# Opera challenges Chrome's dominance on Android Free VPN and AI features make Opera an attractive alternative for mobile users. - **Source:** [Latest from Android Central](https://brifing.si/source/c01c90da-6cf6-4b63-a76b-3d38df0e8324) - **Published:** 2026-07-14 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/7017a06c-2b7c-42d5-8c83-04121162251e ## Opera's rise Opera reported 66% growth in UK Android MAUs and 40% in the US, attributing this to features like free VPN, ad blocker, and AI tools not found in Chrome. Users are increasingly questioning their default browser choices as alternatives gain traction in the mobile market. ## EU's impact The Digital Markets Act continues to fuel Opera's growth across Europe by making it easier to switch default apps. The company isn't just acquiring new users but also maintaining strong retention rates thanks to its unique feature set that differentiates it from Chrome. ## Competitive advantages Opera's unlimited VPN, built-in ad blocker, and AI-powered tools create compelling reasons to switch. Niche features like the football hub further increase adoption by catering to specific user interests, demonstrating how targeted functionality can drive browser preference. ## Google's countermeasures Despite Chrome rolling out Gemini features to more countries, these efforts haven't stopped Opera's growth. While Google maintains browser dominance, users are becoming more willing to explore alternatives that better meet their specific needs and preferences. ## Changing user behavior Many Android users now employ multiple browsers for different tasks. Opera successfully positions itself as a 'secondary browser' alongside Chrome through its specialized features. This trend signals a shift in how people approach their mobile browsing experience. ## Market implications Opera's growth challenges tech giants' monopolistic positions in the browser market. Feature-driven user choices could lead to greater diversification, fostering competition that ultimately benefits consumers through better products and more innovation in the browsing space. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/chrome-may-be-the-default-browser-on-android-but-more-people-are-trying-this-instead — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._