Browser Comparison
Brave vs Opera: Complete 2026 Comparison
Two feature-packed Chromium browsers with built-in VPNs, AI assistants, and ad blockers. Which delivers more for privacy, gaming, or productivity? Updated .
Brave
v1.73.x (Chromium)
Opera
Opera One R3 (Chromium)
Quick Verdict
Brave wins for privacy, transparency, and crypto rewards. Opera excels at features like sidebar messengers, Tab Islands, and gaming (Opera GX). Both offer free AI assistants and ad blocking, but Brave's native implementation is more effective. Opera's free VPN is convenient but limited; Brave's paid VPN offers true device-wide protection.
Brave Wins For:
Privacy, open source, ad blocking, crypto rewards, Tor integration, cross-platform users
Opera Wins For:
Free VPN, sidebar messengers, gaming (GX), Tab Islands, customization, developing markets
Basic Information
| Specification |
Brave
|
Opera
|
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Brave Software, Inc. (US) | Opera Software AS (Norway/China) |
| Initial Release | January 2016 | April 1995 |
| Rendering Engine | Chromium/Blink | Chromium/Blink (Presto until 2013) |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Open Source | Yes (fully auditable) | No (proprietary) |
| Ownership | Independent US company (Brendan Eich) |
Chinese consortium (Kunlun Tech)
Acquired 2016 for $600M. NASDAQ: OPRA |
Privacy & Security
Privacy Ownership Note
Opera was acquired by a Chinese consortium (Kunlun Tech, Qihoo 360) in 2016. While Opera states data is handled according to Norwegian/EU law with European servers, some privacy advocates have raised concerns. Opera's "VPN" is technically a proxy covering only browser traffic. Brave is fully open source and US-based with transparent privacy practices.
| Feature |
Brave
|
Opera
|
|---|---|---|
|
Built-in Ad Blocking
Native ad blocking capability |
Brave Shields
Native C++/Rust, on by default |
Available
Extension-based, off by default |
|
Tracker Blocking
Cross-site tracking prevention |
Aggressive
URL params stripped, DOM partitioning |
Basic
Standard blocking only |
|
Fingerprint Protection
Prevents browser fingerprinting |
Industry-leading
Randomization per-site, per-session |
Limited
Standard Chromium only |
|
VPN / Proxy
IP masking capability |
True VPN (Paid)
$9.99/mo, device-wide protection |
Free Proxy
Browser-only, unlimited |
|
Tor Integration
Onion routing for anonymity |
Built-in | Not available |
|
Data Collection
Telemetry and user data |
Minimal (P3A)
Privacy-preserving, opt-out available |
Standard
Usage data collected, EU servers |
|
IPFS Support
Decentralized web protocol |
Gateway only
Local node deprecated Aug 2024 |
Gateway support
+ Unstoppable Domains |
AI Features: Leo vs Opera AI
Brave Leo
Free + Premium ($14.99/mo)
- Multiple models: Llama 3.1/3.3, Claude 3.5, Qwen, DeepSeek
- Agentic browsing: Auto-browse, fill carts, compare products (Nightly)
- Privacy: No server storage, local history only, Ollama support
- Skills: Custom saved prompts, /fact-check, /promo-codes
- Features: Page summary, code help, image OCR, tab organization
Opera AI (Aria)
Completely Free
- Composer engine: OpenAI + Google AI technologies combined
- Image generation: Google Imagen3 fast model built-in
- Context-aware: Auto tab/page awareness, Ask AI button
- Highlight to Act: Select text for instant summaries/translation
- Features: 50+ language translation, text composition, web search
AI Feature Comparison
Features & Tools
| Feature |
Brave
|
Opera
|
|---|---|---|
| Sidebar Messengers | Not available | WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Bluesky |
| Tab Management | Vertical tabs, groups | Tab Islands (auto-grouping) |
| Split Screen | Up to 4 tabs | |
| Screenshot Tool | DevTools only | Snapshot (built-in) |
| Cross-Device Sync | Brave Sync (E2E encrypted) | Opera Flow (account required) |
| Video Conferencing | Brave Talk (free) | Not available |
| Offline Media Playlist | iOS only | Not available |
| Extension Support | Chrome Web Store (native) | Chrome Web Store |
Gaming Features: Opera GX
Brave Gaming Features
No dedicated gaming variant
Brave focuses on privacy for all users
Opera GX (Gaming Browser)
- GX Control: Limit CPU, RAM, and network bandwidth
- Razer Chroma RGB: Peripherals react to browser events
- Twitch/Discord: Built-in sidebar integration
- GX Corner: Gaming news, deals, free games
- Mods: Community themes, sound effects, wallpapers
- Panic Button (F12): Quick-hide browser
Web3 & Cryptocurrency
| Feature |
Brave
|
Opera
|
|---|---|---|
| Crypto Wallet | Brave Wallet (active) |
Shutting down Jan 2026
Replaced by MiniPay stablecoin |
| Supported Chains | Ethereum, Solana, Bitcoin, BNB + 100 EVMs | Celo only (MiniPay) |
| User Rewards | BAT tokens (70% ad revenue share) | None |
| Creator Tipping | Brave Creators program | Not available |
| NFT Support | Native display & management | Discontinued |
| Own Search Engine | Brave Search (50M+ queries/day) | No (uses Google default) |
Which Browser Should You Choose?
