Is opera gx safe privacy and security analysis for 2026
Opera gx looks flashy and gamer focused but privacy and security concerns around the browser are valid. Between data collection questions chinese investor ownership and a so called free vpn many users wonder whether opera gx is actually safe to use in 2025
A browser sees everything you do online. Logins payments private messages and gaming accounts all pass through it. Trusting a browser means trusting the company behind it. Before deciding whether opera gx is worth using it is important to understand how it handles your data and how secure it really is
What opera gx collects and why it matters
According to its privacy policy Opera GX collects browsing history search queries feature usage data and device information. This includes ip address operating system and hardware details
Opera states this data is used for product improvement personalization and analytics. The concern is that the policy uses vague language around third party partners and anonymized data. It does not clearly define who receives this data or how strong the anonymization actually is
Opera gx also runs telemetry that tracks how often you use specific features and how you interact with the browser. Some telemetry can be disabled in settings but not all of it can be turned off completely
Ownership concerns come from Opera being acquired in 2016 by a consortium that included chinese investors. This does not automatically mean user data is being accessed by chinese authorities but it raises questions because chinese law can require companies to share data with the government when requested
Opera claims it operates independently and stores data under european regulations. Still the lack of full transparency makes some users uncomfortable
The built in vpn explained
Opera gx advertises a free unlimited vpn but this needs clarification. It is not a true vpn. It is a browser level proxy that routes traffic through opera servers
A real vpn encrypts traffic end to end and follows strict no logs policies verified by audits. Opera vpn logs connection data including timestamps and bandwidth usage. This is stated directly in their privacy policy
The vpn only protects browser traffic. Games discord desktop and other apps are not protected even when the vpn is active
Speed tests show heavy performance loss. Download and upload speeds drop significantly when enabled. Server locations are limited to broad regions with no country level control
This vpn is fine for bypassing network restrictions. It should not be trusted for privacy protection or security sensitive use
Ad blocker and tracker protection
Opera gx includes a built in ad blocker that performs well. It blocks most display and video ads including aggressive ads on gaming news websites. In testing it blocked the majority of ads without whitelisting its own partners
Tracker blocking is more limited. Basic third party trackers and cookies are blocked but advanced fingerprinting and analytics often get through
Compared to privacy focused browsers like firefox or brave opera gx blocks fewer trackers. It offers better protection than no blocker at all but it is not comprehensive
Cookie controls are basic. You can block third party cookies but there is no advanced per site control
Security updates and vulnerability handling
Opera gx is built on chromium which is good for security. Chromium benefits from heavy auditing and frequent vulnerability discovery
The downside is update timing. Chrome usually patches critical vulnerabilities within one or two days. Opera gx typically follows several days later
Testing over multiple months shows opera gx averages a few days behind chrome for security patches. This delay is small but real
Opera has not had major security breaches in recent years. Password storage uses encryption and basic protection. It is acceptable but not as advanced as dedicated password managers
How opera gx compares to other browsers
Chrome collects extensive data tied directly to google advertising. Opera gx collects less but is less transparent about where that data goes
Firefox collects minimal data and is run by a non profit organization. Brave blocks ads and trackers by default and focuses heavily on privacy
Opera gx sits in the middle. More private than chrome. Less private than firefox or brave
For users who do not prioritize privacy strongly this middle ground may be acceptable
Privacy concerns specific to gamers
Gaming accounts have real value. Losing a steam or epic games account can mean losing hundreds of dollars in games and items
Opera gx does not provide extra protection for gaming accounts beyond standard chromium security. Storing passwords in the browser is reasonably safe but not ideal for high value accounts
Integrations with discord and gaming services mean opera gx has access to more social and communication data. If that data were misused or leaked it could expose gaming communities and relationships
The built in vpn does not protect against ddos attacks or hide ip addresses during gaming. Competitive players and streamers should not rely on it for protection
Who should be concerned about privacy
Casual gamers who browse and play occasionally will likely not be impacted by opera gx data collection
Content creators streamers and users who value privacy should be more cautious. Browser data can reveal plans communications and habits that matter professionally
Users who prioritize privacy as a principle should avoid opera gx and choose firefox or brave instead
Final verdict on opera gx safety
Opera gx is technically secure. It uses chromium security architecture and receives regular updates. Most users will not face security risks simply by using it
Privacy is the weaker area. Data collection is significant policies are vague and the free vpn is misleading. These are not hidden issues but they are often misunderstood
Opera gx is safe enough for general use if you understand the trade offs. If privacy is a high priority there are better choices
The browser is not dangerous but it is not privacy focused. Knowing that distinction is key before committing to it in 2025
Journalist with a solid career path that began in 2020. Since then, my professional work has always been closely connected to the technology sector. My academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from New York University (NYU), which laid the foundation for everything that followed. I later earned a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from Stanford University, and my passion for artificial intelligence led me to complete the course “Google AI for Anyone.”
My central passion is video games, which is why I also completed a postgraduate program in eSports Journalism. The key to my work is always seeking a critical, and above all, well-grounded perspective to understand how technology is shaping a new world that is just around the corner
