The Best Browsers With a Built-In VPN 2024 (2024)

Web browsers with built-in virtual private networks (VPNs) offer an extra layer of security, shielding your online activities from unwarranted surveillance. Among the many options available, Opera, Aloha Browser, and Epic Privacy Browser all shine bright for their unique features and user benefits.

Opera stands out for its seamless integration into everyday web browsing. Aloha Browser, optimized for mobile users, provides a tailored VPN experience for security on the go. Epic Privacy Browser, which focuses on anti-tracking, blocks tracking scripts for a cleaner browsing experience. We’ll detail each of these in our guide.

The best browsers with a built-in VPN

• Opera: Best for everyday use
• Aloha Browser: Best for mobile users
• Epic Privacy Browser: Best for anti-tracking

Top 3 browsers with built-in VPN compared

Opera: Best for everyday use

Who it’s best for

Opera is a great choice for an everyday web browser. Its balance of ease of use and enhanced privacy makes it particularly suitable for individuals who frequently browse the web but would like additional privacy without downloading a separate application. With its free version, Opera also appeals to the budget-conscious who are looking to improve security without a financial burden.

What we liked

Opera's built-in free VPN stands out for its integration in the browser. This VPN browser is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, and iOS. Opera doesn’t log any user activity, which adds an extra layer of security. With its free offering and unlimited bandwidth, you can browse freely without worrying about data limits.

The Opera Browser negates the need for additional apps or browser extensions; its VPN secures internet traffic within its browser. This is particularly useful if you value privacy but don’t want the hassle of managing a VPN outside your web browser.

The ease of activating the VPN from within the browser settings and the option to select virtual locations also enhance the user experience. This makes Opera ideal for anyone seeking a browsing experience that blends convenience with privacy and security.

What we didn’t like

While Opera's built-in free VPN offers convenience and basic privacy, it falls short in advanced features. Unlike full-service VPNs, Opera’s free VPN lacks VPN protocols and doesn’t have any specialized services like dedicated IP addresses. You can pay for Opera VPN Pro for an improved experience.

Its free version also has a limited number of virtual locations, with only 100 VPN servers in three locations, which could be restrictive for unblocking geo-restricted content. Opera VPN Pro offers 3,000 servers in more than 30 locations, which is sufficient but still lacks in comparison to other browsers and certainly compared to paid VPN services.

Furthermore, regarding speed and security, Opera's VPN might not match the performance of specialized VPN services.

Opera specs

Aloha Browser: Best for mobile

Who it’s best for

Aloha Browser is ideal for mobile users, especially when using public Wi-Fi. It's perfect for those who travel often, need access to region-specific content, or seek better deals online. Its straightforward design makes it accessible for all users, regardless of their tech expertise.

What we liked

Aloha Browser is notable for its user-friendly, free VPN offering unlimited data and strong AES 256-bit encryption. It provides over 80 locations, which can help bypass geo-restrictions worldwide so you can watch Netflix or other streaming services. Its commitment to privacy is evident in its strict no-logs policy, ensuring user data remains confidential.

Additionally, Aloha's phone-wide VPN protection extends security beyond standard browser use, offering comprehensive privacy across all mobile applications.

This combination of accessibility, extensive VPN locations, and robust privacy features makes the Aloha Browser a standout choice for mobile users prioritizing online security and privacy.

What we didn’t like

While Aloha Browser's privacy features are commendable, they are limited when it comes to advanced customization and features compared to desktop browsers. One missing feature is installing extensions or add-ons like traditional desktop browsers.

The browser's VPN, offering a broad range of locations, occasionally faces issues with speed and reliability, potentially impacting the user experience. Those requiring consistent, fast internet connections may find these variations problematic.

Moreover, Aloha's focus on mobile use means it might not fully meet the demands of those accustomed to the extensive capabilities and integrations offered by desktop browsers.

Aloha Browser specs

Epic Privacy Browser: Best for anti-tracking

Who it’s best for

Epic Privacy Browser is particularly suited for those concerned with online privacy. It can prevent tracking and profiling by websites and advertisers, which can be a relief if you’re handling sensitive information and are concerned about data abuse.

This browser is also advantageous if you need to bypass paywalls and access diverse regional content and if you value a browser with strict privacy controls to protect against unwanted digital surveillance and information collection practices.

What we liked

We appreciated Epic Browser's strong privacy features, including ad and tracker blocking, fingerprinting prevention, and more, ensuring a secure browsing experience. Its built-in encrypted proxy, akin to a VPN, offers network protection across various countries.

