Brave is a browser many people choose when they care about privacy. It blocks ads, trackers, and annoying scripts automatically, so browsing feels faster and safer. But there’s one thing Brave doesn’t do: it cannot change your IP address. Changing your IP is one of the easiest and most important ways to stay anonymous online. That’s why many users look for a free VPN for Brave — a tool to hide their IP and browse more securely.
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Even though Brave is great at blocking ads and trackers, if your IP is visible, websites, advertisers, and even hackers can still track you. Let’s look at the best ways to protect yourself while using Brave.
Why browser VPN extensions for Brave are limited
In the past, VPN extensions for Brave or Chrome were simple. You installed them, clicked “connect,” and your IP was hidden. You could also choose a server from another country to access restricted content.
But things have changed. Google introduced Manifest V3, a new standard for browser extensions. It limits what extensions can do. Since Brave is built on Chromium, it’s affected too.
Today, many VPN extensions:
- Can’t handle all browser traffic.
- Only partially hide your IP.
- Sometimes stop working completely.
This means that relying only on a browser VPN extension is not enough if you really care about your privacy.
System-level VPNs: full protection for your device
The most reliable way to stay private online is to use a VPN installed on your computer or phone. This type of VPN protects all your internet traffic — not just what goes through Brave.
Here’s why system-level VPNs are better:
- All apps are protected – your email, messaging apps, cloud services, and browser traffic are all encrypted.
- Choose protocols – many system VPNs let you pick from different protocols like OpenVPN, or IKEv2 to balance speed and security.
- Stable connections – unlike browser extensions, system-level VPNs are less likely to disconnect or stop working.
You can install system VPNs on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Once it’s running, every app on your device will automatically use the VPN connection, keeping your real IP hidden.
Proxies and anti-detect browsers
Another option for hiding your IP is using a proxy. A proxy acts as a middleman between your device and the internet, showing a different IP to websites. Proxies are fast and lightweight, which makes them useful for basic browsing or testing different locations. But keep in mind that most proxies don’t encrypt your traffic, so they’re not as safe as VPNs.
If you want to take privacy to the next level, there are anti-detect browsers. These browsers are also built on Chromium, like Brave, but they are designed to make tracking almost impossible.
Features of anti-detect browsers:
- Offer multiple free profiles without time limits.
- Let you set proxies per profile.
- Each profile looks like a different user to websites.
By combining an anti-detect browser with a system VPN or proxy, you become much harder to track online.
How to install and use WhoX VPN for Brave
Even with these limitations, WhoX VPN is a good option for Brave users who want browser-level IP protection for free. It’s simple to set up and works with the latest browser updates.
Here’s how to get started:
- Open Brave settings and go to Extensions.
- Search for WhoX VPN and install the extension.
- Click the WhoX VPN icon to choose a server (the free version may have limited locations).
- Go to whoer.net to check that your IP has changed.
- If you have a subscription, enter your access code. Otherwise, create a free account via trial registration.
Using WhoX VPN helps hide your IP while browsing Brave. For the best protection, you can run WhoX VPN in Brave alongside a system VPN on your device.
Tips for getting the most out of free VPN for Brave
Here are some friendly tips to make sure your VPN setup works well:
- Check which servers are available in the free version.
- Use trial accounts for paid VPNs to test speed and reliability.
- Regularly check your IP using tools like IP checkers.
- Combine browser VPNs with a system VPN or proxies for extra protection.
Following these tips will help you browse safely, even on public Wi-Fi.
Why combining tools works best
Brave is great for privacy, but relying on just a browser VPN isn’t enough. The best approach is to layer your protection. For example:
- A system-level VPN protects all your apps.
- WhoX VPN handles IP masking specifically in Brave.
- A proxy or anti-detect browser can make your digital fingerprint unique.
This layered approach ensures that no matter what websites you visit, your real IP and personal data remain hidden.
Summary
Brave is a strong, privacy-focused browser, but browser VPN extensions alone don’t offer full protection anymore because of Manifest V3. To truly stay anonymous online, you should consider:
- System-level VPNs for Windows, macOS, or mobile devices.
- Proxies for basic IP masking.
- Anti-detect browsers with multiple free profiles.
- WhoX VPN for browser-level IP protection.
By combining these tools, you can enjoy the convenience of Brave while keeping your online identity safe. For more privacy tips and browser tools, visit our blog.