Here we review both browsers to help you decide which will work best for you.
Overall Findings
These are both great browsers, and they have more in common than they do not. For example, they both offer popular features such as:
Tabbed browsingPrivate browsingA password managerData syncing across devicesExtensions and themesTab pinning
Chrome is the go-to web browser for the majority of internet users. As of May 2022, it had nearly 66 percent of the browser market share worldwide, according to Statcounter. It’s the default browser for Android and the backbone of the operating system on Chromebook devices. Opera began as a research project at Norwegian telecommunications company Telenor in 1994. A year later, its creators founded their own company with the belief that everyone should be able to browse the web on any device. These days, Opera markets itself as an alternative to Chrome. People who want to make the switch from Chrome to Opera can automatically import their data and take advantage of some of Opera’s unique features. You’ve seen the similarities between Opera and Chrome, but it’s likely the differences that will help you decide which is right for you.
Ad Blocking: One Point for Opera
If you want an ad blocker in Chrome, you have to download it as an extension. Opera comes with an integrated ad blocker. Opera is the first major browser to build ad blocking into the browser engine. The result is quicker page loads and a faster overall browsing experience.
VPN: It’s Built-In With Opera
As with the ad blocker, Opera is the only major browser with a built-in VPN. It’s available without a subscription, and unlike Chrome, requires no third-party extension. The VPN does have some great features. For example, you can use it in a private browsing window and mask your physical locations. The trade-off for extra security, however, is decreased speed and performance.
Effect on Battery Life: Opera Has the Edge
Chrome is a memory hog because it’s more than a search engine. It’s a collection of services and extensions that enable Chrome to provide a powerful multimedia experience. However, each of those services and extensions has an impact on your RAM and processing speed. Opera provides a longer browsing experience through a feature called Battery Saver. This feature works by temporarily disabling plug-ins you don’t need and reducing background activity while the browser is on. Battery Saver also monitors your computer’s battery status and warns you when it reaches 20 percent.
Watching Video: Opera’s Pop-Out Window Rocks
Opera offers an integrated feature called Video Pop-Out. With it, when you watch an online video, you have the option of seeing it in a floating window that you can position above the web page you’re viewing. Chrome offers a similar experience through the Google Picture-in-Picture extension, available from the Chrome Web Store. Note, however, that the extension works only in the desktop version of Chrome.
Final Verdict: You Can’t Lose With Either One
Chrome is a fine choice for most people. It’s the default browser on Google devices. It’s also user-friendly and highly customizable through the thousands of Chrome extensions and themes available on the Chrome Web Store. Chrome is an especially good choice if you’re a fan of the Google ecosystem of apps (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, and others). You can create a Google account for free and sync your information across all your devices. If you have an older computer or a sluggish internet connection, give Opera a try. Because it’s built on the Chromium engine, Opera can use many extensions and add-ons designed for Chrome, but it is also less taxing on your device’s memory. In addition, its turbo feature can speed up web browsing by compressing data found on websites. It’s also a good choice for laptop users looking to save a bit of battery life.
