A few days ago, Opera broke the news that my favorite AI browser was getting a general release. It was fantastic news for me, because when I gave their test build out and used it to remake the classic game of Snake, I had a blast experimenting with all the different things I could ask it to do.

The new Opera Neon comes with a monthly subscription, but it seems the company isn't putting all of its new AI innovations behind a paywall. People using the free version of Opera are getting a wave of AI tools too, and you won't have to spend a penny for them.

Opera announces new AI tools for its free browsers

In an emailed press release, Opera announced its intention to bring AI to all users, paid or free. The company didn't reveal too much about what's to come, but it did promise "faster models, better browser integration, higher usage limits as well as access to open source local models," which sounds pretty exciting to me.

In fact, Krystian Kolondra, EVP Browsers at Opera, sounds very pleased with what the company is doing:

“Our users already have access to free AI built directly into their browsers. That AI is about to get a powerful upgrade. Should they need more advanced capabilities like agentic browsing and task delegation, the premium Opera Neon product offers them a seamless upgrade path. With years of browser expertise and proven monetization methods, we can sustainably deliver both free AI for hundreds of millions of users as well as premium agentic experiences for power users."

That last bit hints at what Opera plans to do with its AI offerings. For individuals who want to explore AI, the regular Opera browser offers free tools to help them achieve their goals. On the other hand, for individuals who are AI power users and want the complete experience, Opera Neon will serve as the premium option, offering the best Opera has to offer for a monthly subscription. Opera says it's designed to be a "two-tier approach" where people can choose how much AI they use in their browser.