Cross-Platform Availability. Brave has a slight edge over Microsoft. The browser is available on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and even Linux. Microsoft Edge is accessible on iOS, Android, Mac,. Brave is an excellent browser that combines extensive features and an easy-to-use interface with great performance and solid security and privacy controls. Apart from its slow update frequency. Brave is a free, open-source, chromium-based browser, focused on privacy, speed and safety, which is achieved by blocking trackers. This browser also stands out by adopting a completely different view regarding ad display. Brave was created by Brendan Eich which is known for creating Javascript and being a co-founder of Mozilla & Firefox.
- Is Brave Browser Any Good
- Brave Web Browser Review
- Is Brave Browser Good
- Brave Browser Complaints
- Download Brave Browser
Is Brave Browser Any Good
Brave is a privacy-focused browser, faster and more efficient than other browsers. Brave is a free and open-source browser owned and developed by Brave Software Inc. Based in Santa Clara, California. Brave browser on mobile is also fast, but Mozilla Firefox is faster especially on iOS. Perhaps the biggest advantage Brave has over mainstream browsers is that it consumes a low amount of RAM. This is particularly impressive considering that it's based on Chromium.
'You fought in the Browsers Wars?' asked Microsoft Edge. 'Yes. I was once a Web Browser, the same as your father, ' said Internet Explorer 6. OK, that doesn't quite have the same dynamic as Luke's and Obi Wan's conversation in a New Hope. However, the browser wars were a thing at one point. I also (wrongly) thought they were over, except for a few skirmishes. But once in a while someone, somewhere says to themselves, 'What we need is another web browser.' At that point I would normally groan and move on. However, things are a little different with the Brave browser.
Historically a 'new web browser' meant some nerd wanted to write a better HTML/CSS rendering engine and a super-fast JavaScript engine and then wrap a UI around it. The 'engine
' wars are basically over with the Chromium engine, called Blink, basically powering everything (Chrome, Opera, Edge, Vivaldi). The notable exceptions are Firefox and Apple's Safari.
The Brave browser uses Blink, so it isn't special in that regard. What makes it special is its emphasis on making privacy and safety front and center. Let's take a look at what this browser brings to the table in this Brave browser review.
The problem is Ad Tracking
Most browsers do a good job of keeping you secure while browser. There is universal support for secure HTTP connections, support for incognito tabs (useful when you are using a public computer and not your own), and various levels of sandboxing support that stops one tab stealing data from another. However, one area where privacy has been slowly eroded is advertising.
To be effective advertising needs to be targeted. It is pointless showing me ads about rock climbing equipment or baby strollers, but show me an advert for the latest bit of tech and maybe, just maybe I will click. To send the right ads to the right people advertisers build up virtual profiles about your web browsing activities and start to hone in on your likes and dislikes. That in itself sounds harmless enough, even useful. However, the tracking techniques that advertisers use are getting more and more invasive.
Online advertising is big money. Google has an annual revenue measured in the billions of dollars, $161 billion for 2019. Most of that money comes from advertising. Sure, it sells apps and movies, offers cloud services, and sells Pixel smartphones and Google Home smart speakers. But most of the money comes from advertising. That is a lot of dollars invested in selling ads based predominantly on a model where money changes hands if, and only if, an advert is clicked.
Google chrome 64 free download. As with most business ventures, the lines between ethical behavior and the relentless pursuit of profit seem to blur the bigger the sums of money. For a long time the advertisers were winning. But consumers have started to rebel. While initiatives like 'Do Not Track' and the EU's GDPR have attempted to clip the wings of advertisers, they have generally been badly conceived and badly implemented. For most people, the GDPR just means they have to click an 'I accept your cookies' message every time they visit a new website.
The most drastic option available to users is to completely block data-collecting trackers, which in turn, means blocking most adverts.
Take back control with Brave browser
There are lots of options available for those who wish to block trackers, but Brave browser makes it easy and it is the default behavior. Most advertising platforms use techniques to try to identify you and track you as you move across the web. Brave browser blocks all this, allowing you to browse freely. As well as the privacy advantages there is also a performance boost. According to Brave's internal testing, the Brave web browser can load the major news site up to six times faster than Chrome, Safari and Firefox on mobile and desktop. Why? Because all the extra images, JavaScript, and tracking data is no longer needed.
