A browser for those who are looking for something different

Enlarged image for Opera Browser
Opera Browser 0/8

Ever since the birth of the internet, libraries have become more and more outdated, and information more easily accessible. Of course, all of this has come about with pioneering browsers like Opera to help users surf the world wide web. Opera has evolved its services to keep up with the times. It now runs on the Google Chromium system, boasting additional features to set it apart from the search engine's famed browser. 

Browse differently

It's hard not to associate Opera to the phrase "internet browsing." After all, it's one of the first few browsers that became available in the market during the dawn of the internet.

Time and time again, this browser continues to prove that it's one of the best. The question on whether it continues to perform up to par is a matter of discussion. Opera’s unique interface is one of the first things you will recognize when using it. On the left side of the browser, you will find several icons that belong to applications integrated in Opera, such as Facebook Messenger and Whatsapp. Other icons can include instant search, bookmarks, history, and much more. While the layout is indeed a little different from the usual, it offers a sleek design that’s easy on the eyes and a browsing experience that meets any expectation.

Opera runs on the Google Chromium system. It uses the base, open-source Google Chrome program with added twists to make for a more personal browsing experience. With this, users can use Opera's address bar for searches where you can be redirected to a list of Google search results. This comes in hand especially if you use this feature often in your day-to-day tasks.

Another feature Opera delivers is flexibility. Since the browser's source code is available to all, anyone who knows how to program can easily modify their browser to include exclusive tools and features. For those of you who don't have a background in developing programs, customization may be limited to the extension you install in the browser. While Opera's security features does offer checking for malware and phishing schemes, users still need to make adjustments for them to be fully effective. On its default setting, it cannot block all malicious websites, only determining a few web pages to be harmful to users’ devices. Getting an antivirus program will be necessary given that Opera slightly lacks the proper means to protect user data. In terms of speed, this browser is no geezer. On average, Opera can fully load pages in around 4.5 seconds. Pretty impressive! This browser is one of the few navigators on the market to occupy a smaller space on your computer.

Where can you run this program?

What's good about Opera is that it runs on almost any device. Windows and Mac users can easily install it on their computers as it as it is fully supported by their operating systems. You can also use Opera on both iOS and Android handheld devices. The Apple application version, Opera Touch, claims to be the best browser for iPhone due to its light, clean, and very easy-to-use features. And for those of you sporting Samsung Gear. there’s Opera Mini for on-the-go web surfing.

Is there a better alternative?

There's a lot of alternative browsers to Opera. Mozilla Firefox is just one such heavy contender. At the moment, it tops other browsers for being the fastest, being light on RAM unlike other navigators.Another option to consider is Chrome. It is one of the leading browsers in the competition and is known for its compatibility with a multitude of platforms. You can also sync this browser to other devices, much like Opera. Its speed has ranked Chrome second among the fastest browsers. There is a wide range of extensions that you can add to customize it to your needs.

Our take

Granted the many features Opera has to promises, it's one of the most underrated browsers in the market. Users who value aesthetics will surely appreciate the sleek design this browser sports. Even the dark and incognito mode looks sharp on your computer screen. Because its design deviates a little from the norm, it may take you some time to adjust to its unique interface. It’s easy to customize to meet any of your online needs. Overall, it’s definitely worth giving Opera a try, even if it’s not the best browser out there.

Should you download it?

Yes. Opera can paint a whole new story for your experiences online. Since it's not exactly the most secure browser, there might be an added risk concerning your personal information privacy. Speedwise, it competes well with other big names in the market, such as Chrome and Firefox. All in all, go ahead and download Opera as your go-to back up browser.

  • Pros

    • Clean interface
    • Easy to customize
    • Can be synced to different devices
  • Cons

    • Opera does not support old websites
    • Security needs slight improvement
    • Getting used to interface may take some more time

Specifications

Platform
  • Windows
  • Android
Language
  • Arabic
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • German
  • Greek
  • English
  • Spanish
  • Finnish
  • French
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Dutch
  • Norwegian
  • Polish
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Swedish
  • Turkish
  • Chinese
License

Free

Latest update
Downloads in last month
406
Developer
Opera Software

Also available in other platforms

Program available in other languages



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