Private browsing with Brave

Brave blocks many third-party ads and trackers by default, supports Chromium extensions, and includes private search, AI tools, data import, and device sync.

Download Brave

Brave Browser core features

Private search

Search without building a personal search profile.

Brave Search uses an independent web index and offers web results, summaries, and AI-assisted answers without relying on a personal search profile.

Built-in AI assistant

Use Brave Leo to summarize pages, answer questions, translate text, and help create content from within the browser.

Optional firewall and VPN

Brave Firewall + VPN is an optional paid service designed to protect network traffic across supported devices.

How Brave changes the default browsing experience

Brave combines default privacy protections with familiar Chromium browsing, site-level controls, extension support, and tools that reduce dependence on additional add-ons.

Fewer third-party ads and trackers by default

Brave Shields blocks many third-party ads, tracking scripts, and cross-site cookies before they load. Results vary by site, platform, browser version, and user settings.

Brave can also reduce some cookie consent notices and other page interruptions, although no browser can guarantee that every notice or advertisement will be removed.

Site-level Shields controls let users adjust protections when a login, payment flow, video player, or embedded feature requires different settings.

Potentially fewer page requests

Removing some third-party resources can reduce network requests and help content become usable sooner on pages with heavy advertising or tracking.

Actual speed, data use, memory consumption, and battery life depend on the website, device, network, extensions, and browser configuration.

Default cross-site tracking protection

Brave limits many cross-site trackers, third-party cookies, and fingerprinting techniques through built-in browser protections.

Users can review protection counts and change Shields settings for individual websites without installing a separate privacy extension.

Security and privacy controls in one browser

Brave includes HTTPS upgrades, phishing and malware protection, permission controls, script settings, and tracking protection as part of the browser.

These controls reduce initial setup, while still allowing advanced users to adjust permissions, extensions, search settings, and site behavior.

Import data and continue familiar workflows

Brave can import bookmarks, browsing history, saved passwords, and selected settings from supported browsers. Available import options vary by platform.

Because Brave is Chromium-based, the address bar, tabs, bookmarks, developer tools, and most Chrome extensions remain familiar to many users.

Compare how browsers handle ads and tracking content

Use the visual comparison to examine how default browser settings may change the amount of third-party content shown on example pages.

Drag the slider to view an illustrative comparison; results are not identical on every website or browser version

allrecipes.com/recipe/257198/thin-crust-pizza-dough/
›

Compare Brave with other browsers and search services

Review default privacy settings, browser engines, extension support, account ecosystems, search products, and migration requirements.

Brave vs Chrome

Compare two Chromium-based browsers with different default privacy settings, account systems, and built-in tools.

See how Chrome Browser compares

Brave vs Firefox

Compare Brave’s Chromium foundation with Firefox’s independent Gecko engine, privacy controls, and add-on ecosystem.

See how Firefox Browser compares

Brave vs DuckDuckGo

Compare Brave and DuckDuckGo across browsers, private search, tracking protection, built-in tools, and product ecosystems.

Compare Brave and DuckDuckGo

What users say about Brave

Everyday feedback from people who use Brave for work, research, writing, and general browsing.

★★★★★

“The biggest difference for me is how much calmer the web feels. News sites and recipe pages load with fewer distractions, and I did not need to install another ad blocker.”

Alex Morgan Product Designer
★★★★★

“I like that Brave gives me strong defaults without hiding the controls. When a site needs different settings, I can adjust Shields for that site instead of changing everything.”

Lin Chen Independent Developer
★★★★★

“Switching was easier than I expected. My usual extensions still worked, the interface felt familiar, and I was able to keep my normal workflow with very little setup.”

Mia Thompson Content Strategist
★★★★★

“I use Brave Search for research, but I appreciate that I can switch search engines whenever I need to. The browser does not force me into a single search workflow.”

Jason Reed Marketing Manager
★★★★★

“Vertical tabs and Leo are now part of my daily routine. I can organize long research sessions, summarize pages, and translate text without constantly switching tools.”

Sophia Bennett Freelance Writer
★★★★★

“My bookmarks and saved passwords imported cleanly, so I could start using Brave as my main browser almost immediately. The transition felt practical rather than disruptive.”

Kevin Park Front-end Engineer

Brave Browser questions

Why can Brave feel faster on some websites?

Blocking some third-party ads and trackers can reduce network requests on content-heavy pages. Actual performance depends on the site, device, extensions, and network.

Do I need separate ad-blocking and privacy extensions?

Many users can rely on Brave Shields for basic ad and tracking protection. Specialized script controls or custom filter needs may still require extensions.

What should I check before switching to Brave?

Check website compatibility, extension support, account sync, password import, and any browser-specific services used in your current workflow.

Is Brave suitable for everyday browsing?

Yes. Brave includes common browser features, default privacy protections, data import, extensions, and multi-platform versions for routine use.

Does Brave block ads and trackers by default?

Brave Shields blocks many third-party ads and trackers by default, but results vary by website, platform, browser version, and user settings.

Can Brave import bookmarks and passwords from another browser?

Usually. Supported data may include bookmarks, history, saved passwords, and selected settings, depending on the source browser and platform.

Is Brave only for privacy-focused users?

No. Users may also choose Brave for Chromium extension support, built-in tools, private search options, site controls, and reduced setup.

Is Brave Browser free to download?

Yes. Brave Browser is free to download and use. Some optional products, including Firewall + VPN and other premium services, may require payment.