What changed in the blocker
Vivaldi says it gave the blocker an extensive rebuild so it can handle large filter lists more efficiently. The blocker also has an updated design and new labels. Vivaldi says the same redesign arrives on desktop, so protection looks and works the same way across phone, tablet and computer.
The four default levels are:
- Off: turns the built-in blocker off completely.
- Light: blocks most known trackers and some ads.
- Strong: blocks more trackers and ads, and sites may break.
- Aggressive: blocks almost all trackers and ads, and sites may break.
The "sites may break" warning is stated outright for Strong and Aggressive. Vivaldi doesn't pretend that blocking more is free.
Per-site control
You set a default level in Settings, or during onboarding on a fresh install. You can then override it for individual sites. Vivaldi's launch post says to click the Shield icon in the Address Bar, and that Vivaldi remembers your choice.
Vivaldi's own examples show the idea. It suggests Aggressive for an ad-heavy site and Light for a bank, so forms keep working. It also suggests easing off on a small independent site whose ads you don't mind.
Vivaldi's desktop help page, which may predate the 8.3 interface, describes two further routes:
- Use the Exceptions list under Settings > Privacy and Security > Ad and Tracker Blocker.
- Use the Site info button beside the Address Field.
Menu names may differ in the final 8.3 build, so check your own Settings if the labels don't match.
Custom levels and your own lists
Power users can create custom levels and choose exactly which blocklists a level uses. Neowin reports that desktop users can add lists from a remote URL or a local file. Vivaldi's desktop help page describes the same options. You add a list under Additional Rule Lists by entering its URL or importing a file, then enable it for the levels you want.
Mobile differs. On iOS a custom list can come from a remote URL or the file manager, while Android accepts a URL only. I wouldn't assume every import method exists on every platform.
Other desktop changes
Neowin's report attributes several other desktop changes to 8.3. I haven't checked these against Vivaldi's detailed desktop changelog, so treat them as reported:
- Expand Tab Bar on Hover: a vertical tab bar can stay slim, showing only favicons, and expand when you point at it.
- Compact pinned tabs: pinned tabs in a vertical bar can sit side by side in a grid at the top. A setting restores one pinned tab per row.
- Paste a list of URLs: pasting several URLs into the Address Field opens each in its own tab.
- Reader Mode: it reportedly opens faster and scrolls more smoothly.
- Sanitized links: you can copy a link with tracking parameters removed.
On mobile, Vivaldi describes the sanitized-link feature as removing known tracking parameters, reached by long-pressing the Address Bar or using the Share menu. I can't confirm the desktop steps are identical.
Mobile highlights
Vivaldi's mobile post lists Android additions: choosing which tab stack a link opens in, per-tab audio in the system media controls, and an "Open in app" option. On iOS it adds a New Tab Position setting and claims pages load up to 12 times faster with the blocker on. That 12x figure is Vivaldi's own claim. The post gives no test method, so it isn't an independent benchmark.
Reading the release critically
- Blocking is list-based. Vivaldi's help page says the blocker stops requests to known tracker and ad URLs. That reduces exposure, but it isn't anonymity and doesn't stop every tracking method.
- Messaging is promotional. CEO Jon von Tetzchner's statement frames the update as a stand against the surveillance economy. That is company positioning, not independent evidence.
- Vivaldi's stance on ads is nuanced. Its post says it isn't against respectful advertising, and objects to ads that track and profile users.
Practical advice
- Update Vivaldi and check your default level. Light is the least likely to cause trouble.
- If a login, checkout or video player fails, lower the level for that site only.
- Raise the level on pages cluttered with ads.
- Add custom lists only from sources you trust, since a bad list can break sites.
The vertical-tab and Reader Mode changes are conveniences. The per-site, four-level blocker is the headline, and it's useful for anyone who has switched ad blocking off globally because one site broke.