You probably already know that using a VPN, or Virtual Private Network, protects you and keeps your online identity anonymous by adding a layer of secure encryption on top of your data. But, did you know that you can also use a VPN for other reasons, such as accessing websites and internet content that otherwise would be blocked in your area?
Learn more if you’re asking yourself, “What is a VPN?”
Over the years, data protection has only gotten better and better. In the past, you would only get a VPN application for your computer, which protects your internet activity by channelling your data through one of its private servers.
Now, people are also using router VPNs, which takes data security one step further, and protects anything and everything connected to its Wi-Fi network.
And there’s one more option when it comes to using a VPN: internet browsers with built-in VPNs.
For those who only want to use a VPN to hide their browsing activity but aren’t overly concerned with hiding the entirety of their online activity, the option also exists to use a browser with VPN extension or built-in VPN, which will automatically protect all your data while surfing the internet via your browser’s window.
Using a browser with a built-in VPN is one of the easiest ways to instantly gain access to websites with geo-restrictions, without the need to interrupt or change the way you browse the internet.
However, it’s important to note that built-in VPNs and browser extensions aren’t quite as secure as using an actual VPN application, which completely secures all internet activity on your computer, as opposed to only securing the activity from within the browser.
Below, we’ll go over some of the most popular internet browsers with built-in VPNs.
Chrome and Firefox
While both Chrome and Firefox don’t actually provide a built-in VPN service, they do support several VPN extensions, which can be downloaded and installed directly into the browser. Amongst the most common extensions, NordVPN is one of the most popular browser VPN services.
They provide an extension for both the Chrome and Firefox browsers, which means that you can still use your favourite browser to access the internet safely, without needing to switch over to a VPN browser completely.
Learn more about the difference between a VPN browser and VPN extensions.
Pros
Reliable 24/7 customer support.
Uses CyberSec to block suspicious sites.
Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Cons
Performance varies depending on user volume.
VPN extensions are not as secure as VPN browsers or applications.
Opera
Opera is an excellent browser with a built-in VPN and is already being used by millions of internet users from around the world. The browser is known for its advanced security measures, and unlike other popular browsers, such as Chrome or Firefox, there’s no need to install any extensions or add-ons to protect yourself while browsing the internet.
To enable Opera’s VPN feature, just navigate to the browser’s Privacy and Security tab. And from here, you’ll have the option to toggle the browser’s VPN feature to on.
Pros
Opera’s VPN feature is free to use.
Supports unlimited bandwidth usage.
Invisible browsing via a private window.
Cons
Limited server options. Users can only choose between servers in Europe, Asia, or America.
Globus VPN Browser
Another commonly used VPN web browser is known as Globus. This browser keeps your internet activity private by adding an extra layer of secure encryption to your browsing data. One major selling feature for this VPN browser is that it supports several popular social media channels such as DailyMotion and YouTube.
Pros
Users can manually select their server locations.
Bypass geo-restrictions and access location-based content.
Simple to use.
Cons
May slow down your browsing experience.
Not suitable for casual internet users.
Epic Privacy Browser
According to the company itself, Epic’s VPN browser is a secure browser built in India, for India. With that said, this free VPN browser is an excellent choice for internet users situated on the Indian subcontinent.
This VPN browser also offers a bunch of more advanced security features, which can all be configured by the user to optimise their browsing security.
Pros
Protects from more than 600 types of trackers.
Powered by Chromium to provide a high-speed experience.
In-browser VPN and proxy for added identity protection.
Automatically blocks advertisements
DNS leak protection
Cons
More complicated for new or casual internet users.
Does not offer a mobile app.
Tenta Browser
Tenta is known as an extremely private, encrypted browser, and the company certainly lives up to its reputation.
The browser can be downloaded for free and is available for all leading Android phones. While using it, the browser’s VPN automatically generates a unique OTP, or One-Time Password, which further enhances your online security.
Pros
Manually select server location.
Fully-secured HTTPS protocol to protect your browsing activity.
Built-in AES-256 encryption and SHA-384 authentication.
Automatically deletes browsing data when closed.
Cons
Only available on Android devices.
