Web surfing has become an essential part of every user’s day-to-day browsing experience. For a long time, Chrome has been unquestionably the best browser on the market. Therefore, we have this detailed guide that details these two, Opera GX and Google Chrome, which one is better, why, and which one you should choose for your work/purpose.
The popularity of Opera GX, however, has taken on a whole new meaning in the world of browsing. It is designed to cater to gamers’ needs. In this post, we will compare Opera GX and Chrome in a variety of categories to help you decide which browser is best for you.
User Interface: Dark vs. Light
Chrome‘s user interface is simple, clean, and familiar to its users, with a predominantly white background. Opera GX has a dark background and a lot of red accents with a distinct design. It offers a more immersive experience, especially for gamers.
Additionally, Opera GX allows users to customize the UI with different themes, whereas Chrome keeps its UI simple.
Performance: Fast and efficient
The two web browsers share the same core, making them both fast and efficient to use. Chrome outperforms Opera GX in Jetstream benchmarks. Opera GX has a significant advantage over Chrome in terms of resource usage, while Chrome has a tendency to use up a lot more memory than it should.
Autofill: Save Data Securely
Both Chrome and Opera GX offer a feature that saves and auto-fills sensitive data like passwords, credit card details, and addresses. Chrome enables you to store passwords in your Google account and manage your sync settings.
With Opera GX, you can take full control over the data you are auto-filling by granting access to view, delete, or opt-out at your discretion, thereby securing your privacy and safety.
VPN: The Ultimate Protector
When it comes to Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Opera GX emerges as the clear winner as it comes with an in-built VPN service. VPN encrypts your internet traffic and shields your online identity from prying eyes.
With VPN enabled, your IP address, location, and online activity remain under wraps. This makes it difficult for Internet Service Providers (ISPs), governments, and other spies to monitor or track your online activities. Chrome, on the other hand, lacks an in-built VPN, making it prone to online threats.
Address Bar Features
The Chrome and Opera GX address bars both provide a range of features to help you make your browsing experience a more convenient one. Both allow rudimentary calculations, open bookmarks and offer basic information.
However, Chrome’s address bar takes it up a notch by providing suggestion queries, auto-completing sentences, and instantly displaying data. Therefore, if you’re looking for a more advanced address bar feature, Chrome is the better choice.
RAM Usage: The Ramification of Resource Consumption
There is no denying that Chrome has a reputation for consuming excessive RAM, causing grave concern for users. However, Opera GX also fails to clinch a decisive victory over Chrome in terms of RAM usage.
Dark Mode
Dark Mode Dark mode has become increasingly popular as it reduces glare and blue light, making browsing easier on the eyes.
Opera GX and Chrome offer dark mode features, but Opera GX has a more advanced feature. Opera GX users need to right-click the page and select Force dark page. Chrome users have to choose the dark theme from their OS in order to enable dark mode on a webpage.
Opera GX also has an exclusive feature called GX Corner, which offers quick access to various gaming-related news and deals in dark mode. This feature makes it easy to stay up-to-date with gaming news and offers.
Social Media and Streaming Apps Shortcuts: The Shortcut to Convenience
Opera GX outshines Chrome in this aspect by providing integrated shortcuts to social media and messaging apps. Additionally, it includes a Twitch shortcut for the streaming service directly in the browser.
While Chrome does not have these features, it integrates seamlessly with Google services like Gmail, Drive, Calendar, and Maps. This makes it a better choice for avid Google users.
File sharing
Opera GX has a feature called “My Flow,” which allows you to securely send messages, files, and links between your PC, smartphone, tablet, and other devices.
Connecting devices to My Flow is simple. All you have to do is to scan a QR code on the device to start using it. Everything you share is encrypted and immediately accessible on any connected device. This feature is not available in Chrome.
However, if you want to maintain a Google-like experience, Chrome integrates seamlessly with Google services like Gmail, Drive, Calendar, and Maps. This makes it a better choice if you frequently use these services for file sharing.
Extension support
Extensions offer additional functionality and features to your browser, making it more versatile. Opera GX has its own Opera add-ons store, where you can search and install any available extension.
Chrome’s Web Store offers a wide array of add-ons and extensions that can be downloaded and used. Apart from Google extensions, you can also install and use third-party extensions.
Syncing
Syncing is a crucial feature for many users, as it allows them to access browsing data across multiple devices.
You can sync pretty much everything across your Chrome-powered devices, including passwords, bookmarks, and history, and Chrome browsers are able to handle seamless sync across all your devices, regardless of the platform you’re using.
Opera GX also offers impressive sync functionality for almost all aspects of your browser, including bookmarks, speed dials, history, passwords, and more. However, it’s still very early days for it, so there might be some issues.
Security and privacy
Security and privacy are paramount concerns when browsing the internet. Opera GX has more privacy settings than Chrome. The fact that Chrome is a Google product has always been a source of controversy regarding the privacy of its users.
In Chrome, third-party cookies are blocked and a browser cleanup tool allows you to find and remove malicious software. Opera GX offers some additional features, like a built-in ad blocker, an anonymous browsing option, and third-party tracking protection.
Anti-Malware and Anti-Phishing Controls
Chrome and Opera GX have their own anti-malware and anti-phishing features. Chrome uses the Google engine to detect and block malicious websites and links.
