Brave as a Linux alternative to Mozilla Firefox

Updated October 19, 2026

Our verdict

Brave can replace Firefox for most everyday users who value speed and built‑in privacy. It supports HTML5, WebGL, bookmarks, passwords, and extensions via Chromium. The sync works across devices. However, users who rely on Firefox‑specific add‑ons, certain developer tools, or the long‑standing Firefox‑only features may notice gaps. Overall, Brave is a solid choice for privacy‑conscious users on Linux.

Feature parity80%

License: MPL-2.0
Price: Free
Latest version: 1.97.59 (October 16, 2026)
Rating: —

Install Brave Website ↗

Brave screenshot — Welcome page of Brave

What works the same

Both run on Linux and support modern web standards (HTML5, WebGL).
Both offer bookmark and password import/export and cross‑platform sync.
Both allow extensions/add‑ons (Firefox add‑ons vs Chromium extensions).
Both provide privacy controls and tracking protection.
Both receive regular security updates.

What is different

Brave blocks ads and trackers by default; Firefox requires add‑ons for similar protection.
Brave uses a Chromium engine, Firefox uses Gecko – rendering differences may affect site compatibility.
Firefox has a dedicated developer tools suite; Brave’s dev tools are Chromium‑based and slightly different.
Firefox supports a wide range of legacy add‑ons; Brave only supports Chromium extensions.
Firefox includes a built‑in PDF viewer and many native features that Brave lacks or implements differently.

Opening your Mozilla Firefox files

Firefox profile files (bookmarks, passwords, history) can be exported to JSON or HTML and imported into Brave via its import wizard. Brave can also import Firefox extensions that are available in the Chromium Web Store, but Firefox‑only add‑ons are not compatible. If you need to migrate a full profile, use Firefox’s Export feature and then import into Brave; some settings may need manual adjustment.

Switching from Mozilla Firefox to Brave, step by step

Export bookmarks and passwords from Firefox (Tools → Export).
Download and install Brave from Flathub or the official site.
Open Brave, go to Settings → Import Bookmarks and Settings, and select Firefox.
Install any needed Chromium extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
Set up Brave Sync to sync across devices.
Verify that bookmarks, passwords, and tabs appear correctly.

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 (Flathub)flatpak install flathub com.brave.Browser

Frequently asked questions

Does Brave support Firefox add‑ons?

No, Brave only supports Chromium extensions. Firefox‑only add‑ons will not work. Use the Chrome Web Store for compatible extensions.

Will my Firefox sync data transfer to Brave?

Brave Sync is separate from Firefox Sync. You need to set up Brave Sync independently; bookmarks and passwords can be imported, but tabs and history require manual export/import.

Is Brave truly faster than Firefox?

Brave’s ad‑blocking and tracker removal reduce page load times, but actual speed depends on the site. In many tests, Brave loads pages slightly faster than Firefox, but the difference is not dramatic for all users.