Opera Reborn 3: No modern browser is perfect

The Opera browser is now over 20 years old and in 2016 was sold to Chinese internet security company Qihoo 360. Opera is still owned and run in Norway though, which has to adhere to local and European laws regarding privacy and data. Back in 2013 Opera made a decision to discontinue its Presto engine based browser and instead go with a Blink based Chromium version. Opera has been introducing some interesting features in recent times which is helping to put it back up there as one of the most used Windows web browsers.

The currently most talked about feature in Opera is the new VPN which goes through Opera owned SurfEasy servers. Over 2 million users were added to Opera’s user base within a week of its release. The other recent addition of an ad blocker is very useful. The Speed Dial has been present for a long time and is one of the most polished around. Opera cannot install extensions direct from the Chrome Store, only the Opera extensions site. To get around this install “Download Chrome Extension “, it can’t install Chrome store themes or apps but should support just about all extensions.

Selected Features:

• Built in unlimited SurfEasy VPN with 5 global locations


• Built in ad blocker with exceptions list and custom block lists


• Battery saver mode to reduce battery drain while unplugged


• Opera Turbo pre-compresses pages on Opera servers


• Video popout enables floating video window


• Customizable Speed Dial/Start page with folder grouping and news


• Full window tab previews


• Mouse and rocker gestures (not configurable)


• Custom keyboard shortcuts


• Personal news reader with RSS support


• Highlight text quick menu with search and copy buttons


• Enhanced Bookmarks with page previews and customizable thumbnails


• Fast startup sequence loads multiple tabs quicker when starting the browser