Short answer: Brave blocks ads and trackers the moment you install it, with nothing to set up. Chrome doesn’t do that on its own; you add an ad blocker from the Chrome Web Store. Both run the same Chrome Web Store extensions. Choose Brave if you want blocking built in and don’t mind its extras, such as crypto rewards and a wallet. Choose Chrome if you want Google’s sync, Google’s Safe Browsing and a plainer browser you set up yourself.
Get Chrome for Windows, Mac or Android. Each page links to the official download.
Ad and tracker blocking
Brave: its Shields are on by default for every site. Brave says Shields block third-party ads and trackers and cross-site cookies, randomize your browser fingerprint so sites can’t recognize you, and warn about phishing. They use filter lists from EasyList, EasyPrivacy and the uBlock Origin project, plus Brave’s own. There are two blocking levels, Standard (the default) and Aggressive, which blocks more but may break more sites. If a site misbehaves, you can turn Shields off for that site only from the Brave icon in the address bar.
Chrome: install an ad blocker from the Chrome Web Store. For most people that is uBlock Origin Lite, which works as soon as it is added. The original uBlock Origin no longer runs in Chrome, because Google has disabled Manifest V2 extensions. Our list of ad blockers for Chrome has other options that are live in the store.
For cookies, Chrome lets you choose: in Settings > Privacy and security > Third-party cookies, you can allow or block third-party cookies, and Incognito blocks them by default, according to Google’s cookie help.
Extensions
Brave’s features page says it is compatible with extensions in the Chrome Web Store, “even those that rely on MV2”. That is one real difference from Chrome, which no longer runs Manifest V2 extensions at all.
Rewards, wallet and other extras
Brave includes features Chrome doesn’t have:
- Brave Rewards: if you opt in, you earn tokens called BAT for viewing Brave’s own private ads, which can appear on the new tab page or as notifications. Brave says they don’t replace the ads it blocks on websites. You can send BAT to sites and creators you support. Details are on Brave’s Rewards page.
- Brave Wallet: a crypto wallet built into the browser.
- Private windows with Tor, which route your browsing through the Tor network to hide your IP address.
- A VPN, a built-in AI assistant, Brave Search and vertical tabs.
None of these is required. If you don’t want them, Brave works as a plain browser with Shields.
Safety and sync in Chrome
Chrome’s Safe Browsing Standard protection is on by default and warns you about sites, downloads and extensions known to be dangerous; Enhanced protection goes further. When you sign in to Chrome with your Google Account, your bookmarks, passwords and more follow you to every device. Brave has its own encrypted sync for bookmarks, passwords and tabs, without a Google Account.
Which to choose
- Brave if you want ads and trackers blocked with no setup, or need a Manifest V2 extension that Chrome no longer runs.
- Chrome if you use Google’s services, want your data synced through your Google Account, or prefer to add only the extras you choose.
Comparing more browsers? See Chrome vs Safari vs Firefox vs Edge.