FirefoxLinux
vs
OperaWindows
Firefox as a Linux alternative to Opera
Updated
Our verdict
Firefox is a solid replacement for Opera for users who value speed, privacy, and extension support. It covers most everyday browsing tasks and offers a customizable interface, but it lacks Opera’s built‑in VPN and ad blocker. If you rely on those features, you’ll need a separate VPN and ad‑blocking extension. For users who prioritize open source and cross‑platform sync, Firefox is a good fit.
Feature parity
- License
- MPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 158.0.1 (October 19, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Fast page loading
- Customizable UI
- Support for extensions/add‑ons
- Cross‑platform availability
- Regular security updates
What is different
- No built‑in VPN
- No built‑in ad blocker
- Different default privacy settings
- Different user interface design
- Opera’s integrated media controls
- Opera’s sidebar features
Opening your Opera files
Opera uses its own profile format; Firefox cannot directly read Opera bookmarks or history. You can export Opera bookmarks to HTML and import them into Firefox. For saved passwords, use Opera’s export to CSV and then import via Firefox’s password manager. No direct migration of extensions or settings is possible.
Switching from Opera to Firefox, step by step
- Export Opera bookmarks to HTML via Settings > Privacy & Security > Bookmarks > Export Bookmarks to HTML.
- Export Opera passwords to CSV using the Password Manager and save the file securely.
- Install Firefox from your distro’s package manager or Flathub.
- Open Firefox, go to Bookmarks > Show All Bookmarks > Import & Backup > Import Bookmarks from HTML to load bookmarks.
- Open Firefox’s Logins & Passwords, choose Import from CSV to load passwords.
- Adjust Firefox privacy settings to match your preferences, and install desired add‑ons.
Key features of Firefox
- Fast page loading
- Strong privacy controls
- Customizable UI
- Extensible with add‑ons
- Cross‑platform sync
- Open source
- Regular security updates
How to install Firefox on Linux
Flatpak (Flathub)
flatpak install flathub org.mozilla.firefoxUbuntu / Mint
sudo apt install firefoxDebian
sudo apt install firefox-esrFedora
sudo dnf install firefoxArch / Manjaro
sudo pacman -S firefox-i18n-es-mxopenSUSE
sudo zypper install MozillaFirefox8 other alternatives to Opera
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