I recently switched my default browser from Chrome to Opera. Since then, I tried going back to Chrome, but I missed a few features from Opera that I wish Chrome had. While most of these features are available in the Chrome browser via extensions, thanks to its massive extension library and some of the best Chrome extensions, it’s nice to have them built in.
Opera browser is packed with plenty of really amazing features, but there are a select few that I love the most. These features are practical, intuitive, and time-saving.
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Windows, macOS, Linux Android, iOS
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Opera
Opera is a multi-platform web browser developed by Opera Software, based on Chromium, known for its speed, security, and innovative features like built-in VPN, ad blocker, Speed Dial, and integrated messengers such as WhatsApp and Telegram.
Split screen for tabs
Put multiple tabs to work at once
Opera has a neat split-screen mode for tabs, where you can drag and drop a tab to your current one and use two of them side by side. It makes working with multiple tabs at once easy. This comes in handy when I have research-based tasks on my to-do list. I can have two tabs open and easily get things done in one go.
At present, this feature is limited to two tabs only. You can have one tab on each side of the screen, but no more than that. You can adjust the amount of screen space each tab occupies by dragging the split bar in the center. To quickly exit split-screen mode, click on the split bar between the tabs.
Take more detailed screenshots than ever
Although I can take screenshots on my Windows PC, the options are limited to either single-screen capture or video recording. However, Opera’s built-in screenshot tool offers much more versatility. It includes features like the ability to capture entire web pages, which can be saved as screenshots or PDFs.
The screenshot feature in Opera lets me capture the entire web page in a single shot, eliminating the need to take multiple screenshots. Additionally, saving screenshots directly as PDFs makes them easier to share.
Multitasking like a pro on a single screen
One underrated feature that I consider essential in any browser moving forward is the sidebar. While Opera has a split-screen feature that lets me browse two websites simultaneously, the sidebar enhances convenience by allowing me to use a third website within it. Opera provides many useful shortcuts in the sidebar, including quick access to apps like Telegram, X, and WhatsApp.
You can also easily reach your bookmarks, Aria (Opera’s own AI assistant), ChatGPT, or return to the browser’s home screen. The sidebar offers numerous customization options, making it even more helpful. I typically use it to access social media apps like Telegram and WhatsApp, allowing me to stay in touch with my friends while working on my desktop.
Make every frame count with video tools
Opera has built-in video tools that can enhance your streaming experience. These features include Picture-in-Picture (PIP), video quality enhancements, and the ability to skip and sharpen videos directly within the Opera browser. Personally, I find the pop-out video player the most useful. It lets me play any video in PIP mode, so I can keep watching while using other screens.
You can adjust the video’s transparency if it obscures your browsing window, enable captions, resize the floating window, or close it instantly using the quick options in the player. This makes multitasking easier because I don’t have to populate the split screen or even a single window with sites to play and watch videos, allowing me to put the rest of the work on hold.
Search, snap, and converse about every copied text
Whenever you copy or highlight text with the mouse in Opera, a quick and handy pop-up appears above the selected text, offering several options. These options include Copy to copy the selected text, Snapshot to take a snapshot of it, and Ask a Question. The latter lets you ask Opera’s built-in AI, Aria, about the selected text.
Among all the options, I find the ability to search with Aria AI the most interesting. With this feature, I can have a full-fledged conversation about the highlighted text. I can ask for its meaning or even request translations. This makes researching topics much more enjoyable and provides a streamlined experience.
Pinboards
Save, snap, and share everything on the web
On Pinboard, you can create a collection of websites, images, links, or notes and share them with your friends. Pinboards are baked right into the Opera browser, so the best part is that you don’t need to log in to use them, and anyone can access them regardless of the platform. This makes creating and sharing Pinboards easy.
Each pin can include an image, a note, a title, a website, or any combination of these elements. Once you share your pins with friends, they can react to them as well. Additionally, if you’re viewing someone else’s Pinboard, you can copy it and make it your own. Keep in mind that as long as you don’t share your Pinboard with anyone, no one will be able to view it. You can also create multiple Pinboards.
Privacy protection
Secure your every browsing session
Opera offers an additional layer of security, including blocking malicious ads and trackers, a built-in VPN, and consent settings to manage permissions. This allows you to control what Opera can access, such as your location, on-device camera, or cookies. With these features, I feel more at ease while browsing.
While there has been some speculation about the quality of Opera’s VPN, it’s also worth noting that it’s one of the only VPNs that has received a full third-party audit. This shows that Opera’s claims on its VPN are accurate, despite what you may read elsewhere.
Features in Opera that I look forward to having in every browser
Switching from Chrome to Opera has been a superb experience for me. Even after a brief use, I couldn’t ignore how much I missed these built-in features. From the split-screen tabs that streamline my browsing to the versatile screenshot tool that saves entire pages as PDFs, and the sidebar that keeps WhatsApp chats handy without disrupting my flow—these features make browsing feel effortless and fun. It’s clear why Opera stands out. They even have a new Opera Neon browser that automates tasks for you. For anyone tired of extension clutter, Opera browser delivers a polished, practical experience right out of the box.