Is Opera GX spyware?

Ever wondered why over 20 million gamers switched to a browser you might not have heard of? Opera GX isn’t your typical Chrome alternative – it’s built from the ground up for gaming. And while players are raving about its resource controls and Twitch integration, there’s more to this story.

Who doesn’t want a browser that won’t kill your frame rate? But privacy experts are raising their eyebrows. I’ve spent weeks testing Opera GX, digging through privacy policies, and talking to cybersecurity experts.

Let’s examine this browser’s data usage, discuss its gaming features, and determine whether it deserves a place in your setup.

What makes Opera GX different?

Since its launch in 2019, Opera GX has been turning heads in the gaming community. But what’s all the fuss about?

Ever notice how your games start stuttering when you’ve got too many browser tabs open? Opera GX has a clever solution. Their GX Control panel isn’t just another settings menu – it’s your command center for browser resource management.

You decide exactly how much CPU and RAM Opera GX can use. Need to keep your bandwidth in check while downloading a massive game update? Just dial it down.

The browser packs some serious gaming-focused features:

  • Built-in Twitch? Check.
  • Discord integration? You got it.
  • CPU and RAM limiters? Absolutely.
  • Gaming news hub? It’s all there.

What’s Opera GX doing with your data?

opera GX screenshot
Image credit: Opera GX website

Let’s talk about privacy. You know how your friends say, “If it’s free, you’re the product”? Well, Opera GX does collect data, but let’s clarify exactly what it collects based on the feedback from the Opera team.

Here’s the kind of data Opera GX gathers:

  • Your IP address and location: The browser collects your IP address, but only to determine your city and country for features like setting the language, localizing Speed Dials, and showing relevant advertising in the News Feed section (if enabled). This is associated with a random, anonymous browser installation ID and is not tied to your real identity.
  • Browser version and settings: Opera collects information about your browser version and features. This is standard practice for most browsers to maintain and improve their products.
  • Browsing history: Correction: Opera cannot access your browsing history. This is stored locally on your computer. Even if you sync your data with an Opera account, Opera does not process your browsing history. However, if you consent, Opera may collect broad categories of sites you visit (e.g., News, Sports, Shopping) to provide more relevant advertising.
  • How you use the browser: Opera tracks how you interact with features (e.g., which ones are enabled or disabled) to improve the product. This is optional and can be disabled during installation or at any time in settings.

The privacy plot thickens

Now, let’s address one of the bigger concerns: Opera’s ownership. Some privacy advocates have questioned Opera’s largest shareholder, Kunlun Tech, a Chinese company. However, Opera clarified that:

  • Opera is a Norwegian company headquartered in Oslo and listed on NASDAQ in New York.
  • Opera operates under strict European laws, including GDPR, which applies to all users globally.
  • All user data is stored on European servers (primarily in the Netherlands and Poland).
  • Kunlun Tech is a shareholder and does not manage Opera or have access to user data.

These facts are outlined in Opera’s Privacy Statement and Privacy & Security page. While the company’s Chinese ownership may raise questions for some, its compliance with EU law offers significant protections.

What about the built-in VPN?

Opera GX offers a free, built-in VPN, but it’s important to understand its limitations. While Opera refers to it as a VPN, it functions more like an in-browser proxy:

  • It encrypts your browser traffic with AES-256 encryption.
  • It disguises your location and does not log user activity (independently audited by Deloitte).
  • It is not a system-wide VPN, meaning it only protects your browsing within Opera GX.

For users looking for more robust, device-wide security, Opera also offers VPN Pro, a paid service in collaboration with NordVPN, which comes with additional features and server options.

Should you use Opera GX?

Look, let’s be honest about Opera GX. Is it spyware? No. But it’s important to understand what it does with your data. Based on Opera’s feedback and their adherence to GDPR regulations, they offer a more private experience than some major competitors like Chrome or Edge, which are tied to larger ecosystems with extensive data collection.

Here’s the deal:

  • If you’re already using Chrome or Edge, Opera GX’s data collection practices aren’t worse—and may even be better, thanks to its built-in ad blocker, tracker blocker, and optional VPN.
  • Those gaming features? They’re the real deal, not just fancy window dressing.

Want to give it a shot? Here’s what I recommend:

  1. Dive into those privacy settings first thing.
  2. Maybe keep a separate browser for sensitive activities.
  3. Take advantage of those resource controls.
  4. Keep the browser updated.

Bottom line?

If you’re a serious gamer who values performance controls and integrated gaming features, Opera GX delivers. Just go in with your eyes open regarding its privacy trade-offs—and consider what matters most to you: killer features or maximum privacy. The choice is yours.

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