Compare Brave Browser VPN and Pocket: Which App is the Best?

Brave Browser VPN is a privacy-focused browser with 100M+ downloads and 4.7/5 rating, offering built-in ad blocking, VPN, and AI assistant, though it has faced some recent performance issues and battery drain concerns.
Pocket was a popular read-it-later app with 20 M+ registered users. Now, it's shut down in July 2025.
Key Features
  • Built-in ad blocking – Block ads and trackers automatically
  • VPN functionality – Built-in VPN for enhanced privacy
  • AI assistant (Brave Leo) – Smart AI assistant for browsing help
  • Privacy protection – Comprehensive privacy and security features
  • HTTPS Everywhere – Encrypted data traffic protection
  • Script blocking – Block malicious scripts and trackers
  • Private browsing – Enhanced private browsing mode
  • Sync across devices – Secure synchronization across devices
  • Save web pages for later reading
  • Organize saved pages into collections
  • Read articles offline
  • Sync across devices
  • Customizable reading experience
  • AI-powered article summaries
  • Social sharing
Our Rating
7.7
7.0
Total users
0
0
Total ratings
0
0
Average rating
— ⭐
— ⭐
Entry Level PriceFreeFree
Android
Google Play Store
Downloads
Google Play Store
Downloads
iOS
Apple App Store
Apple App Store
Features
8.5

Brave Browser VPN offers an impressive set of features that justify its privacy-focused positioning. The browser includes built-in ad blocking, VPN functionality, AI assistant (Brave Leo), and comprehensive privacy protection. The service also includes advanced features like tracking protection, HTTPS Everywhere, and script blocking, making it more than just a basic browser.

What sets Brave Browser VPN apart is its comprehensive privacy and security features, including built-in ad blocking, VPN functionality, and AI assistant. The browser also includes advanced features like tracking protection, HTTPS Everywhere, and script blocking, making it more than just a basic browser.

However, the browser lacks some advanced features found in dedicated browsers, such as extensive extension support and some cutting-edge browsing features. The browser also doesn't offer some advanced features like advanced tab management or specialized browsing modes that some competitors provide.

Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Firefox or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Brave Browser VPN offers good features, but the performance issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives. The browser provides good value for users who need comprehensive privacy features.

7.0
Not available anymore.
Performance
6.0

Brave Browser VPN's performance is inconsistent, with good speeds when working but frequent crashes and battery drain that significantly impact usability. The browser offers decent browsing speeds and privacy protection, but the frequent performance problems and battery drain make it difficult to use reliably.

The browser works well for basic browsing when functioning properly, but many users report browser crashes and the need to restart the browser multiple times. The performance issues are particularly concerning given the privacy-focused positioning.

The browser's performance issues are particularly concerning given the privacy-focused positioning. Users expect reliability and performance from a privacy-focused browser, but Brave Browser VPN's performance problems make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives that offer similar features with better performance.

Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Firefox or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Brave Browser VPN's performance is below average. The performance issues make it difficult to justify the privacy-focused positioning, and users might find better value with alternatives that offer similar features with better reliability.

7.0
Not available anymore.
Design
8.0

Brave Browser VPN's interface strikes a good balance between functionality and user-friendliness. The main screen provides quick access to browsing controls, privacy settings, and key features. The interface is clean and modern, with good attention to detail and user experience.

The browser's design is intuitive and well-organized, with clear navigation between different features. The privacy status is clearly displayed, and the settings menu is well-structured. The interface doesn't overwhelm users with complex options while still providing access to advanced features.

The interface is generally user-friendly and provides good visual feedback about privacy status and browser performance. The design reflects the privacy-focused positioning of the browser, making it easy for users to manage their browsing experience.

Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Firefox or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Brave Browser VPN's design is competitive and well-polished. The interface is functional and professional, with good attention to detail and user experience.

7.0
Not available anymore.
Value for Money
7.5

Brave Browser VPN's value proposition is mixed, with excellent privacy features but questionable reliability for the price. The browser offers competitive pricing compared to other privacy-focused browsers, with the ability to get comprehensive privacy features for free being a significant advantage.

The browser's pricing is competitive with other privacy-focused browsers, and the built-in ad blocking makes it particularly attractive for users who want a comprehensive privacy solution. The comprehensive features and privacy protection add value beyond basic browsing functionality.

However, the browser's value is impacted by recent performance issues and battery drain concerns. Many users report browser crashes and the need to restart the browser multiple times. The performance issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives.

Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Firefox or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Brave Browser VPN offers good features but at a similar cost. The performance issues make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives that offer similar performance with fewer limitations.

7.0
Not available anymore.
Ease of Use
7.0

Brave Browser VPN is generally easy to use for basic browsing functionality, with a simple interface that requires no technical knowledge. The browser's design is intuitive, and most users can get started quickly without any setup or configuration.

The browser offers built-in ad blocking and privacy protection, making it accessible to users of all technical levels. The browser doesn't require complex configuration, and the browsing process is straightforward. The browser works well for most use cases and provides good performance when functioning properly.

However, the browser's ease of use is compromised by recent performance issues and battery drain concerns. Many users report browser crashes and the need to restart the browser multiple times. The browser can be slow to load, and some users experience issues with tab management and background playback not working reliably.

Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Firefox or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Brave Browser VPN's ease of use is similar but not significantly better. The performance issues can be frustrating for users who expect reliability from a privacy-focused browser.

7.0
Not available anymore.
Security & Privacy
9.0

Brave Browser VPN takes security and privacy seriously, with comprehensive privacy protection and built-in ad blocking. The browser includes tracking protection, HTTPS Everywhere, script blocking, and cookie blocking. The browser also includes advanced features like AI assistant (Brave Leo) and VPN functionality for enhanced privacy protection.

The browser's privacy features are comprehensive for a privacy-focused solution, with built-in ad blocking and tracking protection. The browser also includes advanced features like HTTPS Everywhere and script blocking for enhanced security and privacy protection.

However, Brave Browser VPN has faced some privacy concerns in the past, particularly around its data collection practices and browser reliability. While the company has maintained its privacy commitments, some users remain concerned about the browser's data practices and connection stability.

Compared to other privacy-focused browsers like Firefox or dedicated VPNs like Proton VPN, Brave Browser VPN's privacy practices are excellent. The browser provides comprehensive protection for most users, but those with high privacy requirements might want to consider alternatives with more advanced privacy features.

7.0
Not available anymore.
Conclusion
Brave Browser VPN is a privacy-focused browser that offers excellent ad blocking and built-in VPN functionality, but its value proposition is compromised by recent performance issues and battery drain concerns. The browser provides comprehensive privacy features and ad blocking capabilities, but the performance problems and bugs make it difficult to recommend over more stable alternatives. For users who prioritize privacy and are willing to work within the browser's limitations, Brave Browser VPN offers a solid feature set with excellent ad blocking when working properly. However, those seeking specialized browsing functionality or experiencing performance issues might find better value with alternatives like Proton VPN that offer similar features with better performance. Ultimately, Brave Browser VPN's privacy-focused approach and ad blocking capabilities make it a good choice for users seeking comprehensive privacy, but the performance stability issues and battery drain problems make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives like Aloha Browser VPN that offer similar features with better performance.

Pocket changed how we save and read content, but its story is coming to a close. The service was shut down in July 2025. If you're searching for a new way to save articles, don't miss our picks for the best Pocket alternatives.

Our Recommendation