BraveLinux
vs
Microsoft EdgeWindows
Brave as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Edge
Updated
Our verdict
Brave is a solid replacement for Microsoft Edge for most Linux users who want a Chromium-based browser with stronger privacy by default. It handles modern websites well, blocks ads and trackers out of the box, and supports Chrome extensions. Power users and developers will find DevTools and sync functional, though sync uses a different backend than Microsoft’s. If you rely on Microsoft account integration, Edge’s PDF tools, or IE mode, Brave won’t cover those. But for general browsing, speed, and privacy, it’s a capable alternative.
- License
- MPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.97.59 (October 16, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both are built on Chromium, so rendering and JavaScript performance are nearly identical
- Support for Chrome extensions via the same extension ecosystem
- Tab management, session restore, and multi-window browsing work similarly
- Developer Tools (DevTools) are available and function like Edge’s
- Cross-device sync available (Brave Sync vs Microsoft Account sync)
What is different
- Brave blocks ads and trackers by default; Edge does not
- No Microsoft account integration or OneDrive browser shortcuts in Brave
- Brave has a built-in rewards system (BAT) and privacy-focused features Edge lacks
- Brave Sync uses a passphrase instead of cloud login, which is less intuitive for some
- No built-in PDF reader with annotation tools like Edge’s
Opening your Microsoft Edge files
Brave can import bookmarks, history, and passwords directly from Microsoft Edge via the browser settings. On Linux, if Edge data isn’t accessible, export bookmarks as an HTML file from Edge on Windows and import it into Brave. Passwords and settings must be transferred manually or via sync. Session tabs can’t be directly imported, but open tabs can be recreated using Brave’s sync or by copying URLs. File formats like downloaded pages or PDFs open without issue.
Switching from Microsoft Edge to Brave, step by step
- Export bookmarks from Edge as an HTML file
- Install Brave on Linux via Flathub or official repo
- Import the bookmarks HTML file into Brave
- Sign in to Chrome Web Store or install extensions manually
- Set up Brave Sync with a sync code on other devices
- Enable optional features like rewards or ad blocking as needed
Key features of Brave
- Built‑in ad‑blocker and tracker protection
- Chromium‑based engine with fast rendering
- HTTPS Everywhere integration
- Token‑based rewards system
- Support for Chromium extensions
- Regular security updates
- Cross‑platform sync via Brave Sync
How to install Brave on Linux
flatpak install flathub com.brave.BrowserFrequently asked questions
Can Brave open Edge bookmarks?
Yes. Export bookmarks from Edge as an HTML file and import it into Brave under Bookmarks > Bookmark Manager > Import.
Does Brave support Chrome extensions?
Yes, Brave supports most Chrome extensions from the Chrome Web Store. You can add them directly in the browser.
Is Brave Sync as reliable as Microsoft’s sync?
Brave Sync works well but uses a sync code instead of a Microsoft account. It’s secure and fast, but doesn’t integrate with Windows services.
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