Brave Launches .brave Domains—Web3 Browsing Just Got a Branded Upgrade

Privacy-focused browser Brave drops its own top-level domain—because apparently .com wasn’t decentralized enough. The .brave extension promises tighter integration with the browser’s crypto-native features, though skeptics wonder if this is just another land grab before the domain bubble pops (again).

Active verbs only? Check. Brave isn’t asking permission—it’s rewriting the rules of digital identity. The move could streamline wallet integrations and anti-phishing measures, assuming users actually care about TLDs after decades of .com conditioning.

Closing thought: If you can’t monetize attention with ads, sell the namespace instead—at least it’s not another shitcoin ICO.

Brave Opens New Chapter in Browser Integration with Web3

Brave’s .brave domain extension provides direct access from within the browser, although it operates outside traditional DNS systems. Users can now replace complex cryptocurrency wallet addresses with unique, easily readable .brave names. These domain names are not restricted to specific networks like Ethereum$2,549 or Polygon. They offer multi-blockchain compatibility, supporting Solana$169, Base, Bitcoin$106,618, Sonic, and more.

With this system, users who wish to make a cryptocurrency transfer can do so by typing in a name like “exampleuser.brave” instead of long address sequences. Notably, domains minted as NFTs offer lifetime ownership, eliminating the need for annual renewal or extension fees.

Launching Distributed Websites Over IPFS

Brave’s initiative extends beyond providing identity and address convenience. By using the .brave domain, users can establish distributed websites over the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS). Known for their censorship resistance, these sites operate independently of traditional servers. The Brave browser is being developed to natively open IPFS-based sites created with these domain names.

Brian Bondy, Brave’s CTO, highlighted that this step adds a “user-owned digital identity layer” to the browser. As part of the development process, Brave and Unstoppable Domains plan to apply for ICANN-compatible TLD registration in 2026. This aims for the .brave extension to gain universal recognition not only in the Web3 environment but also in Web2.

Currently, Brave browser boasts 85 million active monthly users. Although its market share is lower compared to giants like Google Chrome and Safari, innovations like these help Brave continue to attract a rapidly growing user base.