5 Best VPNs for Brave Browser in 2025: Apps & Extensions

Brave browser offers extra security but doesn't encrypt your data, leaving you vulnerable to hackers and snoops. Plus, its built-in VPN is pretty expensive and has limited features compared to other top-tier options, so it’s not your best security tool.

Using Brave with a VPN secures all your data and device apps using strong encryption. VPNs also mask your real IP address and offer extra security features, like leak protection and a kill switch. Some VPNs also have malware protection to help boost Brave’s built-in tools, unlike proxies, which can’t keep your browser data safe.

After my team and I tested 47 VPNs, ExpressVPN is my top VPN for Brave. Unlike most services, its Chrome browser extension (fully compatible with Brave) provides robust security features, like bank-level encryption, for safe and private browsing. You can try ExpressVPN with Brave risk-free since it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Try ExpressVPN for Brave >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Brave Browser in 2025

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Best VPNs for Brave — Full Analysis (Updated in 2025)

1. ExpressVPN — Our Top Brave Browser Extension That Won't Compromise on Security or Speed

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested April 2025

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN’s full-featured Chrome extension is 100% compatible with Brave. Most VPN extensions are proxies, which mask your IP but won’t encrypt your data. However, ExpressVPN’s extension works like a remote control for its VPN app. When you connect via its Chrome extension, it protects your entire device and browser data.

We could load YouTube videos nearly instantly with its fast servers

It provides Ultra HD-friendly speeds with its proprietary Lightway protocol. Although it also offers OpenVPN, ExpressVPN’s Lightway provided the fastest speeds during our tests. We were able to maintain speeds over 200Mbps on nearby locations. With a global network of fast servers, it's possible to access popular streaming platforms, like Netflix US and Hulu, without interruptions from anywhere.

I also appreciate its Advanced Protection feature, which includes an ad blocker and Threat Manager. While Brave’s ad blocking is automated, the ExpressVPN team continuously updates and maintains a blocklist of domains that contain dangerous content. Once activated, Threat Manager prevents you from accessing a host of malware-containing sites on Brave (or any other browser). ExpressVPN also offers parental controls to block adult content.

While it's not the cheapest on my list, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free, as every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If it’s not for you, you can claim a full refund. I wanted to test this to check its reliability, so I used 24/7 live chat to request a refund. The friendly agent agreed without asking questions, and I got my money back in a few days.

Useful Features

• Responsive servers. All 3,000 servers in 105 countries support streaming, gaming, and downloading. You can watch The Bear on Disney+, play League of Legends, and download a torrent file on Brave without swapping servers or switching settings.
• RAM-only servers. Some VPNs use servers with hard drives capable of storing user data. ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology makes this impossible. Its RAM-only servers automatically wipe all your Brave browsing upon reboot; no data is written to memory.
• Fully audited no-logs policy. ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy has been court-proven on multiple occasions. Plus, its base is in the British Virgin Islands, outside the jurisdiction of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance.
• Extensions for Firefox and Edge. If you use other browsers besides Brave, ExpressVPN has you covered. And remember, the Brave extension also works with Chrome.

2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers for Reliable Streaming and Torrenting on Brave

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost's specialty streaming and torrenting servers are regularly tested and updated for optimal performance. I downloaded a 1.74 GB copyright-free file using uTorrent on Brave, and the file was safely on my hard drive within minutes. During our tests, streaming-optimized YouTube TV and Peacock servers connected with just two clicks. Simply expand the app to view all dedicated servers.

Press the star next to a server to add it to your "Favorites" list

Brave browser has become incredibly adept at blocking ads, stopping 97 to 99% of annoyances in our tests. However, CyberGhost’s Block content stops malware and malicious files at the DNS level to further boost your blocking and keep your Brave sessions free of threats. In addition, security features like the VPN's kill switch and leak protection are pre-configured, making CyberGhost an excellent choice for VPN beginners.

CyberGhost’s browser extension is minimal compared to ExpressVPN’s. It’s a free proxy, so it doesn’t encrypt your data. However, the VPN app covers your entire device, including Brave browsing sessions. And with 1-click connect, it’s as easy to use as a browser extension.

You can use CyberGhost free for 45 days using its long-term plan's money-back guarantee. Claiming a refund is straightforward if it isn’t right for you. You can protect your Brave browsing starting at just $2.03/month. At the time of writing, it’s 71% cheaper than Brave’s VPN extension.

