Pick Firefox if
You want an open-source browser that is not built on Chrome’s engine.
The catch. A few web apps are tested in Chrome first, and it runs Firefox add-ons rather than Chrome extensions.
Firefox vs Opera
Firefox is best for an independent, open-source engine. Opera is best for built-in extras like a free VPN.
Pick Opera if
You want an ad blocker, a free browser VPN and Tab Islands without installing anything.
The catch. It comes with a lot of bundled features and AI, and it is not open source.
Firefox vs Opera, feature by feature
| Firefox | Opera | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Gecko | Chromium |
| Vertical tabs | Yes, in settings | Yes, since 2026 |
| Sites on screen at once | Two, in Split View | Up to four, in Split View |
| Separate workspaces | Profiles and tab groups | Workspaces and Tab Islands |
| Ad and tracker blocking | Trackers, not ads | Built in, ads and trackers |
| Extensions | Firefox add-ons | Opera add-ons and Chrome Web Store |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android | macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Development | Active | Active |
Questions
Is Firefox better than Opera?
Neither wins everywhere. Firefox is best for an independent, open-source engine; Opera is best for built-in extras like a free VPN. Pick Firefox if you want an open-source browser that is not built on Chrome’s engine. Pick Opera if you want an ad blocker, a free browser VPN and Tab Islands without installing anything.
Do Firefox and Opera block ads?
Firefox: Trackers, not ads. Opera: Built in, ads and trackers.
Which extensions do Firefox and Opera run?
Firefox: Firefox add-ons. Opera: Opera add-ons and Chrome Web Store.
Where do Firefox and Opera run?
Both run on macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android.
Are Firefox and Opera free?
Both are free.