Why I Don't Trust Opera GX...

Updated: 7/16/2024


Summary

Here is a super long paragraph summary of the video: Today's video is a deep dive into Opera GX, one of the most popular gaming internet browsers currently available. Opera has been around since the mid-90s, almost as old as the narrator who is 30 years old. The video covers Opera GX's features like its edgy social media presence, ability to limit hardware usage, integrations with services like Discord and Twitch, and the GX Corner with game release info and free games. However, the narrator raises concerns about the browser's lack of open source code, controversies around alleged Chinese spyware due to its partial Chinese ownership, and questionable privacy practices. He conducts performance tests comparing Opera GX to other browsers like Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Brave, Chrome, and finds that while Opera GX performs well, it's not significantly better than competitors and the hardware limiting features may be placebos. The narrator also questions the need for the persistent GX Corner tab and the browser's telemetry. Ultimately, while appreciating Opera GX's gaming-oriented approach, the narrator concludes that he cannot recommend it due to trust issues stemming from the closed source code, Chinese ownership concerns, and the availability of better open source, privacy-focused alternatives like Librewolf and Mulvad. He presents his findings objectively, leaving the choice to viewers.

Introduction to Opera GX

Opera GX is a gaming-focused web browser developed by Opera Software. It is designed to provide an optimized browsing experience for gamers, with features such as CPU, RAM, and network usage limiters, integration with Discord and Twitch, and customizable themes and sound effects.

Performance and Resource Management

Opera GX includes tools to limit CPU, RAM, and network usage, allowing users to prioritize system resources for gaming. However, testing suggests that these features may not provide significant performance benefits compared to other modern browsers, as operating systems are generally efficient at resource management.

Gaming Integration and Features

Opera GX offers integration with popular gaming platforms like Discord and Twitch, as well as a dedicated GX Corner for game releases, news, and free-to-play games. It also includes customizable themes, sound effects, and visual effects (shaders) for a more immersive browsing experience.

Privacy and Security Concerns

There have been allegations of Chinese spyware and privacy concerns surrounding Opera GX due to its partial ownership by Chinese companies. However, Opera has responded by highlighting its compliance with European data protection laws (GDPR) and its public listing, which requires transparency.

Conclusion and Recommendations

While Opera GX offers some unique features for gamers, it does not provide significant performance advantages over other modern browsers. For those prioritizing privacy and security, open-source alternatives like Brave or Firefox may be better options. Ultimately, the choice of browser depends on individual preferences and priorities.


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FAQ

Q: What is Opera GX?

Opera GX is a web browser designed specifically for gamers, offering features like CPU, RAM, and network usage limiters, as well as integration with services like Discord and Twitch.

Q: What are the concerns raised about Opera GX?

Some concerns raised include allegations of Chinese spyware due to Opera's acquisition by a Chinese consortium, lack of open-source code for scrutiny, and the browser's telemetry and data collection practices.

Q: How does Opera GX's performance compare to other browsers?

Based on the testing performed, Opera GX's performance was within the margin of error compared to other browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, with no significant advantage or disadvantage.

Q: What is the purpose of the GX Corner feature in Opera GX?

The GX Corner is a built-in tab that provides information about upcoming game releases, free-to-play games, and other gaming-related content, but its usefulness is questionable.

Q: Does the video recommend using Opera GX?

No, the video does not recommend using Opera GX due to concerns about privacy, lack of open-source code, and the lack of significant performance advantages over other browsers.