Is Google Chrome better than Brave?

Google Chrome ranks higher in our list of web browsers (#2 against #3, score 91.5 against 90.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Brave is best for: ad blocking on desktop and mobile without extra setup. Google Chrome is best for: users who want a familiar browser with Google sync.

Which is cheaper, Brave or Google Chrome?

Brave: Free and open source; Brave Origin is a premium edition that needs a purchase. Google Chrome: Free to download; Chrome Browser for Enterprise is a separate offering.

Do Brave and Google Chrome run on the same platforms?

Brave supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS. Google Chrome supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS.

Comparison · Web browsers

Brave vs Google Chrome: which is better in 2026?

Brave90.0#3 in best web browsers

Google Chrome91.5#2 in best web browsers

Google Chrome ranks higher in our list of web browsers (#2 against #3, score 91.5 against 90.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

90.0
Editorial score
91.5
5
Platforms
6
Yes
Free to use
Yes
Yes
Open source
No

Which should you choose?

Choose Brave if you want

Ad blocking on desktop and mobile without extra setup.

Open source on the Chromium base, with ads and trackers blocked on every site and built-in search and AI. Brave Origin needs a purchase, and the bundled search and VPN add scope beyond a browser.

Choose Google Chrome if you want

Users who want a familiar browser with Google sync.

The most familiar choice, with Google account sync and a password manager, but it is closed source and sign-in ties sync to Google. Its Chromium base is shared with Brave, Edge and Vivaldi.

The main differences

Brave is open source; Google Chrome is not.

Side by side

	Brave	Google Chrome
Score	90.0	91.5
Rank in list	#3 of 10	#2 of 10
Price	Free and open sourceFree and open source; Brave Origin is a premium edition that needs a purchase	FreeFree to download; Chrome Browser for Enterprise is a separate offering
Free to use	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	No
Platforms	WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSChromeOSWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS
Made by	Brave Software	Google
Engine	Chromium	Chromium
Built-in blocking	Ads and trackers	Malicious sites (Safe Browsing)
Best for	Ad blocking on desktop and mobile without extra setup	Users who want a familiar browser with Google sync
Strengths	Open source under the MPL-2.0 license Blocks third-party ads and trackers on every site Runs on five platforms including Linux	Free to download with automatic updates Built-in password manager and Safe Browsing Syncs with a Google account across devices
Limits	Brave Origin premium edition needs a purchase Bundled search and AI features add scope beyond a browser	Closed source, although its core is Chromium Sync and sign-in tie the browser to Google services
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about Brave vs Google Chrome

Is Google Chrome better than Brave?: Google Chrome ranks higher in our list of web browsers (#2 against #3, score 91.5 against 90.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Brave is best for: ad blocking on desktop and mobile without extra setup. Google Chrome is best for: users who want a familiar browser with Google sync.
Which is cheaper, Brave or Google Chrome?: Brave: Free and open source; Brave Origin is a premium edition that needs a purchase. Google Chrome: Free to download; Chrome Browser for Enterprise is a separate offering.
Do Brave and Google Chrome run on the same platforms?: Brave supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS. Google Chrome supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS.