Proton VPN Now Natively Integrated into Vivaldi Browser

Privacy-focused browser Vivaldi has announced the direct integration of Proton VPN, offering users seamless VPN access without external downloads or plug-ins.

The integration reflects a broader effort by two privacy-centric European firms — Vivaldi Technologies and Proton AG — to provide a viable and secure alternative to browsers and services entrenched in surveillance-based business models. This partnership enables desktop Vivaldi users to activate Proton VPN directly through their Vivaldi accounts, gaining instant access to free, unlimited VPN coverage, with optional upgrades to premium plans.

Proton VPN for Vivaldi includes a genuinely free option — no ads, no trackers, no bandwidth limits, and no time restrictions. Whether users remain on the free plan or opt for a paid upgrade to unlock faster speeds, additional server locations, or support for more devices, they receive the same advanced anti-censorship protections that define Proton's VPN technology.

The collaboration emerges amid mounting scrutiny of how mainstream browsers feed into Big Tech's advertising ecosystems by tracking user activity and selling behavioral data. With this integration, Vivaldi and Proton position themselves as the antithesis of that model, advocating for uncompromising user control and data autonomy.

Proton VPN, developed by the Swiss team behind Proton Mail — the world's largest encrypted email service — is an open-source platform that enforces a strict no-logs policy and features anti-censorship technology. Its infrastructure spans more than 11,500 servers across 117 countries, supporting high-speed encrypted traffic without bandwidth caps. Vivaldi, on the other hand, is known for its deeply customizable interface and its commitment to user privacy, boasting a built-in tracker blocker, ad blocker, and a robust suite of browser tools. Both companies share roots in Europe, operate independently of major tech conglomerates, and explicitly reject data monetization practices.

David Peterson, General Manager at Proton VPN, framed the move as a response to widespread dissatisfaction with Big Tech's data practices. “Consumers around the world are fed up with Big Tech's data collection. Together, Proton VPN and Vivaldi are setting a new standard that challenges the dominance of tech giants,” Peterson said.

Tatsuki Tomita, Vivaldi's COO and Co-founder, emphasized the ethical foundation of the partnership: “Proton and Vivaldi demonstrate that powerful products don't require compromising user privacy. Our partnership represents a principled alternative to Big Tech.”

The integration enables key privacy enhancements without increasing user friction. Once logged in, users can activate Proton VPN within a few clicks, and no additional setup is required. This built-in model not only removes the barrier of third-party installation but also ensures that privacy protections are more accessible to mainstream users who might otherwise remain vulnerable.

This development sets a new precedent for privacy-respecting design in consumer applications, signaling a future in which ethical alignment may carry as much weight as technical performance in user adoption.