Useful Features

• CyberGhost Private Browser. Each CyberGhost account comes with a free Private Browser, which you may prefer to Brave. It’s also based on Chrome, so it looks almost identical.
• Smart rules. CyberGhost also has multiple automation features like Automatic WiFi protection for unsecured networks. You can also enable it to connect automatically to a server of your choice whenever you launch Brave browser or any other app.
• A choice of protocols. CyberGhost offers WireGuard, the industry-leading open-source protocol built for speed, which I recommend for desktop Brave browsing. You also get IKEv2 on Mac and OpenVPN on Windows.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Plenty of Adjustable Features to Enhance Your Security on Brave

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA provides tons of adjustable settings to optimize your connection for browsing on Brave. Switching between the faster WireGuard, which allows for streaming in HD from anywhere, and the more secure OpenVPN is easy. In addition, it offers an advanced kill switch that you can set to cut off your internet until you connect to the VPN first.

"Try Alternate Settings" automatically tries new settings if one doesn't work

You also get PIA MACE, a highly effective ad, tracker, and malware blocker. Like CyberGhost’s Block content, it works at the DNS level. This is different from how Brave browser blocks ads, so you may find that it bolsters your blocking experience. PIA’s MACE feature also blocked annoying pop-ups and banner ads during our tests using other browsers.

PIA has a Chrome extension that’s fully compatible with the Brave browser. It’s a shame that it only protects data from your browser and can’t activate the main app to protect your entire device, like ExpressVPN. However, the main app has all the functionality of a browser extension — just connect and leave it running in the background.

All plans have a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it with Brave without risk. If it’s not what you were hoping for, it’s easy to claim a full refund. Plus, like all other VPNs on my list, PIA offers 24/7 support to help, if you run into any issues while using Brave or any other browser.

Useful Features

• Decent speeds. When doing a speed test on Brave, we got slowdowns of 17% from a nearby server. However, we got a 57% loss from Australia, so long-distance speeds aren’t as impressive.
• Split Tunnel. Set certain apps and sites to override the VPN. I set Chrome as my non-VPN browser for banking and other non-ad-heavy activities. That freed up more bandwidth for fun stuff on Brave over the VPN. Alternatively, Brave + VPN is a highly secure setup for crypto trading and transactions.
• Large server network. With its extensive network of 29,650 servers worldwide, PIA prevents delays due to overcrowding, enabling safe access to streaming services from anywhere.

4. NordVPN — Onion Over VPN Servers for Safer Anonymous Brave Browsing

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

NordVPN’s Onion Over VPN servers provide a safer alternative to Brave's Tor Windows. This is because Brave only uses Tor as a proxy and provides no additional encryption. Since anyone can set up a node on the Tor network, your data is still vulnerable to malicious actors. Whereas Onion Over VPN servers hide your IP and encrypt your data.

These servers can access .onion sites on regular browsers like Chrome and Firefox

You’ll also get extra protection from NordVPN's Dark Web Monitor. It continuously scans the dark web for personal data leaks associated with your NordVPN account email. This feature is a great extra safety net, particularly given the increasing rate of data breaches and other cyberattacks. We also didn't detect any IP leaks testing various NordVPN servers. So, your online identity is safe with NordVPN.

NordVPN comes with Threat Protection, a highly customizable ad, tracker, and malware blocker that works even when you’re not connected to a server. Unfortunately, the full version isn’t available for mobile devices. However, you get Threat Protection Lite for mobile devices, a one-click version that helps keep your mobile Brave browsing free of threats.

You can try NordVPN with Brave with a money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it, you’ve got 30 days to claim a refund.

Useful Features

• Proprietary NordLynx protocol. NordVPN’s exclusive protocol is based on WireGuard, which stores your IP address when you connect to a server. NordLynx fixes that vulnerability with double-NAT tech, keeping your Brave browsing truly anonymous.
• Chrome browser extension. NordVPN offers a user-friendly Chrome browser extension that works seamlessly with Brave Browser. Like CyberGhost, it’s only a proxy and not a full VPN, so it won’t encrypt your data.

5. Surfshark — Unlimited Connections Protect Your Brave Browsing on All Your Devices

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

A single Surfshark subscription allows Brave browser users to simultaneously protect an infinite number of devices. This eliminates the need to log out of any device, making it an excellent choice for large groups and families needing a reliable VPN connection.

There’s a wide range of servers to suit everyone, too. Surfshark’s rotating IP address servers offer great security when you need it most. You also get static IP servers, which helps you avoid a CAPTCHA — I used these to protect my online banking during tests, and they worked like a charm.

This can enhance your privacy by making you harder to track

On the downside, Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is part of the 14 Eyes Alliance. That means it would have to comply with government requests for data. But since it has a verified no-logs policy, none of your data gets collected or shared with anyone.

You can try Surfshark with your favorite Brave sites for free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re unhappy, claiming a refund is straightforward.

Useful Features

• Adjustable MultiHop. Choose from 13 preset MultiHop locations, or create your own from Surfshark’s 100 I wanted to keep my Brave browsing private, so I used Sweden and Switzerland, which both have excellent privacy laws.
• Cookie pop-up blocker. This feature rejects all possible cookies while a website is loading, so you won't have to deal with pop-ups when visiting a new website. This is super useful if (like me) you regularly visit different blogs to find new recipes and crafting inspiration.

