Our verdict: Opera GX is the regular Opera browser dressed for gamers, with one useful addition: GX Control can cap how much memory, CPU and bandwidth the browser takes while a game runs. The rest is themes, sounds and a gaming news feed, which you will either enjoy or switch off.
About Opera GX
Opera GX is made by the same company as Opera and is built on Chromium, so it opens websites like Chrome and installs most Chrome Web Store extensions. It includes Opera's ad blocker, free browser VPN and sidebar messengers.
The gaming part is GX Control, with RAM, CPU and network limiters, plus integrated Twitch and Discord panels, GX Corner with game deals and release news, and heavy visual customization with themes, wallpapers, background music and sound effects. A paid VPN Pro subscription is offered on top.
What it does well
- GX Control. Limits how much RAM, CPU and network bandwidth the browser may use.
- Twitch and Discord. Keeps Twitch and Discord open in the sidebar while you browse.
- GX Corner. Shows game deals, upcoming releases and gaming news on one page.
- Free VPN and ad blocker. The same browser VPN and ad blocking as regular Opera.
- Themes and sounds. Custom colors, animated wallpapers, browser sounds and background music.
Who it is for
Good fit
PC gamers who keep a browser open while playing and want to stop it from eating memory or bandwidth.
Look elsewhere
Users who want a plain, quiet browser without gaming content, sounds and promotions.
Pros and cons
Pros
- RAM, CPU and network limiters
- Free VPN and ad blocker built in
- Runs Chrome extensions
- Twitch and Discord in the sidebar
Cons
- Gaming news, deals and sounds add clutter
- Free VPN only covers the browser
- Closed source
How to install Opera GX
The installer downloads the browser during setup; open Options first if you do not want it as your default browser. On first launch GX offers a setup wizard for themes and sounds. Set the RAM and network limiters in the GX Control panel in the sidebar.
Questions about Opera GX
Is Opera GX free?
Yes. Opera GX is free. VPN Pro is an optional paid subscription.
What is the difference between Opera and Opera GX?
Both use the same engine and core features. Opera GX adds GX Control limiters, Twitch and Discord panels, GX Corner and gaming themes and sounds.
Does the RAM limiter make games faster?
It stops the browser from using more than the memory you set, which leaves more for a game running at the same time.
