What Is Brave Browser?

Brave Browser is an open‑source web browser designed with privacy, speed and user control at its core. Instead of allowing third‑party trackers to follow your every click, Brave blocks ads and trackers by default, reduces page loading times dramatically and keeps your data on your device. According to the developers, Brave is up to three times faster than traditional browsers because it doesn’t waste resources loading intrusive ads or analytics scripts. By default, Brave also removes cookie consent pop‑ups and upgrades connections to HTTPS when possible.

Launched by Brendan Eich (the co‑creator of JavaScript and co‑founder of Mozilla), Brave aims to flip the usual advertising model on its head. Instead of turning users into products, the browser introduces Brave Rewards, a system that rewards you with its own cryptocurrency (BAT) if you choose to view privacy‑respecting ads. You can then use BAT to support websites and content creators directly. While optional, this system gives you more agency over how your attention and data are monetized. It’s an interesting concept, and though the reward amounts are modest, many users enjoy supporting the sites they love without handing over personal information.

With more than 100 million users worldwide, Brave has developed into a full‑featured browsing platform. The mobile app integrates a private firewall and VPN, a built‑in AI assistant named Leo, independent search engine, built‑in wallet for crypto, secure video calling via Brave Talk and much more. Each of these components works together to create a seamless, privacy‑centric browsing experience. Many people use the browser as a replacement for Chrome or Safari because it supports Chrome extensions and syncs bookmarks across devices.

Key Features & Capabilities

Brave packs a surprising amount of functionality into its compact mobile package. The following are some standout capabilities that set Brave apart from other browsers:

Built‑in Ad & Tracker Blocking

Brave’s Shields are always on. They block ads, third‑party cookies, cross‑site trackers, fingerprinting attempts and bounce tracking without requiring extra extensions. This means you load pages faster and use less data. When sites rely on shady advertising scripts to track you, Brave simply doesn’t let them load. Chrome, by contrast, collects as much data as possible and sells targeted ads to you – Brave chooses not to participate in that system and effectively stops most tracking attempts.

Leo AI Assistant

Leo is Brave’s native AI assistant. Ask questions, summarise articles, translate languages, draft emails or even brainstorm ideas directly within the browser. Leo is built with privacy in mind – chats are not used to train models or sold to advertisers. In the latest release it gained the ability to analyse PDF documents and generate summaries, making research tasks easier. The premium version unlocks higher usage limits and access to more advanced models.

Firewall & VPN

Brave includes a paid Firewall + VPN service that encrypts all traffic from your device (not just your browser). Powered by Guardian, the VPN protects up to ten devices with unlimited bandwidth and speeds up to 500 Mbps. The VPN is available as part of Brave Premium and can be managed from within the browser itself. Many users appreciate not needing a separate VPN app.

Independent Search

Brave Search is a private, independent search engine. It operates outside of Google’s or Bing’s index, building its own dataset and ensuring your search queries aren’t profiled. The free tier displays ads that are not targeted to your identity, whereas the paid tier offers ad‑free results. Brave Search also features Ask Brave, which combines search and AI chat for a more interactive experience.

Night Mode & Reading Tools

For comfortable reading, Brave includes a night mode that darkens webpages and reduces eye strain. The browser also offers a reader mode, offline media playlists and an integrated news and RSS feed reader. Vertical tabs, tab groups and split view help with multitasking on larger screens. These features mean you often don’t need third‑party extensions to customise your workflow.

Crypto Wallet & Rewards

The integrated wallet stores cryptocurrencies such as BAT, Ethereum and NFTs. Brave Rewards allows you to earn BAT tokens by viewing opt‑in, privacy‑respecting ads. You can tip websites or creators, or withdraw the tokens to an external wallet. While some users are not interested in crypto, those who are enjoy the convenience of a built‑in wallet.

Brave Talk

Brave Talk enables private video calls directly from the browser without time limits. The free version supports small groups, while the premium service adds call recordings, participant muting and group watch features. Because calls happen via the browser, you don’t need to install additional apps – and Brave doesn’t collect call metadata.

v1.83.120 Updates & Improvements

The 1.83.120 release of Brave Browser might look incremental on the surface, yet it includes several important updates. According to the official release notes on APKMirror, this version added support for uploading PDFs to Leo AI, giving users a simple way to attach documents for the AI assistant to summarise or analyse. This change means you can ask Leo to extract key points from a PDF report or generate new content based on a document you provide – all while maintaining your privacy.

