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Cybersecurity · head to head

Brave Browser vs Google Chrome

Brave Browser logo

Brave Browser

Cybersecurity

Secure, fast & private web browser with adblocker

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Google Chrome logo

Google Chrome

Technology

Fast, secure browser built for the modern web

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Brave Browser brave Firewall + VPN features require paid subscription; Google Chrome multiple critical security vulnerabilities requiring frequent updates; 151 security flaws patched in Chrome 151 including 22 critical severities
  • They diverge on capability: Brave Browser covers Built-in ad blocker, Google Chrome covers Fast page loading.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Brave Browser and Google Chrome actually diverge.

Attributes where Brave Browser and Google Chrome differ
AttributeBrave BrowserGoogle Chrome
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOSWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
CategoryCybersecurityTechnology
Founded20152008

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Brave Browser

  • Built-in ad blocker
  • Tracker blocking
  • Cryptocurrency wallet
  • Brave Rewards (BAT)
  • Tor private browsing
  • HTTPS everywhere
  • Script blocking
  • Fingerprinting protection

Only in Google Chrome

  • Fast page loading
  • Extensive extension library
  • Cross-device sync
  • Built-in security
  • Developer tools
  • Incognito mode
  • Password manager
  • Auto-updates

Both cover

  • HTTPS enforcement
  • Desktop deployment

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Brave Browser

  • Private web browsing with ad blockingnot Google Chrome
  • Encrypted search via Brave Searchnot Google Chrome
  • Privacy-focused web navigation without trackingnot Google Chrome
  • AI-powered answers via Ask Bravenot Google Chrome

Google Chrome

  • Web browsingnot Brave Browser
  • Web developmentnot Brave Browser
  • Online researchnot Brave Browser
  • Work applicationsnot Brave Browser
  • Entertainmentnot Brave Browser
  • Educationnot Brave Browser

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Brave Browser

  • Brave Firewall + VPN features require paid subscription
  • Brave Talk Premium is subscription-based, not included in free tier
  • Brave Rewards programme is optional and requires user participation

Google Chrome

  • Multiple critical security vulnerabilities requiring frequent updates; 151 security flaws patched in Chrome 151 including 22 critical severities
  • Frequent arbitrary code execution vulnerabilities allow remote attackers to execute code inside sandbox via crafted HTML pages
  • Known use-after-free and integer overflow issues in V8 JavaScript engine and Codecs

Pricing, plan by plan

Brave Browser

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Brave Browser review.

Google Chrome

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Google Chrome review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Brave Browser if

  • You need built-in ad blocker.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.
  • You also want tracker blocking.
Brave Browser review

Choose Google Chrome if

  • You need fast page loading.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
  • You also want extensive extension library.
Google Chrome review

Questions people ask

Is Brave Browser or Google Chrome better?
Neither clearly leads. Brave Browser starts at Free and Google Chrome at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Brave Browser or Google Chrome?
Brave Browser starts at Free and Google Chrome at Free.
Does Brave Browser or Google Chrome run on more platforms?
Brave Browser runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS. Google Chrome runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
Can I use Brave Browser for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Brave Browser best used for?
Brave Browser is most often used for private web browsing with ad blocking, encrypted search via brave search, privacy-focused web navigation without tracking, ai-powered answers via ask brave. Of those, private web browsing with ad blocking and encrypted search via brave search are not what Google Chrome is typically brought in for.
What can Brave Browser do that Google Chrome cannot?
Brave Browser covers Built-in ad blocker, Tracker blocking, Cryptocurrency wallet, Brave Rewards (BAT). Google Chrome covers Fast page loading, Extensive extension library, Cross-device sync, Built-in security. Both handle HTTPS enforcement, Desktop deployment.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Brave Browser: Is Brave Browser completely free?

Yes. The Brave Browser itself is completely free for desktop, Android, and iOS. All core features including ad blocking, privacy protections, and tracker blocking are included at no cost.

Source
Google Chrome: Does Google Chrome have offline browsing capabilities?

Chrome can display cached versions of previously visited web pages offline. Chrome removed the experimental offline mode flag, but can automatically load cached pages when offline for sites you have visited before.

Source
Brave Browser: Does Brave offer any paid features?

Yes. Brave offers subscription-based features including Brave Firewall + VPN (protecting every app on your entire device across up to 5 devices) and Brave Talk Premium, though specific pricing is not listed on the main page.

Source
Google Chrome: Is Google Chrome free to use?

Yes. Google Chrome is completely free to download and use. There are no paid tiers or subscription requirements for standard browsing.

Source
Brave Browser: Can I earn money using Brave?

Yes. Brave Rewards is an optional program that allows users to earn BAT tokens by viewing privacy-protecting ads. Tokens earned can be stored securely in Brave Wallet.

Source
Brave Browser: Can I use Brave Search without a subscription?

Yes. Brave Search is free at search.brave.com and does not require a subscription.

Source
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