You will be greeted on the Brave website with the message "The browser breaking new ground for the web". The browser promises to block intrusive advertisements and trackers and pays special attention to the privacy of its users. Instead, the browser shows its own advertising, for which the user receives a virtual currency in the style of Bitcoin. How innovative the browser really is and which open source browser it is based on can be found in these tips + tricks.
Brave Browser: Better Than Google Chrome and Firefox?
Brave tries to position itself as a " safer and faster web browser " against other providers such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. This also works well with the help of the integrated ad blocker called "Brave Shields". It should also be mentioned, however, that Brave is also based on Chromium, i.e. the open source code of Google Chrome, and is therefore not a completely new invention of the browser. On the one hand, this offers the advantage of Chromium's performance; on the other hand, the browser offers no obvious advantages to users who do not want to receive Brave advertising. There is a version for Windows 10, macOS, Linux, iOS and an app for Android. The complete catalog of Chrome add-ons is also available to users of the Braves desktop version.
Ultimately, the question of the best browser can never be answered across the board, but always depends on the needs and behavior of its users. In the following sections we explain to you what functions the Brave Browser brings with it, so that you can form your own judgment.
By the way: Microsoft Edge is now also based on Chromium. More about it here..
What protection does the browser offer?
With data protection and privacy as a self-imposed focus, the browser offers some interesting features:
- Block ads
- automatic upgrade to HTTPS
- Block scripts
- Block tracker
- Prevention by fingerprint
- Cookie control
Brave automatically blocks trackers and ads. Optionally, you can also individualize the protection for individual websites. If you want to be more anonymous on the Internet, you can open a " new window with Tor " at any time . Brave built in the function of accessing the Tor network . This can obscure the IP address. However, you must expect speed losses in the Tor network.
Brave Rewards: cryptocurrency for specially placed advertising
The Brave Browser promises that you can earn the in-house cryptocurrency "Basic Attention Tokens" (BAT) by watching advertisements on Brave. The option is called " Brave Rewards ". Depending on the setting, you will receive up to five pop-ups per hour that advertise. The advertising is supposed to be based on your browsing behavior and you earn BAT for it. So Brave isn't that ad-free after all. The currency can be used to support content creators on the Internet, for example. Ultimately, you decide whether you want to activate "Brave Rewards"..
The ultimate privacy browser?
The concept of Brave is quite interesting. However, one must always note that this browser is also based on Google's Chromium. The integrated ad blocker prevents advertising, but at the same time your own advertising is shown, which in turn is remunerated in the form of BAT. The model can still be deactivated, but it remains to be seen how the advertising concept will develop in the future. Because one thing must always be observed: business models like Brave also want to earn money. And it is well known that this works best through data and advertising.
In addition, the tracking of big names such as Facebook and Twitter is prevented, but the mere blocking of cookies does not make you invisible while surfing. Many websites still use JavaScript, which can be used to uniquely identify you.
In conclusion, it can be judged that the Brave browser brings with it an interesting concept that you can of course try out. Form your own opinion about the performance. It is positive that many add-ons such as the ad blocker and automatic HTTPS are already included and you don't have to install them like in other browsers. The availability for the different platforms such as Windows 10, macOS, Linux and Android is also very promising.