Vivaldi is taking a fresh shot at how your browser should feel when you want fewer distractions. With its latest update, version 7.9, the browser introduces a customizable immersive mode that gives you more control than commonly used browsers like Safari or Chrome.
Vivaldi offers new features for distraction-free browsing
The browser’s new UI Auto-hide feature lets the entire interface disappear while you browse, and return instantly when you move your cursor to the edge of the screen.
The best part is that Vivaldi lets you decide exactly what disappears. Only the tab bar, only the address bar, or everything including panels and toolbars. You can switch it on with a shortcut or from settings, and it adapts to how you use the browser instead of locking you into one mode.
You can also toggle UI Auto-hide with the keyboard shortcut Cmd F10 or Ctrl F11, or via the icon in the Status Bar. All options are available under Settings > Appearance > UI Auto-hide.
Vivaldi is pairing immersive mode with a feature called Follower Tab. If you open a link using this option, it loads beside your current page instead of replacing it.
Any new links you click continue opening in that side panel, while your original page stays exactly where you left it. It also adds flexibility through keyboard shortcuts and mouse gestures, so you can trigger this action without breaking your flow.
The update also improves split view, or tab tiling, which makes it easier to arrange multiple pages side by side. You can manage layouts more smoothly and adjust how tabs share space, which helps when you are working or comparing information across sites.
There is also an update to Vivaldi Mail. The composer can now open in a separate window, so you can write emails alongside your inbox or on another screen.
You can switch between rich text and plain text with a single toggle, and performance has been improved for large inboxes. Vivaldi 7.9 is available now for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
How Vivaldi outshines Chrome and Safari?
If you use Chrome or Safari, you already know full-screen mode is fairly basic. Both browsers mostly hide interface elements with limited flexibility, and you cannot customize what remains visible. Vivaldi’s approach stands out because it treats immersive mode as something you can shape around your workflow.
The same goes for multitasking. Chrome and Safari support multiple tabs, but they do not offer built-in, flexible tiling like Vivaldi. You often need extensions or manual window management to get close to this experience. Vivaldi also offers a built-in VPN through its partnership with Proton, adding an extra layer of privacy without needing a separate app.
The latest Vivaldi update builds further upon its long-standing focus on customization. The browser stands as a tool that adapts to your needs, rather than the other way around. If you have ever wished your browser would just get out of your way, this update gets surprisingly close.
