Software Alternatives & Startups

Surf VS Opera

Compare Surf VS Opera and see what are their differences

Surf

A simple web browser based on WebKit2/GTK+

Rating
0 reviews
Opera

Opera is a browser with innovative features, speed and security.

Rating
0 reviews

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Surf should be more popular than Opera. It has been mentioned 46 times since March 2021.

social mentions
46 vs 23
Web Browsers popularity
19% vs 81%

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

S
Surf
Opera
Website surf.suckless.org opera.com
Company โ€” Startup from Norway
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

S
Surf 5 features
Opera 7 features
  • Minimalism
    Surf is extremely lightweight and focuses on offering a minimalistic web browsing experience, which can result in faster performance and lower resource usage.
  • Customizability
    Users can tailor Surf to their specific needs through patches and configuration. This makes it highly adaptable for those who are comfortable with a bit of coding.
  • Integration with Suckless Tools
    Surf fits seamlessly into the Suckless ecosystem, integrating well with other minimal and efficient tools like the DWM window manager.
  • Privacy
    By default, Surf doesn't include many of the tracking features found in mainstream browsers, potentially offering a more privacy-conscious browsing experience.
  • Compliance with UNIX Philosophy
    Surf adheres to the UNIX philosophy of doing one thing well, focusing solely on web browsing without additional, potentially unwanted, features.

Possible disadvantages

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Customizing and configuring Surf can be challenging for users who are not familiar with programming or the command line.
  • Limited Features
    Due to its minimalistic design, Surf lacks many modern features like extensions, tabs, and a built-in password manager that are standard in other browsers.
  • Manual Updates
    Users need to manually update the browser, which can be a hassle compared to automatic updates provided by mainstream browsers.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Surf may have trouble rendering some modern web pages correctly, as it lacks some of the compatibility layers found in more feature-complete browsers.
  • Community Support
    Being a niche and minimalist browser, Surf does not have as large a user base or as much community support compared to more popular browsers.
  • Speed
    Opera is known for its fast browsing experience due to its optimized browsing engine and efficient resource management.
  • Built-in VPN
    Opera includes a free, unlimited VPN service, providing users with increased privacy and security by masking their IP addresses.
  • Battery Saver
    The browser features a battery saver mode that extends the battery life of laptops by reducing the browser's power consumption.
  • Ad Blocker
    Opera has an integrated ad blocker that enhances browsing speed and user experience by blocking intrusive ads.
  • Customizable Interface
    Users can personalize their browsing experience with a variety of themes and workspace options to suit their preferences.
  • Opera Turbo
    This feature compresses data to make web pages load faster, especially useful for those with slower internet connections.
  • Sidebar Integration
    Opera's sidebar allows quick access to social media, messaging apps, and other tools, enhancing multitasking and productivity.

Possible disadvantages

  • Market Share
    Opera has a smaller user base compared to other major browsers like Chrome and Firefox, which can lead to less community support and fewer extensions.
  • Extension Support
    Though Opera supports Chrome extensions, the overall availability and variety of native Opera extensions are limited compared to its competitors.
  • Sync Issues
    Some users have reported occasional problems with syncing data across devices, which can be inconvenient for those who rely on seamless access to their bookmarks and settings.
  • Compatibility
    Certain websites and web applications may not be fully optimized for Opera, potentially leading to compatibility issues.
  • Privacy Concerns
    Despite its built-in VPN, some users are cautious about Opera's privacy policies, especially given its ownership by a Chinese consortium.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

S
Surf
Opera

Overall verdict

  • Surf can be considered 'good' for users who value simplicity, minimal system resource usage, and the ability to customize their browsing experience via external scripts or patches. However, it might not be suitable for those who rely heavily on modern web features and extensions available in mainstream browsers.

Why this product is good

  • Surf is a minimalist web browser created by the Suckless community, known for developing software that adheres to the philosophy of simplicity and clarity. It is designed to be lightweight and efficient, making it suitable for users who prefer minimalism and are comfortable using a browser without a graphical user interface (GUI) for settings or extensions.

Recommended for

  • Users who are familiar with Unix-like operating systems and command-line interfaces.
  • Individuals who prefer lightweight and efficient software.
  • Those willing to customize their browser through external tools and scripts.
  • Minimalists who do not require a plethora of features and extensions.

Overall verdict

  • Opera is a solid choice for users looking for a fast and feature-rich browsing experience. Its unique offerings, such as the VPN and built-in ad blocker, set it apart from other browsers. However, for users heavily invested in the Google ecosystem, Chrome might still be preferable.

Why this product is good

  • Opera is a web browser known for its speed, innovative features, and user-friendly interface. It includes an integrated ad blocker, a free VPN for enhanced security, and a battery saver mode for extended mobile browsing. Additionally, Opera is based on the Chromium engine, providing compatibility with most web standards and extensions.

Recommended for

  • Users who prioritize speed and memory efficiency.
  • Those looking for integrated privacy features like VPN and ad blocking.
  • Individuals who prefer customization options offered by a variety of extensions and themes.
  • Users who frequently switch between desktop and mobile browsing and want a seamless experience.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

S
Surf 3 videos + Add
Opera 3 videos + Add

Pro Surfer Reviews Surf Movies, from 'Blue Crush' to 'Point Break' | Vanity Fair

More videos

  • - Noel's "2021 Favorite Finds" Surfboards & Surf Product Must Haves
  • - Surf Tip "How to Surf Faster in Small Waves" Part 1

Opera VPN Review: Walkthrough, Speed Test (and ๐Ÿšฉ#1 Weakness ๐Ÿšฉ)

More videos

  • - Opera Browser | Review
  • - Opera GX Browser - Is It Any Good?

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0โ€“100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0โ€“20 21โ€“40 41โ€“50 51โ€“60 61โ€“100
S
Surf
Opera
19% 19%
81% 81%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%

User comments

Share your experience with using Surf and Opera. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

Log in or Post with

Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

S
Surf no reviews yet
Opera no reviews yet

We have no reviews of Surf yet. Be the first one to post

View more

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

S
Surf 46 mentions
Opera 23 mentions
  • My server is a phone now
    When I read about the browser 'surf', I first thought of the browser from suckless: https://surf.suckless.org/. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 month ago
  • How to build a circular LCD clock
    Interesting, surf is based off WebKit2. https://surf.suckless.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 2 months ago
  • Ladybird browser spreads its wings
    What about surf? https://surf.suckless.org/. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago

View more

  • Can anyone tell what is this?
    This is not opera.com it's "api2 dot com" so it's a malware site posing as an opera one by including opera in its name. I had a popup like this. It opened every time I opened the browser. Turned out it was coming from a video downloader... Source: about 3 years ago
  • Is there a way to download the official browser through a torrent or a mirror link?
    The opera.com domain is banned where I live but I still want to download the browser without a VPN (because those are also banned). Is there a torrent link or an alternative/mirror link where I can download the latest Opera One release?... Source: about 3 years ago
  • Opera Adblocker pinging opera.com?
    Apparently it "urgently needed to be removed off the network" (bullshit, you could've blocked opera.com, dumbass) I don't see why its so bad to have one kid with an unmanaged browser, like seeing "your browser is managed by your... Source: over 3 years ago

View more

Alternatives to Surf and Opera

When comparing Surf and Opera, you can also consider the following products.