- Block third-party advertising
- Block cross-site trackers
- Block third-party cookies
- Prevent fingerprinting
- Block cookie consent banner
- Enable Global Privacy Control (GPC)
- Automatically upgrade to HTTPS
- network status partition
- Filter query parameters
- Block bounce tracking
Browser comparison
Brave and Chrome compared
Brave and Google Chrome are both built on Chromium, so they share broad website compatibility, familiar developer tools, and access to the Chrome extension ecosystem.
Their main differences are in default privacy settings, account integration, ad and tracker handling, sync, built-in services, and how much configuration is required. The better choice depends on your workflow and ecosystem needs.
Default privacy settings: Brave Shields vs Chrome controls
Chrome includes privacy, safety, cookie, permission, and account controls, but it does not ship with a general-purpose blocker for third-party ads and trackers. Some behavior also depends on whether the user is signed in, syncing data, or using Google services.
Brave Shields blocks many third-party ads, trackers, cross-site cookies, and fingerprinting techniques by default. Users can review and change these protections for individual websites when compatibility requires it.
- Block many third-party ads
- Block cross-site trackers
- Block third-party cookies
- Prevent fingerprinting
- Reduce some cookie consent notices
- Automatically upgrade to HTTPS
- Filter query parameters
- Limit bounce tracking
- Block third-party advertising
- Block cross-site trackers
- Block third-party cookies
- Prevent fingerprinting
- Block cookie consent banner
- Enable Global Privacy Control (GPC)
- Automatically upgrade to HTTPS
- network status partition
- Filter query parameters
- Block bounce tracking
The table summarizes the page’s stated default product behavior.
Provided by default
Partial or configurable
Not provided by default
This comparison describes default browser behavior, not every account, platform, version, website, extension, or policy setting. Both browsers change over time, so important decisions should be checked against current product documentation.
How Brave and Chrome handle ads and page content
Brave blocks many third-party ads and trackers before they load. Chrome generally displays page content as provided unless the site, browser settings, enterprise policy, or installed extensions change that behavior.
Drag the slider to view an illustrative example; actual results vary by website, region, browser version, and settings
Chromium compatibility, extensions, and built-in tools
Both browsers use the open-source Chromium foundation. This gives them similar rendering behavior, developer tools, tab concepts, and broad compatibility with modern websites.
Both support bookmarks, profiles, passwords, translation, tab management, and extensions. Most Chrome Web Store extensions work in Brave, although no browser can guarantee compatibility with every extension or enterprise policy.
The key distinction is not simply the number of features, but which tools are built in, which require an extension or account, and which are available on each platform.
Browsing and tab management
- Built-in advertising blocker
- YouTube Advertising blocker
- AI assistant
- vertical label
- tag group
- Split screen view
- Offline media playlist
- Press and RSS readers
- reader mode
- Night mode
- translate
- Profile sync across devices
- container
Privacy and network tools
- Default private search
- Built-in VPN
- Built-in private video calling
- Tor browsing
Additional products and services
- Secure built-in wallet
- Crypto Rewards Program
Browsing and tab management
- Built-in advertising blocker
- YouTube Advertising blocker
- AI assistant
- vertical label
- tag group
- Split screen view
- Offline media playlist
- Press and RSS readers
- reader mode
- Night mode
- translate
- Profile sync across devices
- container
Privacy and network tools
- Default private search
- Built-in VPN
- Built-in private video calling
- Tor browsing
Additional products and services
- Secure built-in wallet
- Crypto Rewards Program
The table summarizes the page’s stated default product behavior.
Provided by default
Partial or configurable
Not provided by default
Brave integrates more privacy, search, AI, communication, and wallet tools into the browser. Chrome integrates more deeply with Google accounts and services. Availability depends on platform, region, account state, and current browser version.
Questions to consider before switching
How are Brave, Chrome, and Chromium related?
Chromium is the open-source browser project used by both Brave and Chrome. Brave Software and Google build separate products on top of that shared foundation, with different services, interfaces, defaults, and account systems.
Can Brave use extensions from the Chrome Web Store?
Most desktop extensions from the Chrome Web Store can be installed in Brave. Compatibility can still vary by extension, browser version, managed-device policy, and the permissions an extension requires.
What changes when moving from Chrome to Brave?
The interface and extension workflow are familiar because both use Chromium. The main changes involve sync, Google account integration, default search, Shields settings, passwords, profiles, and browser-specific services.
Does Brave block ads and trackers by default?
Brave Shields blocks many third-party ads and trackers by default. It does not guarantee that every advertisement, sponsored result, first-party promotion, or consent notice will be removed.
Is Brave always faster than Chrome?
No. Blocking third-party resources may reduce requests on some pages, but browser performance depends on the website, device, network, extensions, open tabs, settings, and browser version.
Which browser is easier for everyday use?
Both are designed for everyday browsing. Brave may require less setup for ad and tracker blocking, while Chrome may be more convenient for users who depend heavily on Google account sync and integrated Google services.
Can I use my Google account to sync Brave?
Brave does not use Chrome Sync as its browser sync system. You can import supported local data, but should separately review Brave Sync, password storage, profile setup, and any Google services you still want to use on the web.
Can Brave be used as a primary browser?
Yes. Brave includes the standard features needed for everyday browsing, but users should test required websites, extensions, account workflows, media services, and enterprise policies before making a full switch.
What data can Brave import from Chrome?
Depending on the platform and local profile, Brave can usually import bookmarks, browsing history, saved passwords, and selected settings. Sync data stored only in a Google account may require additional steps.