7 Brave Features You Will Not Find in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox

Afam Onyimadu June 7, 2024

Quick Findings

Brave integrates features unavailable in other major browsers, including Brave Talk, which allows you to host native video conferences.

The browser also integrates multiple Web3-centric features, like a wallet and an earning feature for BAT tokens.

Feature 1: Brave Talk

Brave implements a video conferencing feature called Brave Talk. Other browsers using services like Google Meet or Zoom will replicate the Brave Talk feature. However, this brave integration ensures end-to-end encryption, no tracking or data collection, and no additional software or service is needed.

So, even though all browsers may be used to access video conferencing services, Brave is unique in its native implementation of this feature.

Feature 2: IPFS Integration

Brave has perfect InterPlanetary File System integration. This decentralized content distribution network allows multiple ways of storing data instead of the traditional web, which stores files on centralized servers.

This feature will improve loading times and resistance to censorship. Brave integrates the feature by allowing you to access IPFS websites directly. However, while Chrome, Edge, and Firefox do not have this built-in integration, a few extensions may be used to access IPFS websites to a certain degree.

Feature 3: Brave Firewall + VPN for iOS Devices

This feature combines two security and privacy tools and specifically targets people using the Brave iOS browser app.

While some other browsers offer a firewall, Brave’s implementation goes further than traditional ad blockers. You can create granular rules for blocking IP addresses, websites, ports, and connections based on content or metadata.

The VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making tracking your location or online activity more difficult. Most mobile browsers include some form of ad blocking but do not typically allow extensive granular control.

The Brave Firewall + VPN for iOS devices is a paid feature that costs $99.99/year and has a free 7-day trial.

Feature 4: Tor Integration With Private Tabs

This feature natively integrates the Tor anonymity network into the Brave private browsing mode. Once in private mode, all your traffic is routed through the Tor network, giving you an extra security layer.

Chrome, Edge, and Firefox do not have built-in Tor integration. However, you may use extensions like the Onion Browser Button on Chrome or Open in Tor Browser on Firefox.

Two things to note while using this feature are that you may encounter slower browsing speeds and limited access, as some websites block users’ access to the Tor network.

Feature 5: Privacy-Centric Ad Platform

Advertising within Brave is focused on user privacy and a reward system. It works differently from your traditional browsers, allowing the following:

Opt-in system: You can opt into Brave Rewards, the browser’s ad platform.
Privacy-preserving ads: When you opt-in, the browser uses locally stored anonymized data to ensure you get relevant ads.
Rewarding users: When you view privacy-preserving ads, you will receive Basic Attention Tokens (BAT). You may use this token to tip creators; in some regions, you may convert it to traditional currency.

This feature differs from ad implementation on Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, which rely on targeted traditional ad models that may use your data.

Feature 6: Custom Filter Lists for Ad and Tracker Blocking

Still around ads, the Brave browser implements a high-level ad tracking and blocking implementation. It integrates Filter Lists, which are files with rules and instructions on how ad blockers should block specific website elements.

In addition to its built-in blocking list, Brave allows you to subscribe to custom filter lists. This gives you granular control in addition to the defaults.

You may see similar features to varying degrees on Chrome, Edge, and Firefox; however, they are always third-party implementations and would typically not allow as much control as on Brave.

Feature 7: Web3 Support

Of all the exclusive features, Web3 is likely where Brave stands out the most, with several features for interacting with the new decentralized web ecosystem.

A few of the web3 features that stand out are:

Built-in crypto wallet: With this wallet, you can store your cryptocurrencies directly on the browser. You no longer need a separate wallet extension.
DApp Support: DApps are apps built on the blockchain without needing a centralized authority. Brave’s support for these apps involves browsing curated lists within the browser and using search functionalities that prioritize DApps.

Another Web3 feature is the IPFS Integration we discussed earlier. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox have limited interaction with Web3 and will typically rely on third-party tools for any substantial interaction.