Vivaldi browser today announced a partnership with Proton VPN to directly integrate virtual private network (VPN) functionality into its web browser. This built-in VPN will be available to all users for free, with an option to upgrade to a premium tier for additional features and connectivity options.
With Proton VPN now integrated directly into Vivaldi, users can easily activate the VPN service from within the browser, eliminating the need to install separate browser extensions or applications. Proton VPN’s free tier offers unlimited bandwidth, although it includes access to a limited number of server locations.
Both Vivaldi and Proton, European companies, are recognized for their strong emphasis on user privacy. Vivaldi is built upon Chromium and, therefore, supports most Chrome extensions, similar to browsers like Opera, Edge, and Brave.
Browsers with Built-in VPN Features
The built-in VPN feature is also available in several other popular web browsers, including Opera and Brave. On the other hand, Mozilla offers a standalone VPN service that isn’t directly integrated into Firefox. Recently, however, Mozilla released a browser extension for Firefox users on Windows, allowing them to use the VPN service without installing separate software at the operating system level.
It’s important to note that built-in VPNs and proxies are not new concepts in browsers. Opera Mini, a classic browser still popular today, has long provided a free proxy service. Interestingly, Jon Stephenson von Tetzchner, the founder and current CEO of Vivaldi, is also the founder and former CEO of Opera. It’s encouraging to see Vivaldi continuing to adopt successful features from Opera.