Why do people say opera gx is bad

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Opera GX receives criticism primarily for its performance issues, with users reporting higher RAM usage than competitors like Chrome or Firefox, sometimes exceeding 1.5GB with multiple tabs open. The browser's gaming-focused features, such as RGB lighting integration and CPU/RAM limiters, are often seen as gimmicky rather than practical. Additionally, concerns about privacy have been raised due to Opera's ownership by a Chinese consortium since 2016, though the company maintains user data is secure.

Key Facts

Opera GX was launched in June 2019 as a gaming-focused browser
Opera Software was acquired by a Chinese consortium in 2016 for $600 million
Users report RAM usage can exceed 1.5GB with multiple tabs open
The browser includes features like CPU/RAM limiters and RGB lighting controls
Opera GX has faced criticism for performance issues compared to Chrome and Firefox

Overview

Opera GX is a specialized web browser developed by Opera Software, first released in June 2019 as a gaming-oriented version of the standard Opera browser. The browser was created to appeal specifically to gamers with features like RGB lighting integration, CPU/RAM limiters, and gaming news feeds. Opera Software, founded in Norway in 1995, has undergone significant ownership changes, most notably being acquired by a Chinese consortium in 2016 for $600 million. This acquisition raised privacy concerns among some users, though Opera maintains that user data remains secure and separate from Chinese operations. The browser markets itself as the "first gaming browser" and includes unique aesthetic elements like customizable color themes and sound effects designed to enhance the gaming experience.

How It Works

Opera GX operates on the Chromium engine, the same foundation as Google Chrome, but adds gaming-specific features through several mechanisms. The browser includes a GX Control panel that allows users to set limits on CPU and RAM usage, theoretically preventing the browser from consuming too many system resources during gaming sessions. This works by throttling background processes and tab activity when resources approach user-defined limits. The browser also integrates with gaming peripherals through its RGB lighting feature, which can sync with compatible devices from manufacturers like Razer and Corsair. Additional gaming-focused elements include a sidebar with Twitch integration, Discord access, and gaming news feeds. However, despite these features, many users report that the browser's performance suffers from higher memory consumption than competitors, with some tests showing Opera GX using 20-30% more RAM than Chrome with identical tabs open.

Why It Matters

The criticism of Opera GX matters because it highlights the tension between specialized feature development and core browser performance in the competitive browser market. With browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge dominating market share, Opera GX's attempt to carve out a gaming niche represents an innovative approach to browser differentiation. However, if performance issues persist, it could undermine the browser's value proposition to its target audience of gamers who typically prioritize system efficiency. The privacy concerns related to Opera's Chinese ownership also reflect broader debates about data security in technology products, particularly as browsers handle sensitive personal information. Ultimately, Opera GX's reception serves as a case study in whether feature specialization can successfully compete with established browsers that focus on reliability and speed.