Brave Browser – A Privacy-Focused Challenger to Chrome
By eivindsimensen in Browser Reviews
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Brave Browser has carved a strong niche since its launch in 2016, and in 2025, it remains a top choice for those prioritizing privacy and speed. Built on the open-source Chromium engine (the same foundation as Google Chrome) but stripped of Google’s tracking elements, Brave delivers a fast, secure, and user-friendly experience. It blocks ads and trackers by default and offers a unique reward system with its cryptocurrency, Basic Attention Token (BAT), allowing users to earn a share of ad revenue. With over 100 million monthly users, Brave is no longer a niche player but a serious competitor to Chrome and Firefox.
Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, Brave supports cross-device syncing and includes features like a built-in VPN (Brave Firewall + VPN), a crypto wallet, and video calling via Brave Talk. For those tired of Google’s data collection, Brave is a breath of fresh air—though it’s best suited for users who value privacy above all else.
Pros
Brave excels in several areas, particularly performance and security. Here are the key advantages based on user reviews and tests in 2025:
Pro | Description |
|---|---|
Excellent Privacy | Blocks trackers, fingerprinting, and third-party cookies by default via "Shields." Automatically upgrades to HTTPS and supports Tor for anonymous browsing, making it one of the most secure browsers available. |
Fast Loading and Low Resource Use | Page loading is up to 6x faster than Chrome due to ad-blocking. Saves battery and data on mobile and uses less RAM than Chrome on desktop. |
Built-in Ad-Blocker | Removes intrusive ads, including YouTube pre-rolls and cookie banners, without needing extra extensions, providing a cleaner browsing experience. |
Brave Rewards System | Opt-in for privacy-respecting ads to earn BAT tokens (approx. 100 BAT/year, worth ~$65–150 depending on market rates). Tokens can be donated to creators or converted. |
Compatibility and Extensions | Seamlessly supports Chrome extensions and offers features like Speedreader for distraction-free article reading. Syncing is straightforward and secure. |
Cons
No browser is flawless, and Brave has some drawbacks that may frustrate certain users. Here are the most common criticisms:
Con | Description |
|---|---|
Can Break Websites | Aggressive ad-blocking sometimes disrupts legitimate elements, like analytics trackers (e.g., Datafast). Requires manual tweaking of Shields per site. |
Crypto Focus Feels Gimmicky | BAT and the built-in crypto wallet appeal to crypto enthusiasts but feel irrelevant or confusing to others. Some view it as a distraction. |
Paid VPN with Limitations | The built-in VPN costs ~$10/month and lacks advanced features like server selection or optimal streaming support. Better standalone VPNs exist. |
Less Polished UI | Some users report "janky" animations and a design that feels less modern than browsers like Arc or Chrome. Blockchain-based syncing isn’t as intuitive as traditional methods. |
Higher RAM Usage on Desktop | While lighter than Chrome, Brave uses more memory than leaner alternatives like Firefox on older machines. |
Overall, Brave scores highly—often 4.5/5 or better on platforms like Capterra and TechRadar—for its balance of speed and privacy. It’s ideal for those looking to escape Google’s surveillance without sacrificing functionality. If you’re willing to tweak settings occasionally, it’s worth a try. Download it from brave.com and see for yourself—it takes minutes to import data from your old browser. For most, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, especially in an era where privacy matters more than ever.
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