5 Best VPNs for Brave Browser in 2024: Apps & Extensions

Although Brave browser offers extra security, it doesn't encrypt your data. So your browsing is still vulnerable to hackers and snoops. Unfortunately, Brave’s own integrated VPN is expensive and limiting, and many other extensions are just proxies that don’t protect your traffic.

It’s better to use Brave with a VPN app that secures your whole device rather than a proxy extension. Not only will this encrypt your information to keep you safe, but It will mask your real IP address and protect every app that uses the internet. You’ll also get extra security features, like leak protection, and a kill switch, and even malware blockers to boost Brave’s built-in tools.

We tested over 60 VPNs with Brave browser, and ExpressVPN is my top choice. Unlike most services, its Chrome browser extension (fully compatible with Brave) provides a variety of 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 2024

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 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Our Top Brave Browser Extension With Fully-Loaded VPN Features

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested November 2024

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN’s full-feature Chrome extension is fully 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.

You can also enable Block WebRTC on the browser extension to prevent websites from finding your real location

It provides Ultra HD-friendly speeds with its proprietary Lightway protocol. It still offers OpenVPN, but ExpressVPN’s Lightway provided the fastest speeds during our tests. That’s because ExpressVPN has removed all the lines of code that aren’t necessary for a commercial protocol to give you great speeds while keeping your Brave browsing safe. It's even faster than WireGuard.

We tested 2 nearby servers and got an average speed drop of 3%. This is impressive, considering most VPNs drop your average download rate by up to 20%. Since ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries, it's possible to safely access popular streaming services, like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, from anywhere in Ultra HD.

True, it’s not the cheapest on my list. But you can try ExpressVPN risk-free, as every plan is backed by a money-back guarantee. If it’s not for you, you can claim a full refund within 30 days. 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. I got my money back in a few days.

Useful Features

• Responsive servers. All 3,000 servers support streaming, gaming, and downloading. You can watch The Bear, play League of Legends, and download a torrent file on Brave without swapping servers or switching settings.
• 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).
• RAM-only servers. Some VPNs use servers with hard drives that are capable of storing user data. That’s not possible with ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology. 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 offers optimized servers for streaming and torrenting. I tested a torrenting server by downloading a 1.74 GB copyright-free file using uTorrent on Brave, and the file was safely on my hard drive within minutes. CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers enable HD access to platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer from anywhere with just two clicks.

It’s easy to find the right server with CyberGhost’s intuitive app

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.

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

Its 45-day money-back guarantee gives you plenty of time to test CyberGhost out with Brave browser. You can easily claim a refund if it isn’t right for you. I tested this out for myself, and it was just as easy as with ExpressVPN.

Useful Features

• Budget-friendly long-term plans. You can protect your Brave browsing for a low price with CyberGhost’s long-term plan. At the time of writing, it’s 71% cheaper than Brave’s VPN extension.
• Pre-configured security features. Core security features like the kill switch and leak protection are pre-configured and work automatically. This makes CyberGhost a great choice for VPN beginners.
• 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.
• 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. You can also set up rules to automate PIA — I tested its Connection Automation on my laptop by setting it to connect whenever I’m on WiFi, which worked perfectly.

AES-128-bit encryption is slightly less secure but faster than AES-256-bit

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 is also useful for blocking ads when you use other browsers.

PIA has a Chrome extension that’s fully compatible with the Brave browser. It’s a shame that it only protects the data from your browser, and can’t be used to 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.

PIA’s plans all have a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it with Brave for free. If it’s not what you were hoping for, it’s easy to claim a full refund.

Useful Features

• Decent speeds. We got slowdowns of 17% from a nearby server when doing a speed test on Brave. We got a 57% loss from Australia, though, 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.
• Multi-language support. Like all the VPNs on my list, PIA offers global support for Brave browsing with a choice of languages.

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. Tor is run by volunteers, so anyone can set up a node on the network, leaving your data vulnerable to malicious actors. Onion Over VPN servers hide your IP and encrypt your data so you can browse the dark web safely and privately. They’re also faster than the Tor network.

You also get Double VPN servers for 9 locations

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 to have, particularly given the increasing rate of data breaches and other cyberattacks.

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 do get Threat Protection Lite for mobile devices, which is 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 Protects 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 protect an infinite number of devices simultaneously. This eliminates the need to ever log out from any device, making it an excellent choice for large groups and families in need of 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 with Surfshark, which help you avoid a CAPTCHA — I used these to protect my online banking, and they worked like a charm.

Rotating IP is available under Settings

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, this doesn’t cause me much concern.

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 countries. 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 whenever you visit 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, there are certain features to look for that enhance your privacy and browsing experience. For instance, some VPNs offer a Chrome extension that’s fully compatible with Brave. However, most are just proxies, so you’ll get better protection with a full VPN app.

Furthermore, a high-quality VPN can access sites like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video from anywhere with minimal lag or buffering. Even though Brave's ad-blocking capability is commendable, 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.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs For Brave

We followed a stringent set of criteria when selecting VPNs for Brave browser. Firstly, we made sure each VPN was fully compatible with Brave and offered some kind of browser extension. Next, we made sure 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.

For a detailed breakdown of our testing procedure, you can visit our methodology page. This provides all the information on how our global team of tech heads gather and present data to keep you informed. Feel free to use it as the basis for your own testing.

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 Brave Firewall + VPN as safe as a third-party VPN?

Not quite, so I don’t recommend it. While all of the VPNs on this list offer essential security features, Brave Firewall + VPN lacks some. For instance, it doesn’t offer a kill switch, so if you’re suddenly disconnected from the VPN, your data is at risk of being exposed. You also don’t get any bonus features, like obfuscation or multi-hop.

Plus, Brave’s privacy policy is not quite as trustworthy as reputable VPNs. For example, it’s never been audited and states that it “processes” IP addresses (although it doesn’t store them). It also uses hard drives instead of RAM-only servers, which wipe user data upon each reboot. To top it off, Brave Firewall + VPN is much more expensive than even the most reputable, feature-packed VPNs out there, so it’s simply not worth it.

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.

Does Brave browser come with a built-in VPN?

Brave has a VPN add-on, but you have to pay for it. Considering the value-to-price ratio, you’d be better off using a VPN that’s tried and tested to work with Brave. Brave’s VPN features are very limited, and at $99.99/year, it’s on the more expensive side compared to the VPN services on my list.

For instance, it lacks crucial security features, like a kill switch and RAM servers. Plus, Brave doesn’t provide specifics on its VPN server network (count and locations) — so it’s hard to say if you’ll always be able to find a reliable, uncongested server in the locations you need.

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. I recommend using 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, I don’t recommend it, 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. The problem is that most browser extensions are proxies and can’t protect your data like a full VPN app can. In these cases, using a VPN app to cover your entire device is best.

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 lag-free streaming from anywhere. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it offers 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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