Shields
Shields are the core feature that sets Brave apart from other browsers. Shields offer default, built-in protection, blocking ads, trackers, fingerprinting, cookies, and more. You can easily customize your Shields settings, or enjoy out-of-the-box protection.
Adjust Shields settings at brave://settings/shields
Brave Search
The fastest growing search engine since Bing, built on a fully independent index of the Web. Private and user-first, Brave Search doesn’t track you, your queries, or your clicks.
Rewards / BAT
Opt in to earn BAT rewards for viewing privacy-preserving ads in Brave. Use BAT to support creators, or redeem for gift cards, crypto, and more.
Learn more about Brave Rewards
Start earning now at brave://rewards/
Wallet
A self-custody crypto wallet—and passport to Web3—built with the security of Brave. Browser-native, no extensions required.
Create your wallet account at brave://wallet/
Firewall + VPN
Protect every app, on every device, even outside the Brave browser. Available across desktop, Android, and iOS.
Learn more about Brave Firewall + VPN
To get started, click “VPN” in the address bar (desktop) or tap Settings > VPN (mobile)
Talk
Unlimited, private video calls built right into your browser—no extra downloads, no tracking.
News
A home page news feed that’s customizable, private, and free from tracking.
To get started, open a new tab in Brave and scroll/swipe up
Playlist
Make playlists of the content you love, right in your browser. Playback anytime, anywhere—even offline.
On iOS, just visit a video/audio webpage and tap
And so much more
Extra privacy & security
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Private Tor windows
Brave’s Tor integration makes it easy to proxy your IP address.
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Fingerprint randomization
Brave makes you look different to every site, each time you visit.
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Cookie consent blocking
Brave hides or blocks cookie consent notices while you browse.
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Mobile Privacy Hub
Get a firsthand look at the ads and trackers blocked by Shields.
Customize your browsing experience
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Sidebar
Easy access to your favorite sites, reading list, bookmarks, and other Brave features.
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Sync
Encrypt and sync your Brave bookmarks, passwords, tabs, and more across devices.
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Vertical tabs
An efficient way to organize your tabs (plus pinning, grouping, and other tools).
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Extensions
Brave is compatible with extensions (even those that rely on MV2) in the Chrome Web Store.
Accessibility & functionality tools
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Speedreader
Declutter pages for focused reading, faster loading, and less data usage.
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Wayback Machine integration
Brave prompts you to find archived versions of 404’d webpages.
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IPFS integration
Brave natively resolves IPFS URIs directly in the browser.
Brave also does everything else you’d expect a modern browser to do—like autofill, store your passwords securely in its built-in password manager, and make it easy to switch from your current browser with its import tools.
Learn more about all the great things the Brave browser does.
I'm a seasoned tech enthusiast with extensive knowledge in web browsers, privacy-focused tools, and emerging technologies. Having closely followed the developments in the digital landscape, I can confidently share insights into the core features that set Brave apart from other browsers.
Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Shields:
- Shields are the cornerstone of Brave's distinctiveness, providing default, built-in protection.
- They block ads, trackers, fingerprinting, cookies, and more.
- Customizable Shields settings allow users to tailor their protection or enjoy out-of-the-box security.
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Brave Search:
- Brave Search is highlighted as the fastest-growing search engine, independent of other major search engines like Bing.
- It ensures privacy by not tracking user queries or clicks.
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Brave Rewards / BAT (Basic Attention Token):
- Users can opt-in to earn BAT rewards for viewing privacy-preserving ads within Brave.
- BAT can be used to support content creators or redeemed for gift cards and cryptocurrencies.
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Brave Wallet:
- Brave Wallet is a self-custody crypto wallet and a gateway to Web3.
- Browser-native and requires no extensions for added security.
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Firewall + VPN:
- Offers protection for every app on every device, extending beyond the Brave browser.
- Available on desktop, Android, and iOS.
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Brave Talk:
- Unlimited, private video calls built into the browser with no additional downloads or tracking.
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Brave News:
- A customizable, private, and tracking-free news feed accessible from the browser's new tab.
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Playlist:
- Allows users to create playlists of favorite content directly within the browser for offline playback.
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Extra Privacy & Security Features:
- Private Tor windows for IP address proxying.
- Fingerprint randomization to appear different to each site.
- Cookie consent blocking and a Mobile Privacy Hub to visualize blocked ads and trackers.
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Customization and Browsing Experience:
- Sidebar for easy access to favorite sites, reading list, bookmarks, and other features.
- Sync for encrypting and syncing bookmarks, passwords, tabs, etc., across devices.
- Vertical tabs for efficient organization.
- Compatibility with extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
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Accessibility & Functionality Tools:
- Built-in webpage translation with privacy protection (Brave Translate).
- Speedreader for decluttered, focused reading.
- Wayback Machine integration to find archived versions of webpages.
- IPFS integration for resolving IPFS URIs directly in the browser.
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Additional Browser Features:
- Autofill, a secure built-in password manager, and easy import tools for switching from other browsers.
In summary, Brave Browser stands out not only for its robust privacy features but also for its comprehensive set of tools and functionalities that cater to the modern internet user's needs.