Following the timely demise of Internet Explorer, Chrome had established its dominance in the industry. Even with other players like Firefox on the scene, Google continued to amass its user base. However, things have changed for good, and Brave is now a growing competitor to Chrome.
Yet, you may be confused about which to pick between Chrome and Brave. As a long-time user of Chrome and Brave, I have prepared this in-detail comparison between the two browsers.
Choosing Between Brave and Google Chrome
You should choose Brave if you need a privacy-conscious and faster way to browse the web. It also gives you features like ad-blocker and IPFS support. Chrome is a better choice if you heavily rely on Google services and want the best speeds, even at the expense of resource crunch.
Brave vs Google Chrome: Overview
The Brave browser, simply called Brave, is a free and open-source web browser with a primary focus on web security and privacy. Since its launch in 2016, Brave has become a popular choice for the privacy-conscious user base. Brave is currently available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Brave promises, on top of privacy-centric features, better browsing speed, and support for growing protocols.
Google Chrome does not need an introduction at this point. Since its launch in 2008, Chrome has been a quick-to-flourish project. One primary reason was the void left by the barely functional Internet Explorer. As the saying went those days, Internet Explorer became merely the browser to download Chrome. Now, it is the most popular browser with a 65% market share and versions available for Mac, PC, Android, and iOS.
Brave vs Google Chrome: User Interface Design
Most people can’t find substantial differences between the UI design of Brave and Chrome. One could also say that Brave and Chrome have influenced each other in their designs over time. When it started, Brave was heavily inspired by Google Chrome, but it became a mutual affair later.
As you can see above, both offer a predominantly horizontal tab design. While the icons are different, the essential placement of the URL bar and settings are almost similar. Therefore, if you shift from Chrome to Brave or Chrome, you will not have most of the issues. You also get the standard tab management features on both. For instance, tab grouping works almost identically.
Thus, despite some slight changes, neither Brave nor Chrome has a better UI than the other. I call it a tie.
Brave vs Google Chrome: Performance and Speed
Performance is a multidimensional affair when it comes to web browsers. I don’t want to tone it down into a game of numbers. Instead, here is how Brave and Chrome fare when it comes to speed, multitasking, and some other vital metrics.
Speed
In terms of speed, Brave and Chrome are tight competitors. However, these two browsers take unique steps to ensure better loading speed.
Brave does this using its privacy-centric features, including ad-blocking and tracking prevention. By removing non-essential elements from a webpage, Brave increases the loading speed by a long shot. While the claim of 3x browsing speed is theoretical, I’ve found that Brave performs way better than browsers like Firefox and other Chromium-based ones. It is also one of the better options you have on a Mac when looking for speed.
Chrome uses a couple of features, like preloading pages, to achieve this speed. You will notice this difference when using Google-owned services through Chrome. In particular, the additional speed of Google Drive and Gmail is something you might miss on other browsers. But here’s the catch: Google Chrome takes up a lot of system resources to give you this speed.
Multitasking
Let’s consider two aspects of multitasking: in-browser multitasking and system-level multitasking. Brave and Chrome have different levels of impact in these aspects.
I have found that Brave finds a balance between both in-browser multitasking and system-level one. That is, Brave can easily handle things even if you have 15+ tabs open. More importantly, Brave does this without a noticeable impact on system performance. This way, you don’t have to give up the performance of heavy-duty apps just because you have more tabs open. Of course, aggressive tab sleeping is critical here.
Chrome, however, is not the best option for the latter. Sure, Chrome can easily handle things if you have 20+ tabs open at a time. Thanks to preloaded pages, you get to enjoy a smooth in-browser multitasking scene. But Chrome does this at the expense of heavy RAM (and CPU) consumption. For instance, if you have a PC or Mac with 8GB of RAM, too many tabs on Chrome can make it impossible to run heavy-duty apps.
Therefore, if you want better performance on apps other than your web browser, you should stick to Brave.
Extensions
Extensions available for your web browser can make a huge difference in your productivity. In this respect, Chrome and Brave seem to have hit a tie again.
As you may know, both Chrome and Brave use the Blink rendering engine, which focuses on speed. Another advantage of this shared origin is that Brave offers built-in support for Chrome extensions. While there may be some slight differences, you can run most Chrome extensions on Brave. Unlike Edge, Brave does not have a dedicated marketplace for extensions. Instead, it expects users to use the Chrome Web Store. Thus, as far as extension availability is concerned, you don’t miss anything when you shift to Brave from Chrome.