But won't that harm publishers who rely on advert income?
The simple answer is yes, and for me that is a huge downside. From the hobbyists who need to fund their websites or YouTube channels, to the independent websites free of corporate shackles – like Android Authority – advertising income is essential. Until now I haven't used an ad blocker because I know that good content isn't free. Everyone needs to eat. But Brave has a surprising answer to this problem – Brave Rewards.
Rather than tempting you to click on adverts, Brave anonymously calculates the amount of attention you give the sites you visit. Once a month, the Brave Rewards program will compensate the sites you've visited. You can also tip creators directly and remove any sites you don't want to support.
Brave has a surprising alternative to traditional advertising: Brave Rewards.
The twist is that the currency behind Brave Rewards isn't the US dollar, or the Euro, or even the Chinese Yuan, but a cryptocurrency called BAT (Basic Attention Token), which itself uses the Ethereum blockchain. The idea is that blockchain digital advertising can offer a decentralized, transparent digital ad exchange.
Stage one in replacing the traditional advertising model is to bring the Brave browser to the mainstream along with its built-in use of BAT. Stage two is for users, publishers, and advertisers to use BAT as the means of funding advertising and attention-based services. As the name implies, the value of the token is derived from — or denominated by — user attention, the one commodity you have to spend while using the web.
Brave Web Browser Review
BATs, Uphold, and tips
Like all crypto-currencies you need to keep your tokens in a wallet. Brave includes an anonymous wallet that is stored locally on your computer or mobile device. In a future update you will be able to sync the wallet across your devices using an online wallet service. As a side note, the syncing of bookmarks etc. is currently disabled in Brave browser because the current system is flawed. The developers are working on Sync V2, which will be compatible with Google's official sync protocol.
You can earn tokens by viewing Brave Ads. Ads presented are based on your interests, as inferred from your browsing behavior. However this time, no personal data or browsing history ever leaves your browser. When you click on an ad you earn a part of a BAT.
When you see something you like online, you can support the content's creator by sending a tip, as a thank you. Verified creators get paid their tips during the first week of each calendar month. You can also set a monthly recurring contribution.
If you want to turn traditional currency into BATs you can fund your wallet using Uphold.com. Uphold is a digital money platform with over 1 million users, covering over 50 currencies and four commodities. I am skeptical of 'digital money platforms' in general, as buying the coins/tokens is easy, however converting them back into real cash has been – in my experience – a challenge.
To test Uphold, I linked my Brave wallet to an Uphold account. I went through the verification process, which included identity checks etc, and then funded my wallet to the grand sum of £10. This was then turned into 71.785044215959870653 BAT. You need to wait 1 day before you can withdraw the money. After 24 hours, I paid my 71.785044215959870653 BAT into a Euro account. In less than 4 hours the money was in my account! So it seems that real-world to crypto to real-world exchanges work!
I lost about €1 in the process. Uphold does promise 0% trading commissions, 0% fees on credit & debit card deposits and 0% bank and crypto withdrawal fees, but I guess I lost out in the exchange rates!
Uphold is going to release a debit card linked with your account. You'll get a physical chip-and-PIN card and a virtual card to buy stuff online. It is a Mastercard, which means it will be accepted at millions of merchants and ATMs across the world. I have joined the waiting list and I am number 28,492 in the queue. Apparently I can skip the line by referring friends. The more people I refer, the earlier I get your card. So, for the sake of good consumer reporting, please consider taking a look for yourself, and then when I get the card I will be sure to make a video about it on Gary Explains.
But Chrome is a memory hog!
Even with revolutionary talk of overthrowing the advertising industry, Brave browser still needs to be a decent web browser to gain any traction. Thankfully, it is. I tested the JavaScript speed of Brave and it is faster than Chrome and Firefox but slower than Microsoft Edge. When it comes to memory use Brave uses less memory per tab than Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. These are good signs. Since it uses the same internals as Chrome and Edge the browsing experience is as expected and I couldn't detect any difference or anomalies in rendering etc.
Brave combines better privacy and safety with a browsing experience that's faster Chrome — despite being Chromium-based.
