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Brave

Privacy-focused browser with built-in ad blocking, tracker protection, and optional cryptocurrency rewards

Privacy score 78 Free Technical: Beginner Open source
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Brave is a privacy-friendly web browser with

protection. It helps you keep more control over your data.

🔀

Recommended alternatives

Firefox LibreWolf Tor Browser
Windows Mac Linux Android iOS

Who is this for?

✓ Good for you if:

  • • You want fast browsing with built-in ad and tracker blocking
  • • You need protection by default
  • • You want a Chrome-compatible browser with better privacy
  • • You're interested in cryptocurrency rewards (BAT tokens)
  • • You want Tor integration in private windows

⚠ Think twice if:

  • • You want maximum anonymity (Brave is based on Chromium, US )
  • • You don't want cryptocurrency features (BAT rewards are integrated)
  • • You prefer Firefox-based browsers
  • • You want complete (some components may be proprietary)
  • • You need the most privacy- (Brave is good but not the most extreme)

Key qualities

✓ Ad blocker ✓ Tracker blocker ✓ Fingerprint protection ✓ Open source ✓ Tor integration

Overview

Brave is a privacy-focused web browser that gives you fast, secure browsing with built-in privacy protections. Unlike most browsers that rely on ads and tracking

for revenue, Brave blocks ads and trackers by default, making your browsing faster and more private. The browser uses Brave Shields, which automatically blocks third-party ads, trackers, and scripts that try to follow you across websites. Brave also protects you from fingerprinting, a technique websites use to identify you based on your browser's unique characteristics - Brave randomizes these characteristics so you're harder to track. You can use Brave just like Chrome since it's based on the same technology, but with much better privacy. Brave offers an optional rewards program where you can earn cryptocurrency (BAT tokens) for viewing privacy-respecting ads, and you can tip those tokens to websites you like. For extra anonymity, Brave's private windows can route your traffic through the Tor network, hiding your IP address. Brave is open source, meaning anyone can check the code to verify its privacy claims. The browser is free to use and works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Privacy highlight

Built-in ad and tracker blocking with

protection, plus optional Tor integration in private windows for enhanced anonymity.

Quick facts

Country:
🇺🇸 United States
Pricing:
Free
Platform:
Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
Technical:
Beginner
:
No
:
Minimal telemetry
:
Yes
Open-source status:
Fully open source
:
No
:
Yes

Key features

  • Privacy-friendly web browser with protection.
Security & encryption Click to expand
No
Encryption protocols
TLS 1.2, TLS 1.3,
Brave uses Chromium's and (HTTP Strict Transport Security) mechanisms for secure connections. The browser implements certificate validation through Chromium's network stack, which includes and pinning for major sites. Brave uses standard / for all connections, with support for modern cipher suites. The browser stores certificates and keys in the operating system's secure keychain (Keychain on macOS, Credential Manager on Windows, keyring on Linux). Brave implements to isolate website data and prevent cross-site . The browser uses Chromium's secure storage mechanisms with attributes for enhanced security.
Offline support
Yes
Telemetry & tracking Click to expand
Minimal telemetry
No
Ip no
Third-party services
Google Safe Browsing (partial hash lookups)
Brave collects minimal data, primarily for crash reporting and basic usage statistics. The browser sends crash reports only if you , and basic metrics like browser version, platform, and update channel. Brave routes requests through its own anonymizing servers to conceal your . You can disable entirely through browser settings. Brave does not collect browsing history, search queries, or personal information through . If you enable Brave Rewards, additional data may be collected for the rewards program.
Jurisdiction & compliance Click to expand
Brave Software is based in the United States. Your local browser data is stored on your device. If you enable Brave Sync, your encrypted data is stored on Brave servers in the United States, but Brave cannot decrypt it due to end-to-end encryption.
Brave retains minimal data locally on your device. The browser stores browsing history, , and cache on your device, which you can clear at any time. Brave does not retain browsing history or on its servers. If you enable Brave Rewards, wallet information and ad viewing statistics may be stored, but this is optional. Brave Sync (if enabled) encrypts data end-to-end, and Brave cannot decrypt your synced data. Payment information for Brave Rewards is processed through third-party payment processors. Brave does not sell user data.
Legal frameworks
GDPR (where applicable), CCPA (where applicable). Brave Software is a US-based company subject to US laws.
Revenue sources
Ads, Brave Rewards, Affiliate
Editorial signals Click to expand
78
Trust score
75
Trust breakdown (0–10)
Encryption: 85, Audits: 75, Open source: 80, Telemetry: 70, Jurisdiction: 60, Transparency: 75, Trackers: 70
Editorial notes
Usability: 9, Performance: 9, Family friendly: 7
User experience Click to expand
Signup requirements
No account required for basic browsing. You can use Brave immediately after installation. Brave Rewards (optional) requires setting up a cryptocurrency wallet. Brave Sync (optional) requires creating a Brave account with email.
Onboarding difficulty (1-5)
1
Accessibility features
Brave inherits Chromium's comprehensive accessibility features including screen reader support (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver), keyboard navigation, high contrast mode, zoom functionality, and text scaling. Full accessibility feature set depends on the Chromium version.
Backup & portability Click to expand
Yes
Migration tools
Brave supports importing bookmarks, passwords, history, and settings from Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and other browsers during initial setup. You can export bookmarks and settings through the browser menu. Brave Sync enables cross-device synchronization of bookmarks, passwords, and settings.
No account recovery needed for basic browsing. If you use Brave Rewards, wallet recovery depends on your wallet type (Uphold, Gemini, or self-custody wallets). Brave Sync account recovery uses standard email-based account recovery if you forget your password.

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