IronFox vs Opera
IronFox
ironfoxoss.org
Opera
opera.comSide by side
| Figure | IronFox | Opera |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $4/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · Web browsers | 8.5 (#36) | 9.2 (#5) |
| Ad blocking | Yes | Opera’s built-in ad blocker can block ads and cryptocurrency-mining scripts. |
| Founded | 2024 | 1995 |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Supported platforms | mobile | Opera offers downloads for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Chromebook. |
| Privacy controls | By default, IronFox clears browsing history, cache, download history, and open tabs on exit. | Opera lets users clear browsing data on exit, including history, cookies, passwords, and autofill data. |
| Product | IronFox describes itself as a private, secure, user-first web browser for Android. | Opera is a web browser with built-in tools for browsing, communication, and AI assistance. |
| Support | The documentation directs users needing help to relevant documentation sections or to contact project maintainers through the listed communication channels. | Opera directs users to its Help Center, community forums, and bug report wizard for assistance and issue reports. |
Plans
Opera
- Opera browserFree
- VPN Pro — six months$5 a month
- VPN Pro — one month$8 a month
- VPN Pro — one year$48 a year
In their own words
IronFox
IronFox is a free, open-source web browser for Android, with privacy controls that clear browsing history, cache, download history and open tabs when the app closes. It blocks ads and trackers, enables DNS over HTTPS with Quad9 by default, and turns on HTTPS-Only Mode, proxied Google Safe Browsing and basic per-site process isolation. The project says it does not collect, store or sell user data. Based on the latest Firefox release, IronFox removes tracking and proprietary libraries, replaces Google Mobile Services with open alternatives including microG, and adds UnifiedPush support. It also supports end-to-end encrypted Firefox Sync. Installation requires Android 5 or newer, supported ARM or x86_64 architecture, and 512 MB of free disk space. IronFox warns that it cannot defeat sophisticated fingerprinting and recommends Tor Browser for some threat models. It also notes Firefox-based browsers have security deficiencies compared with Chromium, especially on Android, and that disabled Encrypted Media Extensions can prevent some DRM-protected streaming playback.
Opera
Opera is a free web browser for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and the web, with extension support and cross-device sync. Tab Islands group related tabs for collapsing or expanding. Built-in tools include an ad blocker that can also block cryptocurrency-mining scripts, plus a free VPN with no data cap and three general locations. Opera AI can use open-tab context, generate images, summarize PDFs, and translate or summarize YouTube videos. ChatGPT and Gemini are available from the sidebar, and Opera says its AI tools do not require sign-up. The sidebar also offers WhatsApp, Slack, Discord, Messenger, and Telegram, while Music Player supports Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, and Deezer. Users can set browsing data—including history, cookies, passwords, and autofill data—to clear on exit. Opera browser costs nothing. VPN Pro is separate: plans cost $4 per month billed $48 yearly, $5 per month billed $30 every six months, or $8 per month billed monthly.