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About Brave
What it does
Brave is a Chromium-based browser that automatically blocks ads, trackers, third-party cookies, and cookie consent pop-ups. It loads pages 3x to 6x faster by removing junk, saving bandwidth and battery. Built-in Tor mode enables anonymous browsing, and a built-in crypto wallet supports BAT tokens. An optional Brave VPN encrypts all device traffic.
Who it is for
Brave is ideal for privacy-conscious users tired of being tracked, developers who want speed and security, and anyone curious about earning crypto rewards while browsing. It is not built for users who rely on Chrome-specific extensions or services that depend on Google tracking.
Real use cases
Journalists and activists use Brave’s Tor mode for anonymous research. Regular users avoid ad overload and save mobile data. Businesses can deploy Brave via enterprise group policy for consistent privacy across teams. Brave Search also offers AI answers with no user profiling.
Key features
- Ad and tracker blocking — Blocks ads, trackers, and third-party cookies by default
- Tor mode — Browse anonymously with a built-in Tor connection
- Brave Rewards — Earn Basic Attention Tokens (BAT) for viewing privacy-respecting ads
- Brave Wallet — Built-in crypto wallet for managing BAT and other tokens
- Speed — Pages load up to 3x faster than Chrome on mobile
- Sync — Encrypted sync across devices without a central server
- VPN + Firewall — Premium VPN encrypts every app on your device (paid add-on)
Brave Pricing
Brave pricing: Free. Billing model: Free.
Free Plan
Brave is free to download and use, with ad and tracker blocking, Tor mode, Brave Wallet, and encrypted sync included. No credit card required.
Brave Rewards (Opt-in)
Earn BAT tokens by viewing privacy-respecting ads — optional, no cost to participate.
Brave VPN + Firewall
Premium subscription for full-device VPN protection. Pricing varies by platform and region (free trial available in some areas).
Enterprise Group Installs
Custom deployment for organizations with policy controls, available via request.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brave browser free?
Yes, Brave is completely free to download and use. Optional paid upgrades include Brave Rewards (no cost to earn) and Brave VPN.
How does Brave make money?
Brave earns revenue from privacy-respecting ads shown via Brave Rewards (users opt in and earn BAT tokens) and from Brave VPN subscriptions.
What is Brave best used for?
Brave is best for private, fast browsing on desktop and mobile. It blocks ads, trackers, and cookie pop-ups automatically, and includes Tor mode for anonymous browsing.
Does Brave have a VPN?
Yes, Brave offers a premium VPN + Firewall that encrypts all apps on your device. It is a paid add-on separate from the free browser.
What are the main alternatives to Brave?
Top alternatives include Firefox (with tracking protection), Chrome (with extensions), and DuckDuckGo browser (privacy-focused but no crypto rewards). Brave is unique for its built-in ad blocking, Tor mode, and BAT rewards.
Can Brave replace Chrome?
Yes, for most users. Brave is built on Chromium and supports most Chrome extensions. It imports bookmarks and passwords easily, but some Chrome-specific services may not work identically.
