SoftNexi

Windows · Web Browsers

Opera for Windows

Chromium-based browser with a free built-in VPN-like proxy, ad blocker, and messenger sidebar panels for chat apps.

Updated August 9, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation

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Overview

Opera is a long-running browser now built on Chromium, distinguished by features bundled directly into the browser rather than left to extensions: a free built-in traffic-forwarding VPN feature, an ad blocker, and a sidebar with quick access to messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.

Its 'Browser VPN' is a proxy-style feature that changes the browser's apparent location and encrypts browser traffic, but it is not a full system VPN and doesn't cover other apps — worth understanding before relying on it for anything beyond casual browsing.

Being Chromium-based, Opera supports Chrome Web Store extensions and renders sites identically to Chrome, so compatibility is not a concern.

Opera suits users who like an all-in-one browser with built-in utilities (VPN-style proxy, ad block, messenger panel, screenshot tool) without installing several extensions, though some may prefer a more minimal Chromium browser instead.

Key features

  • Chromium engine with Chrome Web Store extension compatibility
  • Built-in free browser VPN-style proxy feature
  • Native ad blocker without needing a separate extension
  • Sidebar messenger panel for WhatsApp, Telegram, and similar apps
  • Built-in screenshot and workspace tools for tab organization
  • Battery Saver mode to reduce resource use on laptops
  • Opera GX variant tailored for gamers (listed separately)

System requirements

Operating system
Windows 11 and Windows 10 (64-bit)
Architecture
x64 build
Account
Optional Opera account for sync

How to install Opera

  1. 1. Download from Opera

    Go to opera.com/download and click Download Now for the Windows 64-bit build.

  2. 2. Run the installer

    Approve the UAC prompt; the installer offers to import bookmarks and set Opera as default browser.

  3. 3. Enable the browser VPN

    Go to Settings > Privacy and toggle on the free VPN feature if you want it enabled for browsing.

  4. 4. Set up the sidebar

    Add messenger apps like WhatsApp Web to the sidebar from the sidebar customization menu.

How to use it

  1. 1. Toggle the ad blocker

    Settings > Ad blocker lets you enable native blocking without a separate extension.

  2. 2. Use workspaces

    Group tabs into workspaces from the tab bar to separate projects or contexts.

  3. 3. Enable Battery Saver

    Turn it on under Settings > Battery Saver to reduce background activity on laptops.

  4. 4. Pin messenger panels

    Use the sidebar to pin WhatsApp, Telegram, or Messenger for quick access without switching tabs.

Safety and privacy

  • Download only from opera.com; Opera is a frequent target for third-party download-site repackaging.
  • Opera's core is based on the well-reviewed open-source Chromium project, with Opera's own closed-source additions layered on top.
Bundled software
The official installer does not bundle unrelated third-party software, though it may offer to set Opera as default and change search settings during setup.
Privacy
Opera's built-in VPN feature routes traffic through Opera's own servers rather than a fully independent VPN provider, and Opera collects standard telemetry adjustable in Settings > Privacy. Users who need strong VPN guarantees should treat the built-in feature as a convenience proxy, not a replacement for an audited VPN service.

Known risks

  • The built-in VPN only covers browser traffic, not the whole system — don't rely on it as a full VPN replacement.
  • As with any Chromium browser, third-party extension permissions are the main practical risk.

What's new

  • Current stable channel

    Opera updates automatically. See blogs.opera.com for the current release notes and version.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Useful built-in features (VPN-style proxy, ad blocker, messenger sidebar) reduce reliance on extensions
  • Chrome Web Store extension compatibility
  • Workspaces and tab organization tools are genuinely convenient
  • No account required to use core features

Cons

  • Built-in VPN is a browser-only proxy, not a full system VPN
  • Smaller market share means less independent security scrutiny than Chrome or Edge
  • Some bundled features (crypto wallet, messenger panel) go unused by many people and add visual clutter

Verdict

Opera is a good pick for users who want a feature-rich Chromium browser with built-in extras like an ad blocker and browser VPN without hunting for separate extensions. Just don't treat the free VPN as a substitute for a dedicated VPN service.

Frequently asked questions

Is Opera free?

Yes, Opera is free to download and use.

Is Opera's built-in VPN a real VPN?

It encrypts and reroutes browser traffic through Opera's servers, but it doesn't cover other apps on your system, so it functions more like a proxy than a full VPN service.

Can Opera use Chrome extensions?

Yes, Opera supports installing extensions from the Chrome Web Store in addition to its own add-ons catalog.

What's the difference between Opera and Opera GX?

Opera GX is a variant tailored for gaming, with CPU/RAM limiters and game-related integrations, while standard Opera targets general browsing.