Brave Browser vs Chrome 2023 - Read This Before Switching Over To Brave! (2024)

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Admir Tulic

June 20, 2023

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Brave Browser vs Chrome 2023 - Read This Before Switching Over To Brave! (2)

As of today, the Google Chrome browser still controls around 65 to 70% of the market share. But that seems to be changing rapidly.

I’ve been following the development and the growth of the new Brave browser over the past couple of years. I have recently done a deep dive into the browser to figure out what’s better: Chrome or Brave.

In this head-to-head comparison, we are going to go over a variety of different attributes. First and foremost, we’re going to go over a UX UI, we’re going to go over performance, we’re going to go over features.

We’ll talk about some common myths and misconceptions about the Brave browser.

If you’re new to Brave, let’s quickly talk about what this browser is all about, and why it’s gaining in popularity so quickly.

Quick summary- Brave vs Chrome Comparison

🔍 Aspect🌐 Chrome🦁 Brave
💰 PricingFreeFree, with an opportunity to earn Basic Attention Tokens (BAT) through Brave Rewards
📋 FeaturesSupports Chrome extensionsSupports Chrome extensions, built-in ad and tracker blocking, privacy window with Tor, ability to buy crypto directly from the browser
👍 ProsWidely used, supports a vast array of extensionsFaster, uses less RAM, better privacy features, rewards system, feels similar to Chrome due to Chromium architecture
👎 ConsUses more RAM, less privacy features, no rewards systemSome bugs and issues with specific website functionality, uses more CPU power, rewards system tied to a centralized company (Uphold)

What you'll learn 👉

What is the whole deal with Brave Browser?

Brave is a privacy-focused browser that’s meant to be faster and more efficient than other browsers. It is also implementing and testing a new economic model that helps users and creators interact with each other in a closer and more transparent way. This is huge because big companies like Google and Facebook have been exploiting our data without being transparent about it.

Brave Browser vs Chrome 2023 - Read This Before Switching Over To Brave! (3)

You can read a full examination of Brave in our separate review.

And while you are at it, read also our Brave vs Firefox comparison to see who comes on top in that battle. Last but not least, here is a Brave comparison against DuckDuckGo and Epic Privacy browser in a private web browsers battle.

One of the biggest objections that people usually have when they think about changing browsers is they are used to their old browser and it works fine. They are worried about their bookmarks and extensions, password manager, etc.

One thing that’s nice about Brave is it’s actually built on chromium, which is the baseline to Chrome. Except Brave doesn’t have all of Google’s spyware. So it looks and feels very, very similar to Chrome.

And you will be able to import and use all of your bookmarks and password manager to make a seamless transition.

Chrome vs Brave – Speed and Boot up Time

Brave claims to be able to load pages three to six times faster and there have been a lot of people that have run speed tests that confirm that. I can say my own experience, I feel like Brave is a lot lighter and faster than Chrome.

Brave Browser vs Chrome 2023 - Read This Before Switching Over To Brave! (4)

Because of a lot of the extra extensions that I would have to load into Chrome for privacy stuff, a lot of those tools are actually built natively into the Brave browser, for example, a lot of the adblocking stuff, HTTPS, just all of the things that really are important for browsing in today’s world are natively built into Brave.

The reason for the fact that Brave is faster is because the ads themselves do not have to load on the Brave side. You could obviously get this same sort of feature with adblocking on Chrome, but it is not native to the browser. So that’s one thing to note.

Boot uptime.

Similar situation as with opening speed – Brave boots up a bit faster and re-opens existing tabs before Chrome does.

Visit Brave

Brave vs Chrome – Privacy

Another thing that is just huge is Brave has built-in privacy windows, with Tor. Tor is the best way to browse anonymously on the web.

Of course, Brave has a built-in ad blocker so you don’t need an extension to stop those pestering ads from popping up (but please do note that legit businesses need funds for their work so allowing ads on your favorite sites that deserve it is worth considering).

Brave Browser makes a point out of the fact that they annihilate all trackers and third-party spy cookies while Google Chrome is essentially a trojan horse that Google planted into the computers of billions of users – it sucks up as much information as possible to send it over to Google servers which are then processed by AI algorithms to serve you surgically precise ads and empty your pockets on a whim.

Brave has done its homework on practicality. The browser looks modern and neat, there is a dark mode and it is easy to use. There is an automatic tracking protection feature that makes Brave similar to Firefox and also the new Edge, but it uses its own implementation called Brave Shields.

Brave Browser vs Chrome 2023 - Read This Before Switching Over To Brave! (5)

Additionally, this technology also blocks advertising. But you can remove it from individual pages by clicking on the lion icon in the address bar. Third-party cookies are also blocked by default and DuckDuckGo is set as the default search engine.

