Brave is a free, open-source browser that blocks ads and trackers the moment you install it. Built on Chromium (the same engine behind Chrome), it runs every Chrome extension you already use. The difference: Brave strips out Google's tracking code and replaces it with privacy protections that work out of the box.

The browser's Shields feature blocks third-party ads, tracking scripts, and cookies on every page. It also upgrades connections to HTTPS automatically and randomizes your browser fingerprint so sites have a harder time identifying you. For stronger anonymity, a built-in Tor mode routes your traffic through the Tor network directly from Brave.

Beyond the browser, Brave runs its own search engine with an independent index (not pulled from Google or Bing). The Leo AI assistant can summarize pages, answer questions about what you're reading, and generate text without storing your conversations. A built-in VPN option protects your entire device, not just browser traffic.

Brave works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Sync keeps your bookmarks and settings across devices with end-to-end encryption. With over 97 million monthly users, it has grown into one of the most used privacy browsers available.

Worth knowing

Brave is a US company, so it falls under US jurisdiction rather than EU data protection law. That said, independent research has found it sends less data to its servers than any other major browser. The code is fully open source, so anyone can verify these claims.

The optional Brave Rewards system lets you earn cryptocurrency tokens by viewing privacy-respecting ads. You can ignore it entirely. Some users have criticized the browser for adding more features over time (AI, VPN, crypto wallet), which can feel bloated if you just want a simple private browser.