Opera Launches Neon: An AI Browser You’ll Pay For
Opera has officially released its AI-powered browser, Neon, to the public—but it comes with a $19.90 per month price tag. After months of testing, Norway-based Opera is betting that users will pay for an AI-first browsing experience that combines productivity, personalization, and cutting-edge AI models. If you’ve been curious about AI browsers, Neon offers features that go beyond simple search, aiming to integrate AI deeply into your daily web use.
Credit: OperaAI at the Core: What Sets Neon Apart
Like other AI-centric browsers, Neon includes a built-in AI chatbot designed to enhance your browsing. Users can ask it questions about web pages, generate mini apps and videos, and even automate repetitive online tasks. The AI leverages your browsing history as context, so it can fetch information from videos or articles you accessed days ago. This contextual approach makes Neon feel less like a tool and more like a personal research assistant.
Tasks and Cards: Organizing Browsing Smarter
Neon introduces a feature called Tasks, essentially workspaces for AI chats and tabs. Think of it as a combination of traditional tab groups and the AI-context-driven Spaces feature from Arc Browser. Users can also create Cards—custom prompts for repeatable tasks that streamline research, content creation, or data collection. These features cater to users who want a highly organized, AI-assisted browsing experience.
Access to Advanced AI Models
Subscribing to Neon unlocks some of the most advanced AI models available, including Gemini 3 Pro, GPT-5.1, Veo 3.1, and Nano Banana Pro. This gives users access to a powerful suite of AI capabilities for research, creative tasks, and interactive web exploration. For those invested in staying at the forefront of AI technology, Neon offers an edge over traditional browsers.
Community and Developer Access
Alongside AI features, Neon subscribers get access to Opera’s Discord community, where they can interact with other early adopters, share insights, and provide feedback directly to developers. According to Krystian Kolondra, Opera’s EVP of browsers, this collaborative approach has helped shape Neon’s development and will continue to guide its evolution.
Designed for Early Adopters
Opera positions Neon as a tool for users who want to experience the newest AI tech first. Updates are frequent, with significant changes rolled out weekly, making it a dynamic and evolving platform. Kolondra emphasized that Neon has been refined alongside Opera’s Founders community, ensuring early users have a direct impact on the browser’s growth and functionality.
How Neon Compares to Competitors
Neon competes with other AI-first browsers like Perplexity’s Comet, OpenAI’s Atlas, and The Browser Company’s Dia. While many browsers integrate AI, Neon focuses on combining research, productivity, and context-aware automation in one package. The combination of AI chat, task organization, and advanced models differentiates it from competitors who primarily focus on search or content generation.
Pricing: Is $20 a Month Worth It?
At $19.90 per month, Neon is one of the priciest consumer-focused browsers. However, for users who prioritize AI-driven productivity, research efficiency, and cutting-edge tools, the cost may be justified. Opera is clearly targeting professionals, tech enthusiasts, and early adopters who value innovation over price.
Potential Use Cases for Neon
From retrieving information about past YouTube videos to automating repetitive online tasks, Neon’s AI offers a variety of practical applications. Researchers, content creators, and tech-savvy users can benefit from Cards and Tasks to streamline workflows. The AI integration also opens new possibilities for learning, experimentation, and productivity beyond what traditional browsers offer.
Future Updates and Roadmap
Opera plans to continue expanding Neon’s capabilities with weekly updates. The company has expressed interest in enhancing AI personalization, adding new automation tools, and integrating additional AI models over time. Subscribers can expect a browser that evolves quickly, keeping pace with the rapidly changing AI landscape.
A Browser for the AI Enthusiast
Opera Neon is not just another browser—it’s a glimpse into the future of AI-integrated web experiences. While its subscription cost may deter casual users, tech enthusiasts and early adopters will find its AI capabilities, advanced models, and productivity tools compelling. Neon aims to redefine browsing for those willing to pay for speed, efficiency, and innovation.
