Brave Becomes First Major Browser to Launch Native On-Chain Domain

Brave, a browser known for its privacy features, has introduced its blockchain-powered top-level domain (TLD) called “.brave.” The move, in collaboration with Unstoppable Domains, marks the first time a major web browser offers a native on-chain domain.

Today, Brave becomes the first browser to launch an on-chain top-level domain: introducing .brave, in partnership with @unstoppableweb.

.brave is now available to Brave’s over 85M users, offering a seamless way to own their digital identity, send crypto, and explore Web3. pic.twitter.com/hUuuhiHxsz

— Brave (@brave) May 20, 2025

The new domain allows users to replace long cryptocurrency wallet strings with easy-to-read names. These names are created as NFTs on the Polygon blockchain, ensuring full ownership with no renewal costs. Moreover, users can use .brave domains across various networks, including Ethereum, Solana, Sonic, Base, and Bitcoin.

Advancing Decentralized Hosting and Identity

Brave will also allow users to build censorship-resistant websites on the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) to support decentralized content hosting. These sites will be directly accessible through the Brave browser, enhancing the native Web3 experience.

This aligns with Brave’s broader mission. Co-founder and CTO Brian Bondy emphasized that the .brave domain represents more than a naming system. He described it as a user-owned identity layer that reinforces the browser’s focus on privacy and user control.

The domain feature will launch with Brave version 1.81, which is now available in Nightly builds and expected to be released publicly in August 2025. Both the Brave Browser and Brave Wallet will support direct resolution of .brave domains.

However, blockchain domains often face limitations due to their operation outside ICANN’s DNS system. To address this, Brave and Unstoppable Domains plan to apply for official ICANN gTLD recognition for .brave by 2026. The move could enable the domain to function in Web2 and Web3 environments.

Brave Expands Web3 Features

Brave is steadily expanding its Web3 capabilities. With over 85 million monthly active users, Brave holds a 1% share of the browser market. Still, it remains a smaller but innovative alternative to mainstream browsers like Chrome and Safari.

Building on this foundation, the browser has long embraced blockchain tools, introducing the Basic Attention Token (BAT) to reward users for viewing ads. It also features the Brave Wallet, which enables users to manage digital assets and interact with decentralized applications.

Most recently, Brave is adding native support for the Cardano blockchain. This update will allow users to perform Cardano-specific actions such as governance voting and managing native assets. Users will also be able to swap tokens, all directly from the Brave Wallet browser extension.