Smartphones have evolved enough to replace computers for many daily tasks, one of which is browsing the internet. There's a wide variety of browsers available, and while we believe Chrome is the best due to its performance and speed, it's not the only option. Many others are very good and can easily replace Chrome. Some particularly interesting ones include Opera, Firefox, and the one we'll be discussing today, which is... Vivaldi Browser.
A simple but elegant design
When we first enter the application we see the quick access menu with a series of websites and proprietary shortcuts of the application such as: News, which opens a sub-menu with a few news websites; Vivaldi Features, which will give us a list of options that this browser has; Vivaldi Community, where we see news about the progress of the application and Vivaldi Webmail, which as its name indicates, gives us access to the email engine of the application.
I think the application is very structured and the proportions of the elements on the screen It's very well defined and nothing seems out of place, and as we can see in the screenshots, the main menu has a background that remains fixed behind the elements. In my opinion, it's a very successful design.
In addition to that initial clean look, Vivaldi brings many desktop ideas to mobile: a customizable interface, bars that appear or take up less space, and a very clear focus on enabling the user to view multiple pages and tools at the same time without the experience feeling chaotic. For those coming from Chrome, it feels like a familiar browser, but with more visible controls and a slightly more organized layout. productive.
In the desktop version, Vivaldi stands out for features such as mosaic viewThis feature allows you to place multiple tabs in the same window, side by side or stacked on top of each other, adjusting the space each one occupies. While we can't exactly replicate this grid on mobile, the same philosophy is evident: easier-to-manage tabs, clearer shortcuts, and options designed to eliminate the need to constantly open and close windows—something that Chrome forces many people to work with multiple windows and a mountain of disorganized tabs.
This attention to design has a very specific goal: to allow users who often have many tabs open, both on their computer and mobile device, to feel in control And don't feel like you're wasting time looking for the right page, something that becomes common with Chrome when dozens of tiny tabs accumulate at the top.
Lots of options
The app has a very reasonable amount of very useful options that will help you get the most out of this comprehensive browser.
As we can see in this screenshot, we can capture the page we have on the screenThis is extremely useful if we want to read something later or can't do so at that moment. This feature is natively integrated, so we don't need external extensions or additional tools: we can save a visual copy of the website directly from Vivaldi's menu, which is very practical for studying, working, or saving receipts and vouchers.
Here we see one of what I consider to be one of the best options that this application has, which is the option of search the pageThis is an option available in virtually all browsers, but it's always a pleasant surprise, and if you don't have it, you'll miss it. In Vivaldi, this tool is very convenient and ideal when reading long articles, technical documents, or scientific publications, as it allows you to locate specific terms without having to scroll aimlessly.
But Vivaldi's possibilities go far beyond these basic functions. Inspired by the experience of Advanced usersThe browser offers tab management. much more powerful than Chrome's. On desktop, for example, it allows you to create stacks of eyelashesThat is, thematic groups where we can group several related websites (study, work, leisure, banking, etc.) within a single main tab. This reduces visual clutter and makes it very easy to switch contexts.
While Chrome typically results in dozens of tiny tabs cluttering the top bar, Vivaldi encourages users to organize these tabs into stacks and, if desired, tile them. This allows you to have several reference pages and your main document open in a single, neat window, instead of multiple windows floating around your desktop. Clearer management of the tab list On mobile, it also helps to find what we need without wasting time.
Another aspect that differentiates Vivaldi from Chrome is the integration of a multi-function side barWhile it adapts to the screen format on mobile, on desktop it offers quick access to bookmarks, history, downloads, integrated email, contacts, and its own notes manager. Thanks to this toolbar, we can work with frequently used resources without having to open new tabs or additional windows, which reduces distractions and saves time.
Among the additional tools we also find a bottom bar with specific controls: a button to show or hide the sidebar, an option to view multiple unified tabs at the same time, controls over which images are loaded (useful if browsing with limited mobile data), page filters that modify the appearance of the content, and a zoom bar very accessible, making it easy to adjust the text size to our needs without having to navigate through confusing menus.
