Is Brave Browser Safe? Exploring Its Security Features and Comparing Against Other Browsers
Brave stands out as a top secure alternative to Chrome. Thinking about making the switch for extra safety? Let’s find out if that’s the sure choice. In this review, we’ll delve into the Brave browser security, covering its origins, robust safety features, and whether it truly maintains your privacy. So, is Brave browser safe? Let’s sort things out!
What is the Brave browser?
Brave is a free web privacy-oriented browser. Founded in 2016 by Brendan Eich — father of JavaScript and one of the developers behind the renowned Firefox browser — Brave is on a mission to offer users improved privacy and protection from Big Tech.
Like Chrome and Edge, Brave uses the Chromium Web core, which is an open-source project focused on making the Internet secure and reliable. This means, just like with other Chromium browsers, its code is open for anyone to inspect and suggest changes.
You can get Brave on various platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux computers, and Android and iOS mobile devices.
Brave browser’s features
Need more details? We’ve got you covered! Let’s discover what sets Brave browser apart.
Privacy protection | Brave Search (private search engine), Shields (blocks ads, trackers, and so on), Private Tor windows, Fingerprint randomization, Cookie consent blocking, Mobile Privacy Hub |
Rewards program | Users earn BAT tokens for viewing privacy-respecting ads that fund content creators |
Wallet & security | Wallet (self-custody crypto wallet), Firewall + VPN |
Communication | Talk (built-in video calls), News (customizable, private news feed) |
Fast performance | Uses less memory and loads major sites from 2x to 6x faster than Chrome/Safari |
Content management | Playlist (create and play content playlists) |
Customization | Sidebar (quick access to features), Sync (encrypt and sync across devices), Vertical tabs, Extensions |
Functionality | Translate (built-in webpage translation), Speedreader (focused reading), Wayback Machine integration, IPFS integration |
General features | Autofill, password manager, import tools |
Does Brave browser have a VPN?
Yes, Brave browser has the built-in Brave Firewall + VPN feature available as a paid subscription service in the desktop version. It offers an additional layer of privacy and security by encrypting your Internet connection and masking your IP address.
💡 Pro tip: For full data protection across all devices, consider using VeePN — a VPN provider offering user-friendly dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. Give it a try to enhance your online security, bypass Internet restrictions, and surf the web worry-free on up to 10 devices at once!
Brave’s primary focus is to surpass industry security standards and help users surf the Internet with ease. So, does it live up to the hype and expectations when it comes safety?
Is Brave browser safe to use?
No doubt. At least it’s much safer than other popular browsers like Chrome and Firefox. Brave has a robust privacy policy and is powered by several digital security shields. Also, unlike popular browsers, Brave can completely discard browsing data when you close the app.
Let’s learn more about Brave security and other perks.
Brave browser: Pros and cons
Here are the main advantages of the Brave browser.
- Privacy focus: Blocks ads and trackers that monitor your actions and keeps your online steps private.
- Cookie control: Prevents tracking cookies, offers detailed security customization, and blocks website scripts.
- Built-in password manager: Helps you manage and secure your passwords within the browser.
- Privacy-first search engines: Lets you choose from various privacy-focused search engines, including Brave Search, DuckDuckGo, Qwant, and more. Google is also available as an option.
- Secure links: Automatically upgrades HTTP connections to more secure HTTPS whenever possible.
- Smooth transition: Lets you seamlessly install most Chromium-based browser extensions for an easy switch from other platforms.
Despite its best efforts, Brave browser still faces challenges and controversies. It’s important for you to count them in when considering using the browser.
Brave browser disadvantages
- Advertisement approach. While Brave blocks unsolicited ads, occasional banner ads might still appear. Popup ads are replaced with Brave-approved ads as part of the browser’s funding mechanism to support its mission.
- Mixed reactions to the Rewards system. Brave’s auto-contribution and rewards system, which compensates users in digital currency for viewing ads, receives both positive and negative feedback.
- Brave browser security issues. In terms of security, Brave browser isn’t exempt from issues. Here is a recap of some:
- “Tor Mode” bug revealed IP addresses. In “Tor mode,” meant to hide IPs, a bug showed users’ real IP addresses due to DNS requests going outside Tor.
- Affiliate links misused. Back in 2020, the browser faced criticism for redirecting URLs from cryptocurrency companies to affiliate links that Brave profits from.
- Copyrighted data controversy. More recently, Brave faced allegations of supposedly selling copyrighted data to train artificial intelligence models. This controversy gave rise to discussions about privacy and data handling practices.
While the company had been quick in fixing any issue found, a risk of more issues arising in future always remains. But is this risk the same as with other industry giants, like Chrome , Firefox, and Edge? Let’s quickly find out how Brack stacks against them.
