Web browser comparison

Opera Browser has seriously powerful privacy and security features. Compare the best web browsers and see why people are downloading Opera. See more

Web browser comparison
Web browser comparison
Web browser comparison

Privacy

Ad-blocking, tracking protection and a free VPN help make Opera the best web browser.

Security

Opera automatically protects you from phishing, cryptomining, and paste-hijacking.

Content

Messengers, social media apps and music services are integrated in Opera’s sidebar.

Productivity

Opera’s Workspaces, battery saver and Video Pop-out help you browse more smoothly.

Compare web browsers Opera and Chrome

Summary: Opera Browser provides better privacy and security than Google Chrome, without using up your CPU & RAM. And with more advanced productivity features, Opera is more intuitive and efficient compared to Chrome.

Opera
Chrome

RAM/CPU friendly

Tests show that the Opera web browser uses less memory than its competitors, and Opera GX has RAM/CPU limiters built right in.

Chrome on the other hand is well-known for using a lot of your memory and CPU capacity by running a large amount of background processes.

Built-in Ad blocker

Opera includes a built-in Ad blocker that prevents your browser from being littered with ads. Plus, when you block ads and popups you’re better protected from malvertising, and webpages load faster. Opera's Ad blocker also lets you unblock ads for any website you want, giving you complete control over what ads you see online.

This type of ad blocking feature is not available in Chrome.

Tracking protection

Unlike Chrome, Opera Browser includes a Tracker Blocker that blocks analytic scripts, cryptojacking, tracking pixels and other methods of data collection. Opera’s tracker blocking feature is accessible through the ad blocking shield icon in its address bar, and you can customize lists and exceptions. In settings, you can choose to auto-clear cookies and site data when closing Opera as well as block third-party cookies.

In Chrome, third-party cookies can also be blocked in settings, though it doesn't apply to Google itself. Google collects a lot of user data from Chrome by default, and privacy settings are in a separate section (You and Google), where most of the sync features are enabled by default. This includes address bar autocomplete cookies, browsing history, Google Drive content sharing, statistics and crash reports sending.

Free VPN

A VPN (virtual private network) is the most important feature for your online privacy. Opera includes a free browser VPN that provides privacy and security for your browser traffic when activated. It’s free, built right into the Opera web browser, and doesn’t require any subscription or login.

Chrome does not have any built-in VPN.

Integrated messengers

Opera has the most popular messengers built right into the web browser. This lets you chat using Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram and more directly from your sidebar, no matter which tab you’re using. Chrome does not have integrated messengers.

Browser comparison Opera and Firefox

Summary: Opera is the best browser in terms of privacy, speed, and freedom of customization when compared to Mozilla Firefox. Opera offers more unique features for productivity and lets you access more content directly in your browser.

Opera
Firefox

Music Player

The world of music is at your fingertips without opening another app. Just flip the Player switch on the Opera Browser sidebar and play your favorite music from the most popular streaming services, like Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, Deezer and Tidal, directly in your browser. Firefox does not have this feature.

Built-in Ad Blocker

Opera's built-in Ad blocker ensures your browsing isn’t littered with dozens of ads. And when it blocks ads, web pages load faster and you enjoy more protection from malvertising. Firefox also has a built-in adblocker, but most users opt for a separate extension that works better.

Battery Saver

When browsing on a laptop with no way to plug it in, saving battery life is a great advantage - especially when you need your device for work. Opera Browser’s Battery Saver feature extends your battery life by up to 35% without sacrificing performance. Firefox does not have such a feature.

File sharing

Flow is Opera's custom feature that allows you to securely send attachments (notes, files, images, links) between devices, including your mobile phone. All you have to do is scan the QR code to connect your desktop browser to your mobile version. Anything you send between devices with the Flow feature is encrypted for privacy and security, and is immediately available in your other device’s Opera Browser. Mozilla Firefox used to have a similar feature, but it was discontinued in 2020.

Tab grouping

Do you keep a lot of tabs open at the same time? Opera Browser allows you to group them into separate workspaces so you can organize them by context, like work, shopping, gaming - whatever you want. With one click, you can switch between these groups to keep related tabs together and deal with less at one time. Firefox does not have a workspaces feature, but similar addons can be downloaded for it.

Compare browsers Opera and Edge

Summary: Opera is the best browser for privacy, security and customization. And unlike Microsoft Edge, which you can’t uninstall, you have freedom of choice with the Opera web browser.

Opera
Edge

Paste protection

Malware exists online that can hijack your clipboard and change the data that you copy and paste. By doing this, hackers can trick you into sending money to their accounts. To prevent this, Opera has included a Paste Protection feature in its browser.

When you copy and paste information, Opera’s Paste Protection feature monitors the information for a time, or until you paste it, and warns you if the data is changed. Edge does not have this feature.

Music Player

Opera Browser comes with Player, a built-in music player, right in the sidebar. Player lets you connect to music services, like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Tidal and Deezer, as well as switch between them any time. When you click the Player icon in the sidebar, a handy panel opens up with the music services you’ve connected to, so you don’t have to switch between tabs or windows. Also, when audio starts playing on a webpage, like if you start a YouTube video, the music in Player automatically pauses, then resumes when the other source stops.

Microsoft Edge does not have an integrated music player.

Free VPN

A virtual private network protects your online privacy by masking your location and encrypting your online traffic. Opera has a free browser VPN built right into Opera Browser, which doesn’t require logging in or subscribing.

Microsoft Edge is currently testing its Secure Network feature, which is quite similar. However, you need to log in with your Microsoft account to enable it. Another difference is that Edge automatically connects to the nearest location, while Opera’s Free VPN lets you choose from a number of locations.

Integrated social media

Opera Browser has social media apps, like Instagram and Twitter, built right into the browser’s sidebar, making it easy to keep up with social media while browsing the web. Once you’ve signed in, you can just click the icon on your sidebar to pop out the app’s panel. This way you can browse, post, and chat without opening new tabs or windows.

Can be uninstalled

Microsoft makes Edge the default browser on Windows devices automatically. While you can change your default web browser through the start menu (default apps), you cannot uninstall Microsoft Edge without deeper technical knowledge.

Opera Browser is not the default browser for any device, meaning that its 350+ million users have specifically chosen to download and use Opera.

Compare web browsers Opera and Safari

Summary: Opera Browser provides superior privacy over Safari, with free features that keep you safe online. Plus, Opera’s dedicated features, like browser AI and integrated messengers, allow you to do more and stay connected without leaving your browser.

Opera
Safari

Built-in Ad Blocker

Opera Browser has a free built-in Ad Blocker hat can be enabled in one click. Opera’s Ad Blocker protects you from malicious ads, keeps your browsing space clean, and makes webpages load faster. You can also unblock ads whenever you want, in general or on specific websites.

The Safari browser does not have any built-in ad blocker, but can block pop-ups if you search through settings and enable the function.

Free VPN

Opera Browser comes with a free browser VPN. It’s built into the browser, so all you need to do is switch it on and select your preferred region. Opera’s free VPN doesn’t log your activity or collect any information, providing a secure proxy for your browsing traffic with no subscription or login required.

Apple’s Safari browser does not have any built-in VPN.

Cryptomining protection

Opera Browser blocks crypto mining scripts by default through its Ad Blocker. By preventing crypto mining on your device, Opera saves your device’s speed, battery and processing power.

Safari does not block crypto mining scripts. While Safari’s Intelligent Tracking Prevention limits third-party cookies, you would need to rely on third-party extensions to protect against crypto mining.

Browser AI

Opera Browser includes a free browser AI, named Aria, both in Opera for desktop and on Android or iOS. Aria has a chat interface where Aria will provide you with clear answers instantly, saving you from digging through search results and scouring webpages for the information you want. And unlike other AI chatbots, Aria can get information from the web, giving you real-time information that’s not limited to the past.

Beyond chatting and answering questions, Aria can generate content based on your requests. Aria’s Compose feature makes this even easier with an interface that lets you assign parameters to the generated content.

On Opera for desktop, Aria is available in Opera’s sidebar, or via keyboard shortcut ( Ctrl + / ). On mobile, Aria can be found in the main menu.

Safari does not include any AI feature.

Integrated messengers

The most popular messengers, like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Telegram are built into Opera Browser. Sign into your preferred messenger and access it in one click from Opera’s sidebar to chat easily without leaving your browser. The chat panel can be pinned for browsing and chatting side-by-side.

Safari does not have any integrated messengers.

Why is Opera the best browser? Why is Opera the best browser?

Why is Opera the best browser?

Here’s what users say

United States

10 times faster than Chrome and there’s a built in ad blocker. What more is there to ask for.


Opera user from United States

United Kingdom

Finally, NO Ads. Edge was sending me flash adverts so fast I couldn’t get any work done. Opera is a breath of fresh air.


Opera user from United Kingdom

Poland

I just switched to Opera from Firefox and it’s a really nice and refreshing browsing experience. Super clean.


Opera user from Poland

United States

10 times faster than Chrome and there’s a built in ad blocker. What more is there to ask for.


Opera user from United States

United Kingdom

Finally, NO Ads. Edge was sending me flash adverts so fast I couldn’t get any work done. Opera is a breath of fresh air.


Opera user from United Kingdom

Poland

I just switched to Opera from Firefox and it’s a really nice and refreshing browsing experience. Super clean.


Opera user from Poland

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You deserve a better browser

Opera's free VPN, Ad blocker, and Flow file sharing. Just a few of the must-have features built into Opera for faster, smoother and distraction-free browsing designed to improve your online experience.

You deserve a better browser
You deserve a better browser
You deserve a better browser