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Opera Reports 66% Android Growth in UK and 40% in US Year Over Year for Q2
Дата публикации: 15-07-2026 10:43:33
Opera reported that its Android monthly active users increased by 66% in the UK and 40% in the US year over year in the second quarter of 2026, according to the
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Opera reported that its Android monthly active users increased by 66% in the UK and 40% in the US year over year in the second quarter of 2026, according to the company.
Opera attributes this growth to features not available out of the box in Chrome, such as a free unlimited VPN, a built-in ad blocker, and integrated AI tools.
The company notes that momentum in Europe has continued following the EU's Digital Markets Act, with gains in both new user acquisition and retention. Opera has not provided specific user numbers, only reporting the growth percentages compared to the previous year.
Growth Numbers and What Opera Offers Beyond ChromeAccording to Opera's Q2 2026 report:
- UK Android monthly active users: 66% year-over-year growth
- US Android monthly active users: 40% year-over-year growth
- European growth: continued after DMA implementation
- Retention: also improved, not just new user acquisition
The growth numbers suggest that a meaningful segment of Android users are looking beyond the pre-installed Chrome browser and evaluating alternatives.
Opera credits its growth to features that come pre-installed rather than requiring extensions or additional apps:
- Free unlimited VPN
- Built-in ad blocker
- Built-in AI tools including Aria and other integrations
- Football hub for tracking World Cup stats and match details
- Cross-device syncing with Opera desktop
Chrome on Android does not include a VPN, an ad blocker, or a football hub as native features. Users seeking those capabilities on Chrome typically need to install separate apps or extensions, which is not straightforward on mobile.
DMA-Driven Growth in Europe and Chrome’s ResponseThe EU's Digital Markets Act has altered how default browsers are managed on Android devices in Europe. Now, when users set up a new Android device, they see a screen offering a choice of browsers rather than Chrome being set as the default automatically. This change has given a boost to browsers like Opera, Firefox, DuckDuckGo, and others that compete with Chrome.
Opera has noted that its growth in Europe driven by the DMA goes beyond initial user sign-ups. Users who try Opera after seeing it on the choice screen tend to keep using it, indicating that these alternative browsers offer features that encourage continued engagement beyond the first trial.
In response to competition from third-party browsers, Google has been adding new features to Chrome on Android. These include Gemini AI features being rolled out to more countries, Chrome 150 introducing a back button in the top menu, significant performance improvements described as an overhaul beneath the hood, and various enhancements for tablets.
Despite these updates, Chrome's default setup still lacks some privacy-focused features like a built-in VPN and ad blocking, which Opera provides out of the box. Users seeking these options must either add them separately to Chrome or switch to browsers such as Opera, Brave, or DuckDuckGo.
What Android Users Should Consider and What This Means for the Browser MarketFor Android users exploring browser alternatives to Chrome, Opera presents a compelling option. It offers a free VPN with unlimited data, which is useful for users on public Wi-Fi or those seeking basic privacy protection.
Built-in ad blocking helps reduce page load times and data consumption. AI features are integrated directly into the browser, eliminating the need for separate apps. Syncing across Opera on desktop, mobile, and other platforms works seamlessly within the Opera ecosystem.
Other browsers worth comparing include Brave, which has long offered ad and tracker blocking along with cryptocurrency rewards; DuckDuckGo, known for its focus on privacy and recent YouTube ad blocking on iOS, Mac, Windows, and manual blocking on Android; Firefox, which features its own Gecko engine and supports extensions; and Vivaldi, noted for its highly customizable interface and anti-AI positioning.
For those interested in trying Opera, the process is straightforward. Install Opera from the Google Play Store, import bookmarks from Chrome or another browser during setup, and set Opera as the default browser through Android’s Settings under Apps and Default apps if desired. Users can enable the VPN in Opera settings to activate on-demand privacy protection and customize ad blocking preferences to allow or block specific sites.
Chrome remains the dominant browser on Android, holding roughly 65% of the global market share. However, Opera's reported growth indicates that user habits are shifting, particularly in regions with regulatory frameworks like the DMA that promote browser choice.
Google's response includes updating Chrome with new features and continuous promotion through Android integrations. Whether Chrome can maintain its lead depends on how quickly it addresses feature gaps that drive users away, and how regulatory changes unfold in different markets.
AvailabilityOpera is available for free on Android via the Google Play Store. The browser can also be used on iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS. Users have the option to create an Opera account to sync data across devices, but this is not mandatory.
Opera has not shared specific user numbers or revenue details related to its growth on Android. The company earns money through advertising, search partnerships, and premium subscriptions such as Opera GX Premium and Opera Origin.
For users seeking a browser with more built-in features than Chrome, Opera remains a viable choice among several options.
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