Both Opera and Vivaldi are web browsers that help connect users with internet websites.
Opera is one of the oldest and the most unique browsers that stands out, while Vivaldi is a modern creation of a previous Opera co-founder.
While both browsers have great built-in features, they’re very similar, with some distinctive features that set them apart.
The decision between an old-school reputable browser and a modern browser can sometimes be tough (especially when there isn’t much difference in features), but you’re in the right place.
In the review below, you’ll find everything you need to know about both Opera and Vivaldi to make a well-informed decision!
What is Opera?
Opera is one of the oldest browsers (introduced in 1995) and yet is still being actively developed.
Opera is so special because it’s built on a Chromium browser, which sets Opera apart from other browsers.
Even though it’s one of the oldest computer browsers available for download, Opera brings modern features directly integrated into the browser.
These features ensure safer and more private browsing sessions ideal for personal use.
What is Vivaldi?
Vivaldi is a relatively new browser developed and introduced in 2015. The interesting fact is that the ex co-founder of Opera browser created the Vivaldi browser.
Vivaldi takes browsing to a personal level where you get to adjust and customize the browser to your needs.
With built-in features that protect the privacy and safety of the users, Vivaldi helps provide everything you might need to safely and efficiently browse all your favorite websites in one place.
What’s interesting about the Vivaldi browser is that almost everything is an option, so you get to choose the features, interface, and other settings to adjust it to your preference and to the way you browse the internet.
How to Get Started
Opera
Opera is a free browser, and it’s very easy to get started with it. All you have to do is visit the official Opera website and head to the “Downloads” section.
Opera is available in a couple of different versions, and you get to choose between:
- Opera for desktop (as a personal browser)
- Opera mobile
- Opera GX (as a browser for gamers)
- Opera GX mobile
- Opera Mini mobile (light and data-saving oriented browser)
All Opera browsers are designed to offer better speed, be more efficient, and use fewer resources while keeping user protection high.
Therefore, when you choose your preferred version that will fit your needs, click the download button and install the Opera browser.
Vivaldi
Vivaldi is also a free browser, and you can get started using the Vivaldi browser by visiting the official website and choosing between a desktop or a mobile browser version.
Their official website will automatically detect your operating system and give you a download button of the Vivaldi version compatible with your computer.
As you download the Vivaldi browser, install it, and you can start getting familiar with the browser.
Remember that Vivaldi also offers an Android version of the browser, ideal for smartphone users who browse a lot on the go.
Verdict
Whether you choose Opera or Vivaldi, you won’t have any issues getting started. Both browsers make it easy to get started by downloading the right version and installing it on your computer. Therefore, this category is a tie.
Interface
Opera
Opera has a very simple interface that is similar to other browsers. While there isn’t a lot of customizability available, this isn’t necessarily a disadvantage.
With such an interface, you won’t have to learn or adjust anything, yet you’re ready to use Opera immediately after the installation.
However, you get to choose between a light or dark version, and you get access to over 2500 extensions that help you modify your browser.
Vivaldi
Vivaldi’s interface is built completely differently than Opera or any other browser. Vivaldi’s user interface is built with flexibility in mind.
Therefore, users can customize and adjust the interface from the ground up right after the installation.
You can choose anything from a very minimalistic interface to a full-stack interface that will feature all your most-needed shortcuts on your screen.
There are also different styles and color schemes you can choose from and choose the tools you would like to keep close in your sidebar.
An insane amount of customization is available by default which is ideal for users looking for the next best browser that will adapt to their browsing needs.
Verdict
Opera decided to keep things simple while Vivaldi went a step further to help users feel like the browser is made just for them.
With the great number of customizations and adjustability, Vivaldi is a clear winner since it gives its users a lot of freedom and opportunity.
Integrated Features
Opera
Even though Opera is over a two-decade-old browser, it features pretty modern integrations into the browser.
When you install Opera, you will also get features such as a free VPN, flow, workspaces, ad blocker, messengers, snapshots, and even unit converter integrated into the browser.
Opera even integrates social media or features such as a video pop-up for easier multi-tasking no matter what you’re using your browser for.
Vivaldi
From the moment you install Vivaldi, you will get to choose the features it includes. From the options, you will choose an integrated ad blocker, translation, tracking protection, tab tools.
Vivaldi even features productive apps such as mail, calendar, and feed reader, as well as a custom search engine.
Some of the features are pretty unique, while other integrated features are modern and go well with the modern use of the internet.
Verdict
Both Opera and Vivaldi integrate plenty of features into the browser to ensure safer, smarter, and more efficient browsing activities whether you use the browser for work or entertainment.
