Should you choose Brave browser or Avast Secure Browser?

Brave is an increasingly popular web browser that caters to privacy-conscious users. However, there are several other options that can serve as an alternative to Brave. Avast Secure Browser is one of the newest options focused on privacy and security. So is Avast Secure better than Brave? Which browser should you choose from these 2 options.

User interface

Although the 2 browsers are both based on Chromium, some user interface (UI) tweaks have been made, so you'll see some key differences.

Avast Secure Browser closely resembles Google Chrome's interface, but Brave looks a bit different. If you are looking for a privacy-focused browser that looks a lot like Chrome, then Avast Secure could be a good choice.

However, if you want a fresh experience with the aim of providing something different, Brave will be a great choice.

Both offer the same level of user interface customization, with basic theme changes and tab management options. If you want better customization, you can try Vivaldi instead.

Security features on Brave and Avast

When considering both these security and privacy focused browsers, it is essential to understand the feature differences between them.

Avast Secure gives you built-in VPN integration, a dedicated privacy hub to toggle available options, its own ad blocker, and other essential security features you'd expect in a browser. Browser.

VPN is a paid feature in Avast Secure that you can choose from when you sign up for Avast Secure Pro. It offers a 7-day trial, but you need to pay to unlock the VPN; unlike the Opera browser, where you get the built-in VPN service for free.

The separate Security & Privacy Center is a nice touch that makes it easy to toggle and customize the settings you need for a private browsing experience. Avast ad blocker is also an effective extension that is included by default.

When it comes to Brave, you don't get a built-in VPN. Instead, you can choose to explore some of the fastest VPNs available if you're interested in using a VPN while browsing the web.

However, Brave offers Tor integration which may prove to be a better choice than using a VPN.

Unlike Avast, Brave doesn't offer an easy-to-tweak security menu. You will have to go to settings and navigate the security menu to change the options if needed. But you have a similar level of control to block trackers and ads using the Brave shield.

Brave also provides additional advanced controls such as setting WebRTC IP handling policies, enabling/disabling Google's push messaging service, and safety audit options. Brave is also known for rolling out some of the industry's first security features.

So, if you want more privacy-focused features without a built-in VPN, Brave is unquestionable. However, if you enjoy using Avast's antivirus products and want to try a paid VPN, then Avast provides a seamless, secure browsing experience.

Are Brave and Avast updated regularly?

It is important to have the latest browser that provides a web experience to ensure that it is safe from any known malicious attacks and exploits.

Brave does this especially well because it continuously pushes updates as soon as a new Chromium update is available.

Avast Secure Browser may receive updates a little later, as it runs an older version of Chromium as we tested it. This is not a big deal. However, in terms of security, it's always best to have the latest and greatest.

IPFS protocol support

IPFS is a relatively new decentralized protocol that allows you to bypass censorship and share resources. Technically, it allows you to use a peer-to-peer network unaffected by any ISP and government restrictions.

If you value privacy, decentralized technology is one of the most effective ways to regain control. Brave is one of the first few browsers to support this protocol.

Avast Secure does not include support for IPFS and there are no plans to support it at the time of writing. However, you can add the IPFS companion extension if this is your preference.

Performance

Avast Secure offers many tweaks to optimize performance and manage inactive tabs to save battery or resources. For example, you can choose to never pause tabs while offline.

However, the animations and overall snappy experience may not be the best you'll ever see in a browser.

In the case of Brave, it doesn't offer much control over performance but has been specially optimized to work better than most other web browsers. Brave is the ideal choice as a secure browser for responsiveness and fast performance.

Cross-platform support

Brave offers support for Windows, Linux, and macOS (Intel and ARM). Meanwhile, Avast Secure is only available for Windows and macOS (Intel platform).

So depending on your platform, you can choose to use whatever you like.

Brave or Avast Secure Browser is the best private web browser?

Both Brave and Avast offer a balanced and privacy-focused set of security features. Brave has the edge with fast performance, updateability, IPFS support, and exclusive security features. However, if you don't mind a slight update delay while using Avast's VPN service, then Avast Secure could be a good choice.

And don't forget: if you're using Avast's security tools on your computer, then Avast Secure is an option worth considering.

You won't regret choosing either of these browsers. Avast Secure is an interesting choice, and Brave is a top choice for a private browsing experience.

Samuel Daniel

Update 30 November 2021