Vivaldi has joined the growing list of web browsers offering a built-in virtual private network (VPN) service. The company has partnered with Proton VPN to enhance user privacy and security while browsing online.
According to Vivaldi, enabling the VPN will provide “a truly private online experience with no surveillance.” The service combines Proton VPN’s security features and strict no-logs policy with Vivaldi’s built-in tracker and ad blocker.
Currently, the VPN feature is available only on the desktop version of the browser. However, users must create a Vivaldi or Proton account to access it. The free version of Proton VPN, which comes with this integration, offers medium-speed connections and access to servers in five randomly selected countries. Those who opt for the paid VPN Plus plan can enjoy faster speeds and access to more than 11,000 servers across 110+ countries.
For users who prefer a simple setup without the need for an external VPN client, this built-in option may be a convenient solution.
A Vivaldi spokesperson explained the need for account login, stating: “Users need to log in with a Vivaldi account (or a Proton account) to access this feature. This is also true for services like Vivaldi Sync. The reason we require an account is to prevent fraudulent use of the free services we offer.”
Vivaldi is not the first browser to introduce in-browser VPN functionality. Microsoft’s Edge Secure Network VPN, for instance, provides 5 GB of free VPN data per month. However, Microsoft’s service does not allow users to select specific server locations and excludes streaming sites like Netflix from the VPN to conserve data.
While acknowledging the benefits of built-in VPNs, the Vivaldi spokesperson noted that many browser VPNs “won’t deliver the security, performance, or unblocking abilities of the best VPNs, such as Proton VPN. They are often simple proxies, giving users a new IP address but not encrypting their traffic.”
Vivaldi’s decision to partner with Switzerland-based Proton VPN, rather than a US-based provider, signals an effort to attract users concerned about data privacy and Big Tech’s data collection practices.
David Peterson, General Manager of Proton VPN, highlighted this point, stating, “Consumers around the world are fed up with Big Tech’s data collection, but they haven’t had many alternatives until recently. Europe is well-positioned to offer that alternative, and companies like Proton and Vivaldi are leading the way.”
Proton VPN is operated by the same company behind Proton Mail, an encrypted email service. In 2024, Proton Mail faced controversy after complying with a legal request to provide a recovery email address for an account. Despite this, Proton VPN remains an open-source service with encryption protocols such as AES-256 and ChaCha20.
Tatsuki Tomita, Vivaldi’s COO and co-founder, emphasized the ethical approach of both companies, stating: “We believe private and secure browsing isn’t a luxury but a fundamental right. Together, we are creating solutions that put users first, uphold higher ethical standards, and offer an alternative to Big Tech’s control.”
