Brave

Brave is an open-source web browser for browsing websites and running web applications. Built on Chromium, it combines familiar website compatibility with Brave Shields, a built-in system for blocking third-party ads and trackers.

It suits Linux users who want filtering enabled from the first launch without assembling a collection of privacy extensions. Its defining choice is to put those protections inside the browser, alongside the Chromium foundation used by Chrome. The result is a familiar starting point for people switching browsers, with a different set of defaults.

Browsing with Shields

Shields is enabled by default and offers Standard and Aggressive blocking modes. It blocks third-party advertising and tracking resources, restricts cross-site cookies, and uses fingerprint randomization to make some browser characteristics less useful for tracking. The address-bar panel shows what was blocked and lets you adjust protection for an individual website.

That control matters when a login, embedded player, or other page component stops working. Blocking can interfere with websites, so a practical setup sometimes needs a site-specific exception. Reducing protection for one site leaves the settings for other sites in place. These tools reduce tracking; they do not make every browsing session anonymous.

Tools for everyday browsing

• Chrome Web Store extensions let you carry over many familiar browser tools. Check essential extensions individually before switching.
• Vertical tabs and tab groups help organize a busy window, while the sidebar keeps bookmarks and frequently used destinations close at hand.
• Speedreader removes page clutter for reading articles, and built-in translation helps with pages in another language.
• Import tools bring existing browser data into Brave, reducing the work of starting a new profile.
• Brave Sync shares selected data, including bookmarks, passwords, and tabs, across devices. It uses client-side encryption and a Sync chain instead of a conventional Brave account login.

Sync remains a service backed by Brave-operated servers. Its account-free setup changes how you connect devices; it does not mean synchronization happens only over your local network. For Linux users, access to the desktop's secure storage can also affect Sync operation.

Installing Brave on Linux

Several installation options are available, including official APT and RPM repositories and downloadable DEB and RPM packages. Brave provides builds for 64-bit Intel/AMD and ARM64 systems. Repository installation lets the distribution's package manager handle browser updates alongside other software.

Brave also maintains Flatpak and Snap packages, but currently recommends its native package repositories when possible. Its installation guide notes functional differences in both formats and additional sandboxing concerns with Flatpak. Arch users can find an AUR installation path in the same guide; community packages have their own maintainers and update arrangements.

Strengths and things to consider

Brave's main strength is the combination of built-in filtering and Chromium compatibility. It is a useful choice when you want common web applications and Chrome extensions alongside protection that requires little initial setup.

The standard browser also includes services such as Rewards, Wallet, News, and Leo. Rewards is optional and involves choosing to view Brave ads in exchange for BAT; it is separate from Shields blocking third-party advertising. Those extras may appeal to some users and add unwanted interface elements for others. The browser is free to use, while some associated services have paid plans.

Alternatives to Brave

Firefox is worth considering if you want an open-source browser outside the Chromium family. It has its own extension ecosystem and tracking protections.

Google Chrome suits users who specifically need Google's browser distribution and connected services. Brave is the more direct fit when built-in filtering is the reason for switching.

For Linux users choosing Brave, the practical appeal is its browser-level Shields protection combined with familiar Chromium behavior. Check your essential sites and extensions, then decide whether its optional services fit the way you browse.