Brave
Brave Software, Inc.
Brave is a fast, private and secure web browser for PC, Mac and mobile. It blocks ads and trackers by default, making browsing faster and safer while offering an option to support content creators through micropayments and a new revenue-sharing solution. Brave also features a built-in crypto wallet and AI assistant.
User Sentiments
Top Likes
- Fast browsing and page loading speeds
- Built-in ad and tracker blocking for enhanced privacy and security
- User-friendly interface, similar to Chrome
- Good performance and low resource usage compared to Chrome
- Option to earn rewards (BAT) for viewing privacy-respecting ads
Top Dislikes
- Crypto features can be intrusive for users not interested in crypto
- Dashboard page can feel cluttered with crypto promotions
- Some users find the rewards system and BAT confusing or unnecessary
- Occasional issues with website compatibility or aggressive ad blocking
Popular Comments
Reddit User - Meowmixez98
2022-01-17
I agree with the meat of your post. I split between using Brave on my Mac and Firefox on my Windows computer. I think both have a lot of value, but both have downsides as well. I personally really like the privacy aspects of Brave. Brave shields is as close as one can get to uBlock Origin on Firefox, as you can get on Chromium.
Reddit User - DanielLangewisch
2021-04-19
I agree! It was one thing for Brave to run faster than Chrome, but it was clearly faster than Safari as well on my M1 Mac! Really impressive stuff from a 3rd party software.
MacUpdate User - Switched from Chrome
2024-03-15
Switched from Chrome to Brave and very happy with it. Faster, blocks ads and trackers, and uses less resources. The built-in crypto wallet is a plus for me.
Apple App Store User - Music fan
2024
If you are a music fan and are not using this free service, you should look into it. It's worth the price ($0) of installation...It's amazing no ads, and awesome Brave News. And did I mention… No ads…
Reddit User - clunkybrowser
2023-03-26
IMO It's still the same ole clunky, laggy browser.
Reddit User - privacylovermac
2023-03-26
Brave is like using Chrome without the bloatware. Brave is faster because it doesn't load the unnecessary trackers and ads...Because it's based on Chromium web browser, all the great Google Chrome extensions are available on Brave. It doesn't drain the battery like Chrome either.
Detailed Review
Brave is a Chromium-based web browser available for macOS that focuses on providing users with a faster, more private, and secure browsing experience out of the box. It distinguishes itself from other browsers through its built-in ad and tracker blocking, which not only enhances privacy but also significantly improves page loading speeds and reduces data consumption. Brave also integrates features like a crypto wallet and an AI assistant named Brave Leo, expanding its functionality beyond basic browsing. While it offers optional crypto rewards for viewing ads, this aspect can be disabled for users who prefer a purely privacy-focused experience.
Standout Features
- Built-in Ad and Tracker Blocking: Automatically blocks ads and trackers, improving privacy, speed, and security.
- Brave Shields: Customizable privacy settings to control cookies, scripts, and fingerprinting.
- Brave Rewards: Optional system to earn Basic Attention Tokens (BAT) for viewing privacy-respecting ads and supporting content creators.
- Brave Wallet: Integrated cryptocurrency wallet for managing and using digital assets.
- Brave Leo: AI assistant for summarizing web pages and answering questions.
- Private Browsing with Tor: Offers private browsing windows with Tor integration for enhanced anonymity.
- Cross-platform Sync: Allows syncing bookmarks, history, and settings across devices.
- Developer Tools: Includes built-in developer tools for web developers, similar to Chrome DevTools.
Conclusion
Brave is a compelling browser for Mac users seeking a balance between speed, privacy, and security. Its default ad and tracker blocking provides a noticeable improvement in browsing experience. While the crypto-related features might not appeal to everyone, they are optional and do not detract from the core browsing functionality. Brave is especially well-suited for users who are privacy-conscious, want to browse faster, and prefer a browser with built-in features rather than relying on numerous extensions. However, users heavily invested in other browser ecosystems or those who find the crypto aspects intrusive might consider alternatives.
