I switched from Firefox to Chrome a few years ago because of its speed and integration with Google tools. However, recent changes and memory-hungry footprint made me look for alternatives. The redesign of browser tabs was the final straw that led me to try Vivaldi.
Two deal-breakers for me were Chrome extensions compatibility and the ability to open dedicated single-site browser windows. Vivaldi fulfilled both these requirements as it is based on the open-source Chromium engine and can install Chrome extensions directly. This made it worth a test drive.
Vivaldi has a lot of features and tools that can be overwhelming at first. However, after exploring it further, I found it to be highly customizable, similar to how Firefox was 20 years ago, allowing me to hide tools I don’t use and tweak settings to my preference.
After using Vivaldi for a month, I found that it offers a perfect mix of power and versatility. It trusts users to customize their experience, unlike Chrome, which restricts power users. The mobile version of Vivaldi also impressed me by allowing search shortcuts in the URL bar, which was a feature I missed on Chrome.
While Vivaldi may not be for everyone, it is suitable for users who enjoy tweaking settings and having control over their browsing experience. Despite a few minor issues, the trust Vivaldi shows in its users sets it apart. Overall, Vivaldi has helped me end my relationship with Chrome and provided a refreshing browsing experience that I appreciate.
Michael, a technology journalist, has extensive experience covering various tech topics. His expertise includes keyboards, and he enjoys building mechanical boards in his spare time. He has written for several publications and covered events like CES and Mobile World Congress. Michael resides in Pennsylvania and enjoys kayaking in his free time.
