Web Browser and Utilities

Best Apps Like Opera

Concerned about Opera's ownership, fake VPN, or ethical controversies? These alternatives deliver the same features from developers you can trust.

Why People Look for Opera Alternatives

Opera's acquisition by a Chinese consortium raised significant privacy concerns, with critics questioning whether user data could be accessed by foreign entities despite the company's Norwegian registration.
The built-in free VPN is a proxy that does not encrypt all traffic and has been criticized by security researchers as providing a false sense of privacy rather than genuine protection.
Predatory loan apps operated by Opera subsidiaries in Africa and Asia led to lawsuits and regulatory action, raising ethical concerns about the company's business practices.
Feature creep with Opera GX gaming browser, crypto wallet integration, and AI tools has made the browser feel more like a marketing platform than a focused browsing tool.

6 Best Alternatives to Opera

Each app below addresses a specific gap in Opera's offering. We picked them based on real user review patterns and feature differentiation.

Vivaldi

Feature-packed browser from former Opera developers

Vivaldi was created by Opera's original co-founder specifically for users disappointed by Opera's direction. It offers the same level of built-in features including mail, calendar, and translation but with genuine privacy commitment, no crypto gimmicks, and no controversial corporate ownership.

Opera fans who want the same feature richness from trustworthy developers Free
Explore Vivaldi data →

Arc

Modern browser with innovative sidebar and workspace organization

Arc provides a similarly feature-rich experience to Opera but with a more innovative interface. Spaces organize different browsing contexts, the sidebar replaces the tab bar, and built-in tools reduce extension dependency. It feels like Opera redesigned from scratch.

Users who liked Opera's innovation but want a more trustworthy and modern option Free
Explore Arc data →

Floorp

Firefox-based browser with sidebar, workspaces, and customization

Floorp brings Opera-style features to the Firefox engine, including a customizable sidebar, workspace tabs, and vertical tab support. Built on a privacy-respecting foundation with no corporate controversies, it offers similar convenience without the trust concerns.

Users who want Opera-like features on a privacy-respecting Firefox base Free and open source
Explore Floorp data →

Sidekick

Productivity browser with web app sidebar and focus features

Sidekick mirrors Opera's sidebar messaging concept but extends it to all web apps. Pin Gmail, Slack, WhatsApp, and other apps in the sidebar for instant access. Tab suspension and focus mode features make it more productivity-oriented than Opera's entertainment focus.

Productivity-focused users who loved Opera's sidebar messenger integration Free with Pro at $12/mo
Explore Sidekick data →

Wavebox

Multi-account browser for managing web apps and profiles

Wavebox excels at managing multiple accounts across web services, something Opera's workspaces attempted but never perfected. It isolates cookies per app, supports multiple sign-ins, and organizes everything in a clean sidebar interface.

Users managing multiple accounts across many web services Free basic, Pro from $8.33/mo
Explore Wavebox data →

Zen Browser

Elegant Firefox-based browser with split views and workspaces

Zen Browser offers a beautiful sidebar-first interface built on Firefox, providing workspace organization and split-screen browsing that Opera users will find familiar. The open-source foundation and lack of corporate baggage make it a clean alternative.

Users wanting Opera's workspace features with a beautiful open-source browser Free and open source
Explore Zen Browser data →
How we found these alternatives

We evaluated browsers on feature completeness, privacy practices, corporate trustworthiness, and user satisfaction to find genuine alternatives to Opera.

Frequently Asked Questions

Opera functions as a browser but faces legitimate concerns. The Chinese consortium ownership raises data privacy questions, the built-in VPN is a basic proxy rather than true VPN protection, and the company's lending subsidiaries faced regulatory action. Alternatives like Vivaldi, founded by Opera's original creator, offer similar features with better trust.

Opera's VPN is actually a proxy that only covers browser traffic, not your entire connection. It does not use standard VPN protocols and has limited server locations. For genuine VPN protection, use a dedicated service. Alternatives like Vivaldi offer tracker blocking without the misleading VPN label.

After Opera was sold to a Chinese consortium in 2016, co-founder Jon von Tetzchner left and created Vivaldi Browser with many original Opera developers. Vivaldi carries forward Opera's original vision of a customizable, user-first browser without the corporate controversies.

Yes, all recommended alternatives are free. Vivaldi offers the closest feature parity from Opera's original team. Arc and Zen Browser provide modern interfaces with sidebar features. Floorp adds Opera-like features to Firefox. Compare browser options on AppVulture to find your match.

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