Another advantage of Brave's Chromium roots is that you get access to the Chrome Web Store. When you click on 'extensions' you get taken directly to Google's web store, not even a copy or cheap replica, but Google's actual store. That means that migrating to Brave browser is very simple for Chrome or Edge users. You can also import your bookmarks from Edge, Chrome, Firefox or a HTML file. I didn't spot a way to import saved passwords (which I guess is a good thing), but if you are using a password manager like LastPass or Dashlane then that won't matter.
Read more: How to install web extensions with Brave browser
Will you switch?
Brave browser has quickly become part of my normal workflow. I have been using it for some sites/tasks every day and the reasons for not migrating to it fully are, well, non-existent. Brave is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. I have tested it on all 5 and the experience is as consistent as any other browser across such a diverse set of platforms. Sadly there is no support for ARM processors either on Windows for ARM devices like the Surface Pro X, or for boards like the Raspberry Pi. However, that is forgivable at this stage in the browser's development.
That's it for this Brave browser review. If you want to give Brave a try, and I recommend that you do, then use the link below.
Brave is a blockchain-based browser that claims to be faster than others. They block all ads by default and have an option to block scripts too. Their promise to rewards users with a percentage of the advertising revenue for viewing ads is something unheard of.
Vivaldi is another Chromium-based browser that wants to offer more features and customization options to the users. More control over not just how the browser looks but also how it functions.
Let's see how these two browsers compare and which is more suitable for whom.
Read: Brave vs. Chrome: 4 Reasons Why I am Leaving Chrome Browser
1. Interface and Layout
Brave browser has a simple layout with a new beautiful wallpaper loaded with every new tab. You will also see time on the right and some valuable statistics on ads and trackers blocked, time saved, and HTTPS requests on the left. For the most part, the Brave browser follows the tried and tested formula with open tabs at the top and address and bookmarks bar below it. There are some handy shortcuts to settings and bookmarks at the bottom.
Vivaldi has a more vibrant UI which is much more flexible. In fact, the dev team has really reimagined the way tabs and other elements work inside the browser. For instance, there is a sidebar where you can create some quick shortcuts to different sites, take notes, view history, and so on. There are some handy shortcuts at the bottom like screenshots that we will discuss in more detail later.
Vivaldi browser has a better UI which is more flexible and offers more shortcuts than Brave browser. Plus, the ability to take notes and screenshots right inside the browser makes it very useful.
2. Customizations
The brave browser allows you to customize how a web page or a site will load and what will happen when it does. You can block specific elements and codes from loading like ads, social media buttons, and so on. But there is little to no customizations available when it comes to the UI itself.
Vivaldi browser takes things to the next level. You can re-position the tabs so they appear on either side of the browser or even at the bottom of the screen to easily keep track of all open webpages. The same goes for the address bar. The panel we saw earlier with shortcuts and notes can be placed on the right. Pretty much anything can be moved around inside Vivaldi which is pretty amazing and cool, I think.
There is a reader mode for reading articles where you can also control the font type, color, and size. Found under the same heading, Webpages in Settings, you can also choose where to save the screenshots which are again awesome.
3. Blocking Ads
In the recent 3.0 update, Vivaldi added DuckDuckGo Tracker Radar- to block third-party trackers. This is enabled by default. Moreover, Vivaldi also has a built-in adblocker but it has to enabled in the browser settings.
Is Brave Browser Good
In the recent 3.0 update, Vivaldi browser blocks both ads and trackers but it's not enabled by default.
Now, coming to the Brave browser. What it lacks in customizations, it makes up for it in blocking ads and delivering speed. Brave browser is fast, I mean really fast. I have used them all and so far, none loads pages like Brave does. Maybe that's why they like to show off numbers with every new tab. If you got it, flaunt it!
You can choose to allow ads universally or per website using the Brave icon in the address bar. Block cookies and force websites to use HTTPS (secured) everywhere. It will also prevent fingerprinting where possible. Fingerprinting is a technique that's used to detect OS, network, version, apps, and other details about the user which is then used to deliver malware or hack computers remotely.
Brave Browser Complaints
Blocking all these ads, trackers, and scripts is what makes Brave browser so fast and I am not complaining.
4. Privacy and Security
Both Brave and Vivaldi take user privacy and security seriously. As noted earlier, Brave blocks third-parties from collecting user data and selling it to the advertisers. There is another option called scripts that when enabled, will also block all javascript. I had to disable it because it can mess up the way certain sites are loaded. It's too aggressive but certain types of users will have it useful.
Moreover, there is a Private Window mode. It comes with two options. You can either use DukcDuckGo, a privacy-focused search engine that never collects data. They don't even have an advertising model in place. The second option is TOR integration where your network data is bounced around IP addresses located around the world to mask your identity and location. It depends on your use case.
Note that TOR integration with Brave is not the same as using the standalone TOR browser but still, adds a layer of security.
Also Read:14 Best DuckDuckGo Features Not Available in Google
Vivaldi has a ‘Do Not Track' option which will ask websites to not track you. However, most sites will simply ignore these requests. Infuriating, but true. While Vivaldi itself doesn't collect or sell user data as Chrome does, they do little to prevent websites and apps from doing the same. To be fair, they do employ Google DNS and offer phishing and malware protection but that's not enough.
Brave browser is more secure and privacy-focused.
5. Rewards Program
Brave browser is a blockchain-based product that is supposed to be the next big thing in the tech world right now. Here is how it works. Brave browser will block all ads by default unless you allow it manually. Advertisers will sign up for the Brave Rewards program. These advertisers can now show ads to Brave users. Users can still choose to opt-out of these ads which are currently limited to 5 per hour.
The simple answer is yes, and for me that is a huge downside. From the hobbyists who need to fund their websites or YouTube channels, to the independent websites free of corporate shackles – like Android Authority – advertising income is essential. Until now I haven't used an ad blocker because I know that good content isn't free. Everyone needs to eat. But Brave has a surprising answer to this problem – Brave Rewards.
Rather than tempting you to click on adverts, Brave anonymously calculates the amount of attention you give the sites you visit. Once a month, the Brave Rewards program will compensate the sites you've visited. You can also tip creators directly and remove any sites you don't want to support.
Brave has a surprising alternative to traditional advertising: Brave Rewards.
The twist is that the currency behind Brave Rewards isn't the US dollar, or the Euro, or even the Chinese Yuan, but a cryptocurrency called BAT (Basic Attention Token), which itself uses the Ethereum blockchain. The idea is that blockchain digital advertising can offer a decentralized, transparent digital ad exchange.
Stage one in replacing the traditional advertising model is to bring the Brave browser to the mainstream along with its built-in use of BAT. Stage two is for users, publishers, and advertisers to use BAT as the means of funding advertising and attention-based services. As the name implies, the value of the token is derived from — or denominated by — user attention, the one commodity you have to spend while using the web.
Brave Web Browser Review
BATs, Uphold, and tips
Like all crypto-currencies you need to keep your tokens in a wallet. Brave includes an anonymous wallet that is stored locally on your computer or mobile device. In a future update you will be able to sync the wallet across your devices using an online wallet service. As a side note, the syncing of bookmarks etc. is currently disabled in Brave browser because the current system is flawed. The developers are working on Sync V2, which will be compatible with Google's official sync protocol.
You can earn tokens by viewing Brave Ads. Ads presented are based on your interests, as inferred from your browsing behavior. However this time, no personal data or browsing history ever leaves your browser. When you click on an ad you earn a part of a BAT.
When you see something you like online, you can support the content's creator by sending a tip, as a thank you. Verified creators get paid their tips during the first week of each calendar month. You can also set a monthly recurring contribution.
If you want to turn traditional currency into BATs you can fund your wallet using Uphold.com. Uphold is a digital money platform with over 1 million users, covering over 50 currencies and four commodities. I am skeptical of 'digital money platforms' in general, as buying the coins/tokens is easy, however converting them back into real cash has been – in my experience – a challenge.
To test Uphold, I linked my Brave wallet to an Uphold account. I went through the verification process, which included identity checks etc, and then funded my wallet to the grand sum of £10. This was then turned into 71.785044215959870653 BAT. You need to wait 1 day before you can withdraw the money. After 24 hours, I paid my 71.785044215959870653 BAT into a Euro account. In less than 4 hours the money was in my account! So it seems that real-world to crypto to real-world exchanges work!
I lost about €1 in the process. Uphold does promise 0% trading commissions, 0% fees on credit & debit card deposits and 0% bank and crypto withdrawal fees, but I guess I lost out in the exchange rates!
