Opera Browser Review: is it secure enough?

An alternative browser on a range of platforms, could Opera be the secure browser you’ve been seeking? Let’s dig deeper and find out more in this Opera review.

Browsing without security and privacy in mind doesn’t just hand over your valuable data for free to third parties. It also exposes us to cybercriminals, curious local users, and potentially official agencies. So what can we do?

Well, the first step towards online safety is to use a secure web browser. When you log off, it can lock down your local data, erasing your history and password information. And it can encrypt the data you transmit – making you invisible to external observers. But making a second step is also important – more on that later.

What is Opera?

First off, not everyone will be acquainted with what Opera is and where it stands in relation to more popular alternatives like Chrome. Actually, it’s one of the oldest browsers, born way back in 1995 in grim and frost-bitten Norway.

In 1996, the first Opera browser for Windows appeared, and versions multiplied around the turn of the millennium (even extending to Nintendo DS editions). All the while, the core browser remained free to use but has long been ad-supported as a result.

Into the 2010s, the browser changed dramatically, incorporating aspects of Google’s Chromium platform and generally starting to resemble the search engine’s offering more closely.

A Chinese consortium purchased the company behind the browser in 2016 for $600 million. The leading buyer was Qihoo 360, a search and security company.

In 2018, Opera Ltd. became a publicly listed company on NASDAQ. It raised more than $115 million. Kunlun Tech Co, publicly listed on the Shenzhen stock exchange, became the principal investor.

This might alarm some people, as China isn’t exactly known as a bastion of digital security. However, all companies are listed publically, meaning they must adhere to strict regulations when it comes to privacy. Moreover, Opera is still based in Norway, where GDPR and other EU laws are in force.

As of now, Opera offers a number of products and services. The main one is, of course, Opera browser along with its different versions. Additionally, there’s Opera News, a news app that uses AI.

Is Opera browser safe?

What about security, though? If Opera fails here, we can write it off for good. But that’s not the case. On the contrary, the browser has some great security and privacy features:

• Private browsing. As you’d expect from a modern browser, Opera allows its users to hide their local activity. Private browsing erases history, cache data, and cookies for good.
• Password manager add-ons. If you want extra password protection, good add-ons like Bitwarden integrate seamlessly with the browser.
• Security badges. When you visit sites, the security badge icon lets you know whether it uses HTTPS and other certification forms.
• Google safe browsing. Opera takes advantage of the Google connection to mine a vast database of known attack sites, helping to guard against phishing.
• Crypto Wallet. Opera users can also connect their cryptocurrency reserves with the browser, allowing them to make virtually anonymous payments, manage tokens, and more.
• Free and premium VPNs. Opera VPN is a free built-in proxy that hides your IP address. In the meantime, Opera VPN Pro is a full service that protects your whole connection.
• Ad and tracking blockers. With Opera, you can easily block ads or whitelist websites that otherwise won’t work. Blocking most trackers is also just a few clicks away.
• Fraud and malware protection. Opera warns about suspicious websites and helps you avoid phishing or malicious software.

Opera Privacy Policy is a pretty tight and GDPR-based document as far as browser privacy goes. It clearly explains the terms used and what kind of information is collected in each case.

All data collection procedures are anonymized as much as possible. Most importantly, Opera gives guidelines for opting out.

How to use Opera

Opera for desktop is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and in a “portable” USB-stick format. There’s more than one version for Android and iOS phones, including Opera Mobile, Opera GX (also on desktop), Opera Crypto Browser (also on desktop), Opera Touch, and Opera Mini.

Using all of the versions should be fairly straightforward. They are available on the Opera homepage and will simply auto-install onto your chosen system.

When you’re up and running, plenty of features contribute to ease of use, including:

• Swift load times usually beat the performance of Chrome or Firefox.
• Unusual sidebar setup allows you to pin frequently visited websites and different settings, giving you flexibility about privacy and caches.
• Address and search bars are combined, saving space and making it easier to find what you need.
• Fully compatible with voice commands, adding another dimension to web browsing.
• Syncing is available across browser versions on computers and tablets so that you can easily send over links and documents.
• One-click access to external apps like email clients thanks to pinnable icons

And remember, the basic Opera setup is modeled on Google Chrome. So if you’re familiar with Google’s browser, getting up and running won’t be a problem.

Opera browser for Mac

Some browsers offer a stripped-down version for Mac users, but that’s not the case here. In fact, this browser could be the ideal option for OS X users for a couple of good reasons.

Firstly, it’s more memory-efficient than Chrome or Firefox. So your Mac battery should last longer. Secondly, Opera on Mac tends to be faster than the competition (even Safari). And the pinned tabs and favorite icons we discussed earlier add to the user experience in ways that Safari doesn’t.