Epic's zero-tolerance toward data profiling and its ability to bypass paywalls make it appealing if you need both confidentiality and unrestricted content access. These comprehensive privacy tools, combined with the browser's commitment to user security, establish Epic as a top choice for anyone prioritizing digital privacy and security in their online endeavors.

What we didn’t like

While Epic Browser excels in privacy, its strict features may cause compatibility issues with some websites, potentially hindering the browsing experience. Its user interface and experience may not be as polished as mainstream browsers, which could be a drawback for some.

Epic Browser's lack of mobile compatibility can be a drawback if you browse on smartphones or tablets, making it less versatile than browsers with broader platform support. It also offers only seven server locations, which can be limiting.

Epic Privacy Browser pros and cons

Alternatives to browsers with built-in VPNs

While many browsers now offer built-in VPN services, you might still prefer a separate VPN application for various reasons. Below are some alternatives to browsers with built-in VPNs.

• Full-service VPNs: These standalone legal VPN services offer more comprehensive security features and a wider range of server locations than built-in VPNs in browsers.
• Proxy services: Similar to VPNs but typically faster, proxies are good for bypassing geo-restrictions, but they don't encrypt your data.
• Tor Network: Tor offers enhanced privacy and anonymity by routing your connection through multiple nodes, but it can be slower than other options.
• Secure browsers without built-in VPNs: Privacy-focused browsers can be used in conjunction with separate VPN services for enhanced protection.
• Browser extensions: VPN or proxy extensions available for traditional browsers offer a middle ground between built-in VPNs and full-service VPN solutions.

Best full-service VPNs

When considering enhanced online security and privacy, full-service VPNs are a significant step up from browsers with built-in VPNs. Renowned options like NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN each offer unique strengths, from extensive server networks to anonymity online.

• NordVPN: NordVPN is renowned for its strong security features and extensive global server network, making it a top choice for users prioritizing privacy and speed. It's especially effective for securely accessing a wide range of global content.

  Get NordVPN | Read Our NordVPN Review

• Surfshark: Surfshark distinguishes itself with unlimited device support and an easy-to-use interface that appeals to both individuals and families. It's particularly beneficial for users who want to protect multiple devices simultaneously without compromising performance.

  Get Surfshark | Read Our Surfshark Review

• ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for balancing speed, security, and user-friendliness, making it a reliable choice for those who need efficient performance and robust encryption. It's well-suited for users seeking a seamless, secure online experience across various platforms.

  Get ExpressVPN | Read Our ExpressVPN Review

How we tested the browsers with a built-in VPN

In selecting the top three browsers with built-in VPNs, we focused on features that enhance user privacy, security, and overall browsing experience. Key aspects like VPN quality, browser performance, privacy tools, and ease of use were crucial in our evaluation. These criteria are essential in determining how well a browser can protect your online activities while offering a seamless browsing experience.

• VPN quality: Assess the effectiveness of the VPN encryption in masking IP addresses and providing a range of server locations.
• Browser performance: Evaluate the speed and efficiency of the browser in daily tasks.
• Privacy tools: Look at additional features like ad blockers and tracker prevention for enhanced privacy.
• Ease of use: Consider the user interface and how simple it is to navigate and use the browser's features.
• Security features: Examine built-in measures like malware protection and data encryption to ensure safe browsing.
• Compatibility with devices: Check how well the browser functions across different devices and operating systems.
• Customer support and community: Assess the availability and quality of support for users, as well as the presence of an active user community for additional help.

Best browsers with a built-in VPN FAQs

Bottom line: The best browsers with a built-in VPN

The best browsers with built-in VPNs — Opera, Aloha Browser, and Epic Browser — cater to distinct user needs. Opera is the go-to choice for general users, blending efficient browsing with a complimentary VPN. Aloha Browser, with its mobile-centric design, offers robust VPN features on the go, perfect for secure browsing anywhere. Epic Browser, with a strong emphasis on privacy, blocks trackers and ads, making it ideal for privacy-focused users who wish to avoid online tracking.

While these browsers provide integral VPN services, they may not match the comprehensive security features of full-service VPNs like NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN, which offer broader security and privacy coverage. For more full-service VPNs to consider, review our list of the best VPNs.

Mary is a seasoned cybersecurity writer with over seven years of experience. With a B.S. in Liberal Arts from Clarion University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Point Park University, she educates audiences on scams, antivirus software, and more. Her passion lies in educating audiences on helpful ways to protect their data.