Brave has introduced a new browser it thinks people will like.
Calling it the 'Origin,' it is essentially an optional edition of its browser developed after community members requested an alternative that would let them support ongoing work on privacy tools without relying on certain revenue generating options built into the standard version. The release came in the form of a distinct product that preserves the central advertisement blocking and tracker prevention system while setting aside many of the supplementary capabilities that have been added over time.
At its foundation Origin retains the same Shields mechanism that identifies and blocks unwanted content and tracking scripts on web pages.
This core element continues to operate as it does in the regular browser, delivering the privacy and speed characteristics that many users have come to expect from the project. Everything built around that central system becomes optional or absent depending on the configuration chosen.
Two distinct installation paths exist for Origin.
The standalone path involves downloading and running a separate application that ships with only the essential blocking and privacy functions active. In this mode the interface remains simple and most additional modules are not included from the beginning. The upgrade path instead applies to an already installed copy of the regular browser.
After purchase and activation a new section appears in the settings menu, allowing each extra capability to be toggled individually so that users can restore only the items they actually use.
There are two ways to use Origin:
1) As a standalone browser with most features outside Brave Shields disabled.
2) As an upgrade to the existing browser, with a new panel that lets you toggle features on/off.
This chart shows what features are disabled in Origin by default: pic.twitter.com/uw4SXxwjmj— Brave (@brave) June 4, 2026
The list of capabilities placed in a disabled state by default covers a range of services and tools.
These include the virtual private network service that routes browsing traffic through remote servers, the rewards program connected to advertisement viewing, the integrated cryptocurrency wallet along with support for certain web domain name systems, an AI conversation feature, a news content feed, private browsing routes that utilize the Tor network, a viewer for archived versions of web pages, and a specialized speed reading mode for articles. In addition daily background checks that report usage statistics along with certain privacy preserving product analytics processes are turned off.
People who select the standalone configuration therefore work with a browser that stays close to the original privacy and blocking focus without layers of other services running alongside it.
Those who prefer the upgrade configuration retain the ability to re enable any of the omitted items one by one through the settings panel, creating a customized balance that matches their particular habits and needs. Either route can be used on the same set of devices once the license has been obtained.
A single fixed payment covers the license for use across desktop and mobile platforms in both standalone and upgrade modes.
The payment is processed once and grants a purchase identifier that is entered during installation or activation.
There is no recurring charge associated with the product. On Linux distributions the software can be obtained and operated without any payment, a choice made to provide consistent access across different system environments where package management practices vary.
Activation follows straightforward steps that differ slightly by platform and by chosen mode.
For the standalone desktop application the purchase identifier received by email is supplied to the installer. For the upgrade path within an existing browser the purchase is completed through an in app flow and then refreshed so that the new settings panel becomes visible.
The same license can be applied to additional devices later by retrieving the identifier from an account management page, although the total number of simultaneous activations is subject to rate limits for administrative reasons.
You can buy Brave Origin for a one-time fee of $59.99. You can use it for free on Linux.
One purchase lets you use Origin across all devices in standalone and upgrade modes.
For example, you can use Origin as a standalone app on desktop and as an upgrade to Brave on Android.— Brave (@brave) June 4, 2026
Updates for Origin follow the same release cadence used for the regular browser.
Security patches drawn from the underlying Chromium project, along with fixes and improvements to the privacy controls, arrive on schedule for both editions. The upgrade configuration also receives the ability to toggle newly introduced features as they become available in the main browser. The standalone configuration however remains limited to the core set of functions and does not incorporate most additions that may appear over time in the full featured edition.
Platform support at launch includes Windows and macOS computers as well as Android phones and tablets running version 1.91 or later of the browser.
An edition for iOS devices is planned to follow once version 1.91 reaches that platform, expected within a short period after the initial desktop and Android availability. Linux users already have access through both the standalone and upgrade routes at no cost.
The regular edition of Brave continues to be offered without charge and retains every existing capability together with all future developments and new features.
Users who prefer the complete collection of tools or who rely on specific services such as the virtual private network or rewards system can continue with that version exactly as before. Origin functions as a parallel option rather than a replacement, giving individuals an additional route to contribute to the maintenance of the open source project if they favor a configuration that keeps fewer components active by default.