Brave is a Free, Open-source Browser that Takes Your Privacy Seriously.
Using your browser to do anything online (especially anything that relates to crypto, Web3 or personal financial information), means you need to make security a priority.
Brave is designed for users who prioritize security, especially in crypto, Web3, and finance. It automatically blocks ads and trackers, making pages load up to 3x faster and saving data. For those who want ads, Brave offers opt-in, privacy-focused ones that reward you with BAT crypto.
Pair it with a top VPN like Mullvad or Proton VPN for ultimate protection. Brave’s built-in features, like blocking tools such as Microsoft Recall, make it a strong standalone option too.
History of Brave
Brave was founded by Brendan Eich (creator of JavaScript) and Brian Bondy in 2015. The first stable version launched in 2019, and it’s been growing steadily. As of 2026, Brave boasts over 101 million users, with strong adoption in search and browsing.
Recent milestones include AI integrations like Ask Brave and Leo AI assistant, plus expansions in Web3 support and verifiable privacy for LLMs via NEAR.AI.
Brave Browser’s Security Features
Built on Chromium, Brave strips away Google’s tracking while keeping the familiar interface. Setup is quick: download, import bookmarks/passwords from other browsers, and you’re set. It supports Chrome extensions, like MetaMask for crypto.
New 2026 features enhance security: Memory Saver, Screenshot Tool, Vertical Tabs, and fixes like template injection patches in cosmetic filtering for better fingerprinting blocks.
Brave Search
Brave Search is independent and doesn’t track you.
It now includes search ads with rewards, and premium options for ad-free results. The Ask Brave feature combines AI chat for private, enhanced searches, with detailed answers and no tracking.
Brave vs. Chrome
Brave outshines Chrome in privacy and performance. It uses 33% less memory (with 75% reduction in adblock engine usage), blocks trackers, and upgrades to HTTPS. Chrome extensions work seamlessly, and Brave’s AI features (like Leo with memories and PDF handling) add privacy-focused productivity without data hunger.
Incentivizing Users to View Safe Advertisements
With over 100 million users in 2026, Brave flips the ad model: opt-in for non-intrusive ads and earn 70% of the revenue in BAT. Ads are private, malware-free, and have a 14% click-through rate—far above industry averages. Earnings vary but can reach $7-10/month passively.
The Ethics of Ad-Blocking
Ad-blocking sparked debate back in 2018, but Brave’s approach—blocking invasive ads while allowing “Shields Down” for trusted sites—balances user privacy with creator support. In 2026, it’s praised for ethical revenue sharing.
Rewards:
The Basic Attention Token (BAT)
Users get 70% of ad revenue in BAT, which you can hold, trade, or tip creators on platforms like Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and more. Auto-donate to favorites or tip anonymously. The verified creators list has grown, making it easier to support content you love.
The Brave Web3 Wallet
Brave’s built-in wallet supports 60+ chains like Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, BTC, Aptos, and more. View prices via CoinGecko, buy/swap crypto directly, and interact with dApps/NFTs. It’s secure, non-custodial, and rivals MetaMask with features like Zcash deshielding and Cardano improvements.
Built-In Trading
Store BAT in integrated wallets like Uphold. Trade via partners such as Crypto.com, Binance, Gemini, OKX Web3, and Rabby. Enjoy multi-chain swaps and DeFi tools right in the browser.
Tor Integration
For maximum privacy, Brave’s private windows use Tor’s 6000+ relays to hide your IP. It’s slower but unbeatable for anonymity, with 2026 improvements in private window performance and bounce tracking blocks.
Scrutiny Over Affiliate Links
In 2020, Brave faced criticism for injecting affiliate links, leading to an apology from Eich. It’s resolved, with no major issues since.
Monero developer Riccardo Spagni responded appropriately to this debacle on X:
Bro. I don’t want my browser touching the URL I type in the address bar.
Not only does it train users to allow random changes to the URL they type in, but what’s to stop them from forwarding me to a different wallet when I want to visit MyCryptoWallet?
– Riccardo Spagni
Choosing a VPN
Skip free VPNs—they’re risky. Look for no-logs policies, strong encryption, and speed. In 2026, Mullvad and Proton VPN top the list for privacy. Brave’s Shields and Tor reduce the need, but a VPN adds extra layers.
Our Pick:
Proton VPN is the way to go.
Brave Shields
Shields block ads, trackers, and fingerprinting automatically. Toggle “Shields Down” for specific sites. 2026 updates include UI tweaks like swipe-to-dismiss and auto-open keyboard for better usability, plus enhanced malware/phishing protection.
Here’s what the Shields UP or DOWN looks like if you click the brave icon in the browser bar (to the right of the address field):
Brave vs. other Browsers
Here’s a 2026 comparison:
| Feature | Brave | Chrome | Firefox | Safari | Edge |
| Built-in ad/tracker blocking | Yes | No | Partial | Partial | No |
| Fingerprinting protection | Strong | Weak | Strong | Strong | Weak |
| HTTPS upgrades | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tor integration | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Bounce tracking protection | Yes | Partial | Yes | Yes | Partial |
| Crypto/Web3 wallet | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| AI privacy features | Yes |
Partial | No | No | Partial |
Our Verdict on Brave
Brave is an excellent browser for privacy-conscious users, with BAT rewards as a bonus. It’s available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
While great for personal use, enterprise users might note sync limitations.
Roadmap includes better mobile UX and PDF tools.
Brave
We think that everyone should give Brave a try, and if they like it, consider making it their default browser.
Browse privately. Search privately. And ditch Big Tech.
Takeaways
- Trackers are everywhere. Brave blocks them
- Use Brave + a VPN like Mullvad for top security
- Earn BAT passively
- Tor for ultimate privacy
- Available on all major platforms
Switch to Brave today and take control of your browsing.
If you want more privacy, you can also use Tor to conceal your internet activity.
It’s also available on most platforms including Mobile (Android and Apple iOS) and PC (Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and Chromium/Chromebook).
Watch Brendan Eich on Lex Fridman #160
Check out this insightful interview with Brave’s founder: Watch here.
For more recent discussions, search for Eich’s 2025-2026 appearances on AI and privacy.
