Brave vs Mullvad Browser isn’t just a browser comparison — it’s a test of what privacy actually means.
I used Brave for over a year.
I still use it — for some things.
But when it comes to real anonymous browsing, there’s only one browser that makes the cut: Mullvad Browser.
This isn’t about features. It’s about threat models.
This post walks through what I tested, what I trust, and how I actually use both browsers today.
🔍 What Brave Gets Right
Let’s be honest — Brave is better than 99% of mainstream browsers.
- Built-in ad + tracker blocking
- Upgraded Chromium base (not tied to Google sync)
- Built-in TOR tab (sort of — we’ll come back to this)
- Optional crypto wallet (but I keep it disabled)
For casual privacy — Brave is excellent. For full anonymity — it’s not enough.
🧨 Where Brave Falls Short
❌ Fingerprinting
Even with shields up, Brave still leaks subtle fingerprinting vectors. Fonts, canvas, WebGL, audio context — these aren’t fully randomised like in Mullvad.
❌ Too many toggles
Privacy shouldn’t depend on 10 checkboxes buried in a settings menu. Mullvad is hardened out of the box — Brave requires tweaking.
❌ “TOR mode” isn’t real TOR
Brave’s TOR window runs through the TOR network, yes — but it’s still Chromium under the hood, with all the fingerprinting and JS risks that come with it.
If you’re logging into Gmail or Reddit in Brave’s TOR tab, you’re defeating the whole point.
🛡️ What Mullvad Browser Gets Right
- Created by the TOR Project
- No telemetry, no account system, no fingerprinting
- Based on Firefox ESR, hardened by design
- Looks identical across installs — which makes you blend in by default
Mullvad Browser is the only browser I trust for:
- Research that could raise flags
- Reading without being profiled
- Opening links from burner inboxes
- Visiting onion sites (with the real TOR browser when needed)
🔄 How I Use Both (Real Setup)
Here’s my actual day-to-day split:
- Brave = Streaming, Reddit, logins, casual browsing
- Mullvad Browser = Private research, sensitive reading, burner workflows
- TOR Browser = Maximum anonymity (slow, but trusted)
I don’t stack them.
I separate tasks, cookies, sessions, and context.
Because real privacy is about intention — not just installing a plugin and hoping for the best.
⚔️ Final Verdict: Which One Should You Use?
Use Brave if you:
- Want solid privacy with modern performance
- Need something usable for daily browsing
- Don’t plan to stay anonymous — just harder to track
Use Mullvad Browser if you:
- Want anonymity by default
- Need to limit fingerprinting
- Are handling data that matters — or topics that could be flagged
You can’t just pick one browser and use it for everything.
That’s what most people get wrong.
📎 Related Posts
- Anonymous Browsing in 2025: What Still Works
- VPNs I Actually Trust — And What I Use Instead
- TOR vs VPN: What I Use and When
- My Private Workflow for Researching Without Leaving a Trail
❓FAQ
Q: Is Brave safe to use every day?
A: Yes — for casual browsing, it’s one of the best. Just don’t rely on it for full anonymity.
Q: Does Mullvad Browser work without the Mullvad VPN?
A: Yes. It’s standalone. But pairing it with Mullvad VPN gives you a powerful stack.
Q: Can I use Mullvad Browser on mobile?
A: Not yet — and you shouldn’t trust mobile browsing for anything sensitive anyway.
🔐 Final Word
This site is about real tools used by real people — not AI-generated top 10 lists.
I still use Brave. But I trust Mullvad Browser.
That’s the difference.
No affiliate links. Just tested workflows from someone who actually does this.
Updated as workflows evolve. Bookmark this if you care about the truth over hype.