However, a more significant problem is how these extensions affect the performance within the browsers. Once again, Brave comes out unharmed, thanks to its ideal optimization settings. Chrome, on the other hand, struggles to keep up its performance metrics when you install too many extensions. But, I must say that the Google-made extensions are well-optimized for Chrome. With those, you won’t notice much of a difference in speed.
Feature | Brave | Chrome |
|---|---|---|
Speed | Faster with ad-blocking and tracking prevention | Fast, especially with Google services but consumes a lot of system resources |
Multitasking | Efficient multitasking within the browser and system-wide | Super-efficient multi-tab management but takes a lot of system RAM and CPU |
Extensions | Full support for Chrome extensions | Full support for extensions |
Unsurprisingly, I find more reasons to go for Brave in terms of performance.
Brave vs Google Chrome: Security and Privacy
Let’s now compare Brave and Chrome in terms of security and privacy.
Google Chrome
Enhanced security is one reason why Google Chrome remains the most popular web browser globally. This is made possible through consistent efforts by Google, which result in frequent updates and security patches. Most of these settings work in the background, meaning that users don’t have to worry about web browser security as such.
However, Google Chrome’s privacy-centric options are not as great as those of Brave. I find it ironic that Google talks about enhanced tracking protection and anti-fingerprinting protection while using Chrome data for its advertising services. You cannot get rid of the feeling that you are constantly being watched, mainly if you use Google services a lot. While an ad-blocking extension might make things easier, it isn’t a fixed solution.
Brave
With Brave, you can find a balance between security and privacy. In terms of security, Brave checks all the boxes, and you get proactive updates, among other features. The browser is also quick to acknowledge and address potential vulnerabilities. Some additional security features like Tor browsing and support for IPFS make a difference for many users.
Things become better when we consider Brave’s privacy feature set. You get all-out tracking prevention and built-in ad blocking. It is one of the few browsers that can block YouTube ads on their own. As a result, the browser does not collect user data, as independent audits have revealed. Therefore, shifting to Brave from Google Chrome can give you a newfound appreciation for the lack of personalized ads.
One might argue that the Brave Shields feature may break some web pages, but the issue is not big enough that you have to choose Chrome over Brave.
Unique Features in Chrome and Brave
I say this whenever I talk about web browsers. Browsers are now turning into full-blown operating systems. With the right extensions, you can do a lot of things using Brave or Chrome. For the same reason, your lives become easier with productivity-centric features. Here’s how Brave and Chrome fare in this respect.
Google Chrome:
The vast library of extensions used to be a unique feature of Google Chrome. However, when you have Brave or other Blink-based browsers on the other side, this does not matter. But, while not unique, extensions can make or break your Chrome experience. As I said before, you get some additional speed with Google-made extensions.
Another unique feature of Google Chrome is its deep integration with Google Search and other services. For instance, the latest version of Chrome (at the time of writing) has brought in enhanced support for Google Gemini, allowing users to chat with Gemini AI right from the URL. In the same way, you get some handy tools and features when using Chrome to access Google services.
Even though Chrome ships as a barebones browser, it leaves room for customization. You can choose from a more extensive collection of themes or make one yourself. Extensions also help you customize your Google Chrome experience further.
In addition, you get the standard features like tab grouping, task manager, and developer tools. But they are not unique by any means.
Brave
Brave is the opposite of Chrome in that you get a suite of utilities. Compared to other browsers like Microsoft Edge or Arc, Brave may seem simpler, but it is way better than what Chrome currently is. The best part? All these features work without breaking the core principle of user privacy.
To begin with, Brave offers built-in support for ad and tracker blocking. In addition to increasing the loading speed for most websites, this feature can offer a more refined internet experience. You can always enable acceptable ads (that don’t annoy you) and earn some cryptocurrency out of it. This sweet feature is called Brave Rewards.
If you want to take things further, you may want to check some other features like Tor integration and IPFS support. Tor integration means you can enjoy best-in-class privacy while browsing all corners of the internet. IPFS is a new protocol for content delivery. These features make Brave an ideal choice for those who use the power of blockchain and crypto.
