Brave Browser

by Brave Software · Web browsers

Open sourceWindowsMacLinux

Chromium browser that blocks ads and trackers out of the box.

Official download from brave.com (opens in a new tab)

Opens brave.com, Brave Software's own site. No mirror, no bundle.

Overview

What is Brave Browser?

Brave is built on Chromium, so most Chrome extensions work, but it blocks ads, trackers and fingerprinting by default. Its optional Rewards and crypto wallet features can be switched off.

Key features

  • Shields block ads and trackers per site
  • Runs Chrome Web Store extensions
  • Private windows with Tor
  • Optional Rewards and wallet can be disabled

Best for

  • Ad-free browsing without installing a blocker
  • Chrome users who want more privacy
  • Older laptops that struggle with heavy pages

Included in starter kits

Install

How to install Brave Browser

  1. 1Open the official Brave Browser download page on brave.com.
  2. 2Pick the build for your system (Windows, Mac, Linux; check x64, ARM or Apple silicon where offered).
  3. 3Run the installer and read each screen; decline anything you did not ask for.
  4. 4Keep it updated from the app's own updater or your package manager.

Install from the command line

  • Windows · winget

    winget install --id Brave.Brave -e --source winget

  • Mac · Homebrew

    brew install --cask brave-browser

  • Linux · Flatpak (Flathub)

    flatpak install flathub com.brave.Browser

Package IDs checked against the public winget, Homebrew and Flathub repositories on 1 Nov 2026. Build a script for several apps.

Safety

Download Brave Browser safely

  • Check the domain

    The real download lives on brave.com. Look-alike domains and search ads are the most common trap.

  • Skip mirrors

    Download portals can wrap installers in adware or old versions. You never need them for this app.

  • Verify if you can

    If the publisher lists a checksum, compare it with our in-browser checker before running the file.

  • Watch the installer

    Untick extras, browser changes or trials you did not ask for.

Open the checksum checker

Alternatives

Brave Browser alternatives

Other web browsers apps, closest platform match first.

All browsers

FAQ

Brave Browser questions

Where can I download Brave Browser safely?

Download Brave Browser only from Brave Software's official site at brave.com. Avoid mirror and "download portal" sites, which can bundle extra software with the installer.

Is Brave Browser free?

Yes. Brave Browser is open-source software and free to use.

Does Brave Browser work on Windows, Mac and Linux?

Brave Browser is available for Windows, Mac, Linux. Check Brave Software's download page for exact system requirements and whether your processor (x64, ARM or Apple silicon) is supported.

Can I install Brave Browser from the command line?

Yes, with winget on Windows (winget install --id Brave.Brave -e); Homebrew on Mac (brew install --cask brave-browser); Flatpak on Linux (flatpak install flathub com.brave.Browser). Package managers fetch the publisher's files and make updates easy.

What are good alternatives to Brave Browser?

See the alternatives section on this page and the full web browsers list on AltFTool, which shows each app's licence and platforms side by side.