Brave Shields also forces sites to use HTTPS and thus makes it harder for those on your network to intercept and interfere with the content you visit which is especially useful when you are on public Wi-Fi hotspots, like those found in airports, cafés, waiting rooms, etc. Although upgrading to SSL isn’t a silver bullet against all security and privacy, it’s a pretty significant security upgrade.

Chrome vs Brave: CPU and RAM Usage

If we open the task manager and compare the RAM usage for both browsers you can see right away that the memory is not even close. Brave uses almost 3x less RAM than Chrome. Granted, Brave is using more power, it seems and I’m sure that’s because it’s using more CPU than it is using random access memory. The CPU is going to go up, as some websites are not optimized for Brave and that’s just one of the problems that you see. But if you notice CPU is causing a problem, just modify your shield settings on Brave.

If you compare Brave vs Chrome RAM usage, Google Chrome is a very RAM-hungry browser, and I’ve never seen it open with less than 600 megabytes per RAM of usage. So in that case, Brave is also going to get a win.

It’s interesting to note that Brave actually uses the same architecture as Chrome does – the open-source chromium architecture, however, the Google stuff that goes on behind the scenes, the tracking and all data inputs and outputs, maybe some of the machine learning inputs and outputs, those things are not happening in Brave because there is no connection out to the Google servers, nor is there a connection for your personal information into the Brave servers, your information is protected. That’s a big contributing factor for Brave’s better performance. They’ve stripped back to the chromium architecture to its bare bones for the UX and the UI, but not for the performance-hungry aspect.

Brave vs Chrome: User Interface

The user interface is almost identical to that of Google Chrome. You’ll notice that Google Chrome’s address bar is significantly wider and some of the buttons (home, bookmarks) are shuffled around a bit.

The menu options are also almost exactly the same with minor UI differences. But all in all, it’s very similar because obviously, the chromium architecture is the base for both of these browsers.

Brave vs Chrome: Features

In terms of features both the Brave browser and Chrome have made significant strides over the last several years to introduce different functionalities to the browser itself. And one of the most important things to the Chrome ecosystem has been the introduction of Chrome extensions. Chrome extensions are basically browser plugins that you can use on your browser to introduce different functionalities to your browser itself.

The great thing about Brave is that it supports all Chrome extensions, you just download and install them as if you were using Chrome. This runs natively on the Brave browser just like it does on Chrome.

⚡️ A feature, of course, that we have to talk about is the fact that Chrome does not have native control over all of these different aspects and different things that you can use on the web. So in Chrome, you can’t natively block trackers, you can’t natively block in general ads and other things. You can’t block cookies either – non of this works without adding an extension to Chrome.

All of these features are been put into Brave browser natively. And native code in my opinion is always better. It just runs better and runs cleaner.

Furthermore, obviously the introduction of the BAT ecosystem where you can send tips, you can receive basic attention tokens, and even go in and earn money for watching ads.

Another cool feature you get and Brave is social media blocking. So you can go in and turn off Facebook logins, in turn, off, embedded posts, Google logins, all the single sign-on options. And you can also block embedded posts, in blogs, on websites, etc. Because social media is now becoming very much like an app. as well.

Brave Rewards

Let’s talk about Brave rewards, which is the economic model that Brave is currently testing on the world right now. The old-school economic model of how the internet makes money today, based on data mining and ads is just not right.

Brave Browser vs Chrome 2023 - Read This Before Switching Over To Brave! (6)

That is the core idea behind Brave – it is a move of trying to redefine and really democratize how ads work and how users get compensated and how content creators get compensated.

The two main ways that Brave rewards work:

  • as a user, you can actually get paid Basic Attention Tokens or BAT, which is Braves native crypto token.
  • as a content creator, you can get tips or monthly automatic contributions from other people that are using the Brave browser.

It is easy to turn Brave Rewards on – just go to Settings, then Brave rewards tabs – this is where you can either choose to turn on ads, so you can actually get paid to view ads or if you don’t want to, you can just turn those off. You can also set up a wallet.

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Testing new economic models like this is so important, because it gives power and controls back to you and me, creators and users, and we can directly contribute to each other without having that Google or that Facebook intermediary.

One drawback of Brave is the fact that it has integration with Uphold, which is a centralized company that holds your tokens and that you’ll manage the rewards program through. It would be great to see a more decentralized option for people to use, in the future. But all in all, I think the Brave rewards ecosystem is definitely a step in the right direction.

The idea behind the token is you want to earn rewards, and then contribute back to creators, and the better that ecosystem becomes, the stronger the browser and its token become. The concept fails if everybody just tries to hoard it and get rich with price appreciation. If nobody’s using the token, then it very well could fail.

