanish offering, with the implementation of military-grade 256-bit AES encryption and Perfect Forward Secrecy protocols. For users concerned about privacy leaks, the integrated kill switch feature provides an additional layer of protection by automatically terminating internet connections if the VPN service unexpectedly drops.
While streaming enthusiasts might find IPVanish somewhat limited for accessing platforms like Netflix, the service has cultivated a devoted following among Kodi users. Particularly noteworthy is its seamless integration with Amazon Fire TV devices, offering remote-friendly navigation and comprehensive compatibility with Kodi add-ons.
The cross-platform accessibility of IPVanish is commendable, with dedicated applications available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Fire TV devices. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for households with multiple devices running different operating systems.
Despite its numerous strengths, IPVanish does present certain limitations. The service struggles to function effectively in China's restrictive internet environment, and its server network, while reliable, is not as extensive as some competitors in the VPN marketplace.
IPVanish particularly shines in multi-device household scenarios, supporting numerous simultaneous connections. This feature, combined with their stringent no-logging policy, establishes IPVanish as a privacy-focused option backed by a 30-day refund guarantee on yearly subscriptions.
PrivateVPN emerges as a formidable player despite its recent entry into the crowded VPN arena.
It masters geo-restriction bypassing, effortlessly unlocking Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video for seamless streaming.
Blazing connection speeds eliminate buffering, supporting HD content without compromise.
Robust security protocols include perfect forward secrecy, DNS leak prevention, and an automatic kill switch.
A strict zero-logs policy ensures complete anonymity for users.
Simultaneous connections for up to 10 devices make it ideal for households.
Cross-platform apps cover Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
While server availability trails larger competitors and 24/7 support is absent, these are minor trade-offs.
Our evaluation awards it a perfect 5/5 score, highlighting its family-friendly value.
Risk-free exploration comes with a 30-day refund guarantee.
For budget-conscious users, excellent free alternatives to Opera VPN are available.
VPN Service Comparisons
Windscribe provides a free, no-expiration tier of its VPN service, offering up to 10 GB of data transfer each month. This is the most generous data allowance among reputable free VPN options. Users can select from eight server locations, and some of these servers support P2P file sharing.
To suit varying needs, Windscribe offers both a secure native app and a more convenient, though less secure, browser extension. For optimal privacy, users can utilize both options together.
Even on the free plan, Windscribe ensures that no logs are kept. All connections benefit from military-grade encryption and perfect forward secrecy. By upgrading to the paid version, users gain access to additional servers, more simultaneous connections, and the ability to unblock geo-restricted content, such as US Netflix.
Windscribe supports a wide range of devices with apps available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
TunnelBear offers a compelling VPN solution for privacy-focused users, featuring both free and premium subscription options. While the free tier provides perpetual access without expiration, it comes with a monthly data cap of 500MB, making it suitable primarily for light browsing sessions rather than streaming or downloading activities.
Despite these limitations, free account holders can enjoy the benefit of connecting through servers in more than twelve international locations, providing flexibility for basic geo-restriction bypassing.
Security remains a priority across all TunnelBear plans, with robust encryption protocols and perfect forward secrecy implementation ensuring your online activities remain private. The company maintains a strict no-logs policy and doesn't compromise user experience with trackers or advertisements.
TunnelBear provides dedicated applications for all major platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices, offering a consistent experience across different systems.
For a comprehensive analysis of TunnelBear's performance, features, and limitations, our detailed review explores all aspects of this privacy tool.
Speedify stands out with apps across all major platforms
Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android users can all access its services
The company specifically prioritizes mobile device performance
Its unique approach involves a custom CHACHA encryption protocol
This distinct technology replaces traditional VPN methods
Speedify claims this delivers enhanced speed for mobile connections
Users benefit from access to 35 global server locations
This extensive network surpasses many paid competitors
However, the free tier imposes a 1GB monthly data restriction
For deeper insights into its capabilities and limitations
Explore our comprehensive Speedify analysis
For those seeking a reliable alternative to Opera's now-discontinued VPN service, hide.me offers an appealing solution with both free and premium options. The free plan, which never expires, comes with a 2 GB monthly data limit. Despite this cap, it provides a decent 3 Mbps download speed, sufficient for streaming standard definition videos. Hide.me ensures that no identifying logs are kept and employs robust 256-bit AES encryption for security.
