Brave Browser
FreePrivacy-focused Chromium browser that blocks ads and trackers by default, with optional VPN and rewards features.
About Brave Browser
Brave is a Chromium-based browser from Brave Software that blocks ads, third-party trackers and many fingerprinting techniques by default through its built-in Shields. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS, and works with extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
Beyond blocking, Brave bundles a private search engine, an optional VPN, a built-in crypto wallet and an optional rewards programme that shows privacy-respecting ads in exchange for tokens. These extras are optional and can be turned off. Many people use it for faster page loads and a cleaner web without installing separate blockers.
Brave suits users who want Chrome-like compatibility with stronger privacy defaults out of the box. The browser itself is free and its source code is published under the MPL-2.0 licence. The VPN is a paid add-on, and the Google Play listing notes both in-app purchases and ads. Some people dislike the bundled crypto and rewards features, though they are easy to hide from the interface.
Turn off the Rewards, Wallet and News toolbar items in settings if you only want the blocker. Check any site that breaks and lower Shields for it.
Version history
2 releases tracked- iOS: UI enhancements
- Stability improvements and security updates
- Windows: Reverted farbling for schemes with inherited origin
- Fixed private-window omnibox calculation crash
- Upgraded Chromium to 154.0.8037.98
Frequently asked
Is Brave free?
Yes. The browser is free, while the VPN is an optional paid add-on.
Do I need an account?
No. Brave works without signing in.
Is it open source?
Yes. The browser source code is available under the MPL-2.0 licence.
Where does the download link go?
Directly to brave.com or the official app store for your platform. PlanetSofts never rehosts installers or adds wrappers, and these links were last verified Oct 6, 2026.