Home / Technology / Brave Browser Goes Premium: $60 for a Minimalist Experience?
Brave Browser Goes Premium: $60 for a Minimalist Experience?
22 Apr
Summary
- Brave introduced a $60 minimalist browser version called Brave Origin.
- The paid version removes features like VPN, crypto wallet, and Brave Rewards.
- Users can activate Brave Origin on up to 10 devices per purchase.
Brave, a company typically known for its free, privacy-focused browser, has introduced a unique paid offering: Brave Origin. This de-bloated version of the browser is available for a one-time purchase of $59.99. The company states that Brave Origin allows users to directly support its development efforts without needing to utilize revenue-generating features.
Brave Origin retains the core privacy and ad-blocking functionalities that users expect. However, it removes several other features, including the VPN service, cryptocurrency wallet, and the Brave Rewards program that offers tokens for viewing ads. This stripped-down experience impacts twelve features in total.
Initial user reactions have varied, with some expressing concern over the $60 price point for a Chromium-based browser. Additionally, a limitation of 10 software activations per purchase has raised questions. Brave's CTO has addressed these concerns, indicating that mechanisms to extend activation limits are being developed to improve user flexibility and privacy.
Currently, Brave Origin is available as a 'Nightly' test version for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. The company's leadership has also expressed openness to alternative ideas for simplifying the 'one-time-buy' aspect of the product.
