Best proxy extensions for Opera

To bypass regional or other restrictions on websites using the Opera browser, setting up a proxy to change the user's real IP address is an effective solution. One of the simplest methods to achieve this is by using specialized proxy extensions designed for Opera. Here are the top four proxy extensions for enhancing your browsing experience in Opera.

Proxy Switcher & Manager

The Proxy Switcher and Manager extension is tailored for easy management of proxy servers within the Opera browser. This extension not only enables manual configuration of desired IP addresses but also offers several operating modes for more advanced management, which include:

• Direct: ensures a direct connection in the browser, bypassing any proxy settings configured on the system.
• Auto detect: automatically detects proxy settings for internet connections, which is particularly useful when switching between different locations or networks that may require different proxy settings.
• System proxy: utilizes the system’s proxy settings directly in the browser, allowing for seamless integration and use.
• Manual proxy: provides the ability to manually enter and save multiple proxy configurations within the extension, enabling easy switching between them as needed.
• PAC script: supports the use of PAC scripts, which are JavaScript files that dictate which proxy server to use for specific requests, based on predefined rules. This is especially beneficial for users who need dynamic proxy responses based on the content of the request or the requesting site.

  

Thanks to its variety of operating modes, the Proxy Switcher and Manager extension for Opera stands out as particularly versatile. Additionally, when manually configuring a proxy, users of the extension can utilize the “Search” function to find and connect to a free working proxy instantly. Furthermore, when the extension identifies an IP address, it automatically checks its validity, ensuring reliable and effective proxy connections.

The plugin also offers customizable settings to enhance usability. By navigating to the “Options page” section, users can choose different colors for each of the tabs, helping to visually distinguish the type of connection currently in use. Additionally, this section allows users to specify further settings, such as which mode to use when searching for valid proxies and which proxy to default to when launching the browser. The menu also provides options to import and export settings, facilitating easier setup across different devices or for backup purposes.

Proxy Switcher and Manager are suitable for both ordinary users and advanced users who require the ability to automatically switch proxies when specific conditions are met. This flexibility makes it a valuable tool for a wide range of browsing and networking needs.

Step-by-step proxy setup in Proxy Switcher & Manager

To ensure a high-quality and anonymous connection, it is advisable to use private proxy servers. The Proxy Switcher and Manager extension supports the configuration of private proxies; however, within the extension's window, you can only input the IP address and port. The authorization data, such as username and password, are entered in a separate browser window that appears after this initial setup. For detailed instructions on setting up your proxy profile in this extension, you can follow the provided link.

Proxybonanza Proxy Manager

The Proxybonanza Proxy Manager extension is ideally suited for users who need to manage large lists of proxy servers. This extension provides robust functionality that includes the ability to:

• Import a list of proxies from a .csv or .txt file;
• Copy the proxy list and manually paste it into the extension;
• Select the criteria for how the data will be organized;
• Choose the format for distributing the data, such as columns or comma-separated values, providing versatility in how information is displayed and used.

  

In addition to handling large lists, the Proxybonanza extension also allows for configuring a single proxy for basic use. From the main menu of the plugin, users can export the added proxies as well as delete them.

The “Options” section of the Proxybonanza extension offers various settings for personalizing the user experience. Key features include:

• Notification settings: users can enable or disable notifications according to their preferences. However, notifications for critical errors remain active to ensure users are aware of important issues;
• Auto-update of tabs: this function automatically refreshes tabs opened in the browser when the proxy server is changed;
• Credential memorization: the extension can remember the username and password from previously added proxy servers;
• WebRTC disablement: this feature allows users to disable WebRTC technology, enhancing privacy by protecting against the leakage of the real IP address.

Additionally, users can enter an API key in this section, which is provided after registration on the Proxybonanza website. This key is essential for integrating proxy servers purchased from the service into the extension. Although the plugin itself is free and supports both private and public proxy servers, the inclusion of the API key enables seamless service integration.

This robust functionality allows the Proxybonanza extension to be used for various purposes, such as bypassing geographical restrictions on web resources and managing multiple accounts on a single website within one browser window.

Step-by-step proxy setup in Proxybonanza Proxy Manager

To configure your proxy server in the extension, select the “Add new proxy” function. This allows you to input all the data from the private proxy server at once, eliminating the need to enter your login and password in a separate browser window. This article provides instructions on how to add your proxy to the extension and activate it.

Proxy Finder (IP Switcher)

The Proxy Finder (IP Switcher) extension for Opera provides essential functionalities for utilizing proxy servers to circumvent restrictions on required web resources. Here are the primary operating modes of Proxy Finder:

• Manual mode: allows for the manual input of your proxy server data.
• Auto mode: enables the extension to automatically search for working proxies.

Using the Proxy Finder extension in “Manual” mode is recommended, as the automatic search function might not reliably work due to the limited database of public IP addresses.

Among the additional features of the Proxy Finder extension, notable options include the built-in proxy validity check, which can be disabled if not needed, and a history of proxy use. This history feature allows users to easily reconnect to previously used servers without the need to re-enter their data.

Step-by-step proxy setup in Proxy Finder (IP Switcher)

To use your proxy server in the Opera browser, install the Proxy Finder (IP Switcher) extension and follow these steps:

1. Click on the extension icon and ensure that the operating mode is set to “Manual”. In the adjacent cells, select the protocol type.

