Opera is offering up an odd proposition: Sure, use a Chromebook. But use Opera instead of Chrome. The Android version of Opera.

“Opera is now the world’s first alternative browser optimized for Chromebooks,” Opera’s Stefan Stjernelund writes. “The Opera Browser brings many unique features previously unavailable on the Chrome OS platform, including a free, unlimited, no-log browser VPN, ad blocker, cookie dialog blocker, and color themes.”

Citing the growth of Chromebooks in recent years—30 million sold in 2020 and an expected 40 million in 2021—Opera says it’s the right time to bring a safe and private web browsing experience to Chrome OS. The problem, of course, is that you can’t install any desktop web browser alternatives.

But Chrome OS does support Android apps now, and Android apps can be tailored for phone and/or bigger screen devices like tablets and Chromebooks. And so now Opera for Android is optimized for use on Chromebooks, and this version offers unique features that might make for a compelling alternative. These features include built-in messaging (via WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook), a free and unlimited VPN, ad blocking, GDPR dialog suppression, a built-in crypto wallet, theming customizations, night mode, and full keyboard and trackpad support.

Interested in trying out this little Frankenstein’s monster of a configuration? Simply download Opera for Android on your Chromebook.

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