Besides the password manager, Chrome has a security checkup. This can alert you if your browser has been compromised, and your account has been compromised.
Performance
Opera GX offers a better browsing experience than Chrome because it uses fewer resources. Chrome loads pages faster and scrolls smoother than Opera GX.
Customization
Opera GX’s user-friendly interface allows users to customize its color scheme and add custom wallpapers. Also, it has a sidebar to access frequently used features.
Google Chrome, meanwhile, is known for its extensive themes and extensions. Almost every aspect of the browser, such as the address bar, the tab bar, and the toolbar, can be customized by users.
Ad Blocking and Tracking Protection
Google Chrome includes a pop-up blocker, which blocks ads, cookies, and in-site notifications. As part of its features, it also has an ad blocker, which removes any ads that don’t meet the Better Ad Standards.
However, you need an ad blocker extension to completely get rid of ads on your Google Chrome!
Opera GX also has pop-up and ad blockers. Having the ad blocker turned on will prevent you from being bombarded with pop-ups, adware, and page-freezing ads, and if you turn on the tracker blocker, you’ll be able to prevent websites from tracking you across the web. In addition to blocking tracking pixels and analytic scripts, GX’s features enable a faster, more secure browsing experience while reducing data usage.
Cryptomining Protection
Cryptocurrency mining scripts can negatively impact the performance, battery life, and speed of your computer when you run them, and Opera GX blocks them, whereas Chrome does not.
Features
When it comes to features, both Opera GX and Google Chrome offer unique benefits to their users.
Opera GX Features
- Built-in Resource Control Tools
Opera GX’s most significant advantage is its built-in CPU and RAM limiters. It ensures that the browser doesn’t consume too many resources and affects your system’s health and performance.
- Apps Integration
Opera GX’s sidebar contains some built-in apps, including Twitch, YouTube Music Player, and WhatsApp. This feature provides users with the facility to access and use these apps without opening a separate tab in Opera GX.
- GX Corner
GX Corner is an interesting feature of Opera GX. It is located on the top left side of the browser. It displays game release dates, free game collections, new and upcoming games, daily news, and more.
- VPN
Opera GX has a built-in free VPN that offers an extra layer of security and privacy while browsing.
- Screenshot
Opera GX has a built-in screenshot-capturing tool that allows users to take a snapshot of any web page. This feature is particularly helpful for gamers who want to capture gameplay moments.
Google Chrome Features
- A Pool of Extensions
Chrome has a vast collection of extensions that users can install to enhance their browsing experience. Extensions can help you block ads, manage passwords, save bookmarks, and more.
- Cast
Google Chromecast is a screen mirroring technology that was developed by the company. It is available in Google Chrome and allows users to mirror their screen on other devices such as TV.
- Live Caption
Live Caption is a premium feature of Chrome that displays subtitles of a video being played in Google Chrome.
Pros and cons
Opera GX Pros:
- Built-in VPN
- Ad Blocker
- RAM and CPU limiters
- GX Corner
- Customizable interface
Opera GX Cons:
- Not as fast as Chrome
- Limited extension store
- May not be suitable for non-gamers
Google Chrome Pros:
- Faster than Opera GX
- Massive extension store
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Malware and phishing protection
Google Chrome Cons:
- Consumes a lot of RAM
- Not as customizable as Opera GX
- May not be suitable for gamers
Is Opera GX slower than Chrome?
Chrome has been criticized for being a memory hog. However, test results from users and industry experts found that Opera GX consumed more RAM than Google Chrome. However, Chrome consumed more CPU and disk space than Opera GX. In terms of speed, both browsers perform well, but Chrome is slightly faster.
Is Chrome better than Opera?
Chrome and Opera are excellent browsers with unique features. Which one is better ultimately depends on the user’s preferences and needs. If you’re looking for a browser with a free VPN, Opera is the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re searching for any other feature only available in Chrome, such as extensive extensions, Chrome is the clear winner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Does Opera support Chrome extensions?
Yes, Opera supports most Chrome extensions since both browsers use the same rendering engine (Blink). - Is the Opera browser safe to use?
Yes, the Opera browser comes with several security and privacy features such as a built-in ad blocker, free VPN, and advanced security options. - Can I use Opera on my mobile device?
Yes, Opera is available for Android and iOS. - Does Chrome have a VPN?
No, Chrome does not have a built-in VPN. Users need third-party VPN services or browser extensions to access VPN features. - Can I use Chrome extensions in Opera GX?
Yes, most Chrome extensions are compatible with Opera GX since it’s built on the same rendering engine as Chrome. - Which browser is better for gaming, Chrome or Opera GX?
Opera GX comes with several features tailored for gamers such as customizable RAM and CPU usage, a network limiter, and Twitch integration. However, both browsers can run games smoothly.
Wrapping Up
Overall, both Chrome and Opera GX is fast, and reliable, and have unique strengths and weaknesses. Chrome remains the market leader, while Opera GX is trying to level the playing field. If you’re a gamer or prefer immersive themes and customizations, Opera GX is the browser for you. If you prefer a standard web interface with just a dash of color, Google Chrome might be a better option.