Privacy-conscious users
Brave (open source, minimal tracking)
Gamers
Opera GX (resource limiters, RGB, Twitch)
Crypto rewards
Brave (BAT tokens, active wallet)
Free VPN (casual)
Opera (unlimited, no account)
Full VPN protection
Brave ($9.99/mo, device-wide)
Sidebar messengers
Opera (WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord)
Tor/anonymity
Brave (built-in Tor mode)
Tab organization
Opera (Tab Islands, Workspaces)
Low bandwidth regions
Opera Mini (compression)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Opera's VPN safe to use?
Opera's "VPN" is technically a browser proxy, not a full VPN. It only protects browser traffic and doesn't encrypt traffic from other apps. It's fine for basic geo-unblocking but shouldn't be relied upon for serious privacy needs. The traffic routes through Opera's servers, and given the Chinese ownership, some privacy advocates recommend caution for sensitive activities. Brave's VPN ($9.99/month) offers true device-wide protection powered by Guardian.
What is Opera GX and who is it for?
Opera GX is the world's first browser designed specifically for gamers, launched in 2019 at E3. It features GX Control (CPU/RAM/network limiters), Razer Chroma RGB integration, built-in Twitch and Discord sidebar, gaming news in GX Corner, and extensive customization with Mods. It's ideal for gamers who want to browse without impacting game performance. Brave doesn't have an equivalent gaming-focused variant.
Is Opera owned by China? Does it affect privacy?
Yes, Opera was acquired by a Chinese consortium led by Kunlun Tech and Qihoo 360 in 2016 for approximately $600 million. While Opera states that user data is handled according to Norwegian/EU law with data stored on European servers, the ownership structure has raised concerns among privacy advocates. Brave, by contrast, is a US-based company founded by Brendan Eich (creator of JavaScript) and is fully open source.
Which browser has better AI features - Leo or Opera AI?
Brave Leo offers more model choices (Llama, Claude, Qwen, DeepSeek) and advanced features like agentic browsing (auto-browse websites) and Skills integration. It prioritizes privacy with local-only storage. Opera AI (formerly Aria) is completely free with no premium tier, includes image generation via Imagen3, and has convenient features like Highlight to Act. Leo is better for power users and privacy; Opera AI is better for free access and image generation.
What happened to Opera's crypto wallet?
Opera is discontinuing its built-in crypto wallet. Users couldn't add new assets after July 2025, and the wallet shut down completely in January 2026. Opera pivoted to MiniPay, a stablecoin wallet on the Celo blockchain focused on mobile payments in Africa. Brave Wallet remains fully active with support for Ethereum, Solana, Bitcoin, and 100+ EVM chains, plus BAT rewards integration.
Can I use Chrome extensions in both browsers?
Yes, both Opera and Brave support Chrome extensions since they're both Chromium-based. Brave supports Chrome Web Store extensions natively without any additional setup. Opera also supports Chrome extensions and has its own add-ons catalog. However, Brave's native ad blocking implementation (Shields) is more effective than extension-based blockers due to Manifest V3 limitations. Firefox uses its own extension system but has many equivalents.