The update also introduced a raft of stability improvements. Users reported fewer crashes, smoother scrolling and faster opening of new tabs. These optimisations stem from better memory management and refined data caching in the underlying Chromium engine. It’s surprising how much these tweaks can affect daily browsing – pages feel snappier, and background processes no longer drain your battery as quickly.

Another notable change in v1.83.120 is the upgrade to Chromium 141. Each Chromium update brings security patches, new web platform features and performance enhancements. By staying current with Chromium releases, Brave ensures you can access modern web applications without exposing yourself to vulnerabilities. The developers also continue to remove Google tracking code from the open‑source Chromium base, so you get the benefits of the engine without the hidden telemetry.

Beyond these headline improvements, Brave 1.83.120 still includes all the features of previous versions: built‑in ad blocker, script blocker, cookie consent removal, tracking code stripping, and support for Android 7 and above. The update also paves the way for upcoming innovations like customisable main menus, improved password manager and further AI integrations, which are scheduled for the 1.84 series. Even if the version number doesn’t sound dramatic, the incremental improvements deliver tangible benefits for everyday users.

How to Download Brave APK v1.83.120

Downloading the Brave APK is straightforward provided you use trusted sources. The official website and reputable APK repositories host the latest version free from tampering:

• Google Play Store: The simplest method. If you’re already using the Play Store, search for “Brave Browser” and look for the listing by Brave Software. This ensures automatic updates.
• APKMirror: A trusted archive that hosts signed APKs. Each release is verified by cryptographic signatures. On the 1.83.120 page you’ll find multiple variants for different device architectures.
• APKPure: An alternative marketplace with extra checks. Useful if you can’t access the Play Store. Make sure the package name is com.brave.browser.
• Official Brave Website: Brave provides direct download links on its site for Android, iOS, desktop and Linux. These installers are kept up to date with the latest stable release.

System Requirements

Before downloading, check that your device meets the minimum specifications:

• Android 7.0 (Nougat) or higher.
• At least 150 MB of free storage space for the app and cached data.
• ARM64‑v8a or x86_64 architecture – choose the correct APK variant.
• An active internet connection for first‑time setup and updates.

If your device runs an older version of Android, consider installing the Brave Lite browser, which is optimised for low‑end devices but still provides ad blocking and privacy features.

Step‑by‑Step Installation Guide

Installing Brave from an APK takes only a few minutes, but following a structured process will prevent errors and ensure your security. Here’s a comprehensive installation tutorial:

1. Enable Unknown Sources

By default, Android blocks the installation of apps from outside the Play Store. To install an APK, go to Settings > Security (or Biometrics & Security depending on your device), then toggle on Install unknown apps for your file manager or browser. Some devices show a pop‑up when you attempt installation – if so, grant permission on the spot.

2. Download the Correct APK

Visit one of the sources listed above and select the variant that matches your device architecture. If you’re unsure, apps like CPU‑Z can tell you whether your phone uses ARM64 or x86 hardware. Download the APK file and wait until it finishes.

3. Verify the File

Although Brave packages are signed, it’s smart to check the file size and version number. On APKMirror, the 1.83.120 release lists the file size (around 90 MB) and displays a green “Verified safe to install” badge. Compare this with the numbers shown on your device. If anything looks suspicious, re‑download the file.

4. Run the Installer

1. Open your downloads folder using a file manager.
2. Tap the Brave-1.83.120.apk file.
3. Review the permissions requested by the app; Brave typically asks for network access, storage and device feedback, which are necessary for browsing. Tap Install.
4. Wait up to a minute while the app installs. A progress bar will appear.
5. Once installation is complete, tap Open to launch Brave for the first time.

5. Post‑Installation Setup

When launching Brave, you’ll be prompted to import bookmarks from other browsers or sign into an existing Brave Sync chain. You can skip this if you prefer a fresh start. Enable Brave Rewards if you’d like to earn BAT for viewing privacy‑respecting ads. If you subscribe to the VPN or Search premium, sign in with your Brave account to activate those features. Finally, customise the homepage and Shields settings according to your preferences – you may want to block scripts on trackers heavy sites but allow them on essential pages.

Premium Pricing & Subscription Options

Brave is free to download and use, but several premium offerings enhance the experience. These services help support Brave’s mission and give you access to more powerful features.

All premium services can be purchased individually or together under the Brave Premium umbrella. Subscriptions are billed monthly or annually with discounts for yearly plans. If you only need the VPN, you don’t have to pay for Leo or Talk – it’s a modular system. Many users start with the VPN trial and upgrade if they find the service reliable. Others prefer Search Premium because it removes ads from search results and supports the development of an independent search engine. Ultimately, subscribing helps fund Brave’s mission to build a user‑first web.

Benefits of Using Brave

So why should you switch to Brave? There are several compelling reasons beyond the basic feature checklist. The following benefits make a strong case for using Brave as your default browser on Android:

Performance & Speed

Because Brave blocks ads and trackers by default, there’s less junk to download on each page. This results in websites loading up to three times faster than on traditional browsers. Research from Brave’s own comparisons with Chrome shows that the browser uses 33 % less memory and up to 50 % less battery power while browsing. In practice, this means your device runs cooler, your battery lasts longer, and there’s less waiting around for pages to render. On slower connections, the difference is even more pronounced.

Data Savings

If you’re on a limited mobile data plan, Brave’s blocking of ads and trackers can save megabytes of bandwidth each day. Mobile advertising networks often serve large images, videos and JavaScript files that have nothing to do with the page’s content. By cutting these out, Brave reduces your data usage significantly. This can make a huge difference if you frequently browse on 3G/4G connections while travelling.

Enhanced Battery Life

Battery drain is a common complaint among smartphone users. Because Brave reduces background activity from trackers and removes heavy ads, your CPU doesn’t work as hard. When combined with efficient memory management, this leads to noticeable improvements in battery life. Many users report gaining an extra hour of browsing on a single charge compared to using Chrome.

Control Over Advertising

With Brave Rewards, you get to decide whether to see ads or not. If you opt in, the browser shows privacy‑respecting ads and pays you in BAT tokens. If you opt out, you enjoy an ad‑free experience across most of the web. This level of control is rare, and it empowers you to support content creators without compromising your privacy.

Flexibility & Customisation

Brave is built on the Chromium engine, so almost all Chrome extensions work with it. You can tailor the browser with extensions while still benefiting from the privacy protections built into Brave. The ability to tweak Shields per site, enable vertical tabs, adjust the address bar layout and choose from many custom themes means your browser can look and behave exactly how you like.

Those benefits combined create a browsing experience that feels both familiar and radically new. It’s not just about blocking ads – it’s about giving you more agency over how you interact with the web. After using Brave for a while, many people find it hard to go back to browsers that track them by default.

Privacy & Security Features

Privacy is at the heart of Brave. Whereas companies like Google collect as much data as possible to fuel an advertising empire, Brave takes the opposite approach. Its philosophy is to block nearly every attempt to track you online by default. Here’s how it does that:

• Block third‑party ads & trackers: Brave’s Shields stop scripts that embed ads or track your behaviour across sites.
• Block third‑party cookies: Cookies are isolated per site to prevent cross‑site tracking.
• Protect against fingerprinting: Brave randomises or reduces browser fingerprint surface area to make you harder to identify.
• Remove cookie banners: Those annoying “Accept Cookies” pop‑ups are automatically blocked.
• Enable Global Privacy Control (GPC): Brave sends a GPC signal to websites to request that your data is not sold.
• Auto‑upgrade to HTTPS: Connections default to encrypted HTTPS whenever possible, reducing the risk of man‑in‑the‑middle attacks.
• Network state partitioning: The browser separates storage and network state so trackers cannot correlate data across websites.
• Filter query parameters: Brave strips out known tracking parameters from URLs when you copy them to your clipboard.
• Block bounce tracking: The browser prevents redirection chains that track you via intermediate domains.

In addition to these default protections, Brave includes an option to browse with Tor in a private window. This routes your traffic through the Tor network for additional anonymity, though it does slow down page loading. Finally, the built‑in password manager securely stores your login credentials and can import/export them via CSV. Starting from version 1.84, Brave plans to allow password imports on Android, making migration from other browsers even easier.

Practical Applications & Use Cases

Brave is more than just a browser; it’s a toolset for different kinds of users. Here are some scenarios where Brave shines:

Everyday Browsing with Peace of Mind

If you’re tired of websites bombarding you with ads and pop‑ups, Brave provides a calmer experience. Pages load cleaner, and you no longer need to install an ad‑blocker extension. The built‑in protections mean you can hand your phone to a family member without worrying about them clicking on malicious ads.

Research and Productivity

Students and professionals can use Leo to summarise research papers, extract key facts from PDF documents, translate foreign‑language articles and brainstorm ideas. The ability to attach PDFs directly to your AI chat stream is especially useful for long form research. Combined with vertical tabs and split view, Brave turns your phone or tablet into a mini workstation.

Privacy‑Sensitive Tasks

When you’re handling financial transactions, medical research or other sensitive tasks, you don’t want your data leaking to third parties. Brave’s shields and VPN help mitigate the risk of eavesdropping and fingerprinting. Using a private window with Tor adds another layer of anonymity when you need it.

Entertainment & Media

Brave’s built‑in ad blocker also works on YouTube and other streaming sites, meaning you can watch videos without interruptions. The offline media playlists feature allows you to save audio and video content for later, while the Brave Talk video calling service offers ad‑free chats with friends, colleagues or family. In premium tiers, Brave Talk includes call recording and group watch so you can enjoy YouTube together.

Supporting Content Creators

Brave Rewards lets you tip websites and YouTube creators directly with BAT tokens. This helps support the content you love without handing over personal data to ad brokers. Many independent publishers have integrated Brave Rewards into their websites so you can support them with a single click.

And if you’re into exploring other privacy apps, check out our review of Windscribe VPN. It’s another tool from BoostAPK’s collection that complements Brave when you need robust network‑level privacy outside of the browser. This internal link also helps you discover other curated apps on our site.

User Reviews & Performance Analysis

What do real users think about Brave? Feedback on app stores and social media paints a mostly positive picture, but it’s not without criticism:

Positive Feedback

Many users praise Brave’s reliability and minimalistic design. On the Play Store it holds a 4.7/5 rating with over 100 million downloads. People appreciate how quickly pages load, the reduction in intrusive ads and the built‑in VPN. The Leo assistant also receives kudos for summarising articles and helping with language translations. Some reviewers mention that after trying Brave, they struggle to return to Chrome because of the differences in speed and battery usage.

Constructive Criticism

Not everything is perfect. Some users report occasional website compatibility issues – certain sites detect the ad blocker and refuse to load unless you disable shields. Others criticise the Brave Rewards program because BAT payouts are relatively small or vary by region. A few reviewers mention that the optional crypto features can be confusing for non‑technical people, and there’s a learning curve to understanding how rewards work. Finally, although Brave is built on Chromium, major updates sometimes lag behind Chrome by a few weeks, which can delay security fixes. This is less of an issue lately, as Brave’s development cycle has caught up, but it’s worth noting.

Overall, the positives far outweigh the negatives. The community appreciates Brave’s transparency and mission to build a user‑first web. And many people switch to Brave as part of a broader move towards privacy‑focused tools.

Brave vs Competitors

Brave competes with giants like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge and Safari. Let’s compare these browsers based on key criteria:

The table above summarises the core differences. Chrome is convenient and integrates with Google services but collects vast amounts of data for targeted advertising. Firefox pioneered many privacy features but has fallen behind in default protections and still allows certain trackers by default. Brave strikes a balance between usability and privacy, offering built‑in protections without requiring additional extensions. It also introduces innovative features like Leo AI and Brave Rewards that competitors lack. That said, each browser has its own strengths, and the right choice depends on your priorities. If you need full compatibility with some niche Chrome features, you might stick with Chrome, but for privacy and performance, Brave is a strong contender.

Common Issues & Solutions

No software is perfect. Here are some challenges users occasionally face with Brave and how to address them:

Sites Detecting Ad Blocker

Some websites refuse to load content when they detect an ad blocker. Solution: open Shields settings by tapping the lion icon in the address bar and temporarily allow ads or scripts on that site. You can also try Allow All Ads & Tracking for specific pages if you trust the source.

Performance Hiccups

Even though Brave is faster than most browsers, you might encounter occasional lag on very heavy pages. Solution: clear the browser cache, disable unnecessary extensions and make sure you’re running the latest version. Rebooting your device also helps clear background processes.

Sync Chain Issues

Some users experience problems when syncing bookmarks across devices. Solution: re‑generate a new Sync chain on one device and scan the QR code on the others. Ensure all devices run the same major version of Brave. Sometimes there might be a short delay before your bookmarks appear.

Small BAT Earnings

Brave Rewards payouts vary by region and advertiser demand, so some users earn very little BAT. Solution: set realistic expectations and consider the Rewards programme a bonus rather than a primary income source. You can also opt out entirely if you find it distracting.

Pro Tips & Tricks

To get the most out of Brave, keep these suggestions in mind:

Customise Shields per Site

Each site may require different levels of blocking. For online banking, you might allow all scripts to ensure functionality; for news sites, you might block everything. Adjust the shields on a per‑site basis using the lion icon – this fine‑tuning helps maintain both privacy and usability.

Use Private Windows with Tor

When researching sensitive topics, open a private window with Tor. This routes your traffic through multiple nodes, making it harder to trace you. Remember that Tor is slower, so reserve it for tasks where anonymity is essential.

Bookmark Groups & Vertical Tabs

If you juggle many open pages, try enabling vertical tabs in the settings. This moves your tab bar to the side and allows for easier navigation. Group tabs by project or theme to stay organised. You can also bookmark a group of tabs at once for later retrieval.

Experiment with Night Mode

Switch on night mode for eye comfort. It darkens webpages and the interface, making evening browsing more pleasant. Combined with reader mode, this creates a distraction‑free environment for long‑form reading.

Rotate Your Rewards Contributions

Every month you can choose which websites or creators receive your BAT contributions. Rotate your supported sites to distribute your attention fairly among the content you enjoy. If you’d rather keep your BAT, withdraw it to an external wallet or exchange.

Future Developments & Roadmap

Brave’s developers are constantly adding features and improving the browser. Here’s a glimpse of what’s planned for upcoming releases:

Customisable Main Menu

Future versions will allow you to reorder and hide items in the Android main menu. This improvement, expected in version 1.84, gives you quicker access to the actions you use most often. It’s a small change but one that makes daily use feel more personal.

Import Passwords on Android

Brave already offers a solid password manager on desktop. Soon, you’ll be able to import passwords via CSV directly on Android. This will simplify the migration from other browsers or password managers. You’ll also be able to export your Brave passwords should you decide to switch.

Enhanced AI Capabilities

Leo is evolving quickly. The roadmap includes deeper contextual awareness, improved translation accuracy and the ability to summarise multimedia content like videos or podcasts. Premium users will get early access to new models and features, while the free version will continue to receive improvements over time.

Expanded VPN Coverage

Brave’s VPN currently supports 10 devices per subscription. The company plans to expand coverage and offer more server locations worldwide. They’re also exploring integration with other privacy tools like DNS over HTTPS to create an even more secure network layer.

Of course, roadmaps can change. But one thing is clear: Brave remains committed to building a browser that prioritises user privacy, performance and convenience. New features will continue to roll out regularly, so keep your app updated to enjoy the latest improvements.

Conclusion & Personal Reflection

Brave Browser v1.83.120 builds on the foundation of speed, privacy and innovation. The ability to upload PDFs to Leo, the improved stability and the Chromium 141 upgrade show that the developers are listening to user feedback and pushing the platform forward. The modular premium services let you choose the extras you need without paying for features you don’t use. And with built‑in shields, a rewards programme and numerous productivity tools, Brave becomes more than just a browser – it’s a full privacy suite.

Writing this article made me reflect on how much the web has changed. When I first started using the internet, ads and trackers weren’t so pervasive. Today, many browsers feel sluggish and intrusive because they load advertising scripts before the actual content. Brave’s approach – blocking by default and rewarding users for their attention – feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s not perfect; there are minor glitches and occasional site compatibility issues, and some people might find the crypto aspects confusing. But after spending several weeks with Brave, I can honestly say it has become my daily driver.

The mixture of robust privacy features, speed improvements and forward‑looking integrations like AI and cryptocurrency sets Brave apart from the crowd. If you haven’t tried it yet, I encourage you to download the 1.83.120 release and explore its features. You might not want to go back to your old browser afterwards.