Brave

Beginner Recommended

Brave is one of the best Google Chrome alternatives. Chrome without the trackers. Ads blocked by default, switching takes two minutes.

Information verified on July 7, 2026

Free. Migration difficulty : Easy (1/5)

This topic is chapter 2 of the book

Leaving Chrome in Ten Minutes

Here, the big picture. In the book: the full method and the detailed walkthrough.

Discover the book

Description

Brave blocks ads and trackers right from installation, with no extensions needed. Based on Chromium (Chrome's engine), all your Chrome extensions work. Created by Brendan Eich, Mozilla co-founder. The optional ad model (Brave Rewards) remains controversial but can be turned off.

Guillaume Limare

My take

It's my browser on my phone, where uBlock Origin doesn't exist: the protection just works, no setup. Brave Rewards, though, I passed. I explain why in chapter 2.

Key features

  • Built-in ad blocker
  • Based on Chromium (Chrome compatible)
  • Optional Brave Rewards
  • Integrated Tor
  • Built-in crypto wallet
  • Encrypted sync

Strengths

  • + Built-in ad and tracker blocking
  • + Interface similar to Chrome
  • + Strong performance

Weaknesses

  • − Based on Chromium (some dependency on Google's ecosystem)
  • − BAT reward model controversial for some users

Recommended for

  • Replacing Chrome without changing habits
  • Starting to reduce ad tracking

Brave vs Google Chrome: the comparison

Comparison between Brave and Google Chrome
Criterion Brave Google Chrome
Price Free. Free
Targeted ads on your data No Yes (feeds Google ad targeting)
Source code Open (auditable) Proprietary
Migration difficulty Easy (1/5) —

Comparison

Brave is the easiest transition from Chrome (same engine, same extensions). Firefox is independent from Google. Tor Browser is for total anonymity.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Brave cost?

Free.

How do you switch from Google Chrome to Brave?

Estimated difficulty: Easy (1/5). Direct import from Chrome: bookmarks, extensions, passwords. Identical interface, immediate transition.

Who is Brave for?

Chrome users seeking maximum privacy protection without changing habits. Suitable for beginners thanks to its familiarity.

Also read

Brave or Chrome: should you switch browsers?

Brave blocks ads and trackers with Chrome's interface. A point-by-point comparison, plus the Firefox option to leave the Google ecosystem entirely.

Similar alternatives

Firefox

Beginner

The open source browser that doesn't track you. Twenty years strong, millions of extensions.

Tor Browser

Advanced

The browser for total anonymity. Your traffic passes through three encrypted relays.

Mullvad Browser

Intermediate

Anti-fingerprinting browser developed with the Tor Project, designed to minimize tracking without using Tor.
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