Brave vs Edge
Two Chromium browsers with vastly different privacy philosophies. See how they compare.
Quick Verdict
Brave is the clear winner for privacy. While both browsers are built on Chromium, Edge sends significant telemetry to Microsoft and includes tracking features. Brave blocks ads and trackers by default, while Edge has basic tracking prevention that still allows Microsoft's own tracking.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Brave | Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in Ad Blocking | Yes (Shields) | No |
| Tracker Blocking | Aggressive | Basic (allows Microsoft) |
| Telemetry to Company | Minimal | Extensive |
| Fingerprint Protection | Yes | No |
| Chrome Extensions | Full Support | Full Support |
| AI Features | Leo AI | Copilot |
| Built-in VPN | Yes (paid) | Yes (limited free) |
| Crypto Wallet | Built-in | Built-in |
| Vertical Tabs | No | Yes |
| Open Source | Yes | No (based on Chromium) |
| Shopping Features | No | Coupons, price tracking |
| Mobile Apps | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
Key Differences
Why Choose Brave
- No data collection or telemetry
- Blocks ALL trackers, not just some
- Fully open source and auditable
- Earn BAT tokens for viewing ads
- No bloatware or Microsoft services
Why Choose Edge
- Deep Microsoft 365 integration
- Copilot AI built into sidebar
- Vertical tabs and Collections
- Shopping tools and price alerts
- Pre-installed on Windows
Best Browser For...
Privacy-focused users: Brave
Microsoft 365 users: Edge
Ad-free browsing: Brave
Enterprise environments: Edge
Open source advocates: Brave
Online shopping: Edge
Frequently Asked Questions
What data does Edge collect?
Edge collects browsing history, search queries, and diagnostic data by default. It also integrates with Microsoft's advertising network. Studies have shown Edge sends persistent identifiers that can track you across browsing sessions.
Does Edge's tracking prevention work?
Edge's tracking prevention blocks some third-party trackers, but explicitly allows Microsoft's own tracking. Even on "Strict" mode, Microsoft services are exempted from blocking.
Can I import my Edge data to Brave?
Yes, Brave can import bookmarks, passwords, browsing history, and settings from Edge. The import wizard runs when you first install Brave or can be accessed from Settings.