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Web browser with a focus on ease of use and user privacy and security

Web browser with a focus on ease of use and user privacy and security

Vote: (2,400 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Opera Software

Version: 101.0.4843.33

Works under: Windows

Also available for Mac Android

Vote:

Program license

(2,400 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Opera Software

101.0.4843.33

Works under:

Also available for

Windows

Mac Android

Pros

  • Streamlined layout that is fully customizable
  • Countless extensions and add-ons
  • Built-in messenger tools

Cons

  • Can eat up system resources
  • Some privacy concerns

Opera is a cutting-edge web browser that is filled to the brim with a wide variety of productivity and security features.

Even though a few web browsers have come to dominate the market, Opera has still been able to create a loyal fanbase. This lightweight browser is filled with useful tools, and the development team is constantly adding amazing new features with every release. If you are tired of some of the bigger web browsers from Google and Apple, then you might want to try out Opera.

The first thing that you are going to notice when you download Opera is just how small the package is when compared to other larger browsers. Even after it is fully installed, it will still have a very small footprint on your device. After the software has been installed, Opera has a very useful feature that could save you quite a bit of time in the coming weeks. It will ask you if it can automatically import passwords and bookmarks from other browsers on your device.

If you are a fan of Chrome or Chromium, then this browser is going to feel very familiar. Opera was built on a platform that is very similar to Chromium, and it is compatible with many of the same tools. You are even going to have access to Chrome’s huge extension library, and that will be a major selling point for some people. Those extensions can carry out a variety of important tasks, and that includes blocking invasive ads, checking your spelling, and even saving notes to your computer.

Those who are worried about digital security will be glad to hear that Opera also has a built-in VPN. Virtual private networks have exploded in popularity in the last few years, and they are going to make you much safer while you are surfing the internet. When you connect to a VPN in Opera, the browser will automatically create an encrypted connection to an outside server. From that point on, all of the information that you send and receive will be fully encrypted.

In addition to greatly improving your security, Opera’s VPN can also help you access geo-blocked content. Many content providers restrict their data to specific locations, and they won’t let you stream their content unless you are in a specific country. One example of that would be Netflix limiting what you can watch when you are outside the United States. With a VPN, you can choose a server in the United States before you connect to Netflix so that you can continue to watch all of your favorite shows.

Another major feature that sets Opera apart from the competition is its built-in compatibility with a wide variety of messaging apps and services. While many messenger apps have third-party extensions that you can download, those tools can become problematic. Over time, using multiple extensions could begin to eat up your system’s resources and slow down your computer. With the built-in messenger apps, you won’t have to worry about using up as much RAM.

For many years, Opera was only available on a handful of devices, but that all changed when they were taken over by a larger corporation. In addition to using Opera on Windows PCs, you can also install this app on iPhones, Android devices, Apple computers, and Windows phones. That makes it an excellent option for anyone who likes to sync all of their data across multiple devices. When you save a bookmark or create a new password on your computer, you won’t have to worry about inputting that information on your smartphone or tablet as long as you have downloaded the mobile version on those devices.

To make data sharing even easier, you can also use Opera’s My Flow tool. That unique feature that lets you click on almost any type of content so that you can share it with other devices. If you see a YouTube video that interests you on your phone but you want to watch it on a larger screen, then you can hit the My Flow button and have it automatically sent to your computer. That tool works with practically any content imaginable, and that includes photos, personal notes, news articles, and files. As an added bonus, My Flow automatically encrypts that data before it uploads it to a new device.

Even though Opera has a huge amount of amazing features, there are still some drawbacks that users should be aware of. While the development team continues to refine this browser, it can still be quite slow. You might become frustrated if you are accustomed to faster browsers. Another problem that many Opera users have is the resources that it uses up. Opera is based on the Chromium platform, and that means your RAM could take a major hit if you have too many tabs open or multiple extensions running at the same time.

Those drawbacks can be frustrating, but Opera is still an excellent piece of software. Some of their cutting-edge tools can’t be found anywhere else, and they continue to push the limits of what is possible with a browser. Luckily, Opera is completely free to use, and that means you can try out for as long as you would like to see if it is a good fit for you.

Pros

  • Streamlined layout that is fully customizable
  • Countless extensions and add-ons
  • Built-in messenger tools

Cons

  • Can eat up system resources
  • Some privacy concerns

Pros

  • Comes with highly useful VPN features.
  • Ad-free browsing is the standard experience.
  • The browser is lightweight and designed for performance.

Cons

  • Opera doesn't play well with all websites.
  • The browser is lightweight but bare bones in some ways.
  • Opera doesn't feature as many extensions as Chrome.

Opera allows people to browse the Web with the latest features. This particular browser includes dozens of useful features baked into the software. Unlike other browsers, a number of privacy-focused features are available as well. Speed, efficiency, and privacy are the keys to success for Opera. It's not as popular as Google Chrome or Mozilla FireFox, but Opera solves quite a few problems Internet users face today.

Features, Features, and More Features Without Being Intrusive

The Opera browser includes plenty of features for its users without getting in the way. Over a dozen features are baked into the browser, but users don't have to take advantage of them all. In fact, an individual could use the browser without enabling or utilizing any of these features. Opera gives its users the option of activating features rather than forcing them onto the user.

Opera Turbo is one such feature, which is a data compression algorithm to reduce data usage. For slow or metered connections, Turbo is an excellent solution for loading websites faster without burning through precious data. Picture-in-picture mode is included in the browser, which makes multitasking more simple than ever before. Ad blocking and VPN features are included in the browser as well.

Performance, Stability, and Privacy In One Package

In the end, Opera's main selling point is an excellent combination of privacy, stability, and performance. The browser itself is lightweight and designed for fast page loading as well as smooth performance. Users shouldn't have to worry about hanging websites or a slow connection. Crashed windows are an infrequent problem to say the least. Then again, perhaps the biggest selling points here are privacy and security.

Included VPN software ensures users can browse the internet anonymously and securely. Likewise, the native ad blocker keeps prying eyes away from a user's browsing habits, and potentially dangerous ads won't be displayed while browsing. Opera is one of the most secure and privacy-focused browsers available right now. VPN features are enough to convince many people to switch to Opera, considering the state of the Web today.

Opera: Far From Perfection but Solid In Nearly Every Way

Even the best Web browsers include certain weaknesses and issues. Opera is optimized for performance, but not all websites like loading through Opera. Unfortunately, this has been an issue since Opera was first released. The browser doesn't feature too many extensions outside of its core features either. Opera browser features some shortcomings that may be deal breakers for users that prefer Chrome or FireFox. Still, we're talking about a browser with a focus on privacy and security. Such features will prove too enticing for many people to ignore these days.

Pros

  • Comes with highly useful VPN features.
  • Ad-free browsing is the standard experience.
  • The browser is lightweight and designed for performance.

Cons

  • Opera doesn't play well with all websites.
  • The browser is lightweight but bare bones in some ways.
  • Opera doesn't feature as many extensions as Chrome.