Another interesting detail regarding Chrome is that Vivaldi includes a dedicated search box In addition to the omnibar. The omnibar allows you to enter addresses, perform general searches, and access your history, just like in Chrome, but the dedicated search box focuses solely on content searches, keeping results cleaner and preventing them from being mixed in with suggestions from other functions.
Basic but useful setup
Like all apps, this one has a section that lets you configure certain sections Customize it to your liking, including the default search engine, password management, payment methods, and more. Personally, the first thing I did was change the search engine, which was set to Bing by default, and I switched it to Google, of course.
Beyond that detail, Vivaldi allows you to adjust a number of aspects that are more hidden in Chrome or require extensions. For example, you can decide how new tabs behave, what happens when you close a tab (whether the focus returns to the previous tab or a specific one), and how your bookmarks are organized. The desktop settings menu is... unified in a separate window and organized into very clear categories, making it easy to find each specific setting without having to navigate through multiple submenus.
In the area of ​​privacy, Vivaldi comes with ad blockers. ads and trackers While Chrome relies heavily on the extensions ecosystem and Google's own data collection, Vivaldi presents itself as a much more privacy-conscious alternative. It doesn't track user activity for advertising purposes, and being based in Europe, it adheres to regulations such as the GDPR, which establishes strict requirements regarding the processing and storage of personal data.
We also have the option to choose between two themes within the settings: Light and Dark. The Light theme will leave the base color white and the accent color light blue, while the Dark theme will leave the background color dark gray and the accent color blue—perfect for those who love... dark mode.
As for synchronization, Vivaldi allows us to keep our Bookmarks, passwords, and settings From one device to another, just like Chrome does, but with the advantage that its privacy approach is much more conservative with data. This way, we can start browsing on a computer, continue on a mobile phone, and then on a tablet without losing context, but with the peace of mind that we aren't feeding such an aggressive advertising profile.
For users who value customization, Vivaldi is especially appealing. On desktop, for example, you can configure the tab bar At the top, side, or bottom, you can adjust tab transparency, modify the bookmarks bar's position, and even decide how much the interface adapts to the colors of the website you're visiting. All of this gives the browser a flexibility that Chrome doesn't offer natively, where the interface is virtually the same for all users, apart from the themes available in the Chrome Web Store.
Vivaldi vs. Chrome, Edge, Brave and other browsers
To better understand what Vivaldi contributes, it is helpful to compare him directly with Google Chrome And with other browsers also trying to take over, such as Microsoft Edge, Brave, and Opera. Although they all share the Chromium engine as their technical foundation, the differences in privacy, customization, performance, and advanced features are very clear.
Privacy and data control
- Google ChromeIt is the most popular browser in the world, but also one of the most criticized by the data collectionGoogle records searches, approximate location, browsing habits, and much more to feed its advertising platform. This deep integration with your Google account offers convenience, but also a very broad sharing of information.
- Microsoft Edge (with Bing)Although its data policy is somewhat different, it also collects usage information to improve services and personalize ads. Edge has improved considerably in transparency, but it remains a product of a large company with a clear interest in the advertising and cloud services ecosystem.
- VivaldiIt presents itself as a browser with a very strong focus on the privacyIt doesn't create user profiles for advertising, includes built-in ad and tracker blocking, and its European base places it under stricter data protection laws. This makes Vivaldi an attractive alternative for those who want to browse with a smaller digital footprint.
- BraveIt also focuses on privacy, with a very aggressive ad blocker and options like Tor network integration in its desktop version to maximize anonymity. It is especially strong when it comes to prevent intrusive advertising and complex tracking scripts, although in some cases this aggressiveness can break certain websites.
Performance and resource consumption
- ChromeIt's very fast at loading pages and highly optimized, but its biggest problem is... RAM consumptionThose who work with many tabs open notice how the system becomes heavier, partly because each tab functions practically as an independent process with its own memory consumption.