Uphold is going to release a debit card linked with your account. You'll get a physical chip-and-PIN card and a virtual card to buy stuff online. It is a Mastercard, which means it will be accepted at millions of merchants and ATMs across the world. I have joined the waiting list and I am number 28,492 in the queue. Apparently I can skip the line by referring friends. The more people I refer, the earlier I get your card. So, for the sake of good consumer reporting, please consider taking a look for yourself, and then when I get the card I will be sure to make a video about it on Gary Explains.
But Chrome is a memory hog!
Even with revolutionary talk of overthrowing the advertising industry, Brave browser still needs to be a decent web browser to gain any traction. Thankfully, it is. I tested the JavaScript speed of Brave and it is faster than Chrome and Firefox but slower than Microsoft Edge. When it comes to memory use Brave uses less memory per tab than Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. These are good signs. Since it uses the same internals as Chrome and Edge the browsing experience is as expected and I couldn't detect any difference or anomalies in rendering etc.
Brave combines better privacy and safety with a browsing experience that's faster Chrome — despite being Chromium-based.
Another advantage of Brave's Chromium roots is that you get access to the Chrome Web Store. When you click on 'extensions' you get taken directly to Google's web store, not even a copy or cheap replica, but Google's actual store. That means that migrating to Brave browser is very simple for Chrome or Edge users. You can also import your bookmarks from Edge, Chrome, Firefox or a HTML file. I didn't spot a way to import saved passwords (which I guess is a good thing), but if you are using a password manager like LastPass or Dashlane then that won't matter.
Read more: How to install web extensions with Brave browser
Will you switch?
Brave browser has quickly become part of my normal workflow. I have been using it for some sites/tasks every day and the reasons for not migrating to it fully are, well, non-existent. Brave is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. I have tested it on all 5 and the experience is as consistent as any other browser across such a diverse set of platforms. Sadly there is no support for ARM processors either on Windows for ARM devices like the Surface Pro X, or for boards like the Raspberry Pi. However, that is forgivable at this stage in the browser's development.
That's it for this Brave browser review. If you want to give Brave a try, and I recommend that you do, then use the link below.
Brave is a blockchain-based browser that claims to be faster than others. They block all ads by default and have an option to block scripts too. Their promise to rewards users with a percentage of the advertising revenue for viewing ads is something unheard of.
Vivaldi is another Chromium-based browser that wants to offer more features and customization options to the users. More control over not just how the browser looks but also how it functions.
Let's see how these two browsers compare and which is more suitable for whom.
Read: Brave vs. Chrome: 4 Reasons Why I am Leaving Chrome Browser
1. Interface and Layout
Brave browser has a simple layout with a new beautiful wallpaper loaded with every new tab. You will also see time on the right and some valuable statistics on ads and trackers blocked, time saved, and HTTPS requests on the left. For the most part, the Brave browser follows the tried and tested formula with open tabs at the top and address and bookmarks bar below it. There are some handy shortcuts to settings and bookmarks at the bottom.
Vivaldi has a more vibrant UI which is much more flexible. In fact, the dev team has really reimagined the way tabs and other elements work inside the browser. For instance, there is a sidebar where you can create some quick shortcuts to different sites, take notes, view history, and so on. There are some handy shortcuts at the bottom like screenshots that we will discuss in more detail later.
Vivaldi browser has a better UI which is more flexible and offers more shortcuts than Brave browser. Plus, the ability to take notes and screenshots right inside the browser makes it very useful.
2. Customizations
The brave browser allows you to customize how a web page or a site will load and what will happen when it does. You can block specific elements and codes from loading like ads, social media buttons, and so on. But there is little to no customizations available when it comes to the UI itself.
Vivaldi browser takes things to the next level. You can re-position the tabs so they appear on either side of the browser or even at the bottom of the screen to easily keep track of all open webpages. The same goes for the address bar. The panel we saw earlier with shortcuts and notes can be placed on the right. Pretty much anything can be moved around inside Vivaldi which is pretty amazing and cool, I think.
There is a reader mode for reading articles where you can also control the font type, color, and size. Found under the same heading, Webpages in Settings, you can also choose where to save the screenshots which are again awesome.
