Pick Chrome if
You live in Gmail and Docs, rely on a Chrome-only extension, or want one browser on every device.
The catch. It is heavier on memory and battery than Safari, and it blocks only intrusive ads.
Chrome vs Brave
Chrome is best for Google apps and extensions. Brave is best for privacy without setup.
Pick Brave if
You want ads and trackers gone from the first page while keeping Chrome extensions.
The catch. It ships extras — crypto rewards, a wallet, an AI assistant — you may want to switch off.
Chrome vs Brave, feature by feature
| Chrome | Brave | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Chromium | Chromium |
| Vertical tabs | Yes, since 2026 | Yes, in settings |
| Sites on screen at once | Two, in Split View | Two, in Split View |
| Separate workspaces | Profiles and tab groups | Profiles and tab groups |
| Ad and tracker blocking | Only intrusive ads; an extension does the rest | Built in, ads and trackers |
| Extensions | Chrome Web Store | Chrome Web Store |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android | macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android |
| Open source | No (Chromium is) | Yes |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Development | Active | Active |
Questions
Is Chrome better than Brave?
Neither wins everywhere. Chrome is best for Google apps and extensions; Brave is best for privacy without setup. Pick Chrome if you live in Gmail and Docs, rely on a Chrome-only extension, or want one browser on every device. Pick Brave if you want ads and trackers gone from the first page while keeping Chrome extensions.
Do Chrome and Brave block ads?
Chrome: Only intrusive ads; an extension does the rest. Brave: Built in, ads and trackers.
Which extensions do Chrome and Brave run?
Both install extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
Where do Chrome and Brave run?
Both run on macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android.
Are Chrome and Brave free?
Both are free.