When Brave browser was first launched, it quickly became known as a fast, lightweight, and privacy-centric alternative to Chrome, free from unnecessary additions. However, over time, Brave has accumulated various features, including AI, cryptocurrency wallets, rewards, and news feeds, many of which the user base did not request. To address this, Brave Origin has been introduced as a new, simplified version of Brave that eliminates the excess features, but with a notable downside.
Brave Origin Trims Features
Cutting the Extras
Brave Origin discards many of the more controversial aspects of the original Brave browser, such as the crypto wallet and its proprietary AI features. These additions have been met with discontent from users who prefer a more straightforward browsing experience.
The new version retains built-in ad-blocking functionality, but many of the more contentious features have been stripped away. Removed components in Brave Origin include:
- Leo AI
- Wallet
- News
- Rewards
- Speedreader
- Private Windows with Tor
- VPN
- Wayback Machine
- Web Discovery Project
- Brave Email Alias
- Playlist
- Talk
- Data collection features like usage pings and crash logs
This shift means Brave Origin aligns more closely with the original vision of the browser. It continues to prioritize privacy and ad blocking, but without the excessive features that many users found unnecessary.
Accessing Brave Origin
Options for Download
Users have two options to access Brave Origin, which may seem unusual. They can either download and install a standalone Brave Origin application, which completely omits the listed features—these features are not merely disabled but fully removed from the program. Any future features added to Brave that fall outside its core ad-blocking functionality will not be included in the standalone version.
The alternative is to upgrade an existing Brave installation, which adds a new settings menu allowing users to turn off these features by default. Users can enable any features they still want through this menu, and future additions will also be disabled by default.
It’s crucial to note that if you choose to upgrade, the underlying code for the removed features will still be present. Users can enjoy both options without being limited to just one. The standalone version can be downloaded on macOS, Windows, and Linux, while the upgrade is also available on Android and iOS.
Cost of Brave Origin
Pricing Details
Here’s an important consideration: most users will need to pay to use Brave Origin, which is available for a one-time fee of $59.99 on macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. The notable exception is Linux users, who can access Brave Origin for free.
Interestingly, while upgrading Brave costs money to disable features, many of these features can be hidden for free by following instructions available online. Users can manually disable Wallet, Leo AI, Rewards, News, VPN, Tor, and Talk, among others, using command-line commands.
However, disabling features retains all underlying code. For those seeking the leanest version of Brave, the standalone Brave Origin app is the preferred choice.
Who Benefits from Brave Origin?
Ideal for Linux Users
If you’re a Linux user currently using Brave and are frustrated by feature bloat, then choosing Brave Origin is a no-brainer. The standalone app offers a cleaner, more private browsing experience without unnecessary clutter—all at no cost.
For users on macOS or Windows, paying to disable features that can be turned off manually is a tougher decision. However, opting for the standalone version ensures that as new revenue-driven features are introduced to Brave, they won’t find their way into your build or be activated in your upgraded version. This saves users from the hassle of constantly disabling new features as they emerge.
Some may wish to pay for the standalone version simply to avoid leftover code from disabled features or to support the development of their favorite browser. It’s a one-time payment, making it a more manageable consideration.
Brave Origin is the True Brave
Switching from one bloated browser to another can be frustrating. With Brave Origin, there’s an acknowledgment of the issues that have arisen over time, and while paying to remove features is a choice, it’s particularly beneficial for Linux users.