The small difference is that Vivaldi gives you the chance to choose your integrated features, which is a small but very relevant feature which is why Vivaldi wins this category.
Extension Support
Opera
Opera doesn’t have as many integrations as Vivaldi, but it has kept the good old style of improving the browser through extensions.
Opera has extensions where you can find, download, and install some of the most popular extensions to improve flexibility and change the way you use the browser.
Some of the most popular extensions are Messenger, WhatsApp, Amazon, Translator, free VPN, Microsoft Personal Shopping Assistant, and many others.
What’s interesting about Opera is that since it’s built on Chromium, it allows you to install Chrome extensions too. So if you’re switching from the Chrome browser to Opera, this feature might be very useful.
Vivaldi
Even though Vivaldi has plenty of integrated features and functions that you even get to choose at the installation point, just like Opera, Vivaldi features a resourceful extensions market.
Vivaldi has been trying to integrate some of the most popular functions directly into the browser. Still, if users need any additional functionality, they can head to the extensions store and get any extensions available for the Chrome browser.
Like Opera, Vivaldi is built on Chromium which gives it access and compatibility to all Chrome add-ons.
Verdict
Both Opera and Vivaldi integrate some decent features into the browser, yet they also provide users with a way to install third-party integrations to improve the browser’s functionality. Therefore, this category is a tie.
Privacy and Security
Opera
With rising security concerns, malware and viruses, browsing security needed to be improved, and that’s exactly what Opera did.
Opera includes a free VPN to keep your browsing sessions private and secure. On top of that, you will get AdBlock integrated into the browser, which blocks irrelevant ads for a clear view and better user experience.
What’s interesting about AdBlock is that it can also block trackers, so advertisers can’t use your search history and queries to feed you ads.
With these three features, Opera shields your browsing and makes it private and secure at all times.
Vivaldi
Vivaldi ensures that your privacy comes first by providing you with a browser that won’t compromise your search history, the way you use the browser, or your personal details and sensitive information.
Just like Opera, Vivaldi integrates AdBlock, a free VPN, and tracking protection so your browsing can remain private and that your data is secure.
Not only Vivaldi won’t know what you’re using the browser for, but neither will the websites that tend to collect your data.
On top of that, Vivaldi helps you to break away from the big tech giants by providing you with the most-needed services such as Mail, Calendar, and Feed Reader that are also integrated into the browser.
Verdict
Both Opera and Vivaldi are browsers that introduce and provide security and privacy to their users that meet today’s standards. Therefore, this category is a tie.
Tools
Opera
Opera integrates plenty of tools that help improve the Opera’s flexibility, as well as functionality.
Whether you use Opera for entertainment, work, or studies, Opera provides you with tools such as Flow, Workspaces, Messenger, Snapshot, unit converter, battery saver, and video pop-out.
These tools allow you to send information between devices, organize your tabs in groups, chat right within your browser without even visiting social media platforms, capture or edit screenshots, quickly convert units without having to open a calculator or a search engine, and detach videos into floating windows.
Even though these are only a couple of tools, if you get used to them, you won’t have to rely on the third-party options that we all use for this time-consuming yet straightforward purpose.
Vivaldi
Vivaldi is one of the browsers that helps you break away from using so many third-party tools and ensures that you have everything you need in one place (browser).
Therefore, Vivaldi integrates Mail, Calendar, Feed Reader, or Contacts into the browser.
These tools will help you stay more organized within the browser, keep all your information private, build a news feed, or even make quick language translations without opening any other website or tool.
On top of that, Vivaldi also introduces a custom Vivaldi search engine or creating custom keyboard shortcuts for use within the browser.
Verdict
Both Opera and Vivaldi feature pretty strong tools that you can integrate into the browser. If you decide to ditch the third-party apps and rely on one browser for most of your communication or browsing needs, both browsers can handle this for you. Therefore, this category is a tie.
Customization
Opera
Opera comes with pretty minimal customization ability, just like most browsers available today. However, with access to thousands of browser extensions and light customization features within the browser, this might be enough for most users.
You can choose a dark or light theme, set your wallpaper, install extensions, change languages, import bookmarks, and set settings such as start-up preferences.
Opera’s sidebar is also slightly customizable, but you can also customize some advanced options if you feel like you need to.
Vivaldi
The biggest customization ability in the Vivaldi browser is the user interface. Vivaldi allows you to choose the user interface and set it up according to your needs.
This feature includes or excludes browser elements so you can keep things simple and minimal or have a full-on stack of all available features in the browser.
Interestingly, Vivaldi also has customizable tabs that you can group or display in a two-level stack. This is a unique way to customize your browsing experience and a great one if you’re trying to stay organized and productive.
