Brave Browser 1.89.143 – Free Download for All Platforms

The Brave Browser is a free, fast, secure, and open-source web browsing application built on Chromium, available across all your devices. It comes equipped with a powerful, built-in ad blocker that prevents tracking and enhances security, all while optimizing data and battery performance. More than just a browser, Brave aims to redefine the web experience by offering users a safer, faster, and more private browsing environment. It also supports content creators through an innovative attention-based rewards ecosystem. Developed by a team of privacy-focused and performance-oriented web pioneers, including the inventor of JavaScript and co-founder of Mozilla, Brave empowers users by blocking trackers to deliver unmatched speed, security, and privacy. You can also earn rewards by opting into privacy-respecting ads and contribute to content creators.

Brave Browser Quick Start

Accessing Experimental Features (Brave Flags)

1. Open the Brave Browser application.
2. Type brave://flags directly into the address bar.
3. Press Enter to load the Experiments page.
4. Use the search bar to find specific experimental settings, such as Vertical Tabs or Hardware-accelerated video decode.
5. Change the setting’s dropdown from Default to Enabled or Disabled.
6. Click the Relaunch button that appears at the bottom of the screen to apply the changes.

Why to do this: This advanced menu allows power users to test and enable features still under development. It helps in fine-tuning performance. Users can also access hidden UI elements not yet available in the standard settings panel.

Configuring Advanced Shield Filters

1. Navigate to the main browser menu (three horizontal lines or dots).
2. Select Settings > Shields.
3. Scroll down and click on Content Filtering.
4. Enable the Fanboy Annoyances List and uBlock Annoyances List for maximum filter coverage.
5. To add a custom filter, scroll to the bottom and click Add a custom filter list.
6. Paste the URL of a third-party filter list (e.g., a specific regional ad list) and click Add.

Why to do this: Brave Shields are powerful by default. However, enabling additional, community-maintained filter lists will significantly increase the browser’s ability to block regional ads. It can also block social media widgets and other non-essential elements. This further improves speed and privacy.