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Tor Browser LauncherLinux vs BraveWindows

Tor Browser Launcher as a Linux alternative to Brave

Updated

Our verdict

Tor Browser Launcher is not a direct replacement for Brave if you need speed or standard web compatibility. It provides Tor Browser, which prioritizes anonymity over performance and blocks many modern web features. It is ideal for users who need strong anti-fingerprinting and anonymity, not just ad blocking. If you want a fast, Chromium-based browser for daily use, look elsewhere. But if your primary concern is resisting tracking and fingerprinting at the cost of speed, this is the correct tool.

Feature parity30%
License
MIT
Price
Free
Latest version
0.3.9 (October 1, 2025)
Rating
—
Tor Browser Launcher screenshot
Window to change Tor Browser Launcher settings

What works the same

  • Blocks ads and trackers by default
  • Resists browser fingerprinting
  • Available natively on Linux
  • Supports private browsing modes

What is different

  • Tor Browser is significantly slower than Brave
  • No cryptocurrency rewards or donation system
  • Limited compatibility with modern web standards and extensions
  • Does not use Chromium, so Brave-specific extensions may not work

Opening your Brave files

Tor Browser is Firefox-based, so it can import bookmarks and passwords from Brave (Chromium-based) via standard HTML or CSV formats. However, it will not directly open Brave's proprietary profile files. You must export your data from Brave first before importing it into Tor Browser.

Switching from Brave to Tor Browser Launcher, step by step

  1. Export bookmarks and passwords from Brave
  2. Install Tor Browser Launcher via your package manager or Flatpak
  3. Launch the launcher to download and verify Tor Browser
  4. Import your exported bookmarks and passwords into Tor Browser
  5. Configure Tor Browser settings for your privacy needs

Key features of Tor Browser Launcher

  • Downloads official Tor Browser directly from torproject.org
  • Automatically verifies GPG signatures
  • Keeps Tor Browser updated without losing settings
  • Preserves bookmarks and preferences across updates
  • Adds desktop menu entry for easy access
  • Supports setting Tor Browser as default browser
  • Includes AppArmor profiles on supported systems
  • Available via package managers and Flatpak

How to install Tor Browser Launcher on Linux

Flatpak (Flathub)flatpak install flathub org.torproject.torbrowser-launcher

Frequently asked questions

Is Tor Browser Launcher the same as Tor Browser?

No. The launcher is a helper tool that downloads, verifies, and updates the official Tor Browser. It does not alter the browser itself.

Can I use Tor Browser for everyday browsing?

It is possible, but not recommended. It is slower and blocks more web functionality than Brave. Use it for sensitive tasks, not daily browsing.

Does Tor Browser support Brave extensions?

Not directly. Tor Browser is Firefox-based, so you need Firefox-compatible extensions. Many Brave-specific features have no equivalent.

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Is it a good replacement for Brave? 7