Free users can connect to three server locations and even engage in torrenting. Additionally, hide.me supports a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, making it accessible across various devices.
If you were an Opera Gold subscriber, Surfeasy has offered a free upgrade to their premium Ultra plan. However, for others, Surfeasy may not be the best choice. The free version of Surfeasy is quite restrictive, with a mere 500 MB of data per month. While the premium option does offer more, it often falls short compared to other alternatives, especially in terms of security, speed, and features. Moreover, many of the recommended alternatives, except for IPVanish, perform better at unblocking geo-restricted content like Netflix.
Users who previously relied on the built-in Opera browser VPN should consider switching to a more secure and comprehensive solution. Although the built-in feature was convenient, it had significant drawbacks. Opera, which operates an advertising network, collects and uses your browsing data to serve targeted ads. This means that even with the "VPN" enabled, your online activities are not entirely private.
Furthermore, the Opera browser's VPN is not a true VPN; it's an encrypted proxy that only secures traffic within the browser. Other applications and processes remain unprotected, and DNS requests can still be intercepted by your ISP or malicious actors, potentially exposing your online activities.
To clarify the relationship between Opera, Surfeasy, and the discontinued Opera VPN, here’s a brief timeline:
- In 2015, Opera Software ASA acquired Surfeasy, integrating its VPN solutions into the Opera browser.
- In November 2016, Opera sold its stake in Surfeasy to Symantec, a prominent cybersecurity company.
- Surfeasy continued to provide the browser VPN service to Opera until December 2017.
- As of May 1, 2018, Surfeasy ceased supporting the Opera VPN app and encouraged users to migrate to its own branded service.
- Surfeasy is currently owned by Symantec and is no longer affiliated with Opera.
In summary, while Surfeasy is an option, it may not be the best one. For a more secure and feature-rich experience, consider alternatives like hide.me, which offer both free and paid plans with robust privacy and security features.
What is a Netflix VPN and How to Get One
A Netflix VPN serves as a specialized tool enabling viewers to bypass geographical restrictions on the streaming service. It functions by masking the user's real location, allowing them to connect through servers in other countries to unlock diverse global libraries of movies and TV shows available on Netflix. This effectively grants access to content otherwise unavailable in their home region.
Why Choose SafeShell as Your Netflix VPN?
If you're experiencing Netflix vpn not working issues when trying to access region-restricted content, you may want to consider the SafeShell VPN for a superior streaming experience. SafeShell VPN offers distinct advantages tailored for Netflix users:
- High-speed servers specifically optimized for Netflix ensure seamless, buffer-free HD streaming, eliminating common connectivity frustrations and playback issues.
- Connect up to five devices simultaneously across diverse platforms like Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, and Apple Vision Pro.
- Exclusive App Mode enables access to multiple regional libraries at once, unlocking diverse global content catalogs beyond typical geo-restrictions.
- Lightning-fast speeds with zero bandwidth throttling guarantee smooth streaming and downloads, even during peak hours.
- Proprietary ShellGuard protocol delivers top-level security with military-grade encryption, safeguarding your viewing activity and personal data.
- A flexible free trial plan allows you to test all premium features risk-free before committing.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Watch Netflix with SafeShell VPN
To begin accessing international Netflix libraries with SafeShell Netflix VPN , first secure your subscription via the official SafeShell VPN website. Download and install the application compatible with your device (Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android), then launch it and log into your account.
For optimal Netflix streaming, navigate to the mode selection within the app and choose APP mode, which is specifically designed for enhanced performance with streaming services.
Next, browse the available server list and connect to a VPN server located in the country whose Netflix catalog you wish to explore, such as the United States or United Kingdom.
Once the SafeShell VPN connection is successfully established, simply open the Netflix app or website, log into your account, and enjoy unrestricted access to region-specific movies and shows.
