In today’s digital world, choosing the right web browser is about more than speed. Privacy, security, ad-blocking, and VPN features now matter just as much. Two browsers that stand out in this regard are Opera and Brave. Both claim to give users better privacy and performance than giants like Chrome or Edge. But when comparing Opera browser vs Brave, which one is better, especially for VPN use?
This article will break down the differences between Opera and Brave, explore their built-in features, and provide a balanced Brave VPN review to help you decide which browser fits your needs.
Opera has been around since the mid-1990s and has built a reputation for innovation. Unlike many browsers, Opera comes with a built-in VPN, ad blocker, and many customization options. For users who don’t want to download additional extensions, Opera’s integrated approach is appealing.
Built-in VPN: Opera is one of the most well-known browsers with VPN built in. The VPN is free, unlimited, and easy to activate.
Ad Blocker: Blocks intrusive ads automatically.
Customization: Offers sidebars, integrations (WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram), and themes.
Crypto Wallet: Like Brave, Opera also supports blockchain technology.
Performance: Fast, but some users note that the VPN may slow down browsing speed compared to premium standalone VPNs.
Opera’s VPN is good for casual browsing, hiding your IP, and accessing geo-restricted content. However, it is not a full replacement for a premium VPN service.
Brave is newer, launched in 2016 by Brendan Eich, the creator of JavaScript and co-founder of Mozilla. Brave has grown quickly thanks to its strong privacy-first stance. Unlike Opera, Brave does not come with a completely free built-in VPN. Instead, it offers Brave VPN, powered by Guardian, which is a paid subscription.
Brave VPN: Available as a premium add-on. Works on both desktop and mobile.
Ad and Tracker Blocking: Blocks intrusive ads and cross-site trackers automatically.
Brave Rewards: Lets users earn BAT (Basic Attention Token) cryptocurrency by viewing privacy-respecting ads.
Speed: Brave is considered one of the fastest browsers because it strips away unnecessary trackers.
Focus on Privacy: Default privacy settings are much stricter than Opera’s.
One of the biggest deciding factors for many users is VPN functionality. Let’s see how both browsers compare.
Pros:
Free and unlimited.
Easy to use; no sign-up required.
Good for hiding IP and basic geo-unblocking.
Cons:
Not a full VPN—works more like a proxy.
Limited server locations.
Not reliable for streaming services like Netflix.
Does not encrypt traffic outside the browser (system-wide).
Pros:
Powered by Guardian, a respected VPN provider.
Provides system-wide protection, not just inside the browser.
Strong encryption and more server choices.
Works across devices with one subscription.
Cons:
Not free—requires a paid plan (around $9.99/month).
Needs setup compared to Opera’s one-click option.
So, if you want a browser with VPN built in and free, Opera is the winner. But if you want reliable, system-wide VPN security, Brave VPN is the better choice, even though it costs money.
This is a question many users ask before subscribing. The short answer: Yes, Brave VPN is good, but it depends on your needs.
Brave VPN offers the same level of security you’d expect from a dedicated VPN service. It encrypts traffic at the system level, meaning all apps and browsers on your device are protected, not just Brave. For privacy-conscious users, this is a huge plus.
However, compared to leading standalone VPN providers, Brave VPN is relatively expensive for what it offers. Some competitors provide more server locations and features at a lower price. That being said, Brave VPN is reliable, secure, and works seamlessly within the Brave ecosystem.
Here’s a more detailed Brave VPN review:
Performance: Excellent speeds with minimal slowdown compared to free VPNs like Opera’s.
Privacy: No logs, strong encryption, and built on Guardian’s infrastructure.
Ease of Use: Smooth integration into Brave browser and easy activation across devices.
Streaming and Torrenting: Works with most platforms, but not as strong as top-tier VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
Value for Money: Good for Brave fans who want convenience, but more costly than some alternatives.
Overall, Brave VPN scores highly for privacy and integration but loses points for its price compared to other VPN services.
Now that we’ve compared Opera browser vs Brave, the choice depends on your priorities:
Choose Opera if you want:
A free, unlimited, built-in VPN for casual browsing.
Customization features like sidebars and social integrations.
A browser that works out of the box with minimal setup.
Choose Brave if you want:
Stronger privacy protection and faster performance.
A premium VPN service that works system-wide.
Cryptocurrency integration and rewards.
If your main concern is free VPN access within a browser, Opera wins. But if you care more about serious privacy protection and security, Brave with its premium VPN is the better option.
While Brave VPN is a solid option, some users may prefer to use third-party VPNs for more flexibility. The best VPN for Brave browser usually comes down to your budget and needs. Popular choices include:
NordVPN – Fast, secure, and works with Brave.
ExpressVPN – Great for streaming and privacy.
Surfshark – Affordable with unlimited connections.
Using one of these alongside Brave gives you the benefits of a privacy-focused browser plus the power of a premium VPN.
Currently, not many browsers come with integrated VPNs. The main ones are:
Opera (free, built-in VPN).
Brave (premium VPN powered by Guardian).
UR Browser (privacy-focused, has VPN options).
Other browsers, like Chrome and Firefox, require extensions or third-party VPN software.
When it comes to Opera browser vs Brave, both have strengths:
Opera is user-friendly with a free built-in VPN but limited in power.
Brave is faster, more private, and offers a robust premium VPN for advanced users.
So, is Brave VPN good? Yes, if you want reliable, system-wide security and don’t mind paying for it. For casual users who just want to mask their IP address for free, Opera’s VPN is enough.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on whether you value cost-free convenience (Opera) or premium privacy and performance (Brave).