These features are available on top of the standard options and everything you can bring to the browser via third-party extensions.
Which Browser Should You Choose?
Here are a few instances that will help you decide which browser to choose.
Google Chrome
As you may understand, Google Chrome is a capable browser that integrates deeply with Google services. It consumes a lot of RAM and CPU resources, but it does not matter if you have a heavy-duty computer. Also, the Android and iOS versions of Google Chrome are more optimized for performance and battery life. Given these situations, you should choose Google Chrome if,
- Your work heavily relies on Google products and services such as Google Drive, Gmail, etc.
- You have a relatively robust system with 16GB of RAM and a capable CPU
- You do not need to run other heavy-duty applications when using Chrome
- You do not mind personalized advertisements and the whole package.
Brave
Brave can do almost everything that Chrome does—except for the deeper integration with Google services. More importantly, Brave gives you access to an impressive suite of features without compromising privacy or security. This browser does so without consuming many system resources, either. It makes Brave an ideal option for mid- and low-end devices. So, you should choose Brave if,
- You need a browser that respects your privacy and offers some advanced security features.
- You need support for the latest features like IFPS, the decentralized web, and Tor.
- You want to stay away from annoying advertisements and maybe earn some money while doing it.
- You want a browser that doesn’t hog RAM and lets you run other apps
I think I have been clear with these instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should switch from Chrome to Brave if you want better privacy and longer battery life. Compared to Chrome, Brave also offers support for new technologies like Tor, IPFS, and the decentralized web.
Brave does not consume more RAM than Chrome. On the other hand, you can save a lot of RAM resources if you use Brave instead of Google Chrome. Thanks to built-in ad-blocking and other features, Brave tends to load web pages faster and without hogging RAM.
In a relative sense, Brave is more private than Google Chrome and some other browsers. As I said, it is an open-source web browser and has been transparent about its infrastructure. It also gives you an option to see what is happening under the hood.
Conclusion
I’m sure you have a clearer idea about which browser to choose, Brave or Google Chrome.
Brave has been one reason I haven’t used Google Chrome as my primary browser on desktop devices. But I’d argue for Chrome when it comes to Android, where you get a more balanced version of Google Chrome.
But, if the comparisons between Google Chrome and other popular browsers indicate anything, it is that the Google browser needs to improve a lot. It cannot continue to grow with Google integration alone.
6 Comments
Your post was very good. I appreciate how you explain it was very informative and useful. Keep the posts coming! Very good talent.
Interesting comparison between Brave and Chrome here, Rajesh Namase. Though I’m leaning towards Brave for its privacy features, it’s essential to note that privacy isn’t just about blocking trackers or ads. What about the underlying architecture? Does Brave do anything significantly different there or is it just the surface level protections that set it apart from Chrome? Also, Chrome’s extensive user base and Google’s ecosystem integration cannot be ignored. Performance is one thing, but if we’re sacrificing significant functionalities or compatibility for privacy, that’s a discussion worth having.
Thanks for your insightful comment!
You’re right—while Brave offers strong privacy features like ad and tracker blocking, its architecture also differs from Chrome. Brave uses a Chromium base but adds privacy layers, including Tor integration for anonymous browsing. As for performance, Chrome’s seamless integration with Google services is a major plus, but Brave prioritizes privacy, which may require some trade-offs in compatibility. It’s all about what matters more to the user—privacy or functionality. Let me know if you’d like more details!
So, in simpler terms, is Brave better for the average Joe who just wants to browse without getting tracked everywhere? Or do we lose too much by switching from Chrome?
Great question, Mike! In simpler terms, if privacy is a priority for you and you don’t mind a few trade-offs in terms of compatibility with some websites, Brave is a solid choice. It’s great for people who want to browse without being tracked or bombarded with ads. However, if you’re heavily invested in Google’s ecosystem and need seamless integration with their services, Chrome might be a better fit. It’s all about balancing what matters most to you—privacy or convenience. Let me know if you’d like to dive deeper into any specific features!
Been a long-time user of Chrome and I must say, Google continues to impress with its seamless integration across its services and devices. However, I’m open to giving Brave a try, especially if it lives up to its promise of superior speed and privacy. Can’t deny the appeal of a browser that blocks ads and trackers by default. Kudos to Rajesh for highlighting these aspects; it’s articles like these that push for a healthier tech ecosystem.