Opera Browser - Free Download (2026)

Name: Opera
Availability: InStock
Author: Opera Software ASA

Opera - Web Browser

Opera is a Chromium-based web browser with a built-in VPN, ad blocker, and a sidebar that lets you pin messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Discord next to your tabs. It is free, runs on all platforms, and supports Chrome extensions. Made by Opera Limited out of Norway, though the company has been owned by a Chinese consortium (Kunlun Tech) since 2016.

What it does

The browser itself works like Chrome since it runs on the same engine. What Opera adds on top: the VPN (Settings > Privacy > VPN) routes your browser traffic through Opera's servers - it is free, no account required, but it only covers the browser, not your whole system. The ad blocker is built in and works per-site.

The sidebar is where Opera gets interesting. You can pin Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram, or Discord and chat without switching tabs. Workspaces let you group tabs by topic (work, personal, research) and switch between them. Flow syncs links and files between your phone and computer by scanning a QR code. There is also Aria, an AI assistant built into the sidebar.

Advantages

Free built-in VPN with no account needed
Built-in ad blocker
Sidebar with pinned messaging apps
Workspaces for organizing tabs by topic
Supports Chrome extensions

Drawbacks

Owned by a Chinese company since 2016 - a concern for some users given the built-in VPN
The VPN only covers browser traffic, not the entire system
Hindenburg Research report in 2020 alleged involvement in predatory lending apps in Africa and India
Brave and Vivaldi offer similar features with better privacy reputations

Who it is for

Opera is a good pick if you want a browser VPN and ad blocker without installing extensions, and you like having messaging apps in a sidebar. If the Chinese ownership concerns you, Brave has a similar feature set with a stronger privacy focus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Opera browser free?

Yes, Opera is completely free including the built-in VPN and ad blocker. There is no paid version.

Is Opera safe?

Opera is a legitimate browser, but it has been owned by a Chinese consortium (Kunlun Tech) since 2016. In 2020, Hindenburg Research alleged the company was involved in predatory lending apps in Africa and India. The browser itself has no known security issues.

Does Opera have a free VPN?

Yes. Go to Settings > Privacy > VPN and toggle it on. It is free, requires no account, and has no data cap. However, it only covers browser traffic, not your entire system.

Can Opera use Chrome extensions?

Yes. Opera runs on Chromium and supports most Chrome extensions. You can install them directly from the Chrome Web Store.

What is the difference between Opera and Brave?

Both have built-in ad blockers and are Chromium-based. Opera adds a free VPN and messaging sidebar. Brave focuses more on privacy with built-in tracker blocking and optional cryptocurrency rewards.

Features & How-To Guide

#	Feature	How to use
1	Web page browsing 2	Type address in bar or search. Chromium-based, supports Chrome extensions.
2	Built-in ad blocker	Settings › Privacy and security › Block ads. Enable/disable per page.
3	Sidebar with messaging apps	Sidebar › Add Messenger/WhatsApp/Telegram/Discord. Chat without opening separate tab.
4	Workspaces	Right-click on Workspace icon in sidebar › New workspace. Group tabs thematically.
5	Built-in AI (Aria)	Sidebar › Aria › Ask questions, generate text, translate. Access to ChatGPT/Gemini.
6	Built-in VPN 2	Settings › Privacy and security › VPN › Enable. Free, no login, browser only.
7	Take screenshot 6	Ctrl+Shift+5 or menu › Screenshot. Mark area or entire page.
8	USB formatting to FAT32/NTFS/exFAT	Sidebar › Flow › Scan QR code with phone. Send links and files between PC and phone.
9	Video pop-out (Picture in Picture)	Hover over video › Click PiP icon. Video displays in floating window above other apps.
10	Battery saving mode	Settings › Advanced › Features › Battery saving. Limits background activity.