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Opera's free browser VPN can now auto-connect on public Wi-Fi

Opera's free browser VPN now auto-connects on public Wi-Fi. The opt-in desktop feature starts in the U.S. and France.

AI News Feed · 2026-09-25 00:44

The change targets a common failure point: a VPN cannot protect traffic if the user forgets to switch it on. Opera's free VPN has been built into the browser since 2016. It requires no account, has no fixed bandwidth cap, and its no-logs policy has been independently audited by Deloitte, according to Opera. Until now, users had to activate it manually.

With the new setting enabled, Opera turns the VPN on when it detects a public network, so working from a café, studying on campus, or browsing at an airport does not require activating the VPN each time. The option first appeared in testing earlier this month, when release notes for Opera Developer 137 listed a setting for the VPN to connect automatically on public networks.

Arjan van Leeuwen, Head of Opera One Engineering, said VPNs "are a vital part of users' digital hygiene." Opera also notes that competitors such as Chrome and Safari still do not offer built-in browser VPN features by default. The company cites We Are Social data showing that only 23% of internet users worldwide used a VPN as of the fourth quarter of 2025.

Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but open networks can be joined by anyone nearby, who can then snoop on or inject malicious traffic. A trustworthy VPN encrypts traffic, making it harder for attackers to intercept and steal data. Automating the step reduces the gap between knowing a VPN should be used and actually using one.

Opera VPN Free is built into the browser and costs nothing, but it only protects traffic inside Opera. Apps such as Spotify, Steam, or a standalone email client still use the regular connection. Opera VPN Pro, launched as a paid tier in 2022, is a system-wide VPN. It covers up to six Windows, macOS, or Android devices and has run on ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol since mid-2025, with 48 server locations. Lightway also brings post-quantum protection by default, according to Opera. The company lists Pro from $4 per month, and new users can try it with a seven-day free trial.

TechRadar said the free VPN with auto-connect is an easy option for protecting browsing on occasional café hotspots, while users who want every app on a device protected need Opera VPN Pro or a dedicated VPN app.