Quick Comparison Table: Brave Browser VPN Features

When looking for a Brave VPN, consider those with features that enhance your privacy and browsing experience. For instance, some VPNs offer a Chrome extension that is fully compatible with Brave. However, most are just proxies, so you’ll get better protection with a full VPN app.

In addition, despite Brave's commendable ad-blocking capability, numerous VPNs come with integrated blockers that excel in thwarting malware.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Brave Browser’s Built-In VPN vs Premium VPNs

Brave Firewall + VPN is a good service, but for the price it charges, you can get two or more top-tier VPN services. For reference, ExpressVPN, the most expensive VPN on our list, starts at just $4.99/month with its shortest plan, compared to the $8.33/month price tag for Brave VPN’s yearly subscription.

Brave's VPN only offers basic privacy features like a kill switch but lacks advanced options like obfuscation or multi-hop, which are becoming more common among all VPNs. In addition, its server network only consists of 300+ servers in 40 countries and has limited streaming capability.

The Brave VPN doesn’t reliably work with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, etc. On the contrary, the best VPNs for streaming can safely access the most popular streaming services from anywhere.

Brave’s privacy policy isn’t as trustworthy as other reputable VPN equivalent agreements. It has never been independently audited and uses hard drives, which are less secure than RAM-only servers. Overall, finding a reason to use Brave’s VPN is tough, especially when all the top providers have money-back guarantees that let you test them out risk-free.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs For Brave

We followed a stringent set of criteria when selecting VPNs for the Brave browser. Firstly, we made sure each VPN was fully compatible with Brave and offered some kind of browser extension. Next, we checked that each service offered an effective malware and malicious content blocker. Then, we conducted rigorous speed tests for our chosen services. Finally, we ensured each service had a standout security feature for Brave.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

FAQs on VPNs for Brave Browser

Is a Brave browser extension more secure than a full VPN app?

No, a third-party VPN app is more secure than Brave’s browser extension. This is because the VPN extension doesn’t offer any advanced features like obfuscation or split tunneling. It only offers industry-standard protocols, while some top-tier VPNs have even developed proprietary protocols that are more secure and faster than the existing ones.

Full VPN apps offer better privacy protection since their security features extend to all apps on a device. Although Brave's extension enhances browser privacy, it does not replace the robust security features of a full VPN service.

How do I set up a VPN extension on Brave browser?

That’s easy. Choose a reputable VPN provider with a compatible extension. Download the extension and follow the installation instructions. Once installed, click the jigsaw piece logo in the top right of Brave’s menu bar. Your VPN will appear in a dropdown menu of your browser extensions.

Log in with your VPN account details. Next, select a server location and connect. And that’s it. You can now browse with Brave privately and securely.

What if my VPN for Brave browser stops working?

If your VPN for Brave browser stops working, here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the issue:

• Check your internet connection. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and try reconnecting to the VPN.
• Change server location. Switch to a different server or location within your VPN provider's network to see if it resolves the connectivity problem. This is why I only recommend VPNs with large server networks, as it means you have plenty of options to choose from if you're having technical issues.
• Restart the VPN and Brave browser. Close and reopen both the VPN client and Brave to refresh the connection.
• Update Brave and VPN software. Check for any updates for your VPN software and Brave, and install them to ensure you have the latest version.
• Contact VPN support. If the issue persists, contact your VPN provider's customer support for further assistance.

Are Private Windows with Tor safe to use on Brave browser?

Yes, but they have limitations because the Tor network itself isn’t completely secure. It's recommended to use a VPN to encrypt your data and hide your IP when using the network. Tor bounces your data across a network of volunteer-run servers, so there’s no guarantee that one of them won’t compromise you.

If you use a VPN, your browsing will remain private — even if a volunteer is spying on user data. VPNs hide your IP addresses to protect your identity and location, plus they guard your data with encryption that’s virtually impossible to crack.

Should I use a free VPN for Brave browser?

No, it's not recommended as many free VPNs aren’t safe. Free VPNs often record and sell your personal information and browsing activity to third parties to make money. It’s not worth using a free VPN when you can get a low-cost premium VPN that won’t compromise your privacy.

Free VPNs can also lack basic security settings such as leak protection and a kill switch. Without these, you can easily be exposed to malware, trackers, and prying eyes whenever you use Brave browser.

Get the Best VPN for Brave Browser

Using a VPN in combination with Brave browser is an easy way to enhance your privacy. However, most browser extensions are proxies and can’t protect your data like a full VPN app can. In these cases, it's best to use a VPN app to cover your entire device.

I recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN for Brave because its browser extension is just as safe as the VPN app and integrates seamlessly with Brave. It offers security and privacy features to safeguard your browsing, plus Ultra HD-friendly speeds for uninterrupted streaming from anywhere. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for Brave browser...

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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