Brave
Private by default, Chrome-compatible.
Chromium with a built-in ad and tracker blocker (Shields), fingerprint randomization, Tor windows, and full Chrome extension support. The easiest big privacy upgrade.
- Engine
- Blink
- License
- Open source
- Runs on
- Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
- Top marks
- Tracking protection, Built-in ad blocking, Raw speed, Extension ecosystem, Site compatibility, Low maintenance, Open source
- Popularity
- #8 worldwide · 0.57% of page views (August 2026)
- Updated
- September 2026
Why it shines
- Strong blocking with zero setup
- Fingerprint randomization built in
- Private windows with Tor
- Runs Chrome extensions; keeps good ad-blocker support despite Manifest V3
Worth knowing
- Crypto/BAT rewards and sponsored extras (all disableable)
- Occasional controversial defaults — worth a settings pass
Origins
Brave belongs to The Chromium empire — descended from Chromium.
Does well
Ranked in
- #1 · Best browsers for privacy
- #3 · Best browsers for anonymity
- #1 (tied) · Best Chrome alternatives
- #1 · Best browsers for Linux
- #1 (tied) · Best browsers for Windows
- #2 · Best browsers for Mac
- #1 · Best browsers for Android
- #1 · Best browsers for iPhone and iPad
- #5 (tied) · Best AI browsers
- #1 · Best open-source browsers
Head to head
Scorecard
- Tracking protection3/3
- Fingerprinting resistance2/3
- Anonymity1/3
- Built-in ad blocking3/3
- Customization1/3
- Keyboard control0/3
- Built-in tools0/3
- Minimal interface1/3
- Fresh design0/3
- Classic interface0/3
- Light on resources0/3
- Raw speed3/3
- Battery efficiency1/3
- Extension ecosystem3/3
- Cross-device sync2/3
- Site compatibility3/3
- Low maintenance3/3
- Open source3/3
- Independence2/3
- Built-in AI1/3
- Gaming features0/3
- Dev tooling0/3
0–3 on each of the 22 criteria the quiz and the guides rank by. How we score.
