Chrome has been my default browser for as long as I remember, but this doesn't mean that I think it has all the features of a perfect browser. In fact, I think that because of its dominance in the browser market, the app is actually lagging behind in some ways.

This became noticeable when I took Opera for a test drive to try out a certain feature. I soon realized that there are many convenient features in Opera that I wish Chrome would add.

9 A force dark mode feature

Dark mode without extensions

Both Chrome and Opera include the ability to switch the browser to dark mode. The major difference is that Opera allows you to force dark mode on the pages that you visit. This means that on sites that only feature a light mode, Opera is able to force it to a darker version.

I currently use an extension called Dark Reader to force dark mode on Chrome. But it would be great if I didn't have to rely on the extension and could just use my browser settings. It would make me feel more secure than granting a third-party extension access to sensitive permissions.

8 A free VPN

For casual VPN users

Now, I wouldn't recommend a free VPN for people who are using it for security. However, when it comes to seeing regional sites, a free VPN is a useful feature to have in a browser. I mostly use this feature when I need to check the international pricing of a product, or I need to access a store page or regional page that isn't available in my area.

For example, I can't access the HBO Max website because the streaming service is unavailable in my area. But I've previously had to research the service when writing about streaming prices. By using a VPN quickly, I can access the pages I need.

If I wanted to unlock more advanced features, Opera also offers a paid VPN built into the browser. This would be more suited to people who want more control over their VPN experience. For example, the free VPN only offers three general regions, while Opera's VPN Pro offers over 30 unique locations to choose from.

While Google used to have a consumer VPN, this was limited to Google One subscribers in certain regions and was eventually discontinued.

7 Integrated sidebar apps

Convenient access to web apps

Opera's sidebar supports a variety of features, including Workspaces and shortcuts. But my favorite feature of this sidebar is the ability to run web apps in small windows. You can adjust which apps are integrated into the sidebar.

For example, I mostly use the sidebar apps to access Spotify and play my music in a tucked-away window. But you can also enable various messaging apps like WhatsApp and Slack, as well as Opera's AI bot Aria.

Since I'm so bad at managing my tabs, these sidebar shortcuts are a perfect way to access the services I use the most without having to search between my 20+ tabs.

6 A built-in ad blocker

The consumer-friendly choice

I think Opera has struck the right balance when it comes to ad-blocking. It gives users the option to block ads in general, which protects browsers from spam and malvertising. However, it also allows you to enable "acceptable ads" that follow specific guidelines. This lets you support the sites you visit as long as they follow specific ad guidelines.

You can access ad blockers on Chrome through extensions, but the browser has definitely curbed the effectiveness of these extensions with its launch of Manifest V3.

With Google having a major foothold in the advertising market, however, it's unlikely that the company would ever incorporate ad blocking into its browser.

5 The easy setup feature

A simple way to access the most essential features

Part of what dissuades me from switching to a new browser is having to acquaint myself with the various settings and features of a new app. I'm a creature of habit, after all. But the Easy Setup feature in Opera is something all browsers should learn from.

Rather than focusing just on importing bookmarks or setting the browser as your default, it provides a small pane that takes you through important setup steps. This includes selecting a theme, enabling forced dark mode, choosing whether to enable AI features, and enabling certain security features.

Considering it takes some time to wade through all of Opera's features, the Easy Setup pane is a great way to get the browser up and running with minimal effort. I wish Chrome had a feature like this, so I could easily review which settings I have enabled without having to move through every tab in the settings window.

4 The ability to block trackers

Taking it further than cookies

Cookies aren't the only way that advertisers and companies track your online activities. Chrome offers the option to disable third-party cookies to improve your privacy, but it does not include the option to disable other trackers.

Opera provides more peace of mind by allowing you to disable third-party cookies, in addition to trackers. This won't completely obscure your browser fingerprint or digital footprint, but it's a step towards protecting the privacy of users who don't want to be tracked through their browser.

3 Pinboards

A mini Pinterest built into your browser

Some of the features I've mentioned are ones that are generally useful additions that every browser can benefit from. But Pinboards in Opera are pretty unique in comparison. The feature, which is still in beta, lets you pin items in specific collections — similar to the way that Pinterest works.

You can have multiple Pinboards for different purposes. For example, I created a Pinboard that is a collection of links to PC building guides. You can also create visual Pinboards consisting of images. I even created one with saved locations on Google Maps.

These boards are shareable so you can send them to people easily with a link. You don't need an Opera account to view, send, or create these Pinboards.

2 Built-in unit conversion

It saves you multiple clicks

I'm used to seeing unit conversions when using certain smartphones, but Opera allows you to use this feature with its desktop browser. I find that this is more intuitive than highlighting text on your smartphone since it's easier to highlight text using your mouse.

The unit conversion in Opera allows you to convert different currencies to a target currency, in addition to converting measurements and time zones. I would usually consider this a very niche feature, but I frequently find myself converting measurements and currencies by relying on Google Search widgets.

Built-in conversion saves me the hassle of opening up a separate tab and searching the units I want to convert. It's a feature I definitely wish Chrome would introduce, but Google probably doesn't want to give up the potential Google Search traffic.

1 A better reader mode

Opera's reader mode is more intuitive

Reader mode is a great way to eliminate distractions online. But the usefulness of this mode depends on the browser you're using. Opera creates a distraction-free view that allows you to focus on the text content of a page. You can also customize the appearance of this mode to make it darker, change the size of text, and switch fonts.

In comparison, Chrome's reader mode is really lacking. Firstly, rather than changing the whole window to the reader mode, Chrome simply opens a pane on the side. It also completely excludes images, which might not be what you're looking for.

I think that Chrome's reader mode could benefit from a few tweaks to make it more similar to Opera's or even Edge's Immersive Reader.

Chrome has a lot of areas it can improve

My experience with Opera has really changed my perception of what I want in a browser. If Chrome introduced these features, it would significantly improve the user experience. While I don't think that Chrome will implement most of these changes, taking note of what Opera offers may eventually convince me to switch browsers.