Brave browser uses Chromium codebase and supports Chrome extension

Privacy-focused browser Brave has completed its two-stage process, migrating most of its userbase to the full Chromium codebase—bringing Brave in line with other major browsers like Chrome, Vivaldi, Opera, and the soon-to-be Chromium-based Edge. This change comes with several enhancements, including a notable 22% speed boost, as promised by the Brave development team.

One of the most significant aspects of this migration is that Brave now supports Chrome extensions. Starting from Brave version 0.57, users can head over to the Chrome Web Store and install any extension available for Google Chrome. This expands the customization and functionality options for Brave users, who can now access the same library of powerful tools as Chrome users.

However, Brave’s journey with Chromium has been a gradual one. Since its announcement in 2016, Brave was already using Chromium’s page rendering engine, but the browser employed a custom-built user interface. Now, with the move to the full Chromium framework, Brave benefits from increased speed and compatibility with web technologies, while maintaining its focus on privacy and user control.

But does this shift compromise Brave’s privacy-first approach? The answer is a firm “no.” Despite adopting the Chromium base, Brave remains steadfast in its commitment to user privacy. “Brave doesn’t make any connections to Google in the background,” the Brave team emphasized in a recent statement. Key Google features like Google Accounts, Sync, and Chrome-specific telemetry and reporting have been completely removed. Even search suggestions bypass Google, keeping user data as private as ever.

Brave continues to stand out with its unique privacy features: built-in ad-blocking, a rewards program allowing users to support their favorite websites, and the option to browse privately via Tor. These features, combined with its new compatibility with Chrome extensions, make Brave a compelling choice for privacy enthusiasts and mainstream users alike.

Here’s another great example of Chromium-based browsers—read the review on GoLogin, an alternative to the Brave browser, to see how it compares in terms of privacy and functionality.

As the browser landscape continues to evolve, Brave’s move to Chromium signifies a promising future where performance and privacy can coexist. With its ongoing dedication to user autonomy, Brave remains a top contender in the increasingly competitive browser market.