Opera vs. Vivaldi: The Battle of Privacy and Features

Back in the day, Internet Explorer ruled the browser world. But then came Firefox and Chrome, and people realized that there could be better options out there. Chrome, built upon the open-source Chromium platform, paved the way for other browsers like Opera and Vivaldi to challenge its dominance.

These browsers claim to offer better privacy and security features, and they come with unique features that are worth a second look. Opera has long been a favorite, while Vivaldi is a new contender aiming to capture a share of the growing internet user base worldwide.

Let's compare Opera and Vivaldi and see what each has to offer in terms of privacy, security, features, and platform support.

Opera vs. Vivaldi

Platforms Supported

Opera is available on all popular mobile and desktop operating systems, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and even basic Java-based smartphones. It also offers specialized versions like Opera Touch, a lightweight and fast mobile browser, and Opera Mini, designed for low-end Android smartphones.

Vivaldi, on the other hand, is currently only available on desktop operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux. It lacks mobile apps at the moment, but we hope they will expand their reach soon.

UI and Layout

Both Opera and Vivaldi have a similar layout, with an address bar at the top. However, the real difference lies in the sidebar, a feature missing in popular browsers like Chrome and Firefox. In Opera, you can customize the sidebar by adding shortcuts to websites, default apps, news feeds, and more.

Vivaldi also offers a sidebar with shortcuts to search, bookmarks, notes, and more. It even introduces vertical tabs, a unique feature not found in other browsers. Both Opera and Vivaldi allow customization of these shortcuts, giving users more control over their browsing experience.

Privacy and Security

When it comes to privacy and security, Opera and Vivaldi both offer impressive features. Opera, for instance, comes with a built-in VPN for both desktop and mobile versions. Although the speed might be slower than paid VPNs, it still provides a decent level of protection. Opera's VPN, however, only works within the browser and doesn't cover all internet traffic.

Vivaldi, on the other hand, focuses on privacy by not storing cookies and temporary files in private windows. It also offers end-to-end encryption for all synced data, using a user-set password that the company doesn't have access to. Vivaldi gives users more control over their browsing data and allows them to toggle predictive search and URL bar separately.

Features

Both Opera and Vivaldi come with unique features that set them apart from mainstream browsers. Opera, for example, has a built-in cryptocurrency wallet that supports popular coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tron. This makes it convenient for users who want to use cryptocurrencies for quick transfers. However, it's important to note that storing large amounts of cryptocurrency in a browser might not be the safest option.

Vivaldi offers a snapshot feature for taking selective screenshots, similar to Opera. However, Vivaldi goes a step further by allowing users to take notes and save them directly within the browser. This feature, along with the ability to attach files and screenshots, makes Vivaldi a handy tool for organizing research and work-related information.

Opera also stands out with its integration of popular messengers like WhatsApp, Telegram, VK, and Facebook Messenger. Users can chat on these platforms without switching between multiple apps or tabs. Vivaldi, on the other hand, excels in tab management with its “Stacks” feature that groups similar tabs into one, making it easier to navigate and organize multiple tabs.

In terms of note-taking capabilities, both Opera and Vivaldi offer similar features. However, Opera takes the lead by allowing data sync across all platforms and providing an extra layer of security through QR code verification.

Finally, Opera doubles as a news reader, allowing users to track news and customize their experience with favorite RSS feeds. However, power users might prefer dedicated news aggregator apps like Flipboard or Feedly for a more comprehensive experience.

Conclusion

Both Opera and Vivaldi offer a range of features that are missing in popular browsers like Chrome and Firefox. While they share similarities due to their common history, there are distinct differences.

Opera shines with its VPN, cross-platform support, and cryptocurrency wallet, making it an excellent choice for advanced users. On the other hand, Vivaldi offers more customization options, enhanced privacy and security features, and an impressive tab management system.

Personally, I use Vivaldi for my day-to-day work due to its speed and workflow optimization. When I need to browse anonymously, I switch to Opera for its VPN feature and access to blocked websites.

Ultimately, the choice between Opera and Vivaldi depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both browsers offer a unique experience that caters to different user requirements.