   

2. Enter the IP address and port of your proxy server in the designated fields. Then, press the “ON” button.

   

3. A notification will appear confirming that the proxy has been activated. If an error message appears, check the box next to the power button to use the proxy without initial validation by the extension.

   

4. Open a new tab in your browser and when prompted, enter your proxy username and password.

   

5. Verify your current IP address using any online checker; it should now reflect the IP address you configured.

   

6. To disable the proxy, click the “OFF” button in the main menu. If you want to view or reuse previously activated proxies, click on the clock icon and select from the drop-down menu.

   

This method allows you to configure multiple proxies in Proxy Finder, enabling you to switch between them swiftly. To clear all data from the extension, use the “RESET” button.

VPN.S HTTP Proxy

The VPN.S HTTP Proxy extension is a versatile tool that caters to both novice and advanced users. Here’s an overview of the main functions of the VPN.S HTTP Proxy extension:

• Automatic proxy configuration rules;
• The extension supports PAC scripts, which automate the management of a large proxy pool, ideal for users who handle numerous proxies;
• There is an option to specify exception sites that bypass the proxy settings, ensuring direct connections where proxies are not necessary;
• From the main menu of the extension, users can choose to connect directly or use system proxy settings depending on their needs.

The “Auto Switch” mode operates based on conditions that the user manually specifies or imports via a PAC file. This functionality allows the setting of detailed rules; for example, if a user visits a specific website or page, the extension can automatically switch to a designated proxy server. These rules can be easily set directly from the main menu of the extension while visiting the desired webpage.

The plugin also features an “Online Rule List” function, which simplifies the use of the automatic mode. Users simply need to provide a link to a page containing the rules and set the update interval for the list. All these settings are accessible in the “Options” section of the extension’s main menu, making it easy to manage and ensure the proxy rules are always up to date.

VPN.S HTTP Proxy for the Opera browser also includes its database of private proxy servers, accessible through the VPN.S tab. Here, you can purchase and manage these proxies. In the settings, there are options to export rules and PAC files, as well as to backup and restore your data as needed. The general settings allow you to set tabs to update after changing the proxy and to activate a function for monitoring changes in the proxy configuration.

Step-by-step proxy setup in VPN.S HTTP Proxy

After installing the VPN.S HTTP Proxy extension for Opera, follow these instructions to set up your proxy:

1. Click on the extension icon on the top panel of your browser and select “Options”.

   

2. In the new window, use the provided template to create a proxy profile. Enter a name for easy identification of the proxy server. Specify the IP address and port next to the required protocol. If you want this IP address to apply to all protocols, check the corresponding box.

   

3. Below, in the same window, add exception sites if necessary. Click the “Save” button to save the settings.

   

4. Open a new tab and click on the extension icon. The installed proxy will be displayed in the main menu. To use the new IP address, select this profile.

   

5. If required, a window will appear for you to enter authentication information.

   

This process for setting up a proxy in the VPN.S HTTP Proxy extension for Opera applies to both private and public proxies.

Recommendations for choosing a proxy extension for Opera

All the proxy extensions discussed can be found and downloaded from the official Opera Addons store. Below, we'll explore the main advantages and disadvantages of each extension to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.

Proxy Switcher & Manager

Pros:

• multiple modes of operation;
• PAC script support;
• extension customization options;
• import and export settings option;
• knowledge base and FAQ section.

Cons:

• supports only the English language;
• does not include functionality for proxy list loading.

Proxybonanza Proxy Manager

Pros:

• proxy list integration;
• WebRTC activity management;
• auto-refresh tabs after proxy switching;
• convenient switching between proxies in the extension window;
• remembers username and password for private proxies.

Cons:

• supports only the English language;
• lacks automatic switching functions between proxy servers.

Proxy Finder (IP Switcher)

Pros:

• all functions in one window;
• comprehensive proxy validation;
• proxy verification results saved;
• automatic selection of public proxies.

Cons:

• “Auto” mode does not always work;
• cannot load proxy list;
• lacks functions for automatic proxy switching.

VPN.S HTTP Proxy

Pros:

• automatic proxy configuration;
• site exclusion support;
• backup and export settings;
• quick rule addition for the active tab.

Cons:

• no ability to load a proxy list via file;
• supports only the English language.

For users who need to switch proxies automatically based on pre-set conditions, the Proxy Switcher & Manager or VPN.S HTTP Proxy extension may be suitable. Proxy Switcher & Manager offers a user-friendly interface with additional customization options, whereas VPN.S HTTP Proxy includes more features for saving, exporting, and copying settings, which can be useful for using the same configurations across different browsers.

Proxybonanza Proxy Manager is recommended for those who need to manage large pools of IP addresses, as it uniquely offers robust functionality for importing proxy lists and organizing data within them. It also includes a built-in option to disable WebRTC technology, which is crucial for protecting against the leakage of the real IP address.

Proxy Finder (IP Switcher) is ideal for everyday use to bypass blocks. It lacks extensive features but is very fast and easy to use, making it suitable for ordinary users who require a straightforward solution for overcoming website restrictions.