Should I use Brave browser or Firefox?

Firefox launched about two decades ago. Meanwhile, Brave is relatively new; it was released in November 2019. However, Brave has gained popularity due to its greater focus on blocking trackers.

So which of these two browsers should you use? Let's review Brave and Firefox with TipsMake in more detail through the following article!.

Brave and Firefox security features

The first thing to consider is security. Firefox offers two-factor security, starting with Standard Enhanced Tracking Protection, which blocks social media and website trackers by default.

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It also blocks mining scripts, fingerprinters and any other tracking cookies. The browser comes with three different modes you can choose from, allowing you to adjust the level of tracking protection.

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On the other hand, Brave automatically blocks ads, fingerprint checkers, and trackers by default. This browser even blocks ads on websites.

Brave also offers automatic HTTPS connection upgrades, so users' data is always encrypted. This option is available on Firefox via an extension, but it is not a native feature. Brave also displays basic stats like the number of trackers it has blocked on the home screen as well as across websites.

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Both browsers also have a private browsing mode, which is essentially the same as Chrome's Incognito Mode. In this mode, no browser keeps track of your browsing history or saves any cookies. However, browsing activity may still be visible to your ISP.

When it comes to security, both browsers have some pretty impressive features. However, Brave just leads the way with plenty of built-in privacy options.

Performance comparison between Brave and Firefox

Before starting to compare performance, it's important to understand that Brave and Firefox are built on many different engines.

Brave is built on Chromium, the open source project used by several other browsers, including Chrome and Vivaldi. Firefox, on the other hand, uses the Gecko rendering engine, which was rebuilt from the ground up in 2017.

Although both of these browsers are super fast, Brave still feels faster and more snappy than Firefox. Websites load faster, mainly because Brave blocks ads by default on all websites. If you have installed an extension to block trackers on Firefox, the speed will be even slower.

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More importantly, Firefox uses significantly more resources. This browser uses significantly more CPU resources than Brave, although Brave uses a range of tracker blockers and comes pre-installed with many add-ons.

This can happen because of the Pre-caching feature. Brave simply stores the cache of the websites you visit, thus restoring them quickly when you visit again. Plus, with no trackers or ads to load, Brave works much faster than Firefox.

Firefox consumes more battery than Brave, due to its heavier construction. Test results will vary more if you have installed extensions to further optimize your browsing experience. Overall, Firefox consumes 5% more battery for similar tasks.

Brave or Firefox syncs better across platforms?

Nowadays, most users prefer to sync their browsing history across multiple browsers. This allows users to use the built-in password manager in their browser and also to move the browser from one device to another.

Both Firefox and Brave allow users to sync settings across multiple platforms. With Firefox, you will first have to create a Firefox account.

When you sign in with your Firefox account on the desktop or mobile app, your data is automatically synced. Connecting another device to Firefox is also pretty easy.

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Just click on the hamburger icon in the top right and click on your account. Then select Connect another device. A QR code will be displayed. Open Firefox on the device you want to sync and select Turn on Sync.

Brave also supports cross-platform syncing. It allows you to start the Sync Chain. Just click the hamburger menu in the browser at the top right and select Sync.

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You can select the type of device you want to connect, then scan the QR code. Or, if you're connecting to Brave on another computer, you can simply enter the Sync Code.

All synced devices will be visible once they are connected. You can decide to add or remove a specific device if you want.

Brave Features and Extensions Compared to Firefox

Both Brave and Firefox are great browsers and come with a wide range of features. Both browsers offer the following features:

1. Block autoplay videos
2. Browse in tabs
3. Password Manager
4. Various search engine options
5. Fill out forms automatically
6. Spell check
7. Reading mode
8. Bookmark Manager

However, Firefox also has two additional features: An in-browser screenshot tool as well as text-to-speech functionality.

But that's a problem, because Brave allows you to download any extension you want on the Chrome Web Store. This includes themes, wallpapers and a wide range of extensions to improve the browsing experience.

Brave also has its own Rewards program in place of traditional website advertising. After joining the Brave Rewards program, you will start earning Basic Attention Tokens. They can also be exchanged for normal currency.

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Brave also runs ads, but they pay 70% of the ad revenue to the sponsor. This is a great way to support content creators. On the other hand, Firefox does not offer any such program.

Brave vs Firefox: Which Browser Is Better?

If privacy is your main concern, both Brave and Firefox do a good job of protecting it. However, if you want a lightning-fast browser and value performance, Brave will definitely be the right choice.

Although built on Chromium, it does not consume computer resources and loads web pages extremely fast. Brave is definitely one of the best browser options out there, that's why it's so popular!

If privacy is your primary concern, there are even more privacy-focused browsers out there, though Brave has done an impressive job.

Marvin Fry

Update 06 December 2021