Privacy comparison · 2026
Brave vs Google Chrome
Brave and Google Chrome are often weighed against each other. This side-by-side compares how each protects you by default, whether the code can be inspected, who runs it, and how to pick the more private option.
Side by side
| Brave | Google Chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Web browser | Web browser |
| Default protection | Tracker + ad blocking on by default | No tracker blocking by default |
| Open source | Yes | Partial |
| Operator | Brave Software | |
| Jurisdiction | United States | United States (Google) |
| Cost | Free | Free |
Brave
Brave is built on the open-source Chromium engine and ships with tracker and ad blocking (Brave Shields) switched on by default. It supports Chrome extensions and adds optional features like a private window with Tor.
Privacy strengths
- ✓Blocks trackers and ads out of the box — no configuration needed
- ✓Open source and Chromium-based, so most sites and extensions just work
- ✓Optional private window with Tor for extra anonymity
Caveats
- !Includes an opt-in ads/rewards programme some users prefer to disable
- !Chromium base means it inherits Google’s engine decisions
Google Chrome
Chrome is built on Google’s Chromium project but adds proprietary Google components. It does not block third-party trackers or ads by default, and Google’s business is built on advertising, so signed-in browsing can feed Google’s ad profile.
Privacy strengths
- ✓Fast, compatible with essentially every website
- ✓Huge extension library (a tracker blocker can be added manually)
Caveats
- !No third-party tracker or ad blocking by default
- !Made by Google, whose core business is advertising
- !Signed-in browsing can be linked to your wider Google profile
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Brave and Google Chrome?
Brave: Brave is a Chromium-based web browser that blocks trackers and ads by default while keeping compatibility with Chrome extensions. Google Chrome: Google Chrome is the most widely used web browser, built by Google, with no third-party tracker blocking enabled by default.
Which is more private by default, Brave or Google Chrome?
Brave — Tracker + ad blocking on by default. Google Chrome — No tracker blocking by default. Choose based on which default matches how you use it.
Are Brave and Google Chrome open source?
Brave: yes, open source. Google Chrome: partly open source.
Does Brave block trackers by default?
Yes. Brave Shields block third-party trackers and ads by default on every site, without needing to install a separate extension.
Does Chrome protect my privacy by default?
No. Chrome does not block third-party trackers or ads out of the box. You can improve it by adding a privacy extension such as GeraGuard, but the defaults favour compatibility over privacy.
Whichever you choose, block trackers everywhere
GeraGuard is a free Chrome extension that blocks trackers on every site and alerts you to data breaches. Install in 30 seconds.
Add GeraGuard to ChromeRelated comparisons