A proxy is only similar to a VPN in that it masks your IP and location from the websites you visit. Opera VPN won’t encrypt your data like a normal VPN, has very slow speeds, and doesn’t provide many options to access restricted paid content such as streaming websites. In this article, I’ve compiled 6 solutions to fix Opera VPN, but I also tested dozens of VPNs and found ExpressVPN was the best alternative. ExpressVPN offers blazing-fast speeds, and you can try ExpressVPN risk-free while using Opera due to its 30-day guarantee. Browse Opera safely with ExpressVPN
Quick Guide: 3 Quick Steps to Fix Opera VPN
Why Isn’t Opera VPN Working?
Opera VPN can stop working for many reasons. Updating your settings options in the browser can be a simple fix. Make sure to try this out first, but if you’re still experiencing problems, here are some more reasons why Opera VPN may not be working:
Incorrect settings, including whether your VPN is set to start right away or connecting to the wrong server location could stop Opera VPN from working properly. A shaky internet connection will cause Opera VPN to disconnect, especially if you’re located far from your current server region. Having conflicting software like a third-party antivirus or firewall could easily block Opera VPN from connecting. An outdated browser version will bring up issues with Opera VPN since the latest version of Opera also delivers updates to the VPN.
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How to Fix Connection Problems With Opera’s VPN
If updating or changing settings doesn’t work, you might need a more advanced solution to fix Opera VPN.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
If you don’t have a stable internet connection, it can cause your VPN to disconnect without warning. Opera VPN won’t be able to create a secure tunnel through its servers without a functional internet connection. If your internet speed is slow, that will also affect how well Opera VPN works. When I tested Opera VPN’s speeds, I experienced a reduction of more than 50% while connected to the Optimal Location option (in the Americas). This was a significant decrease and would definitely cause lagging if you had low internet speeds to start with. The only way to fix this is to get a new VPN. Free VPNs tend to cause a large speed drop that can ruin your internet connection, so I recommend getting a premium VPN. Top VPNs like ExpressVPN will provide the fastest speeds available and thousands of servers to connect to (whereas you only get a few with OperaVPN). The premium VPNs featured in this article have special discount offers and money-back guarantees so you can try them without risk.
2. Restart Opera VPN or the Opera Browser
Although it’s a turn-off-and-turn-on-again solution, sometimes restarting Opera VPN is the easiest way to fix it. Restarting Opera VPN isn’t hard; all you have to do is open the browser and locate the “VPN” button at the beginning of the web address bar. Once your VPN is open, click on the toggle button twice to turn it off and on again so it restarts.
Restarting the browser can also achieve this result. Just exit out of Opera and double-check it’s completely closed before opening it again. This will restart the VPN and any other add-ons you have. Make sure to reconnect to the VPN once you open it again.
3. Try a Different Server Location
Most VPNs offer multiple server connections, with different options to select from around the world. Having higher server numbers and location options is important to maintain reliability. Opera VPN (the free version) has only 3 locations with 100+ servers. If you pay for Opera VPN Pro, you’ll be able to access 3,000+ servers across 33 locations. Although this is better than the free version, the network is significantly smaller than most top VPNs. Plus, even with the Opera VPN Pro account, you can only select the country and not the city. With only a few options for multiple users to pick from, servers can become overloaded and slow down. This will force users to disconnect. Due to the few server locations, you will more than likely have to connect to one that’s far away from your location. This will either slow down your speeds or cause your connection to time out. If you’re experiencing this problem, the best solution is to change to a different server location. You can do this by clicking on the “VPN” button in your address bar and selecting server options. Once there, choose a server that does not have a check mark next to the location. If you have Opera VPN Pro, you can also do this by clicking on the gear icon on the top right of your VPN and changing the location in the browser’s settings.
Opera hosts its own servers, and sometimes they can be down for maintenance. So, you may only need to select a new connection for a short period until your preferred one comes back on. This can happen often with free servers and so the best solution would be to rely on a top-tier service like ExpressVPN. If you try ExpressVPN’s 3,000+ servers in 94+ countries, you’ll get a more reliable connection that won’t drop.
4. Check Your Browser Version and Disable Extensions
The issue may not be with Opera VPN but with the browser itself. An outdated browser or conflicting Opera extension could be causing the VPN to break. One of the quickest ways to fix this is to manually update Opera. The browser has automatic updates, but it puts them out on a schedule, making them easy to miss. To update Opera, click on the “O” on the top left of the browser and go to “Update & Recovery.” On this page, Opera will automatically look for updates, but it will take about 2 minutes before it completes and tells you if you need to update or not. Depending on the results, it will offer an update to install or let you know that you’re up to date. If none of that works, the next place to look is the extensions tab. Navigate your cursor to the “O” on the top left of the browser again and hover over the “Extensions” option. A list will appear next to it, with another “Extensions” button. This will take you to the Extensions window, where you’ll be able to stop any add-on by clicking “Disable”.
5. Reinstall Opera
Your current Opera browser could be corrupted and cause an error with Opera VPN. Although uninstalling and reinstalling your browser may sound like a huge task, it’s really easy to get everything back in working order. Plus, by reinstalling Opera, you’ll get the latest update to the browser and VPN. To uninstall Opera, go to your operating system’s (OS) settings. Head to the Control Panel and click “Uninstall a program” under Programs. You’ll be able to locate Opera after scrolling down (the list will be in alphabetical order) and right-clicking on the program to see the option to uninstall it. Afterward, you’ll need to go to your OS’s default browser (such as Microsoft Edge or Safari) to reinstall Opera.
6. Test Your Firewall and Antivirus Programs
Third-party applications like your firewall or antivirus can stop Opera VPN from working properly. You should go through each one to make sure none are causing any problems. Start with your firewall first. Windows Defender Firewall is notorious for stopping verified programs from working. Go to the search option on Windows and type in “Windows Defender Firewall” and click it. Navigate to the left sidebar and choose “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.” This will take you to the firewall’s settings where you adjust it for both Private network and Public network. Also, double-check that “Block all incoming connections” is unchecked. After all that, hit “OK” at the bottom of the window.
If it’s not the firewall, it could still be your antivirus program. You can whitelist programs in most antivirus programs, and you should do this for Opera VPN first. If it still doesn’t work, the best way to make sure your antivirus isn’t interfering with your VPN is to disable it, just like you did with the firewall. I only recommend doing this if you have a top-quality VPN protecting your connection in the interim. Browse Opera with ExpressVPN
How to Access Content from Anywhere with Opera’s VPN
If a certain website or content isn’t working then it’s possible that Opera VPN is working okay, but it’s having trouble accessing the site. This is usually due to content restrictions from sites. As an example, even if you have a paid Netflix account from the US, the site will restrict your access if you’re outside the country. To access the content you pay for, the best option is to use a premium VPN.
1. Try using a different server
To access your paid content from popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or another streaming site from a different location, you’ll need a good VPN. Usually a VPN will let you choose from hundreds of alternative servers, but with Opera VPN you are limited to the ones provided. This means that you’ll need a premium VPN to properly watch American Netflix or access other paid geo-restricted subscriptions while you travel.
2. Clear Cookies and Cache
A browser’s cache keeps temporary information about the websites you visit. You’re usually told this when a website asks you to accept certain cookies, which are there to enhance the website’s performance each time you visit. Although this helps websites run better, it also stores data like geo-location. When a website knows your geo-location through your cache, it can block you from visiting because you’re coming from a new location (which is what happens when you’re using a VPN while you travel). I was relieved to find that it’s easy to clear Opera’s cache.
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Is Opera’s Built-in VPN a Good Choice?
If you’re looking for a secure and reliable VPN, Opera VPN isn’t a good choice because it only offers a basic level of protection that acts more like a proxy. Opera VPN will mask your IP and give you some anonymity, but it won’t encrypt your data or offer any other needed security features to protect you in the way a top VPN does. I also have issues with the following limitations:
No automatic protection: You’ll have to reconnect to the VPN with each new tab, and every time you close and re-open the Opera browser. Limited streaming blocks: Opera VPN does not have the right technology to bypass geo-restrictions set by sites like Netflix, so you won’t be able to access your paid subscription if you’re out of the country. Lack of privacy: Opera VPN’s logs policy isn’t very clear. It states it has a no-logs policy, but if you give permission to personalize content, the browser will log which advertisements, pages, and URLs you visit and where they are located. However, it also states this data is only stored for 3 months and that it won’t be shared with third parties. No additional security features: Opera VPN has no extra features to help maintain security. For example, it’s missing a kill-switch feature, so your information will be exposed if your connection to the VPN happens to drop (which is more likely with this type of proxy than with a reliable premium VPN).
