Brave Vs. Chrome Browser: Which is Better for Web 3.0?

Main Insights:

• Web 3.0 symbolizes the next evolution of the internet, emphasizing decentralization, user empowerment, and ownership of digital assets.
• Brave and Chrome can interact with decentralized applications (dApps) that use smart contracts.
• Brave integrates decentralized features like crypto wallets, while Chrome uses traditional centralized models.

Web 3.0 Features and Its Availability in Brave and Chrome

Feature 1: Native Cryptocurrency Wallet

A native cryptocurrency wallet is integrated within a web browser, allowing users to manage their crypto assets straight from the browser interface. Unlike external wallet extensions or separate apps, native wallets are built into the browser, with different Web 3 experiences for Brave and Chrome users.

Availability

• Brave incorporates native cryptocurrency wallets. Users can use Brave Wallet to store, manage, and swap their crypto assets directly from the wallet. It supports cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and more.
• Google Chrome does not natively support cryptocurrency wallets. Nevertheless, users can still access blockchain domains and interact with dApps by installing the Unstoppable Extension from the Chrome Web Store, which allows you to access blockchain domains directly from Chrome.

Feature 2: Support for Decentralized Applications (dApps)

Decentralized applications, or dApps, represent a new generation of web-based apps built on decentralized technologies. Unlike traditional applications, dApps function without a central authority, providing greater transparency, security, and user control.

Availability

• Brave Browser includes built-in support for dApps through its Brave Wallet, which integrates them seamlessly. Brave has partnered with Solana to incorporate top-tier wallet features for the Solana blockchain into its Web3 desktop and mobile browsers.
• Chrome, however, does not offer native dApp support. Users can access dApps via browser extensions like MetaMask, which bridges Chrome and the Ethereum blockchain.

Feature 3: IPFS Integration

The InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) is a decentralized file storage and retrieval system that distributes content across a peer-to-peer network of computers, unlike traditional web hosting, which stores files on centralized servers.

Availability

• Brave integrates IPFS capabilities directly into its browser, enhancing the browsing experience by increasing content availability, offloading server costs, and improving the internet’s overall resilience. Brave recognizes links that begin with “ipfs://” and recovers content from the IPFS network.
• Currently, Chrome does not have native support for IPFS integration. However, users can still interact with IPFS in Chrome by installing third-party extensions like IPFS Companion to allow IPFS support in Chrome. These extensions let users access IPFS content through local or public nodes.

Feature 4: Token Rewards

The Token Rewards feature allows users to earn cryptocurrency for their online activity. Web 3 rewards depend on digital tokens, typically NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), that convert rewards into digital assets unique to each user.

Availability

• Brave Browser actively supports token rewards via its Brave Rewards program. Brave users earn a Basic Attention Token (BAT) to view privacy-preserving ads while browsing the web.
• Contrarily, Chrome does not natively support token rewards or BAT. However, users can still participate in token-based rewards by other means, like installing the Microsoft Rewards browser extension in Chrome or exploring third-party extensions that offer rewards or loyalty programs.

Feature 5: Decentralized Web Support

Decentralized web support (dWeb) cites a browser’s ability to interact with websites and applications built on decentralized protocols, mainly those utilizing blockchain technology.

Availability

• Brave Browser strongly supports decentralized web features, allowing users to display decentralized websites using Unstoppable Domains, which are completely owned and managed by the user. Thus, there is no need to rent Web2 domains.
• On the other hand, Chrome does not natively support decentralized web features. However, users can still interact with decentralized content through third-party extensions like IPFS Companion, which enables IPFS support in Chrome.

Feature 6: Web3 Browsing Extensions

Web3 browsing extensions help interact with the decentralized web, allowing users to connect to blockchain networks and decentralized applications (dApps). They bridge your browser and the blockchain network, allowing you to manage digital assets, connect to dApps, and participate in the Web3 ecosystem.

Availability

• Brave has built-in support for Web3, which includes a native crypto wallet and direct integration with blockchain networks. Users can also add Web3 extensions, such as MetaMask, which provide added functionality and choices.
• However, Chrome relies on extensions to provide Web3 capabilities. Users can install extensions like MetaMask to interact with dApps and manage cryptocurrencies.

Web 3.0 prioritizes decentralization and user ownership. Brave and Chrome browsers offer different Web 3.0 experiences, with Brave supporting most features natively and Chrome relying on extensions. Additionally, Google Chrome is unavailable on the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 or 11 in S Mode.