Opera vs Qwant: A complete comparison

Having the right browser may make the difference regarding your customizations, workflow, and user data.

It can be tempting to use the default browser that came with your PC or mobile device, but we recommend that you move outside of the defaults of your devices to get a better sense of the web.

While several of the most prominent search engines include comprehensive filtering options and customized plugins/workflows, not every one of them can provide customers with an entirely worry-free surfing experience.

Indeed, numerous big-name tech companies are renowned for selling off user data, raising concerns about the security of your personal information and browsing history while accessing some of these robust online databases.

This article compares Opera and Qwant, two browsers we like.

How does Opera compare to Quant?

➡ Features

Since 2013, Opera has run on Google’s open-source Chromium (the foundation of Chrome). You may modify your experience by installing web extensions from Google’s vast library.

One of Opera’s most valuable and attractive features is messaging and social app integration. Popular platforms are available directly in the browser.

You may also use Opera to search on Google and utilize its auto-fill prediction feature, or you can select from several other popular search engines. 

With My Flow, you may transfer encrypted material and links (such as photographs, articles, and videos) across devices. It also has an ad blocker built-in.

Qwant, on the other hand, is a wholly autonomous search engine, which means that all its algorithmic replies to your queries are based on Qwant’s indexing rather than the recorded data of everyone who uses the search engine.

Qwant seems and functions like an Opera on the surface. Users input their first searches into a primary search box on the landing page, which takes them to the results page.

Web, Images, News, Maps, Videos, Settings, and a Music tab are presented on the page’s left side, with tabs for filtering at the top.

Qwant’s customization options include changing languages, switching between bright and dark display settings, adjusting adult content filters, and more (These features also exist on Opera).

Note that since Qwant does not utilize cookies for tracking reasons, you’ll need to set up a custom cookie on the browser if you want to preserve your site settings.

➡ Privacy

Opera remains one of the few browsers with an internal virtual private network (VPN), which allows you to hide IP addresses as needed.

However, when it comes to IP masking, Opera’s VPN only lets you pick between the Americas, Europe, and Asia. That severely restricts your ability to access certain services around the globe — most VPNs allow you to decide your target country.

Other than HTTPS, it lacks encryption and a tunneling mechanism, leaving privacy concerns unanswered.

On the bright side, Opera includes several privacy settings standards in most online browsers. For example, you can erase your browser history or disable cookies. You can change the settings to prompt Opera to seek your permission before using your camera or revealing your location.

When you shut the window in private browsing mode, your cookies, history, and data are instantly removed.

Qwant is leaps ahead when securing your browsing history and data. Unlike Opera, Qwant does not collect user data and provides impartial results based only on the query.

You will discover quickly with Qwant that your most recent queries are never saved. The search history is erased as soon as you close the browser. 

Because there are no cookies to save your browsing history, you may choose a more conventional search engine to remember specific searches. However, if you seek the highest level of privacy, Qwant’s security features are unrivaled.

➡ User experience

Opera is responsive and fast, and the left sidebar includes a short, non-obtrusive collection of icons.

A slide-out appears over the current page when you click on one, such as the bookmarks list or Facebook Messenger. If you re-click, it vanishes, and nothing changes with the remainder of the window.

The browser takes less than one minute to install and set up on iOS and Android. It has a fast-action button that you push firmly to bring up a menu of alternatives.

A right-pointing arrow represents the My Flow sharing function on both the mobile and desktop versions. You may share material between devices with this button.

My Flow has a great feature where you may leave yourself a message that will appear on your mobile device and your PC’s browser.

The Qwant search engine is fast to offer relevant links and performs smoothly. The initial block of sites, similar to competitor browsers, is all advertisements, however, after scrolling down, you will find the actual results of your search.

With a few exceptions, the mobile UI is identical to the PC version. For one thing, unlike the desktop version, which is intended for private surfing, Qwant mobile has a distinct private browser mode that can be set on or off.

A handy tab button also indicates the number of open tabs. All of your open tabs are sorted in rows and columns when you hit this button. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Qwant browser and Opera are great options for navigating the web. They are similar but have some sharp differences. For example, if you do not want to go through the pains of remembering your previous searches, then Opera will be a preferred choice. On the other hand, Qwant will be an excellent choice for more privacy-conscious users.

It is not possible to pick a clear winner because your personal preferences should guide your browser choice.

Let us know in the comments which browser you would rather use.

⇒ Get Opera

⇒ Get Qwant

If you’re on mobile, you’ll be interested in our Opera vs Kiwi Browser guide.