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The Best Alternative VPNs to Opera VPN (Tested in 2023)
1. ExpressVPN — #1 Opera VPN Alternative With Lightning-Fast Speeds for Reliable Security
Key Features: ExpressVPN tops the list of the best Opera VPN alternatives and provides not only faster speeds than Opera but also the fastest available on the market. My tests showed that my speed was reduced by more than 50% even when using Opera VPN’s Optimal Location. With only 3 regions available, this can easily be far worse and would have a huge impact if your baseline speeds are under 25 Mbps. ExpressVPN only reduced my speeds by 18%, so it’s well worth the cost. I also had instant connections with ExpressVPN, whereas Opera VPN can take a while.
There are more than 3,000 servers in ExpressVPN’s network, while Opera VPN has around 100 covering just 3 continents. If you subscribe to Opera VPN Pro, you can get access to 3,000+ servers, but you’ll only have the option to select from 33 locations. ExpressVPN spreads its servers across 94+ countries, and you can also choose the specific city location you need. This is great for keeping up with your team during sports blackouts and accessing specific local news or weather content while you travel. Opera VPN could access a handful of streaming platforms, but ExpressVPN was miles ahead. It could access every popular streaming platform on the market without issue. More specifically, I could only stream my Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max accounts while connected to Opera’s free VPN while on the “Americas” server (which is a US location but doesn’t specify which one on the browser). Opera VPN Pro let me choose specific countries to connect to, but streaming quality was poor due to the slow speeds. When I tested ExpressVPN and opened Opera, I could access Netflix and stream in UHD with no buffering.
Opera VPN offers basic security features, but with ExpressVPN you’ll get the following premium protection:
AES-256-bit military-grade encryption secures your data and provides consistent anonymity while using Opera. TrustedServer Technology provides RAM-based servers that erase all data after every reboot. Automatic kill switch protects your anonymity and stops your internet in the event the VPN loses connection. Lightway connection protocol is in place to provide fast and efficient server connections. Audited no-log policy ensures no data will be stored and is checked consistently to uphold this guideline.
ExpressVPN isn’t free like Opera VPN. In fact, it isn’t the cheapest VPN on the market. But it’s well worth it for the fast speeds and reliable performance. Even better, you can get a 49% discount off ExpressVPN’s yearly plan and 3 months free, which equaled out to only $6.67/month. That’s cheaper than Opera VPN Pro’s monthly plan which is far more inferior in every way. Using ExpressVPN as an Opera VPN alternative is the best solution. ExpressVPN provides the fastest speeds, reliable security features, and ensures none of your data will be stored or compromised. Try ExpressVPN completely risk-free. If you aren’t 100% satisfied you can use its 30-day guarantee and request a full refund. I tested this by asking to cancel my plan on the final day of the term. After a short conversation with ExpressVPN’s live chat agent, they granted me a refund. The money was back in my account in 3 days. Browse Opera with ExpressVPN
2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers for Streaming From Anywhere Using Opera
Key Features: While using Opera you’ll be protected by CyberGhost’s many security features, including:
AES-256-bit encryption makes your data indecipherable to prying eyes. Split tunneling allows you to keep a local tunnel free so you can keep up with banking, news, and weather sites. Kill switch will quickly cut your internet connection if your CyberGhost server drops. Ad and malware blocker blocks malicious pop-ups, ads, and malware that can appear while using Opera. Zero-log policy that’s audited by a third party to ensure no data is logged or stored while connected to a CyberGhost server.
