Opera's free and unlimited VPN arrives on Android devices

Opera's free and unlimited virtual private network (VPN) service is now available on Android devices. The app allows users to access geo-restricted content as well as block ad-tracking cookies. The Opera VPN was introduced to iOS devices in May and lets smartphone users simulate a virtual location that makes it appear as though they are accessing the internet from a different part of the world.

In doing so, users can bypass regional-based locks on services such as Netflix.

The app lets users emulate IP addresses from the US, Canada, Germany, Netherlands and Singapore. It also features a tool that lets check the security of a Wi-Fi network. This will scan a Wi-Fi network to check if it's public or private, whether it's encrypted, how many other devices are sharing the connection, if the IP address and the location are exposed, and if others can monitor or "sniff" device info. If the test tool detects any potential vulnerabilities, it will advise the user to enable the VPN.

Like the iOS version of the app, Opera's VPN for Android is powered by SurfEasy, a Canada-based web security firm purchased by Opera in 2015.

Company president Chris Houston said: "The Opera VPN app for Android sets itself apart from other VPNs by offering a completely free service – without a data limit, no log-in required, advanced Wi-Fi protection features and no need for a subscription."