In a bold step toward redefining web browsing, Opera has launched Neon, the world’s first fully agentic AI browser designed to act as a proactive partner rather than a passive viewer. Announced and released on September 30, 2025, Neon—priced at $19.99 per month for early access—empowers users to automate complex workflows, generate code, and build mini-apps directly within the browser, all while prioritizing privacy and local execution. Building on Opera’s Aria AI and the 2016 Neon concept, this Chromium-based powerhouse targets AI power users, joining competitors like Perplexity’s Comet, The Browser Company’s Dia, and Microsoft’s Edge Copilot in the burgeoning agentic browser market.
For developers, productivity enthusiasts, and tech investors eyeing the $100 billion browser ecosystem, Neon’s self-contained “Tasks” and reusable “Cards” could streamline everything from research to e-commerce, reducing tab chaos and manual drudgery. With early invites rolling out via the Neon Founders program, Opera positions Neon as a premium tool for those “using AI extensively in their day-to-day life.” Let’s explore its innovations, pricing, and what it means for the future of browsing.
Neon’s Core Innovations: From Passive Tabs to Proactive Agents
Opera Neon transcends traditional browsers by embedding AI agents that understand context, execute actions, and create content on command. Unlike chat-based add-ons, Neon’s agents operate natively—navigating sites, filling forms, and drafting code without leaving your session. This “agentic” design, honed since Opera’s March 2025 Browser Operator preview, turns the browser into a collaborative workspace.
Key features at a glance:
| Feature | Description | Use Case Example |
|---|---|---|
| Tasks | Self-contained AI workspaces for multi-tab analysis and action; context-aware without cross-contamination. | Research a product: Neon pulls specs from 10 sites, compares prices, and books a demo—all in one “mini-browser.” |
| Cards | Reusable prompt templates for repetitive tasks; mix/match like a deck of AI behaviors. | Stack “key-decisions” + “action-items” for meeting notes; community store for shared Cards. |
| Neon Do | Built-in agent for web automation: Form-filling, data gathering, code drafting. | “Book a flight to Tokyo under $800”: Fills details, compares options, and submits—logged in securely. |
| Make | AI engine to build small apps from prompts; runs in a cloud VM even offline. | “Create a habit tracker with reminders”: Generates code, deploys a mini-app, and iterates based on feedback. |
| Chat | Contextual AI sidebar interpreting the current page for quick insights. | On a recipe site: “Adapt for vegan” or “Scale for 4 people.” |
All actions occur locally for privacy—no data sent for training—and Neon supports Aria for general queries. Early testers praise its “beyond-chat” utility, with one developer noting it “feels like having a junior engineer in the browser.”
Pricing and Rollout: $19.99/Month for Early Adopters
Neon debuts as a subscription product, targeting power users willing to pay for advanced agentic features. Early access via the Founders program starts today at $19.99/month, with broader availability in the coming months. This premium model differentiates it from free AI extensions, emphasizing reliability and customization.
Access tiers:
- Founders Program: $19.99/month; invite-only for waitlist joiners; includes beta features like advanced Cards.
- General Release: Expected Q4 2025; potential freemium with limits on Tasks/Make.
- Platform: Windows/Mac (Chromium-based); mobile/iOS beta teased for 2026.
Opera CEO Krystian Kołakowski stated: “Neon is built for ourselves—and for everyone who uses AI extensively. It’s the browser for the agentic web.”
The Agentic Browser Race: Opera Joins a Crowded Field
Neon’s launch intensifies competition in AI browsers, where agents promise to “do” rather than just “search.” Opera’s edge lies in its full integration—Tasks as isolated workspaces prevent data leaks, unlike Perplexity’s Comet (chat-focused) or Microsoft’s Copilot (add-on mode).
Competitor landscape:
| Browser | Launch Date | Key Strength | Pricing | Differentiation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opera Neon | Sep 30, 2025 | Native task automation, local execution | $19.99/mo | Self-contained Tasks; Make for app building |
| Perplexity Comet | June 2025 | Real-time web search integration | Free/Pro $20/mo | Query-first; less action-oriented |
| The Browser Company Dia | August 2025 | Collaborative AI editing | $10/mo | Team-focused; Arc-like spaces |
| Microsoft Edge Copilot | May 2025 | Enterprise security | Free (with MS365) | Office tie-ins; less consumer flair |
OpenAI’s rumored Chromium browser with “Operator” agent could enter soon, but Neon’s privacy-first stance (no training data) appeals to EU users under GDPR.
Implications: Productivity Revolution or Privacy Trade-Off?
For users, Neon could slash hours on repetitive tasks—researching, booking, or coding—making browsing “agentic” like a personal assistant. Developers gain from Make’s code gen and Cards’ reusability, accelerating prototypes. Investors eye Opera’s stock (OPRA.O up 3% post-launch), as the $100 billion browser market pivots to AI.
Broader effects:
- Market Shift: Agentic browsers could capture 20% share by 2027, per Gartner, disrupting Chrome’s 65% dominance.
- Privacy Wins: Local execution and no-training data align with rising concerns (e.g., 70% users wary of AI data use).
- Challenges: $20/month may limit mass adoption; over-reliance on agents risks “deskilling” web literacy.
As invites roll out, Neon’s real-world tests will validate its “beyond basics” promise.
Conclusion: Opera Neon’s Agentic Dawn – Browsing Gets a Brain
Opera Neon’s launch heralds the agentic era, where browsers don’t just show the web—they act on it, from form-filling to app-making, all for $19.99/month. With Tasks, Cards, and Do reimagining workflows, it joins Comet and Dia in challenging passive scrolling. Privacy-focused and power-user ready, Neon could redefine productivity—or spark a $100B market shakeup. Tech Crunch