I could connect 7 simultaneous devices with CyberGhost. Opera VPN does offer its built-in VPN on its mobile version, but it will only protect you while using the Opera app to browse the web. Having multiple devices covered by CyberGhost means I have protection both at home and on the go, and auto-connect means I don’t have to remember to switch it on each time I’m using public WiFi. Comparing my speeds while connected to CyberGhost’s “Best Server Location” against my baseline speed showed only a 20% drop on nearby servers. This didn’t affect my browsing on Opera at all since all my pages loaded instantly. The lack of speed reduction was pretty significant considering I had over a 50% drop while connected to the “Optimal Location” server on Opera VPN — and that location wasn’t far off from where I was. Although I had good speeds while on a close-by server, one downside was that I had about a 40% drop when I was connected to a far-away server through CyberGhost. While this didn’t really impact just browsing Opera and looking through different websites. But if I was trying to stream using a distant server while I traveled, I may have experienced interruptions with this level of speed drop. There is a fix for this — I could bump my speeds by switching to the WireGuard protocol, which is designed to deliver a faster experience.
It turns out CyberGhost’s 2-year + 3 months plan only costs $2.11 per month and will give you a 84% discount, which is cheaper than Opera VPN Pro’s cheapest option. Since the monthly option is more expensive I suggest you try out CyberGhost to use with Opera with the long-term subscription. It comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee, so I decided to test it and asked for a refund through the live chat option. I wasn’t hassled to keep my subscription and was approved for a refund that I got back in about 4 days. Browse Opera with CyberGhost
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Huge Global Server Network Provides Fast Connections When Browsing Opera
Key Features: Private Internet Access (PIA) has one of the largest server networks of any of the top VPNs on the market. In comparison, this equates to over 35,000+ servers while Opera VPN only has 100+ on the free plan and 3,000+ on its premium version. PIA actually has servers in 84+ countries, with an IP address for every state of the US. Opera VPN only gives you 1 US location, whether you use the free version or pay for Opera VPN Pro, which was pretty disappointing.
All of PIA’s servers are incredibly reliable for accessing streaming platforms. Opera VPN could only access Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max, and only from some servers. In comparison, PIA easily helps you to access the following services: Opera VPN has few security features, where PIA offers an abundance of extra protection such as:
Unique customizable encryption gives you a choice between AES-256-bit and AES-128-bit protection so you can prioritize speed or security. MACE ad and malware blocker will block pop-up ads and malicious sites so your online devices always stay protected. Automatic kill switch will temporarily cut your internet connection so no data leaks if the VPN is interrupted. Audited no-logs privacy policy is strictly followed and upheld by third party companies to make sure PIA won’t store any personally identifiable data while you’re using its servers.
There are multiple native apps for PIA, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can use PIA on most devices and operating systems, while you can only use Opera VPN on Opera’s applications. It only takes a few moments to set PIA up on up to Unlimited devices simultaneously and protect your browsing at all times. In fact, you can even configure it to your router by following the easy online guide and cover your entire home network, including smart TV’s. It does worry me that PIA is based in the US, which is part of the 5 Eyes alliance. That means that any country within the alliance can subpoena PIA for user data. The US has actually tried to subpoena PIA before but couldn’t find any information on its servers to use. This helped put my worries aside, especially since PIA has a strict and proven no-logs policy. Just like CyberGhost, PIA is actually cheaper than Opera VPN Pro’s cheapest option, with plans starting at just $2.11/month for a 2-year + 3 months subscription. I was able to try out PIA while using the Opera browser risk-free due to a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. After using it for a couple of weeks, I contacted a customer support agent via live chat, who soon approved the refund. I had the money returned to my account in less than a week. Browse Opera with PIA
Fix Your Opera Browser Today
Opera’s free built-in VPN is convenient to use and will hide your IP, but can be troublesome when it’s not working. There are multiple solutions to try and fix Opera VPN, but ultimately the best option is to find a better alternative. That’s because Opera VPN is really just a proxy. To get real protection online, you need a secure VPN that will encrypt your data when you browse the internet (a proxy will not do this). I tested dozens of VPN alternatives for Opera VPN and the best choice by far was ExpressVPN. It has lightning-fast speeds and provides a robust list of security features that Opera VPN can’t compete with. Additionally, a premium VPN will protect you on other browsers and applications. You can try browsing Opera with ExpressVPN risk-free. If you don’t think it’s right for you, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Browse Opera safely with ExpressVPN
