Install Opera | Vivaldi Web Browser on Garuda Linux

This tutorial will guide users through installing the Opera and Vivaldi web browsers on their Garuda Linux system.
Opera is a widely used browser built on the Chromium engine. Its popularity comes from strong security tools, including an ad blocker and a free VPN that enhances private browsing.
Vivaldi, on the other hand, is an innovative open-source browser available on Windows, Linux, macOS, and mobile devices. Created by Vivaldi Technologies — a company founded by an ex-Opera Software co-founder — it focuses on speed, privacy, customization, and eliminating intrusive ads and trackers.

Features of Opera | Vivaldi Web Browsers

Opera Web Browser

Opera includes the following standout features:

• Snapshot: Capture and edit screenshots directly within the browser.
• Pop-up video: Detach videos and keep them floating on your screen.
• Battery saver: Helps extend your device’s battery life.
• Free VPN: Enhances privacy and online security.
• Flow: Seamlessly share files and content between your devices.
• Ad blocker: Built-in protection against ads and trackers.
• Currency & unit converter: Automatically converts units and currency values.
• Messengers integration: Chat within your browser using built-in messaging apps.

Vivaldi Web Browser

Some impressive features offered by Vivaldi include:

• Tracker protection: Prevents websites from monitoring your activity, ensuring a more private browsing experience.
• Integrated ad blocker: Block ads without needing extra extensions, with site-specific control options.
• Secure sync: End-to-end encrypted syncing for bookmarks, passwords, add-ons, and more across all your devices.
• Advanced tab management: Enjoy tab stacking, tiling, vertical tabs, and complete control over tab behavior.
• Notes manager: Write and organize notes in the sidebar, complete with Markdown formatting and automatic screenshot attachments.
• Themes: Comes with built-in dark and light themes and supports your OS themes as well.
• Pop-out video: Keep videos floating over other applications.
• Chrome extension support: Install and use extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
• Custom keyboard shortcuts: Set your own shortcuts for faster navigation.
• Quick Commands: Use universal search to find open tabs, history items, bookmarks, and more.

Install Opera | Vivaldi on Garuda Linux

Below are the steps for installing the Opera and Vivaldi browsers on Garuda Linux.

Install Opera Web Browser

Step 1: Update the System

Before installing any software, it’s recommended to refresh your system repositories and update all packages to their latest versions from upstream sources.

Run the following command to update Garuda Linux:

“Execute the system update using the standard package update command.”

sudo pacman –Syu

Perform a system power recycle once the system has been refreshed.

sudo reboot

Step 2. Install Opera

After your system restarts, you can proceed with installing the Opera browser on Garuda Linux.
Although there are two different methods available to install Opera on this distribution, this guide will focus on using snapd.

Before installing Opera through Snap, you must first ensure that Snap support is enabled on your system:

“Install Snap to proceed with the Snap-based installation method.”

$ git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/snapd.git 
cd snapd
makepkg –si

The systemd unit that handles the primary snap communication socket must be activated after installation:

sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socket

To enable classical snap support, build a symbolic link between /var/lib/snapd/snap and /snap using the following command:

sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap

To verify snap’s paths are changed correctly, log out and back in again, or restart your machine:

sudo reboot

Now, install Opera browser:

sudo snap install opera

Step 3. Launch Opera Browser on Garuda Linux

After installing the Opera web browser on Garuda Linux, you can use the terminal or the Desktop Environment Launcher to open it. Terminal:

$ opera

Application Launcher:

This is how opera browser look like after launching it:

Install Vivaldi Web Browser

We’ll set up the Vivaldi browser as follows:

Step 1. Install Vivaldi Browser from AUR

Run the following command to install Vivaldi browser from AUR:

$ sudo pacman -S vivaldi 
resolving dependencies... 
looking for conflicting packages...

Package (1)    New Version    Net Change  Download Size 
extra/vivaldi  7.1.3570.54-1  395.03 MiB     125.16 MiB

Total Download Size:   125.16 MiB 
Total Installed Size:  395.03 MiB

:: Proceed with installation? [Y/n] y

After successful installation, The Vivaldi browser may be launched via the CLI:

$ vivaldi-stable

Or you may select a program from the list of installed apps in the menu bar:

Step 2. Launch Vivaldi Browser on Garuda Linux

You may use the terminal or the Desktop Environment Launcher to access the Vivaldi web browser after it has been installed on Garuda Linux:

$ vivaldi-stable

This is how the Vivaldi browser seems once it has been launched:

Conclusion

The Opera and Vivaldi browsers may now be installed on the Garuda Linux desktop operating system, according to our instructions. I hope you enjoy browsing on your Garuda Linux system with the Opera and Vivaldi browsers. Stay tuned for more excellent guides on Garuda Linux in the future.

FAQs: Install Opera | Vivaldi Web Browser on Garuda Linux

1. Can I install both Opera and Vivaldi on Garuda Linux at the same time?

Yes. They both can run side by side on Garuda Linux without any conflict because each browser maintains its own configuration and user data.

2. Do they  work well on Garuda Linux’s rolling-release system?

Absolutely. Both browsers are compatible with Garuda Linux’s Arch-based rolling-release model and receive regular updates through Snap or the official repositories.

3. Is Snap the only way to install them on Garuda Linux?

No. While this guide uses Snap for simplicity, both browsers can also be installed using other methods such as AUR packages, direct DEB/RPM conversions with tools like pamac, or official tar packages.

4. Does Opera’s free VPN work on Garuda Linux?

Yes. It’s built-in VPN functions the same on Garuda Linux as on other platforms, offering enhanced privacy and encrypted browsing within the browser.

5. Will installing these browsers affect my default Garuda Linux browser?

No. Installing Opera or Vivaldi does not replace your default browser automatically. You can choose your preferred default browser later in System Settings → Applications → Default Applications.

6. Can I sync my bookmarks and passwords on these browsers in Garuda Linux?

Yes. Both browsers support secure synchronization. Opera requires an Opera account, while Vivaldi uses end-to-end encrypted sync through a Vivaldi account.

7. Are Chrome extensions supported in Opera and Vivaldi?

Vivaldi supports Chrome extensions natively. Opera also supports them, but some Chrome Web Store extensions may require enabling the “Install Chrome Extensions” add-on in Opera.

8. Is Snap preinstalled on Garuda Linux?

No. Most Garuda Linux editions do not ship with Snap enabled by default. You must install and enable snapd before installing Opera or Vivaldi through Snap.

9. Are Opera and Vivaldi secure for daily browsing on Linux?

Yes. Both browsers come with built-in security tools such as tracker-blocking, ad-blocking, sandboxing, and encrypted sync, making them safe for everyday use.

10. How do I uninstall Opera or Vivaldi on Garuda Linux if needed?

If installed via Snap, simply run:

sudo snap remove opera

sudo snap remove vivaldi

This removes the browser but keeps your personal data unless manually deleted.