Need a free, unlimited VPN service? Download Opera browser

Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox rule the roost when it comes to desktop browsing, but Opera’s latest browser update might lead you to switch…

The Norwegian company has pulled a fast one by integrating a free VPN service into its browser – albeit in the developer version of the browser for now.

“All other VPNs for the major desktop browsers are extensions, with most of them based on a paid-subscription model or offering limited data usage,” the company explained on its website.

“Everyone deserves to be private online if they want to be. By adding a free, unlimited VPN directly into the browser, no additional download or extensions from an unknown third-party provider are necessary. So, today, our Opera desktop users get a handy way to boost their online privacy, as well as easier access to all their favorite online content no matter where they are,” said Krystian Kolondra, senior vice president at Opera.

The Norwegian firm said that its integrated VPN service offers 256-bit encryption and can be found under the “privacy and security” field in the settings menu.

The company even touts some benefits of using a VPN service, such as hiding your IP address, unblocking firewalls and websites and offering security on public WiFi.

“Many countries, schools and workplaces block video-streaming sites, social networks and other services. By using a VPN you can access your favorite content, not matter where you are,” read a passage on the website.

It’s not the first time that Opera has made news headlines this year, as it also stepped up by offering an integrated ad-blocker last month.

But you probably want to know whether Netflix works via the browser? It seems to be the case at first, along with fellow US streaming service Hulu.

However, trying to actually stream anything on Netflix is another matter, as the company detects that you’re using a VPN service.