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Cybersecurity · head to head

Brave Browser vs Tampermonkey

Brave Browser logo

Brave Browser

Cybersecurity

Secure, fast & private web browser with adblocker

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Tampermonkey logo

Tampermonkey

Browser Extensions

The most popular userscript manager

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Brave Browser brave Firewall + VPN features require paid subscription; Tampermonkey only source code up to version 2.9 is GPLv3; all newer versions are distributed under a proprietary license despite the extension itself being free to use
  • They diverge on capability: Brave Browser covers Built-in ad blocker, Tampermonkey covers Userscript management.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Brave Browser and Tampermonkey actually diverge.

Attributes where Brave Browser and Tampermonkey differ
AttributeBrave BrowserTampermonkey
Pricing modelfreemiumopen-source
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOSWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
CategoryCybersecurityBrowser Extensions
Founded20152010

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 Tampermonkey

  • Userscript management
  • Script editor
  • Auto-update
  • Cloud sync
  • Chrome support
  • Firefox support
  • Edge support
  • Safari support

What people use each for

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

Brave Browser

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

Tampermonkey

  • Auto-run custom JavaScript to add features to specific websitesnot Brave Browser
  • Block ads, remove clutter, or reformat page layout via community/personal userscriptsnot Brave Browser
  • Run scripts sourced from Greasy Fork or similar userscript repositoriesnot Brave Browser
  • Automate repetitive web tasks such as form-filling or redirect skipping via installed scriptsnot 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

Tampermonkey

  • Only source code up to version 2.9 is GPLv3; all newer versions are distributed under a proprietary license despite the extension itself being free to use
  • Under Manifest V3, GM_webRequest is not (yet) supported
  • Under Manifest V3, GM_xmlhttpRequest fires only one progress event instead of streaming progress, requiring a responseType: 'stream' workaround
  • Since v5.3.2, Chrome/Edge (MV3) requires the user to manually enable Developer Mode, or from Chrome 138+ a per-extension 'Allow User Scripts' toggle, before any userscript will run

Pricing, plan by plan

Brave Browser

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Brave Browser review.

Tampermonkey

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Tampermonkey 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 Tampermonkey if

  • You need userscript management.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android.
  • You also want script editor.
Tampermonkey review

Questions people ask

Is Brave Browser or Tampermonkey better?
Neither clearly leads. Brave Browser starts at Free and Tampermonkey at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Brave Browser or Tampermonkey?
Brave Browser starts at Free and Tampermonkey at Free.
Does Brave Browser or Tampermonkey run on more platforms?
Brave Browser runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS. Tampermonkey runs on Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, 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 Tampermonkey is typically brought in for.
What can Brave Browser do that Tampermonkey cannot?
Brave Browser covers Built-in ad blocker, Tracker blocking, Cryptocurrency wallet, Brave Rewards (BAT). Tampermonkey covers Userscript management, Script editor, Auto-update, Cloud sync.

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
Tampermonkey: How much does Tampermonkey cost?

Tampermonkey is completely free for all versions and across all supported browsers including Chrome, Edge, Safari, Opera, and Firefox.

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
Tampermonkey: Is Tampermonkey available on all browsers?

Yes, Tampermonkey is available on Chrome 120 and later, Microsoft Edge, Safari, Opera Next, and Firefox with no cost.

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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