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Editors’ Review
Opera is a free, fast, versatile web browser based on the Chromium engine, providing a seamless and secure experience across Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. It offers built-in tools like a free VPN, ad blocker, and tracker protection to enhance privacy without extra extensions. Supporting Web 3.0, Opera features crypto wallets and decentralized web access for modern browsing.
Opera enhances convenience and productivity with its local AI assistant Aria, ensuring privacy while supporting natural language commands. It also integrates social messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram in the sidebar, plus customizable themes, speed dial, and tab stickers.
Where privacy meets productivity in one browser
Opera’s built-in VPN and ad blocker provide robust privacy protection and faster page loads, distinguishing it from browsers like Chrome and Safari, which lack native VPNs. The sidebar integrates messaging apps and media players, allowing users to interact without leaving the browser, features partially mirrored by Microsoft Edge but absent in Firefox. Additionally, Opera’s battery saver extends laptop usage by limiting background activity, comparable to power-saving efforts in Firefox and Chrome.
The browser offers a clean, modular interface featuring smooth animations and useful utilities such as a screenshot tool with markup. Users can extensively personalize their experience through various themes and workspaces that help organize tabs by different contexts. Regular updates consistently enhance performance and stability, while its Chromium foundation ensures broad site compatibility and fast browsing speeds comparable to other leading browsers.
Synchronization between devices, especially on iOS, can be less seamless compared to other popular browsers like Chrome or Firefox. Additionally, although the extension library benefits from compatibility with Chrome’s store, it remains smaller and less developed overall, which may limit power users who rely on a wide range of niche add-ons and advanced customization for their browsing needs.
Pros
- Built-in VPN, ad blocker, and tracker protection
- AI-powered assistant Aria for local privacy and automation
- Integrated social media messengers and media players in sidebar
- Strong Web 3.0 support with crypto wallets and decentralized access
Cons
- Sync across devices, especially on iOS, can be inconsistent
- Smaller, less mature extension ecosystem than some competitors
- Social media and productivity integrations may distract some users
Bottom Line
A privacy-focused browser with unique features
Opera combines privacy, speed, and convenience with innovative tools that make it a distinctive choice among major browsers. Its built-in VPN, AI assistant, and social integrations deliver a modern user experience while supporting future web standards like Web 3.0. Although some syncing and extension limitations still exist, this browser remains trustworthy and versatile for users valuing privacy and productivity.
What’s new in version 78.0.4093.184
- Introduced Browser Operator AI for offline, privacy-focused task automation
- Upgraded to Chromium 132 for enhanced speed, security, and stability
- Added dynamic themes such as Interstellar, Twilight, and Ethereal
- Integrated Discord, Slack, and other messaging apps in sidebar
- Enhanced battery saver to reduce background activity and extend laptop browsing
- Added built-in privacy-focused webpage translation supporting over 40 languages
- Improved multitasking with split-screen views and advanced tab management features
- Expanded AI tab commands via Aria for natural language control
Used Opera for Windows? Share your experience and help other users.