- EdgeIt leverages its integration with Windows to offer very solid performance and, in many cases, slightly lower resource consumption than Chrome. Features such as sleeping tabs They allow inactive tabs to be put to sleep to save memory.
- VivaldiUsing Chromium also offers good speed, but it's geared towards users who want advanced settings to optimize your experience. It won't always be the lightest if all visual features are enabled, but it allows you to customize the interface and tab behavior to reduce the typical Chrome clutter. For those who value organization over absolute minimalism, this balance is often very comfortable.
- BraveIt achieves very fast performance thanks to native ad and tracker blocking, which reduces the number of elements loaded on each page. It's often a good option for those looking for speed and less resource consumption on ad-heavy websites.
Personalization and unique features
- ChromeIt offers a huge library of Extensions Thanks to the Chrome Web Store, but its basic interface is quite rigid. The tab bar is always at the top, the menus are virtually identical for everyone, and customization is mainly limited to themes and extensions.
- EdgeIt incorporates features such as integration with AI (Copilot)It includes collections and various tools for taking notes and organizing content. Its intention is to integrate with the Microsoft ecosystem (Office, OneDrive, etc.) and serve as a digital workspace.
- VivaldiIt is probably the most complete browser in terms of customizationIt allows you to group tabs into stacks, rearrange bars, choose panel positions, configure keyboard shortcuts, create mouse gestures, and adjust countless visual and behavioral details. It also integrates a system of note-taking In the sidebar, we can write comments, lists, or summaries directly in the browser, linked to the pages we're visiting. When we copy text or take a screenshot, the note retains the original URL for later reference.
- Brave: Opt for a more user-friendly interface simple and minimalistwith fewer visible elements and a focus on distraction-free navigation. While it offers some customization options, its primary goal is privacy and ad removal, rather than a complete interface overhaul.
This contrast makes Vivaldi especially interesting for Advanced usersStudents or professionals who need to have many pages open and organize them efficiently, while Chrome remains the convenient option for those just looking for something that works quickly without tweaking too many options.
VPN, security, and ad blocking
Another point where Vivaldi differs from Chrome and approaches other alternatives like Brave is the security, and integrations with VPN services. Although Chrome doesn't offer a native VPN service, other browsers have sought to incorporate these tools directly into their browsing environment.
- BraveIt has an integrated VPN combined with a firewall, allowing you to protect your connection up to 10 simultaneous devices It features a high level of encryption. However, a monthly subscription is required to use it. It's a solid option for those who want maximum privacy and don't mind investing in a premium service.
- Vivaldi: He has opted to collaborate with Proton VPNoffering a free plan with unlimited data. The only drawback is that, in the free option, the IP address is assigned. randomwithout the option to choose a country. For those who need to choose a location or have more features, there are paid plans with a moderate fee, similar to other VPN services on the market.
In terms of ad and tracker blocking, both browsers are a step ahead of Chrome. While Google, being ad-supported, maintains a more moderate approach and often requires additional extensions, both Vivaldi and Brave integrate native blockers Both are very capable. Brave is known for being especially effective with advertising on platforms like YouTube and with intrusive ads in general, while Vivaldi offers a balanced blocking system that covers the essentials and is complemented by its privacy and anti-tracking options.
In the case of Brave, it's even possible to use the navigation with Tor directly from the desktop browser, which enhances anonymity at the expense of slower speed. Vivaldi, on the other hand, has focused more on offering protection against Indirect phishingTracker blocking and advanced script control options are included, although some users have pointed out that its linking with Google DNS may be a point to consider if total independence is desired.
Vivaldi in everyday life: productivity and integrated notes
One of Vivaldi's great advantages over Chrome is how it transforms the study and work experienceMany users report that, for years, they have studied or worked with Chrome by opening multiple windows: one with the document being edited, another with scientific articles or reference websites, and perhaps one more for email and social media. The result is usually a desktop cluttered with windows and tabs that are difficult to manage.
Vivaldi proposes a different way of organizing. Thanks to tab stacks and, on the desktop, to the mosaic viewIt's possible to have several pages open in the same window, perfectly visible. For example, you can dedicate half the screen to an online word processor and the other half to one or more reference articles, without constantly rearranging windows. This feature, applied to university or professional life, represents a significant leap in efficiency.
