Feature
Category |
Arc |
Brave |
| Developer |
The Browser Company |
|
| Browser Engine |
Blink (Chromium-based) |
Blink (Chromium-based); WebKit on iOS/iPadOS
|
Supported
Platforms |
macOS (13 and later), Windows (10 and 11, no ARM support currently), iOS (16 and later - companion app), Android (10 and later) |
Windows (10 and later), macOS (11 or later), Linux, Android (Pie or later), iOS (16 or later), iPadOS (16 or later)
|
| Key Features |
- Sidebar Interface: Consolidates tabs, bookmarks, and controls.
- Spaces: Organizes tabs into different contexts/profiles.
- Split View: Allows up to four tabs in one window.
- Auto Tab Archiving: Closes inactive tabs automatically.
- Easels: Collects screenshots and URLs (digital whiteboard).
- Boosts: Customizes website appearance and functionality (CSS, HTML, JavaScript).
- Command Bar: Spotlight-like search for websites, commands, history.
- Built-in Ad Blocker (uBlock Origin).
- "Air Traffic Control": Routes links to specific Spaces.
- AI Features (Max): Summaries, tab title tidying, Q&A about page content. |
- Brave Shields: Blocks ads, trackers, fingerprinting, and cookies by default.
- Brave Rewards: Users can opt-in to view privacy-respecting ads and earn Basic Attention Tokens (BAT), which can 1 be used to support creators or redeemed.
- Built-in VPN (optional paid service).
- Brave Talk: Private video calls.
- Brave Wallet: Self-custody crypto wallet.
- Brave News: Customizable, private news feed.
- Playlist: Save media for offline playback.
- Tor Integration: Private Browse windows with Tor.
- Cross-Platform Sync.
- Vertical Tabs & Tab Groups. |
| Advantages |
- Innovative User Interface: Aims to be an "operating system for the web," offering a fresh approach to Browse.
- Customization: Highly customizable interface and website experience via Boosts and themes.
- Productivity-focused: Features like Spaces, Split View, and Easels are designed for better workflow and organization.
- Privacy-conscious: Built-in ad blocker, claims not to share user search data.
- Fluid Experience: Designed to feel native to the OS. |
- Strong Privacy & Security Focus: Default blocking of ads and trackers is a core feature.
- Speed & Efficiency: Blocking unwanted content leads to faster page loads and reduced data consumption.
- Brave Rewards Ecosystem: Offers a unique model for users to earn and support content creators.
- Comprehensive Feature Set: Includes VPN, wallet, private calls, and news reader built-in.
- Cross-Platform Availability: Consistent experience across most major operating systems. |
| Disadvantages |
- Steeper Learning Curve: The unique interface may take time to get used to.
- Newer Browser: Still evolving, with some features (like full ARM support for Windows) under development.
- Resource Usage: Some users have reported higher CPU usage with many tabs open (though performance varies).
- Mobile App Functionality: iOS app is more of a companion; full mobile Browse experience is newer.
- Sync Capabilities: Historically, sync was more limited compared to established browsers, though it's improving. |
- Chromium-based: Relies on Google's Blink engine, which some users see as contributing to a browser engine monoculture.
- Brave Rewards Controversy: Has faced some criticism in the past regarding its ad model and creator opt-ins.
- Resource Usage: While generally efficient due to ad-blocking, like any browser, it can consume resources with many extensions or tabs.
- Feature Overload: The sheer number of built-in features might be overwhelming for users seeking a minimalist browser. |
| Ad Blocking |
Built-in (uBlock Origin) |
|
Tracker
Blocking |
Built-in (uBlock Origin) |
Built-in (Brave Shields), Fingerprinting randomization
|
Unique Selling
Points |
Innovative sidebar UI, Spaces for organization, deep customization with Boosts, "operating system for the web" concept. |
Privacy-first by default, Brave Rewards (BAT ecosystem), integrated VPN and crypto wallet.
|
| Initial Release |
April 19, 2022 (macOS public release July 25, 2023) |
January 20, 2016 |
