The Brave browser prioritizes user privacy and offers features like a built-in ad blocker and a VPN (available for a fee). But is Brave VPN worth the cost? This post explores three VPN options for Brave, including Brave VPN itself and two third-party alternatives. You’ll discover their pricing, features, advantages, and drawbacks to help you make an informed choice.
Is Brave Safe?
The Brave browser is an open-source browser built on the powerful Chromium engine, the same foundation used by Chrome and Opera GX. It features a built-in ad blocker that can prevent most advertisements and protect your online data.
However, some advertisements and malware might still appear when browsing with Brave. Additionally, website servers may track your browsing history through methods like first-party cookies or local storage.
In summary, Brave is very safe to use, but there is still a possibility that data such as your browsing history and preferences could be exposed. To enhance your security and privacy further, you can use a VPN with Brave to add an extra layer of protection.
Related: How to Know If a Website Is Safe (4 Signs You Should Know)
Should You Use a VPN on the Brave Browser?
For getting high-grade security, using a VPN is necessary. Here are the benefits of using a VPN on the Brave browser.
Hide Your IP Address: A VPN creates an encryption tunnel to let your traffic pass through. Then, it will change your real IP address to a virtual one. Such, no one will know where you are at.
Encrypt Your Data: The VPNs use VPN protocols to create an encryption tunnel to protect your online data like passwords, browsing history, and phone numbers.
Access Global Content: By changing your IP address to regions around the world, you can access the content that is not available in your country.
Brave VPNs Comparison: Free and Paid Options
Here are three VPNs to use with Brave. Their detailed information like price and features are listed below.
LightningX VPN – Best VPN for Brave
LightningX VPN is one of the best VPNs for Brave. It uses top-notch VPN protocols like WireGuard, based on military-grade algorithms like AES-256-GCM. It conceals your data and can unlock all geo-restrictions. Plus, it has a strict no-logs policy.
It has 2,000+ servers in 50+ countries like the US, China, Russia, and Japan. Its server fleet covers nearly all the regions of Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, TikTok, and Disney Plus. It can unlock these apps on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Apple TV, and Android TV.
It doesn’t limit your bandwidth and traffic usage, meaning you can keep watching episodes without any lag.
It has affordable plans:
- 1 Day: $0.99
- 1 month: $0.19/day ($5.99 total)
- 3 months + 1 month free: $0.13/day ($15.99 total)
- 1 year + 1 year: $0.08/day ($59.99)
Pros:
- Working well with Brave
- Thousands of servers
- Blazing fast speed
- Bank-level security
- Below market price
Brave VPN – Brave’s Built-in VPN
It is a built-in feature of the Brave browser, meaning there’s no need to download it separately. However, it functions as a device-level VPN, which means it can protect other apps and browsers even when the Brave browser is closed.
As for security, it protects your privacy with robust protocols like WireGuard and IKEv2/IPsec, based on AES-256 and ChaCha20. These technologies help you efficiently unblock apps and websites, and they also include additional firewall protection.
When it comes to downloading or streaming, Brave VPN provides a 500 Mbps connection. While there is no official announcement about traffic or bandwidth limitations, many users report that its performance is not exceptional.
As for the covered regions, Brave VPN has over 300 servers across 40+ countries. For many Brave users, this server pool may seem relatively small. It supports Brave on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, and allows you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.
Price and plans:
- One month: $9.99
- One year: $99.99
Pros:
- No need to download
- Rock-solid security
- Perfectly compatible with Brave
- 10 devices supported simultaneously
Cons:
- 300+ servers only
- Normal connection speed
- Limited compatible platforms
Proton VPN Free
The free version of Proton VPN is also a choice for unlocking things on Brave. Check its features below.
It uses the WireGuard protocol and abides by a no-logs policy which is more secure than most free VPNs.
Proton VPN free offers unlimited bandwidth and data. This is good for users to freely watch dramas, movies, and sports live.
However, this VPN only offers several servers: Japan, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, and the United States. It only supports one simultaneous device connection.
Pros:
- Free
- No-logs policy
- No data limit
Cons:
- Few servers
- Slightly slow
Use the Brave VPN or a Third-Party VPN with the Brave Browser
The built-in VPN of Brave can be directly used on the browser while separate VPN services like LightningX VPN and Proton VPN need to be installed.
VPN Software
Here’s how to use the VPN software to protect and unlock websites on the Brave browser.
Step 1. Go to the browser, Google Play Store, or App Store to download the VPN desktop or app.
Step 2. Open the VPN and sign up for an account. VPNs like LightningX VPN will offer a one-day free trial for beginners.
Step 3. Select the desired server and check if the geo-restricted content can be opened. Usually, the nearest server is the fastest.
Built-in VPN (Brave VPN)
Step 1. Open your Brave browser and log into the account.
Step 2. Click on the Start Free Trial button on the Brave VPN tab located on the top right. You can also click on the VPN button next to the three horizontal lines.
Step 3. Fill out the form with your information and click “Start trial” to get the free trial of Brave VPN Premium. Note that after your 7-day trial ends, you’ll be charged $9.99 per month. You can always cancel it before then.
Tip: To turn the built-in VPN off, you can locate it and switch off the toggle.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Brave VPN
Q: Is VPN available in Brave?
Yes, but it is not free. Once you subscribe to it, you can directly use it on the Brave browser without downloading it.
Q: Is Brave safe without a VPN?
Brave offers a built-in ad blocker and reduces your fingerprint, which protects your data and privacy. However, they still can be tracked by others if they want to. Using a VPN can add an extra layer of security.
Q: Does the Brave browser hide your IP address?
Only when you turn on the VPN. Brave hides your fingerprint or footprint but doesn’t hide your IP address.
Q: Can your ISP track you on Brave?
Yes. Your ISP can still track your traffic usage on Brave. However, you can connect to a VPN to hide it.
Q: How do I turn off the VPN on Brave?
Go to the settings menu, locate the VPN, and then turn off the toggle switch to disable the VPN function.