Verdict
Opera gives users just the right amount of customization, but Vivaldi takes customization to another level. Vivaldi is a browser built with flexibility and customizability in mind, which is why it wins this category!
Resource Efficiency
Opera
Opera is a browser that aims for a decent combination of features/integrations and resource efficiency.
This means that regardless of Opera’s features, this browser is still considered a lightweight.
Therefore, Opera is the go-to browser if you’re trying to browse using a weaker computer or when you’re trying to get a lot of things done in a short timeframe using a weak internet connection.
On top of that, you shouldn’t forget that Opera also has the Opera Mini version for Android that helps smartphone users browse lightly while saving their data.
Vivaldi
It’s not a surprise that Vivaldi gives its users a chance to improve their browsing performance by allowing the browser’s memory usage.
Vivaldi even has a full guide on how to improve browsing performance by paying attention to resource efficiency.
Therefore, even though Vivaldi is working on integrating almost everything any browser user would possibly require, it is still a lightweight browser compatible with all types of computers.
The minimal system requirements ensure users switch to Vivaldi if they’re trying to improve their browsing speed and use fewer resources to ensure their computers run smoothly during long browsing sessions.
Verdict
Both Opera and Vivaldi are resource-conscious, which is good for users. Even though they integrate plenty of features and functions directly into the browser, they’re still fast and efficient browsers, so this category is a tie.
Ease of Use
Opera
Opera is straightforward to use from the moment you visit the official website for the download link to the moment you have the browser installed and ready for use.
There isn’t a learning curve, and since Opera’s interface is very similar to other standard browsers we’re all used to, it’s really easy to browse using Opera.
With integrated functions hidden in plain sight, you’ll be able to quickly go through all features and remember them for later use.
Vivaldi
Even though Vivaldi allows users to fully customize the browser’s interface from the moment they install it onto their computers, it is still a pretty easy browser to use.
All customizability is made to ensure users know exactly what steps need to be taken and what can be customized.
Customizability can be skipped or can be chosen according to personal preference. Also, you get to make changes at any other time, so Vivaldi’s functions won’t bother you or disturb the way you use a browser.
Vivaldi is as easy to use as any other browser, and even though it might take you a bit of time to go through all of its built-in functions, it’ll be rewarding since you’ll have a powerful tool right next to you.
Verdict
Both Opera and Vivaldi are easy to download, install, and use regardless of the functions or customizability they provide. Therefore, this category is a tie.
Vivaldi vs Opera – Pricing
Opera
Opera is built on the free, open-source Chromium project, which ensures that the Opera browser is free for use.
There are no upsells or available purchases after you install the free version, either. Opera is fully free for all users across all devices.
Vivaldi
Vivaldi is freeware, which means that this browser is free for life for all users across all platforms.
Also, all of the integrated features are fully free, and there are no upsells or available additional purchases after you install and start using the browser.
Similarities
- Both browsers are free to use
- Both browsers offer valuable integrated features
- Both browsers support Chrome add-ons and extensions
- Both browsers ensure top-notch privacy and security
- Both browsers tend to use fewer resources during use
- Both browsers are very easy to use
Differences
- Opera provides a better ad-blocking feature than Vivaldi
- Opera offers a cryptocurrency wallet while Vivaldi doesn’t
- Vivaldi has a more customizable interface
- Vivaldi introduces a unique tab management system
Vivaldi vs Opera – Pros and Cons
Opera Pros
- Fast web page loading
- It uses fewer resources than most other browsers
- Provides different browser versions to fit different needs
- It’s very responsive
- Integrated security and privacy protections
- Has a large community that provides support
- It’s free to use
Opera Cons
- You might need time to get used to finding built-in integrations
- Web developers don’t consider Opera users as a high priority when developing websites
- Features no progress bar when loading websites
Vivaldi Pros
- Decent memory consumption
- Plenty of customizable options
- Unique tab management
- Very useful and adjustable sidebar
- Fast and responsive
- Great security features
- Integrates plenty of features
- It gives users control over almost every aspect of the browser
- Ideal for multitasking
- Custom search engine
Vivaldi Cons
- It can consume too much memory if you have more than a couple of extensions installed
Conclusion – Opera vs Vivaldi – Which is Better?
Opera is a solid browser that meets modern browsing requirements. On the other hand, Vivaldi is a relatively new browser that allows great customizability and flexibility, so the choice can be hard.
According to this review, Vivaldi is the winner because it offers additional features where Opera lacks some of them. Vivaldi is a lot more customizable which meets the modern browsing requirements.
Most importantly, Vivaldi provides a decent level of privacy and security with built-in integrations that ensure ease of use.
