Brave is a solid browser when it comes to privacy and built-in features like ad-blocking, but when it comes to customization, it feels outdated and limited — even compared to other Chromium-based browsers.
While Brave technically has a sidebar, it’s cluttered, not intuitive, and lacks flexibility. It feels more like a placeholder than a real productivity feature. There’s also a noticeable issue with choppy or awkward animations throughout the browser — whether it’s tab transitions, sidebar behavior, or opening menus, it all feels a bit unpolished.
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Main issues with Brave’s customization:
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The sidebar is messy and not fully customizable
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Very limited theming support — no real control over colors or appearance
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No support for vertical tabs, tab groups, or advanced tab management (It Does have vertical tabs but it looks bad tbh)
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Toolbar layout is rigid — can’t freely move or hide extension icons
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Animations feel laggy or rough, making the UI less enjoyable to use
& more
Brave’s focus on performance and privacy is appreciated, but that shouldn’t come at the cost of basic user experience and personalization. Other browsers built on Chromium — like Edge and Vivaldi — offer far more flexibility while still maintaining strong performance.