Brave Browser: Privacy Features, BAT Rewards & How to Use a Proxy
Brave is a free, open-source web browser focused on privacy, speed, and security. It was developed by Brendan Eich (creator of JavaScript & co-founder of Mozilla) and is based on Chromium (the same engine as Google Chrome). Brave blocks ads and trackers by default, offers a built-in Tor mode, and even rewards users with BAT (Basic Attention Token) cryptocurrency for opting into privacy-respecting ads.
- Built-in Ad & Tracker Blocking – Blocks intrusive ads, cookies, and fingerprinting scripts.
- HTTPS Everywhere – Forces secure connections when possible.
- Private Browsing with Tor – Adds an extra layer of anonymity by routing traffic through the Tor network.
- No Google Tracking – Unlike Chrome, Brave doesn’t send data to Google by default.
- Blocks Resource-Heavy Ads – Pages load faster since ads and trackers are blocked.
- Optimized Performance – Uses less RAM than Chrome and Firefox.
- Opt-in Ads – Users can choose to see privacy-respecting ads and earn BAT tokens.
- Support Content Creators – Users can tip websites or creators with BAT.
- Encrypted Connection – Protects against ISP tracking (requires subscription).
- Change Virtual Location – Useful for accessing geo-restricted content.
- Works with Chrome Web Store – Install any Chrome extension in Brave.
- Customizable – Themes, settings, and extensions similar to Chrome.
- Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
- More Private – No hidden data collection like Google Chrome.
- Faster – Blocks ads and trackers, reducing page load times.
- Earn Rewards – Get paid (in BAT) for viewing optional ads.
- Tor Integration – Extra anonymity without needing a separate browser.
Using a proxy in the Brave browser can help you route your internet traffic through a different server for privacy, security, or accessing geo-restricted content. Here' s how to set it up:
- Launch Brave on your computer.
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Click on the three horizontal lines (☰) in the top-right corner.
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Select Settings.
- In the left sidebar, click System.
- Under "Open proxy settings", click the button.
This will open your system’s network proxy settings (Windows/macOS/Linux).
- Choose between Manual Proxy Setup (enter IP & port) or Automatic (PAC script).
- Enter your proxy server details (IP address, port, username/password if required).
- Save the settings.
If you prefer an extension-based solution:
- Go to the Brave Web Store (or Chrome Web Store, since Brave supports Chrome extensions).
- Search for a proxy/VPN extension (e.g., "Windscribe," "Hola VPN," "Proxy Helper").
- Click "Add to Brave".
- Open the extension from the toolbar.
- Enter your proxy details or connect to a preferred server.
Brave has a built-in Tor mode for anonymous browsing:
- Click the 🌐 (Brave Shields) icon in the address bar.
- Select "New Private Window with Tor".
- Brave will route your traffic through the Tor network.
- Free proxies can be slow/unreliable – Consider paid options for better speed.
- Check proxy legality – Some websites block proxy/VPN traffic.
- System-wide vs. Browser-only – Brave uses system proxy settings by default. For browser-only proxy use, extensions are better.
Brave Browser stands out as a fast, privacy-first alternative to Chrome and Firefox, offering built-in ad-blocking, Tor integration, and even cryptocurrency rewards (BAT). Its Chromium foundation ensures compatibility with your favorite extensions while eliminating Google’s invasive tracking.
- Privacy-conscious users – Blocks ads, trackers, and offers Tor mode.
- Chrome refugees – Same speed + fewer RAM issues.
- Crypto enthusiasts – Earn BAT tokens for browsing.
- Proxy/VPN users – Easy setup for extra anonymity.
While Brave isn’t perfect (e.g., BAT payouts are small, and some sites break with aggressive blocking), its balance of speed, security, and innovation makes it a top contender in 2024.
Ready to try Brave? Download Brave Here and experiment with proxies, Tor, or rewards to customize your experience.
More about Browser Proxy Setting, please read:
