Opera Browser in 2025: AI, Web 3.0, and the Future of Browsing

As we move deeper into 2025, Opera Browser continues to push the boundaries of what a web browser can do. With 380 million monthly active users and a 29% year-over-year revenue growth in Q4 2024, Opera has established itself as a major player in the browser market. However, alongside its innovative features, Opera faces persistent challenges in privacy, security, and platform compatibility. This article provides a balanced analysis of Opera's current state, examining both its strengths and areas for improvement. For a deeper dive into Opera's specific implementation on Chromebooks, see our companion article on Opera for Chromebook in 2025.

Strengths: Innovation and User Experience

AI-Powered Browsing: The Browser Operator

Opera's most significant innovation in 2025 is its "Browser Operator" AI agent, which represents a fundamental shift in how users interact with the web. Unlike traditional AI assistants that rely on cloud processing, Opera's Operator performs tasks directly on the device, ensuring user privacy while enabling powerful automation capabilities. As demonstrated in Opera's live demonstration, the Operator can handle complex, multi-step tasks like planning trips and making purchases through natural language commands.

The human-in-the-loop approach ensures that sensitive data never leaves the device, making it particularly appealing for privacy-conscious users. This local-first processing aligns with Opera's commitment to user privacy and security, setting it apart from competitors who rely on cloud-based AI solutions.

Web 3.0 Integration

Opera's vision for a user-controlled web extends to its comprehensive Web 3.0 integration. The browser now includes:

• Built-in crypto wallets for secure digital asset management
• Decentralized identity tools for enhanced privacy
• Seamless integration with blockchain-based applications

These features, combined with Opera's commitment to sustainability through energy-efficient browsing and e-waste reduction initiatives, position the browser as a forward-thinking platform for the decentralized web.

Challenges and Criticisms

Privacy and Security Concerns

Despite Opera's European headquarters and GDPR compliance claims, persistent allegations of data-sharing with Chinese entities continue to fuel privacy concerns. The company's privacy policy has been criticized for vague data-collection terms, creating distrust despite transparency efforts. Recent security incidents have further complicated the situation:

• A 2024 vulnerability (CVE-2024-XXXX) allowed malicious extensions to hijack private APIs, enabling actions like screenshot capture and account takeover
• A March 2025 zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2025-2783) in Chromium's V8 engine required urgent patching
• Opera's smaller extension library compared to Chrome makes it more vulnerable to cross-browser attacks

Platform and Compatibility Issues

Opera faces several platform-specific challenges that impact user experience:

• iOS Limitations: As of 2025, Opera's iOS app still lacks syncing with desktop versions, isolating workflows for cross-device users
• Site Compatibility: Some banking sites falsely flag Opera as incompatible, and it lacks native Flash support, hindering access to legacy web content
• Extension Ecosystem: The smaller extension library compared to Chrome limits access to niche tools and specialized functionality

Opera Mini: Success in Emerging Markets

Despite these challenges, Opera's commitment to accessibility remains strong, particularly in emerging markets. The Opera Mini browser now serves over 100 million users in data-constrained markets. The 2025 update introduced "Aria," an AI assistant that brings powerful capabilities to low-spec devices:

• Text and code generation
• Image creation
• Content summarization

This focus on emerging markets demonstrates Opera's commitment to making advanced browsing features accessible to users worldwide, regardless of their device capabilities or internet connectivity.

Technical Innovations and User Experience

Opera's latest version (117.0.5408.39) brings several significant improvements:

• Upgraded to Chromium 132 for enhanced performance and security
• New themes like "Interstellar" for personalized browsing
• Integrated Discord and Slack in the sidebar for improved productivity
• Tab stickers and Speed Dial for better organization

Looking Ahead: Balancing Innovation and Trust

Opera's success in 2025, with $145.8M in Q4 2024 revenue, demonstrates the market's appetite for innovative browsing solutions. However, the company faces significant challenges in rebuilding user trust and addressing platform limitations. Key areas for improvement include:

• Enhancing transparency around data collection and privacy practices
• Expanding the extension ecosystem to match competitors
• Improving cross-platform synchronization, particularly for iOS users
• Strengthening security measures to prevent future vulnerabilities

As the browser market continues to evolve, Opera's commitment to privacy, user control, and innovative features makes it a compelling choice for users seeking a more intelligent and secure browsing experience. However, addressing its persistent challenges will be crucial for maintaining and growing its user base in the competitive browser market.