Opera

About Opera

Opera believes in the "batteries included" philosophy. Instead of asking you to hunt for extensions, it bakes popular tools directly into the interface. A free (proxy) VPN, an ad blocker, and a snapshot tool are available immediately upon installation.

The Sidebar is its defining feature, giving you persistent access to WhatsApp, Messenger, music players like Spotify, and "Aria," Opera's native AI assistant. This setup is perfect for users who want to keep chat and media visible without juggling separate windows or tabs.

The interface can feel busy compared to minimalist alternatives, and some users may prefer open-source privacy standards over Opera's proprietary stack. However, for users who want a feature-rich, "Swiss Army knife" browser that is ready to go from the first launch, Opera is a top contender.

Features

Private search engine defaultNot supported
Private AI chatNot supported
Blocks 3rd-party trackersSupported
Blocks targeted adsSupported
Blocks cookie consent pop-upsNot supported
Blocks targeted ads on YouTubeNot supported
Built-in password managerSupported
Blocks email spy pixelsNot supported
One-tap history clearingSupported
Data broker removal serviceNot supported
Identity theft restorationNot supported
Built-in VPNSupported
Workspaces / Tab groupsSupported
Split screen viewSupported
Vertical tabs supportSupported
Anti-fingerprinting protectionNot supported
Native ad blockerSupported
Supports Chrome/Firefox extensionsSupported
Syncs across devicesSupported
Distraction-free reader modeSupported
Tor network integrationNot supported
AI agent that browses for youNot supported
All AI can be switched offNot supported
Container tabs for separate loginsNot supported
Built-in page translationSupported

Ratings

Speed4/5

Ease of use4/5

Customizability3/5

Privacy3/5

Extensions4/5

AI features5/5

Technical details

Engine: Blink
Based on: Chromium
Source code: Closed source

Frequently asked questions

Is Opera owned by a Chinese company?

Opera was acquired by a Chinese consortium led by Kunlun Tech in 2016. The company is now publicly traded on NASDAQ. Opera states that user data is processed under European privacy laws, but this ownership structure is a concern for some privacy-focused users.

Is Opera's free VPN a real VPN?

Opera's built-in VPN is technically a proxy service, not a full VPN. It only protects traffic within the browser, not other apps on your device. It doesn't cover all protocols and has limited server locations. For full device protection, a dedicated VPN service is recommended.

Can I install Chrome extensions in Opera?

Yes, Opera supports Chrome extensions. You can install the 'Install Chrome Extensions' add-on from Opera's own store, which then lets you install extensions directly from the Chrome Web Store.

How does Opera compare to Chrome for RAM usage?

Opera generally uses slightly less RAM than Chrome thanks to built-in ad blocking and its tab management. The difference is modest on modern machines but can be more noticeable on devices with limited memory.