According to the company, Opera reported that its Android monthly active users increased by 66% in the UK and 40% in the US in the second quarter of 2026.
Opera attributes this growth to features not available in Chrome, such as a free unlimited VPN, a built-in ad blocker, and integrated AI tools.
The company says the momentum continues in Europe following the EU’s Digital Markets Act, with gains in both new user acquisition and retention. Opera did not provide specific user numbers, only reporting a percentage increase over the previous year.
Growth numbers and what Opera offers beyond Chrome
According to Opera’s Q2 2026 report:
- UK Android monthly active users: 66% year-on-year growth
- US Android monthly active users: 40% year-over-year growth
- European growth: continued after DMA implementation
- Retention: Not only new user acquisition is improved
The growth figures show that a meaningful segment of Android users are looking beyond the pre-installed Chrome browser and evaluating alternatives.
Opera attributes its growth to features that come pre-installed rather than requiring extensions or additional apps:
- free unlimited vpn
- built-in ad blocker
- Built-in AI tools, including Aria and other integrations
- Soccer center for tracking World Cup stats and match details
- Cross-device syncing with Opera desktop
Chrome on Android doesn’t include a VPN, ad blocker, or Football Hub as native features. Users looking for those capabilities on Chrome typically need to install separate apps or extensions, which isn’t straightforward on mobile.
DMA-driven development and response to Chrome in Europe
The EU’s Digital Markets Act has changed the way default browsers are managed on Android devices in Europe. Now, when users set up a new Android device, they see a screen offering a choice of browsers instead of automatically setting Chrome as the default. This change has given rise to other browsers competing with Opera, Firefox, DuckDuckGo and Chrome.
Opera notes that its growth in Europe, driven by DMA, has outpaced initial user sign-ups. Users who try Opera after seeing it on the screen of choice continue to use it, indicating that these alternative browsers offer features that encourage continued engagement even after the first trial.
In response to competition from third-party browsers, Google is adding new features to Chrome on Android. These include Gemini AI features being introduced in more countries, introducing a back button in the top menu in Chrome 150, significant performance improvements described as an overhaul under the hood, and various enhancements for the tablet.
Despite these updates, Chrome’s default setup still lacks some privacy-focused features like built-in VPN and ad blocking, which Opera offers out of the box. Users who want these options will either have to add them separately to Chrome or switch to a browser like Opera, Brave or DuckDuckGo.
What Android users should consider and what it means for the browser market
For Android users looking for a browser alternative to Chrome, Opera presents an attractive alternative. It offers a free VPN with unlimited data, which is useful for users on public Wi-Fi or those who want basic privacy protection.
Built-in ad blocking helps reduce page load time and data consumption. AI features are integrated directly into the browser, eliminating the need for separate apps. Syncing across Opera on desktop, mobile, and other platforms works seamlessly within the Opera ecosystem.
Other browsers worth comparing include Brave, which has long offered ad and tracker blocking with cryptocurrency rewards; DuckDuckGo, known for its focus on privacy and recent YouTube ad blocking on iOS, Mac, Windows, and manual blocking on Android; Firefox, which has its own Gecko engine and supports extensions; and Vivaldi, noted for its highly customizable interface and anti-AI positioning.
For those interested in trying out Opera, the process is straightforward. Install Opera from the Google Play Store, import bookmarks from Chrome or another browser during setup, and set Opera as the default browser through Android’s Settings under Apps and default apps if desired. Users can enable VPN in Opera Settings to activate on-demand privacy protection and customize ad blocking preferences to allow or block specific sites.
Chrome remains the dominant browser on Android, commanding about 65% of the global market share. However, Opera’s reported growth indicates that user habits are changing, especially in areas with regulatory frameworks like the DMA that promote browser choice.
Google’s response includes updating Chrome with new features and continued promotion through Android integration. Whether Chrome can maintain its lead depends on how quickly it addresses feature shortcomings that drive away users, and how regulatory changes unfold in different markets.
Availability
Opera is available for free on Android through the Google Play Store. The browser can also be used on iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS. Users have the option to create an Opera account to sync data across devices, but it is not mandatory.
Opera hasn’t shared specific user numbers or revenue details related to its growth on Android. The company makes money through advertising, search partnerships, and premium subscriptions such as Opera GX Premium and Opera Origin.
For users who want a browser with more built-in features than Chrome, Opera remains a viable option among many options.
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