
Opera
A Chromium-based browser with a free built-in VPN, ad blocker, sidebar messengers and AI.
- Verified facts
- 4 of 4
- Alternatives ranked
- 5
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About Opera
Opera is one of the oldest browser brands and today runs on Chromium, so it supports Chrome extensions. Its current desktop version, Opera One, groups tabs into islands, adds a sidebar with messengers and music players, and includes Opera AI, its built-in assistant, at no cost. Its best-known extra is a free browser VPN that needs no account and has no data cap; it secures browser traffic only, not the whole device, and you choose a region rather than a specific country. There is also a built-in ad and tracker blocker, a crypto wallet and pop-out video. Opera is owned by a company with Chinese investors, which some privacy-minded users weigh up, and it shows promotions in its start page. A paid VPN Pro covers more devices. It is free and runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. It suits people who want lots of built-in features, especially a free VPN, without installing extensions.
Best for: People who want a free built-in VPN, ad blocker and AI without extensions.
Pros and cons
What works
- Free, unlimited browser VPN without an account
- Built-in ad blocker and sidebar messengers
- Runs Chrome extensions
Why people leave
- Free VPN covers browser traffic only
- Start page includes promotions
- Ownership raises questions for some privacy users
Top Opera alternatives
See all 5- 1
Brave77.6Stronger default ad and tracker blocking, with a paid system-wide VPN.
- 2
Vivaldi66.5Built by Opera's original founders, with more customisation and no ads on the start page.
- 3
Opera GX59.6Same base with gaming extras and resource limiters.
- 4
Microsoft Edge57.2Chromium browser with sidebar tools and Copilot built in.
- 5
Firefox55.3Independent engine with a non-profit-owned developer.
Why people left Opera
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
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Reviews
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Opera: common questions
Is Opera free?
Yes, Opera is free to use.
Is Opera open source?
No, Opera is not open source. Open-source alternatives include Brave and Firefox.
What platforms does Opera run on?
Opera is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android.
What are the best alternatives to Opera?
The highest-ranked Opera alternatives right now are Brave, Vivaldi and Opera GX. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.