The landscape of web browsing is undergoing a fundamental shift. For years, browsers have been static windows to the internet, but a new wave of "agentic" AI browsers promises to turn them into active assistants that can perform tasks, create content, and conduct research on a user's behalf. After a period of exclusive testing, one of the most anticipated entries in this space, Opera's Neon, has now removed its waitlist and is available for anyone to download and use—for a subscription fee. This launch marks a significant moment, testing whether users are willing to pay a premium for a browser built from the ground up with advanced AI at its core.
Opera Neon Transitions from Private Testing to Public Access
Opera Neon has officially ended its closed "Founders" testing phase and is now publicly available. Initially launched for private testing on October 2, 2025, the browser has been shaped by community feedback. As of December 11, 2025, the waitlist has been removed, allowing any user to sign up directly through Opera's website. Krystian Kolondra, EVP of Browsers at Opera, described Neon as a product for early adopters of AI technology, noting that it receives significant weekly updates. This move from a curated beta to a general release positions Neon to compete directly in the burgeoning market of AI-first browsers.
Opera Neon Launch & Pricing
- Public Launch Date: December 11, 2025 (Waitlist removed)
- Previous Phase: "Founders" closed testing from October 2, 2025
- Subscription Cost: USD 19.90 per month
- Core Concept: "Chat, Do, and Make" AI browser
A Premium Subscription Model for Advanced AI Capabilities
Unlike most mainstream browsers, Opera Neon is not free. Access requires a monthly subscription of USD 19.90. This fee grants users the browser itself and integrated access to several high-end AI models and tools. The subscription bundles what Opera calls a "Chat, Do, and Make" experience, positioning Neon as more than just a tool for viewing web pages. The company argues that the cost is justified by the advanced, agentic capabilities and the inclusion of top-tier AI services that are typically expensive or complex to access individually.
"Chat, Do, and Make": The Three Pillars of Neon's Functionality
Opera Neon is built around a trio of core AI-powered functions designed to handle a wide range of user tasks. The "Chat" mode functions as a sophisticated conversational AI, similar to other chatbots, allowing for information retrieval and discussion. The "Do" mode is where Neon's agentic nature shines; it can autonomously perform tasks such as booking travel, ordering items, or managing playlists based on user commands. Finally, the "Make" mode focuses on creation, capable of generating images, coding web applications, or building other digital projects from a simple prompt, working in the background to bring ideas to life.
Under the Hood: Performance, Models, and a Native Build
Early hands-on impressions from tech journalists highlight Neon's speed and capability in handling complex, multi-step agentic tasks. A key differentiator for Neon is its architecture. Unlike some competitors that layer AI features on top of existing browser frameworks, Opera built Neon from the ground up. This native approach allows for deeper integration and more control over the user experience, potentially leading to better performance and more seamless AI interactions. The subscription includes access to models like Google's Gemini 3 Pro, OpenAI's GPT-5.1, and Veo 3.1, alongside a dedicated "1-minute deep research" tool for rapid analysis.
Included AI Models & Features
- AI Models: Access to Gemini 3 Pro, GPT-5.1, Veo 3.1
- Key Tools: 1-minute deep research tool, in-built image generator
- Architecture: Built natively by Opera, not on top of another browser
The Value Proposition in a Crowded and Evolving Market
The public launch of Opera Neon enters a competitive field. It faces challenges from free browsers like Microsoft Edge, which integrates Copilot AI features at no extra cost, and from other dedicated AI browsers like Perplexity's Comet. While early adopters and tech reviewers praise Neon's advanced agentic abilities—calling it one of the most capable options available—the USD 19.90 monthly fee presents a significant barrier. The central question for its success is whether a broad user base will find enough value in its specialized "Do" and "Make" functionalities to justify paying for a browser, a tool traditionally expected to be free.