Opera GX Browser Review: Download & Gaming Features

Opera GX is more than just a browser with RGB themes. It's built specifically for gamers and multitaskers who want their browser to work with them, not against them. And yes, it's free to download for Windows, macOS, and even Chromebooks (with Linux support).
With features that help control CPU, RAM, and bandwidth usage, it's quickly become a favorite among streamers, PC gamers, and power users looking to reduce system lag without closing everything down.

What Is Opera GX?

Opera GX is a gaming browser based on Chromium, the same open-source engine powering Google Chrome. What sets it apart is its focus on performance management and integration with popular gamer tools like Twitch and Discord.

It includes:

CPU and RAM usage limiters

]A network limiter to cap browser bandwidth

A built-in ad blocker and VPN

GX Cleaner to remove browser junk

GX Corner for game deals, release calendars, and news

All of this is wrapped in a customizable, high-contrast interface that fits right into any gaming setup.

Is Opera GX Safe?

A lot of folks ask this. And it's fair—privacy is a big deal. The short answer: Yes, Opera GX is safe. It's developed by Opera Software, a company with decades of browser experience.

It also offers:

Free built-in VPN (no account required)

Tracker blocking

No Google telemetry, unlike Chrome

You can dig into privacy settings and disable almost everything you don't want running. It even has a 'Save My Soul Feature' that will delete or change your history after a period of non-use. Making you look like a saint!. So if you're coming from a more privacy-heavy browser like Brave or Firefox, you'll still feel right at home.

The setup process is quick and doesn't bundle junkware. Want to test-drive it without installing? Look into the portable version.

Key Features That Make a Difference

What makes Opera GX different from Chrome or Edge isn't just how it looks—it's what it lets you do while you browse, stream, or game.

Here's what stands out:

GX Control Panel lets you throttle browser resources so your games or streaming apps run smoother.

Twitch, Discord, and Messenger integrations live in the sidebar, so no tab switching.

GX Cleaner gets rid of browser clutter and cache.

GX Mods let you customize everything from sounds to UI music.

Hot Tabs Killer helps find and kill resource-heavy tabs in one click.

Ad blocker + Free VPN baked right in, no extensions needed.

Free Discord Nitro promos occasionally pop up for users (yes, actual free Nitro).

Instead of manually managing Chrome's task manager or installing 5 extensions to get half of this functionality, Opera GX bundles it all together.

Extension Support

Worried about giving up your favorite Chrome extensions? You don't have to.

Opera GX supports everything from the Chrome Web Store—you just install the "Install Chrome Extensions" add-on from the Opera Add-ons site, and it works like a charm.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Built-in CPU/RAM/network limiters

Free VPN, ad blocker, and privacy tools

Perfect for multitasking and streaming setups

Works on Windows, macOS, Chromebook, and Android

Chrome extension support

Cons:

Slightly heavier than minimal browsers

No native Linux build (Chromebook workaround only)

GX Mods are mostly aesthetic

Might feel "extra" if all you want is a basic browser

Geek Verdict

Opera GX isn't just a flashy browser with neon lights—it's legitimately useful for gamers and heavy multitaskers. The performance tools aren't gimmicks, they're smart ways to keep your browser from hogging all your system resources.
If you're tired of Chrome slowing everything down or you want better control without losing speed or functionality, Opera GX is absolutely worth the download. It's powerful, weirdly fun to use, and plays surprisingly well with others.
Looking for something new from your browser? Give Opera Air a try.

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