Private browsing without compromise
Brave Software, Inc. · Browsers & Internet
Rating
4.8
627K · App Store
Trust
8/9
checks passed · Jul 17, 2026
Platforms
2
macOS, Windows, Linux +2
Chart
#2
Browsers & Internet
Independently checked by Altapp where possible; developer-reported data is labeled as such. Last full review: Jul 17, 2026.
Brave ships signed builds and publishes verifiable checksums alongside its open source code.
Independent static analysis finds no third-party trackers in the app itself.
Brave inherits Chromium's attack surface but patches it quickly and transparently.
Verification reflects the version listed above. Practices may change between releases. How we verify ›
Our verdict: the most practical privacy browser today — Chrome-grade compatibility with tracker and ad blocking that works out of the box.
Brave is a Chromium-based browser built by Brave Software in San Francisco, co-founded by JavaScript creator Brendan Eich. Its defining feature is Shields: a built-in blocker for ads, cross-site trackers, and fingerprinting that requires no extensions and no configuration. Because it shares its engine with Chrome, virtually every website and extension works unchanged — you give up nothing in compatibility to gain privacy by default.
The browser itself is free and open source under the Mozilla Public License, with the full source published on GitHub. Optional paid add-ons — a firewall/VPN and the Leo AI assistant — are strictly opt-in subscriptions, and the ad-supported Brave Rewards program is off unless you enable it. Releases track upstream Chromium closely, so Chrome's security patches arrive in Brave on a fast, regular cadence.
Independent open-source web browser
Choose Firefox if
You want a browser fully independent of Google's Chromium engine, backed by Mozilla.
Privacy-hardened independent Firefox fork
Choose LibreWolf if
You want maximum out-of-the-box hardening and telemetry stripped entirely, and accept some site breakage.
Yes — the pricing listed at our last review is “Free · optional VPN $9.99/mo”.
Altapp's independent Trust Report (last full review Jul 17, 2026) shows 8/9 checks passed, covering source verification, data & permissions, and known risks. Verification reflects the version listed on this page.
macOS 12+ · Windows 10+ · Linux · iOS 18+ · Android.
Firefox, LibreWolf — each with its own verified Trust Report on Altapp. See the full list ›
Developers: get the Altapp Verified badge ›