In Vivaldi, the integrated Proton VPN feature works as a “secure web proxy,” meaning it protects only Vivaldi’s web traffic and does not protect other apps on your device.
Even with a VPN, traffic is encrypted between you and the VPN service, but it can still be visible to parties that can observe communications between the VPN service and the destination website.
If you need whole-device protection (messengers, games, system updates, other browsers), you generally want a system-level VPN app rather than a browser-only solution.
Top 8 VPN services for Vivaldi
1. Proton VPN (built into Vivaldi Desktop)
- Why it’s #1 for Vivaldi: Proton VPN is integrated into Vivaldi through a partnership, so you can connect “effortlessly with your Vivaldi account,” and the free tier is explicitly supported with optional paid upgrades.
- Data/privacy signals: Proton states it has passed its fourth consecutive annual third-party no-logs audit, and it publishes audit reports publicly.
- Best for: Users who want quick, built-in VPN for Vivaldi browsing without extra downloads, and who accept it only covers Vivaldi web traffic.
2. ExpressVPN (system-level VPN app)
- Why it’s useful with Vivaldi: A device-level VPN app protects Vivaldi plus everything else on the machine, reducing “browser-only” gaps.
- Best for: People who want simple “one app covers all apps” protection rather than per-browser proxies.
3. NordVPN (system-level VPN app)
- Why it’s useful with Vivaldi: Typically used as an OS VPN client, which is relevant if you want VPN coverage beyond the Vivaldi browser.
- Best for: Users prioritizing broad location choice and typical consumer VPN features in a standalone app.
4. Surfshark (system-level VPN app)
- Why it’s useful with Vivaldi: Another common “whole device” VPN approach, helpful when you switch between Vivaldi and other apps/services.
- Best for: Multi-device households and people who want one subscription across many endpoints.
5. Windscribe (app/extension-based options depending on platform)
- Why it’s useful with Vivaldi: Often considered when you want a lighter or free/low-cost starting point, but you must check the plan limits you actually need.
- Best for: Occasional browsing needs and users who can tolerate constraints on free tiers.
6. hide.me (system-level VPN app)
- Why it’s useful with Vivaldi: A full VPN client approach that can cover more than just the browser, which is important if you need privacy for other apps.
- Best for: Users who want a traditional VPN experience with client features.
7. VyprVPN (system-level VPN app)
- Why it’s useful with Vivaldi: Considered by some users for reliability under interference/censorship scenarios, depending on current product features in your region.
- Best for: Locations where basic VPN connections get throttled or blocked often.
8. Norton Secure VPN (system-level VPN app)
- Why it’s useful with Vivaldi: Can be convenient if you already run a Norton ecosystem and prefer one vendor and billing relationship.
- Best for: People who value bundling and simple operation over advanced customization.
| VPN service | Works with Vivaldi | Type (browser-only vs device-wide) | Free plan | Server/location choice on free | Notable technical/security notes | Key limitations to mention |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN (built into Vivaldi) | Built-in button in Vivaldi Desktop | “Secure web proxy” for Vivaldi web traffic only | Yes; Vivaldi says free with no ads and no data limits | No; free plan can’t select a specific server, only request switches | Vivaldi traffic is routed through Proton; Vivaldi includes WebRTC leak protection option | Does not extend to Vivaldi Mail; only Vivaldi web traffic is covered |
| Proton VPN (standalone app) | Yes (system VPN also covers Vivaldi) | Device-wide VPN (covers all apps on the device) | Yes (Proton Free exists; features vary) | Depends on plan (paid gives more countries/servers) | Proton publishes recurring third‑party no‑logs audits (Securitum) | Extra install/setup vs built-in; choose app when you need coverage beyond browser |
| ExpressVPN | Yes (use the OS app; Vivaldi runs through it) | Device-wide VPN app (covers all apps) | No (paid) | N/A | 30-day money-back guarantee for first-time customers | Paid-only; some sites may still block VPN IPs (needs server switching) |
| NordVPN | Yes (OS app covers Vivaldi) | Device-wide VPN app (covers all apps) | Typically paid (plans vary) | Depends on plan/app | Common “mainstream” VPN option with typical client features (varies by platform) | Requires separate app; results depend on region/network blocks |