Brave vs Google Chrome
Main distinction: Chrome lets you enhance security using privacy-focused browser extensions, including a good VPN for Chrome. Meanwhile, Brave follows “privacy by default” approach and provides maximum Internet security and privacy right from the start, with no manual adjustments needed on your part.
Brave vs Microsoft Edge
Main distinction: Edge is often critizised for its heavy RAM usage, which eats up lots of energy and reduces device battery life. This is a big concern for people who rely on their laptops or tablets for long work hours, as the browser’s memory use quickly depletes power reserves. In the meantime, Brave’s built-in ad and tracker blocking is among its standout features that helps cut down on energy usage, even more so than browsing in private mode.
💡 Pro tip: To make Edge faster and safer, you can use the Edge VeePN extension. This will add much-needed protection for your browser, blocking annoying ads and trackers.
Brave vs Mozilla Firefox
Main distinction: Brave stands out with its privacy emphasis, featuring automatic ad blocking and built-in Tor. In contrast, Firefox lacks ad blocking, but you can improve online privacy by using a VPN Firefox extension to get rid of ads.
Brave vs Tor
Main distinction: Brave provides convenience with built-in Tor and ad blocking, while Tor Browser prioritizes unmatched anonymity. Tor routes your Internet traffic via its network and complicates online tracking. However, this routing can also significantly slow down your browsing.
In short, go for Brave if looking for both privacy and usability, and for Tor Browser if willing to sacrifice speed for unwavering anonymity.
Brave against other browsers: Round-up
Brave | Chrome | Edge | Firefox | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Developer | Brave Software | Microsoft | Mozilla | |
Technology | Completely open-source | Partly open-source | Partly open-source | Completely open-source |
Default search engine | Google, Brave Search | Bing | ||
Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, ChromeOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidXbox | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
Incognito mode | ✅ (Incognito window; Private window with Tor) | ✅ (Incognito mode) | ✅ (InPrivate) | ✅ (Private Browsing) |
Built-in ad blocker | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Default tracking prevention | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Cookie control | Built-in options to control and block cookies | Manual cookie management | Manual cookie management | Default cookie protection |
Built-in VPN | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Password manager | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
To sum it up — Is Brave Browser safe to use?
All in all — yeah. While the Brave browser isn’t 100% perfect, its security features are undoubtedly appealing. It’s got your back with built-in privacy protection measures and strong defenses against online dangers. Brave is all about keeping you safe without slowing you down, making it a solid choice for folks who want to browse securely.
Last but not least, if you want to strengthen your online security or pick a specific virtual location, try out VeePN for Brave on any needed device! It’ll protect your data everywhere and let you travel the web without restrictions. A secure online experience with no caps in your way.
FAQ: Is Brave Browser Safe?
Yes, Brave browser is generally trusted due to its commitment to user privacy, ad-blocking features, and open-source nature. It has gained a positive reputation, but still isn’t exempt from issues. Learn more in this blog post.
Brave offers two ways to keep your IP address hidden when you browse: private windows with Tor and the paid built-in Firewall + VPN feature.
While no browser can be guaranteed 100% safe, and Brave has also faced security risks in the past, the browser places a strong emphasis on security through ad blocking, anti-tracking, and various measures. It’s widely regarded as safer compared to numerous mainstream browsers thanks to its privacy-centric features. Find out more in this article.
No, Brave was founded by Brendan Eich, one of the developers behind the renowned Firefox browser, and is headquartered in California, USA.
Brave is a privacy-first browser. It blocks ads and trackers by default, offers secure browsing features like HTTPS upgrades and Tor integration, and doesn’t store your browsing history or personal data.
Yes, all in all, the Brave browser is safe for online banking. It comes with decent privacy and security features, including ad-blocking, tracker blocking, and HTTPS Everywhere to encrypt your connection.
VeePN is freedom
I use DuckDuckGo—enough said.
I have an old laptop; will it support this?
I use brave, like it better than chrome.
The UI is NOT open source to the general public.
does brave hijack affiliate links?
Using brave for almost 2 years now, and have not regret my decision in doing so.
Thank you.
It is undoubtedly brave that is the best browser of today. I use it every day.
Brave is actually a free ad blocker in the truest possible sense of the term.
Wow so brave is relly safe
Brave is secure and it’s a nice option, because Brave respects user’s privacy and it also can block YouTube ads.
It must be good because it is based on chrome? Chrome is google. As it stands, Google is part of the big club.
Brave is not built on Chrome. All the browsers discussed here including Chrome and Brave, use the Chromium as their base Chromium is more reliable because it is open source and as such is not owned by a single company or a single developer.
What are your favorite features? What should I switch on to get to the maximum level of protection?
If you must use a Google Chromium-based browser, then Brave is the top choice.
Brave is a safe browser; just disable the crypto features, and you’ll be all set.
All the crypto features are disabled by default in Brave
I’ve come across conflicting opinions regarding security issues with the Brave browser. Is it truly safe to use on Android, particularly for banking and handling sensitive information?