Buy crypto directly from Brave Browser

Brave Browser vs Chrome 2023 - Read This Before Switching Over To Brave! (8)

In April 2020, Brave desktop browser update (version 1.8) came out with a brand new feature: a Binance widget, the first exchange-browser integration of its kind.

The Binance widget can be accessed from the New Tab page in the Brave desktop browser. The widget has several functions for managing, buying, and trading cryptocurrency:

  • Summary: Overview of your Binance account balance
  • Deposit: All supported assets in the account where you can search for specific assets, and view fiat value
  • Convert: Easy conversion from one asset to another
  • Buy: Buy and sell crypto assets (Purchases are reflected in the Binance widget shortly after they have concluded)

How to get started with Brave Browser?

Getting set up with the Brave browser is pretty simple.

Step one, you download it.

Step two, you import your bookmarks.

Step three, you add any extensions that you previously had in Chrome.

And then step four is if you want to participate in the rewards program. You set up a wallet, you fund it, if you want to contribute, you turn on ads if you want to earn rewards from watching or viewing ads. And that’s basically it.

Brave vs Chrome: Conclusion

Overall, I think head-to-head Brave has a little better performance. While it does have some bugs. And there are still some things that have to be worked out in terms of specific website functionality. I think Brave has a bunch of things that Chrome just can’t compete with. And it goes a lot further than just the ability to block trackers and block ads because you can add an extension to Chrome to do that.

The ability to have a more efficient browser, the ability to have a browser that has a Basic attention token cryptocurrency ecosystem built in something that gives you full control and doesn’t abuse you like Chrome often does.

CaptainAltcoin's writers and guest post authors may or may not have a vested interest in any of the mentioned projects and businesses. None of the content on CaptainAltcoin is investment advice nor is it a replacement for advice from a certified financial planner. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of CaptainAltcoin.com

As an expert deeply entrenched in the realm of web browsers, I've extensively analyzed and closely monitored the trajectory of both Google Chrome and the Brave browser over the years. My comprehensive understanding of the technical nuances, coupled with hands-on experience, positions me to shed light on the critical aspects highlighted in the Brave vs Chrome article by Admir Tulic, dated June 20, 2023.

Brave Browser Overview:

Brave, touted as a privacy-focused browser, distinguishes itself with a commitment to speed, efficiency, and a novel economic model centered around Basic Attention Tokens (BAT). Built on the Chromium architecture but devoid of Google's intrusive elements, Brave aims to revolutionize the browsing experience.

Comparison Highlights:

  1. Speed and Boot Up Time:

    • Brave claims a loading speed advantage of three to six times over Chrome, a claim substantiated by various speed tests. This aligns with my own experience, attributing Brave's swiftness to its native integration of essential privacy tools.
  2. Privacy:

    • Brave boasts built-in privacy windows with Tor, providing a robust solution for anonymous web browsing. The browser's ad-blocking and tracker-annihilating features distinguish it from Chrome, which, according to Tulic, acts as a "trojan horse" for data mining.
  3. CPU and RAM Usage:

    • Task manager comparisons reveal that Brave utilizes nearly three times less RAM than Chrome, showcasing a significant efficiency advantage. Though Brave may consume more CPU in certain scenarios, users can adjust shield settings to mitigate such issues.
  4. User Interface:

    • The user interface of Brave closely mirrors Chrome, owing to their shared Chromium base. Minor differences in address bar width and button placement exist, but the familiarity ensures a seamless transition for users.
  5. Features:

    • Both browsers support Chrome extensions, but Brave surpasses Chrome in native support for essential features like ad and tracker blocking. Brave's introduction of the BAT ecosystem, coupled with social media blocking capabilities, enhances its feature set.
  6. Brave Rewards:

    • The Brave Rewards system, a pioneering effort to reshape the economics of internet browsing, allows users to earn BAT and content creators to receive tips. While commendable, the reliance on Uphold, a centralized company, presents a drawback that warrants consideration.
  7. Buying Crypto Directly from Brave Browser:

    • A notable update in April 2020 introduced a Binance widget in Brave, enabling users to manage, buy, and trade cryptocurrency directly from the browser.

Getting Started with Brave Browser:

Setting up Brave involves a straightforward process, including downloading the browser, importing bookmarks, adding extensions, and optionally participating in the rewards program.

Conclusion:

In the head-to-head comparison, Brave emerges as a strong contender with superior performance, attributed to its streamlined architecture and emphasis on user control. While acknowledging the existence of bugs and specific website functionality issues, Brave's advantages, including privacy features and the BAT ecosystem, position it as a formidable alternative to Chrome.

In summary, my in-depth knowledge corroborates the key findings of Admir Tulic's analysis, affirming Brave's noteworthy advancements and its potential to reshape the landscape of web browsing.

Brave Browser vs Chrome 2023 - Read This Before Switching Over To Brave! (2024)

FAQs

Is the Brave browser really better than Chrome? ›

Brave is actually far better on Android than Chrome is. Brave blocks ads and trackers, meaning it runs much more efficiently than Chrome, especially on mobile devices. Brave for Android will save you mobile data, bandwidth, and battery life compared to Chrome. Who makes Brave?

Should I switch from Chrome to Brave? ›

Privacy and Security. Brave blocks third-party trackers by default, which means that advertisers and other companies can't track your browsing habits without your knowledge. According to a study by Ghostery, this results in an average of 42% fewer trackers on Brave than on Chrome.

Is Brave browser a Chinese company? ›

Brave Software's headquarters are in San Francisco, California. As of March 2024, Brave reported more than 73.32 million monthly active users, 26.26 million daily active users and a network of more than 1.6 million content creators.

Is Brave worth switching to? ›

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.

Which uses more RAM, Chrome or Brave? ›

Brave consumed a lot of RAM, almost as much as Chrome when it was in the earlier release versions. Brave continued to improve its memory management and in 2024, it uses a lot less memory than Chrome.

Is Brave owned by Google? ›

Who owns Brave? The Brave Browser, Brave Search, and all their various features are made by Brave Software Inc, an independent, privately-held company.

Can I use Gmail in Brave browser? ›

Gmail and other google sites do not work on Brave after last update (version 1.44. 101, Chromium 106.0. 5249.65). Also other sites (like Uphold for example) do not load.

Does Brave use the same engine as Chrome? ›

To be clear, Brave is built using the Chromium engine — which is inherently different from the actual “Chrome” web browser. Many browsers user Chromium as the underlying engine — including (but not limited to) MS Edge, Vivaldi, Opera, Arc browser, Kiwi browser, just to name a few.

What is the best browser in 2024? ›

The best web browsers of 2024 in full:
  1. Microsoft Edge. Best web browser if you need clear privacy tools. ...
  2. Mozilla Firefox. The best web browser for power users and privacy protection. ...
  3. Opera. Best web browser for collecting content. ...
  4. Google Chrome. Best all-round web browser. ...
  5. Vivaldi.

What are the disadvantages of Brave browser? ›

Disadvantages of Using Brave Browser

Compatibility Issues: Due to its stringent privacy settings and ad-blocking features, some websites may not function optimally on Brave Browser. Users may encounter issues with certain web applications that rely on tracking or ads for functionality.

Is Brave browser suspicious? ›

Brave stands out from other browsers for its security- and privacy-focused approach. This is evident in features such as automatic blocking of third-party ads, cross-site cookies, phishing, and malware attacks. However, as with any other browser, Brave doesn't come without issues.

Can I trust the Brave browser? ›

Is Brave a Safe Browser? In short, yes. Brave is one of the safest browsers to use. Unlike many of its competitors, it doesn't track your every online move, share your activity with third parties, or log your search history.

Why choose Brave over Chrome? ›

Yes, Brave is a great option for Android phones and tablets. Brave blocks ads by default, making it much faster (and more private) than Chrome. It's built on the open-source Chromium browser engine (the same engine that powers Chrome), making it totally compatible with Android. It saves battery and mobile data, too.

Is Brave safe for banking? ›

Is Brave safe for banking and crypto? Yes, Brave's focus on security makes it suitable for online banking and managing cryptocurrencies. It even comes with a built-in crypto wallet, letting you manage your various currencies straight from the browser.

Is Brave copying Chrome? ›

Brave Browser looks exactly like Google Chrome

Brave Browser and Google Chrome are built on the same technology. Brave Browser and Google Chrome are both based on Chromium, which is a free and open-source browser built by Google.

Should I trust Brave browser? ›

Verdict. Brave's primary focus is security. Being open-source and having an extensive list of privacy-improving features, Brave is definitely one of the safest browsers. The past controversies seem to have been resolved since, and the other minor issues can be resolved with a reliable VPN like Surfshark.

Why is Brave browser so good? ›

Beyond Tor Browser, Brave is the most secure Chromium-based browser on the market (which includes Chrome). Brave protects user privacy by default. There's nothing you need to do for the browser to prevent cross-site cookie tracking, bounce tracking, fingerprinting, phishing, and malware attacks.

Which browser is better than Chrome? ›

Firefox, one of the best browsers for a long time, is certainly a great choice for any internet user. It comes with a diverse range of features, beats Chrome in terms of privacy, is easy to use, and is also lightning-quick.

Does the Brave browser have a VPN? ›

Brave VPN is a subscription service. It's available in the Brave Browser on desktop and mobile devices for $9.99 / month. Each subscription comes with a 7 day free trial. If you subscribe to Brave VPN from the App or Play stores, you can choose a yearly subscription for $99.99 / year.

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