Linux users can now install Opera GX, a gaming-focused spin off of the regular Opera web browser which, the Norwegian-based company say, has amassed over 34 million monthly active users since its launch on Windows in 2019.
Opera GX is (like the regular version of Opera) a Chromium-based web browser. You can expect the general web performance, site compatibility and feature set to be on par with it.
Where Opera GX differs is in its focus – Hygge design philosophy it is not.
It has a striking cyberpunk-esque look that’s dark, opinionated and heavy on neon accents, boasts Discord and Twitch integration (with support for other services), and offers its own built-in gaming news hub and release calendar,
You can also enable background music and keyboard sounds, use CPU, RAM and network limiters ‘to keep games running smoothly’ when the browser is open, and experiment with a huge array of themes, layouts and browser ‘mods’.
Other features include a free ‘zero-log’ VPN, cross-device sync, tracking, ad and cryptojacking protections, optional AI chatbot sidebar, web page screenshot tools, battery saver mode, ‘force dark mode’ option and more – no live wallpapers in the Linux version, mind.
Privacy concerns around Opera
Opera GX is free but closed-source software.
Privacy concerns often pop up when Opera is mentioned, so the company is keen to head them off. It says it is a European-based company that complies with GDPR, has independent VPN audits by Deloitte, collects minimal data collection and provides built-in blocking tools.
It also says it does not sell browsing data, monitor browsing activity or track users across websites.
The concerns stem from the company’s ownership. Opera has been majority-owned by Beijing-based Kunlun Tech since 2016. Opera’s response is that the browser is made in Europe and its servers hosting user data are located on the continent.
Opera GX launched on Windows in 2019, and a macOS version followed soon after. Opera had always made positive noises about it a Linux release – albeit the same kind of noises your parents make when you’re 10 and suggest going to the moon on holiday.
It wasn’t until January this year that it finally confirmed that a Linux port was happening – now it’s here, ready to try. It seems a fairly speedy turnaround (no doubt helped by the fact Chromium is readily cross-platform).
Where can I download Opera GX for Linux?
You can download Opera GX for Linux from the browser’s website.
It comes in a choice of DEB and RPM installer, with official support for Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora and openSUSE-based distributions at launch.
The DEB works fine on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS or later, and the DEB offers to add the Opera repo to install future updates alongside system package (if installed from the command line, which is a nice touch – most browser’s just go ahead and add it).
The company says the Linux version will receive weekly updates, so adding the repo may prove handy if you intend on using this full-time.
What about a Flatpak? One is ‘in active development, per a notice on download page.
No word on whether it’ll be available on Flathub once it’s ready. As the browser’s gaming target audience on Linux may own a Steam Deck, making it straightforwardly installable without any filesystem workarounds would be a smart move.
I did ask a company rep if an official Opera GX Snap package is planned. I received no answer to that. As the regular version of Opera is on the Snap Store and sees regularly updates, chances are good.
Either way, if you would prefer to try this browser from the safety of a sandbox, then it seems a little more waiting will be required.
Do you use Opera GX?
That’s that; if you try it out sooner, do let me know what you think.
Opera isn’t a browser I’ve kept tabs on for a long time (in the early days of this site, I covered it regularly). As Vivaldi, Chrome, Firefox and Zen all see regular coverage on these pages, if you want Opera to join ’em, let me know.