| Surfshark | Yes (OS app covers Vivaldi) | Device-wide VPN app (covers all apps) | Typically paid (plans vary) | Depends on plan/app | Often chosen for multi-device use; feature availability depends on platform | Separate install; service access can vary by site and region |
| Windscribe | Yes (app/extension options; Vivaldi works via Chromium base) | Usually device-wide via app; some use browser extension | Often has a free tier (limits depend on plan) | Limited on free tiers (plan-dependent) | Useful as a starter/backup VPN option depending on limits | Free tiers may be capped/limited, so reliability for daily use can be an issue |
| hide.me | Yes (OS app covers Vivaldi) | Device-wide VPN app (covers all apps) | Often offers free/paid options (varies) | Depends on plan | Marketed with typical VPN security features (plan/platform dependent) | Always verify current logging policy/audits and regional availability before relying on it |
| VyprVPN | Yes (OS app covers Vivaldi) | Device-wide VPN app (covers all apps) | Typically paid (varies) | Depends on plan/app | Often discussed for working in restrictive networks (feature set can change) | Performance and access can vary by region; not a guarantee against blocking |
How to enable Proton VPN in Vivaldi
To start using Proton VPN inside Vivaldi Desktop, click the VPN button on the right side of the address bar, choose “Sign in with Vivaldi,” log in, allow Vivaldi to share your account recovery email with Proton during first use, then click the VPN button again and press “Connect.”
Vivaldi shows a “Protected” state when connected, changes the VPN icon color for quick status checks, and can display system notifications on connect/disconnect.
On the free plan you can’t pick a specific server location, but you can request a server change with rate limits that increase after multiple switches.
Rules of use (what you should publish)
A VPN is for legitimate privacy and security needs (for example, reducing exposure on shared networks) and should not be treated as a tool for illegal activity.
If you use a VPN to appear in a different country for a website, Vivaldi recommends starting a new private browsing session so cookies/storage/cache don’t identify you from previous non‑VPN visits.
Don’t assume a VPN provides “complete privacy”: Vivaldi explicitly notes the VPN cannot shield the communication between the VPN service and the website, so it should not be used when complete privacy is needed.
Technical limitations and security
Browser-only vs device-wide: Vivaldi’s built-in Proton VPN affects only Vivaldi web traffic and does not extend to other apps, and it also does not extend to Vivaldi Mail.
Startup gap risk: With Auto Connect enabled, Vivaldi warns that VPN initialization may happen a few seconds after browser start, and the active tab may load before the VPN is ready.
Leak considerations: Vivaldi includes a WebRTC leak protection toggle, and it warns this may affect video calling or live-streaming performance on some websites.
Legal and jurisdiction considerations
Vivaldi states Proton VPN is operated by Proton AG based in Switzerland, with company-owned servers located in Switzerland and Germany.
Vivaldi also states account authentication is done by Vivaldi (a Norwegian company) with servers located in Iceland, and first-time setup may involve sharing your account recovery email address with Proton.
In Russia, reporting in 2026 indicated that VPN usage was not described as completely banned for legitimate purposes at the time of writing, but it also noted growing enforcement risks and evolving penalties around accessing prohibited/extremist content and VPN-provider compliance.
Protecting user data (best practices)
Treat a VPN provider as a high-trust party: Proton notes that when you connect to a VPN, it effectively becomes your internet provider and is technically capable of tracking/logging unless prevented by policy and controls.
Prefer providers that publish independent audits; Proton states its no-logs policy has been confirmed by recurring third-party audits and that reports confirm it does not keep metadata logs or log VPN activity.
Use layered defenses: keep HTTPS, update Vivaldi and OS, limit extensions, and enable leak protections where needed (WebRTC leak protection can reduce IP exposure but may break some real-time features).