Vivaldi integrates Proton VPN into the browser to fight web tracking

Vivaldi has announced the integration of Proton VPN directly into its browser without requiring add-on downloads or plugin activations, allowing users to protect their data against 'Big Tech' surveillance for free.

When enabled, browsing activity will be transmitted through Proton VPN's encrypted tunnels while also obfuscating the user's IP address, safeguarding their privacy and protecting them from persistent tracking.

Vivaldi says it partnered with Proton VPN because the Swiss company is a non-profit organization, free of political dependencies, and has proven its integrity time and time again.

With Vivaldi being based in Norway, the partnership takes on a European angle, aimed at challenging U.S. tech giants dominance on the web.

"Consumers around the world are fed up with Big Tech's data collection, the problem is they haven't until recently had an alternative," explained Proton VPN's General Manager, David Peterson. 

"Europe is perfectly placed to offer that alternative and this is what companies like Proton and Vivaldi are building." 

"Together, Proton VPN and Vivaldi are setting a new standard that challenges the dominance of Tech giants, providing a viable European alternative that helps people retake control of their digital lives."

Proton VPN inside Vivaldi

Users of the Vivaldi browser must upgrade to the latest version and create a Vivaldi account to activate Proton VPN.

The new tool is made available via the toolbar, where a new "VPN" button is added.

Clicking this button will open up the ProtonVPN interface, where you will be prompted to log in to Proton using your Vivaldi account.

Proton VPN can be activated by clicking the connect button, connecting you to the closest VPN server near your location.

By default, the Proton VPN integration is free without time or bandwidth limits, ads, or trackers. However, there are some limits on speed and server selection in the free tier.

Users who wish to enjoy all of Proton VPN's features can upgrade to a paid plan to unlock faster speeds, extensive server selection, and support for additional devices.

However, it's important to note a big caveat with this new browser feature.

Unlike standard VPN clients, this integration does not provide protection for network traffic outside the browser. Therefore, the VPN tunnel doesn't cover any apps or background services outside of Vivaldi.

Purchasing a full subscription to ProtonVPN will not only provide extra features in the browser but also allow you to install the full desktop application to protect all applications running on your computer.