Let’s not forget that the gaming-oriented Opera GX is also available on macOS. So as you can see, it’s worth giving Opera’s Mac version a try.

And if you do, don’t forget to use full protection with the Best Mac VPN.

Opera browser for Android and iOS

Opera has five (!) versions for mobile browsing, each built with a different goal in mind.

Opera Mobile

This Opera browser comes with a built-in proxy named “VPN,” just like the desktop version. It’s also free and easy to use but lacks advanced features, such as choosing your country.

Opera Mobile browser for Android and iPhone has an ad-blocker, personalized news feed, syncing with desktop Opera, and speech-to-text input support.

Opera GX

Opera GX is oriented toward gamers. Released in 2019, it allows to limit RAM, CPU, and network resources for better performance. Moreover, Opera GX integrates Discord and Twitch services, which are invaluable when playing and streaming online.

You can download this browser for both mobile and desktop devices. Just make sure you use the best VPN for complete protection.

Opera Crypto Browser

As the name implies, this is a dedicated browser for those into cryptocurrencies. Opera Crypto Browser has something to offer whether you’re just starting your crypto journey or an already established trader.

It’s a Web3 browser that adds protection with a malicious-address checker, phishing protection, and a secure clipboard. Additionally, users can access Telegram and Discord right from the sidebar. Finally, Opera’s Wallet Selector will enable you to work with multiple wallets at the same time.

Opera Mini

This mobile browser is built with the core goal of saving as much mobile data as possible. It works not only with Android but also with older smartphones and basic phones.

Opera claims that this browser can help save up to 90% of mobile data. It also comes with an ad-blocker, QR code reader, and unbeatable speed in case of a slow connection. If you choose this version, don’t forget to protect all of your traffic with the Best VPN for Android.

Opera Touch

Android users have a special version of the browser called Touch. Introduced in 2018, Opera Touch is being marketed as a fast web search browser that you can use with only one hand, and it definitely departs from the core Chromium-style model.

The one-handed mode allows quick browsing when you are out and about. Speed Dial provides rapid access to the sites you visit most often, and there are a solid ad-blocker and a unique “cryptojacking” defender as well.

What are the 3 most common Opera browser issues?

Opera is generally seen as a reliable app with relatively few major operational problems. Having that said, errors can arise, and here are the three most popular reasons why Opera might not work:

1. Opera browser won’t open. Sometimes the browser simply freezes and refuses to play ball in any way. That’s something all browsers do from time to time. Thankfully, the solution is generally straightforward. Just reinstall your browser and choose NOT to remove your files. That way, you will retain your passwords and bookmarks.

1. Excessive memory usage causes poor Opera performance. This doesn’t happen too often, but when it does, the causes can generally be traced to your cache. Try erasing the cache and seeing how performance changes.

1. Can’t access Gmail on Opera. This is a common issue for Opera users and a really frustrating one. It’s also not hard to fix. The culprit tends to lie with your cookie settings, and by turning off “Block third-party cookies,” you can usually solve the problem.

Browser comparison: Opera vs Chrome vs Firefox in 2024

Conclusion

Opera is clearly one of the most secure browsers in the world. The only concern that users may have is the previous ownership by a Chinese conglomerate and a current major investor Kunlun Tech Co. However, there are no grounds for suspicion – the company still operates from Norway and adheres to GDPR and EU legislation.

Furthermore, Opera offers an unparalleled selection of browsers tailored for specific consumers. There’s Opera GX for gamers, Opera Mini for bandwidth savers, Opera Crypto Browser for crypto traders – the list goes on.

Finally, when it comes to performance, Opera often outranks both Chrome and Firefox. And if you combine the Opera browser with the best VPN, staying safe online should no longer be an issue.

Recommended reads:

• Most Secure Web Browsers
• Is the Tor browser safe?
• Mozilla Firefox review
• Brave browser review

FAQ

Is Opera browser safe?

Yes, Opera is considered to be a secure browser. It has a built-in VPN, ad & malware blocker, and password manager. Besides, you can spice it up with any extension from the Chrome Store.

Is Opera safer than Microsoft Edge?

It is. Microsoft Edge suffers from security and privacy issues, which is not the case with Opera.

Should I use a VPN while browsing with Opera?

Yes, you should. Opera has a free built-in VPN, but it protects only the browser traffic. You can use Opera's premium option for full protection, but we highly recommend checking our top VPN services first.

Does Opera have a mobile version?

Yes, in fact, it has five of them. There's Opera Mobile for Android and iOS. Then we have Opera GX, Opera Crypto Browser, Opera Mini, and Opera Touch. The last two versions are Android-only.