Want to try a new web browser other than Chrome and Safari? Check out Opera, which, in addition to providing data protection tools like a free VPN, also offers some great features offered for free, such as integrated email, workspaces, and more.
We’re all too familiar with Chrome, Google’s browser, Safari, Apple’s browser, Mozilla Firefox, as well as Edge, Microsoft’s browser, but there’s actually so much more to it than that.
We looked at Opera, a browser whose offering manages to stand out, particularly in terms of privacy and security, but is equally interesting when you look at the many customization and productivity options it offers for free.
Data and privacy protection, free VPN
the Opera browser It stands out especially because of its characteristics in terms of privacy and security.
First, it is interesting that Opera includes a free VPN browser. Provides privacy and security for our browser traffic when enabled.
It’s free and built into the Opera browser and doesn’t require a subscription from us.
On the other hand, what needs to be understood is that this only allows us to encrypt our Internet connection and to encrypt the information that passes between our computer and the site we consult.
Opera VPN allows us to protect our information when browsing in public places.
That’s good enough, but I mean, it’s not the kind of VPN that allows us to bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy content from all over the world.
Free VPN fromopera It has 3 public locations and more than 100 high-speed servers, which is useful for protecting our information when we are in public places, but not more than that.
Another great feature: the Opera browser has a tracker blocker. Helps prevent analytics scripts, encryption, tracking pixels, and other data collection methods used for targeted advertising.
Moreover, Opera also has an ad blocker built into its browser. On the one hand, it protects against malicious ads, but it’s also a double-edged sword, especially for independent creators like myself.
Unfortunately, as a freelance website publisher, this is the kind of feature that kills us. Of course, it’s boring, but we need advertising revenue to provide free content.
Good point: Opera’s ad blocker allows us to unblock ads from any website, but ideally it’s not a feature I’d encourage activating.
Lots of great features included for free
In addition to its customized options for protecting our private data, opera It has unique features that we like to use in work and everyday life.
Thanks to its sidebar, you can chat on popular chat apps and browse the web at the same time as the main messaging services can be integrated into Opera.
Among the messaging services to be integrated, we find:
- tik tok;
- Twitter;
- cable;
- The WhatsApp.
- Facebook Messenger.
For work, it’s just as practical because it means we don’t have to bother with our phone or our social networks to get our messages.
In addition to chatting, we can also integrate broadcast subscription in the sidebar. It’s really convenient, and all the big players are supported, such as Apple Music, Spotufy, YouTube Music, Deezer, Tidal, and SoundCloud.
Opera allows us to add messages and music directly to its browser.
Speaking of work, opera It has a feature called Space that allows us to keep our tabs in separate spaces to better organize our browsing.
It is really convenient if you use the same computer for work and daily life. This means that we can categorize our tabs according to our interests, such as work, organizing vacations, our hobbies, and so on.
We can easily organize all our tabs according to our interests in the same browser.
Another interesting postoperaPinboards. Like Pinterest, this app allows us to collect images, links, music, files, and notes right in the browser, without a third-party app.
These groups can be used to plan outings, create schedules, compare purchases, etc., and can also share them with our friends. If they’re also using Opera, they can even leave feedback in the form of emojis.
Several versions for several needs
opera Available completely free online, on their website. What is interesting is that the company offers several versions of its browser to meet many different needs.
There is, of course, the classic version that allows us to synchronize our data and send files between Opera on Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android and Chromebook.
There are several versions of Opera, including Classic, gamer, and crypto.
On the other hand, there is a version that is completely dedicated to Chromebooks with features that have been specially designed for them.
There is also a version for gamers called Opera GX. Among other things, this allows us to set CPU, RAM and network usage limits, and to use Discord and Twitch via the sidebar.
Finally, there is a “small” version that saves data, as well as a Crypto version that opens access to Web3 and integrates a native multi-chain wallet without deprivation of liberty.
In short, whatever the reason, it’s still a completely free alternative, so you have nothing to lose by downloading and trying it out, even if you have to go back to another browser if you don’t like the features on offer.