For information retrieval, Vivaldi also makes distinctions with his integrated note systemInstead of switching between the browser and a Word document or an external note-taking app, users can write directly in the sidebar, creating notes associated with each project or task. When text is copied or part of a page is captured, the note automatically saves the source URL, making it easy to return to the original source without wasting time.
This centralized approach reduces the typical chaos of having multiple applications open, replicated tabs, and scattered documents. For students working on academic papers, journalists gathering sources, developers consulting documentation, or anyone researching a specific topic, these features make Vivaldi more than just a browser: it's almost a personal organization tool.
In contrast, Chrome forces delegate all these functions to external servicesGoogle Docs, note-taking extensions, third-party applications, etc. Although these tools are well integrated into the Google ecosystem, the user ends up dividing their attention between different interfaces, which can hinder concentration.
Other comparisons and alternatives: Brave, Opera and Firefox
When a user decides to stop using Chrome, they don't just consider Vivaldi. Browsers like Brave, Opera, Edge or Firefox These factors also come into play. Each one has its own particular proposal, so the final decision usually revolves around personal priorities: privacy, compatibility, design, resource consumption, or integration with other services.
- OperaHistorically, it has been one of the most innovative browsers, with features ahead of its time such as integrated ad blockers, data saving, and a built-in VPN. Many users who came from Opera found in Vivaldi a kind of... evolutionsince its lead developer was one of the founders of the original Opera project. Vivaldi has taken ideas of deep customization and expanded upon them.
- FirefoxIt remains the leading non-Chromium alternative. Its proprietary engine, commitment to open standards, and active defense of privacy make it an attractive option, especially for those looking to diversify beyond the Chromium world. However, in terms of advanced tab management and interface options, Vivaldi typically offers more possibilities without relying as heavily on extensions.
- BraveAs already mentioned, it is a very powerful alternative in terms of ad and tracker blockingWith a clean and fast experience, its integration with technologies like Tor and its cryptocurrency rewards model appeal to a specific audience. In contrast, Vivaldi markets itself as an option more focused on organization, interface customization, and a balance between privacy and usability.
For many users, the choice boils down to a simple question: do you prefer a very Minimalist And what about a closed system with limited options, like Chrome, or one that lets you customize almost every aspect, like Vivaldi? And furthermore, how concerned are you about privacy, or do you value built-in tools like notes, tab stacks, or VPNs?
Vivaldi, a European browser with its own approach
Vivaldi is a web browser based on the engine Blink Google Chrome, developed under the leadership of the former CEO and co-founder of the original Opera project, aims to enter the market as a viable alternative to current market leaders Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Firefox. It offers an updated Chromium-based engine along with a fast, secure, and functional interface for all users.
This web browser displays a series of by default useful options and features These features are for users but are not available by default in Google Chrome. Several of these new features are detailed below: interface changes, dedicated search boxes, the ability to merge multiple tabs into one, a sidebar with tools, and a bottom bar with advanced controls.
Thus, Vivaldi positions himself as a European alternative Vivaldi competes with major US game developers (Google, Microsoft), offering a balance between compatibility (thanks to Chromium) and a strong emphasis on privacy, productivity, and personalization. For anyone considering switching from Chrome, spending a few days trying Vivaldi on both desktop and mobile is usually enough to see if it fits their workflow and browsing style.
I believe that, while this application isn't quite at the level of Chrome in some aspects of massive integration with Google services, it certainly deserves a chance and could easily be a solid replacement If you're tired of Google's option. But this version is only a beta, so we'll have to see how it evolves in future versions.
If you want to download itDo it from here:
Vivaldi is shaping up to be a particularly interesting browser for users who manage many tabs, value privacy, enjoy configuring their work environment, and are willing to stray from the path paved by Chrome; its combination of integrated tools, deep customization, and European approach to data handling make it a very competitive option within the current landscape of browsers.