3. Blocking Ads
In the recent 3.0 update, Vivaldi added DuckDuckGo Tracker Radar- to block third-party trackers. This is enabled by default. Moreover, Vivaldi also has a built-in adblocker but it has to enabled in the browser settings.
Is Brave Browser Good
In the recent 3.0 update, Vivaldi browser blocks both ads and trackers but it's not enabled by default.
Now, coming to the Brave browser. What it lacks in customizations, it makes up for it in blocking ads and delivering speed. Brave browser is fast, I mean really fast. I have used them all and so far, none loads pages like Brave does. Maybe that's why they like to show off numbers with every new tab. If you got it, flaunt it!
You can choose to allow ads universally or per website using the Brave icon in the address bar. Block cookies and force websites to use HTTPS (secured) everywhere. It will also prevent fingerprinting where possible. Fingerprinting is a technique that's used to detect OS, network, version, apps, and other details about the user which is then used to deliver malware or hack computers remotely.
Brave Browser Complaints
Blocking all these ads, trackers, and scripts is what makes Brave browser so fast and I am not complaining.
4. Privacy and Security
Both Brave and Vivaldi take user privacy and security seriously. As noted earlier, Brave blocks third-parties from collecting user data and selling it to the advertisers. There is another option called scripts that when enabled, will also block all javascript. I had to disable it because it can mess up the way certain sites are loaded. It's too aggressive but certain types of users will have it useful.
Moreover, there is a Private Window mode. It comes with two options. You can either use DukcDuckGo, a privacy-focused search engine that never collects data. They don't even have an advertising model in place. The second option is TOR integration where your network data is bounced around IP addresses located around the world to mask your identity and location. It depends on your use case.
Note that TOR integration with Brave is not the same as using the standalone TOR browser but still, adds a layer of security.
Also Read:14 Best DuckDuckGo Features Not Available in Google
Vivaldi has a ‘Do Not Track' option which will ask websites to not track you. However, most sites will simply ignore these requests. Infuriating, but true. While Vivaldi itself doesn't collect or sell user data as Chrome does, they do little to prevent websites and apps from doing the same. To be fair, they do employ Google DNS and offer phishing and malware protection but that's not enough.
Brave browser is more secure and privacy-focused.
5. Rewards Program
Brave browser is a blockchain-based product that is supposed to be the next big thing in the tech world right now. Here is how it works. Brave browser will block all ads by default unless you allow it manually. Advertisers will sign up for the Brave Rewards program. These advertisers can now show ads to Brave users. Users can still choose to opt-out of these ads which are currently limited to 5 per hour.
The revenue is split between the users, Brave team, and contributors. Contributors are content creators whom users may choose to tip for the effort, time, and resources they put in creating that content. Again, tipping can be set to be automatic or disabled altogether. Powering all of this is blockchain and their native token is BAT (Basic Attention Token). A novel concept that makes it worthwhile to see ads, if you want to.
Right now, Brave is the only browser working on this unique and revolutionary model and has received funding from some notable tech figures like Peter Thiel (an early investor in Facebook and co-founder of PayPal). Brave Rewards program is currently available in a few countries though.
6. Platform
Vivaldi had mobile apps in Beta for months and finally, it's available for everyone. Similar to the desktop app, it's a highly skinned version of Chromium. On the other hand, the Brave browser mobile app was available for a long time. All in all, both the browsers are available on a bunch of platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
The major difference between Vivaldi and Brave mobile apps is cross-platform sync.
The only striking difference between Brave and Vivaldi is cross-platform data sync. As of now, Brave can only sync bookmarks between devices. Whereas Vivaldi can sync data, history, opened tabs, etc between all your signed devices. And it's end-to-end encrypted as well!
Brave vs. Vivaldi
Download Brave Browser
Here is the low down. Brave browser is better if you need something that is fast, secure, and more private. It also has a revenue program that looks promising, right now. Vivaldi browser is extremely flexible and customizable but lags a bit on the privacy front.
Between the two of these, I would go for a privacy-centric browser over a handful of features that are useful but I can do without any day. Some of my friends are using both. Vivaldi for casual browsing and Brave for when they are up to something!
Also Read: Opera vs. Vivaldi: Which Is a More Private and Feature Rich
