Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Brave Search is designed to keep ordinary queries from being linked to a person, device, or IP address, while Google’s published policy describes collecting search terms together with request and device data and potentially saving search activity to a Google Account. That is the central privacy difference. Brave still retains de-identified query text and limited context, and both services process some data to deliver features, prevent abuse, measure performance, or provide local results.
This comparison describes the companies’ published policies, not an independent audit of every data flow. Settings, sign-in status, optional features, and the browser or network you use can materially change what happens.
What the two privacy models do differently
Brave Search’s current Privacy Notice says it stores a de-identified record containing the plain-text query plus device platform, operating system, country, language, and date. It says it does not store additional information that could link that query to an individual, device, or IP address, and that queries are not grouped by user, device, or originating IP.
Google’s Privacy Policy covers Search alongside other Google services. It lists search terms among activity data and says a request may include an IP address, browser and device details, operating-system information, date and time, and referrer URL. Depending on settings and whether you are signed in, Search activity can be saved in Search Services History or activity from Google services can be included in Web & App Activity.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
In practical terms, Brave’s stated design minimizes persistent identity linkage for ordinary search. Google’s model supports account history, personalization, and cross-service controls, but that can place searches and related metadata in a broader account-based data system.
“We do not store any additional data associated with the search query that could link it with an individual user, their device, or IP address.” — Brave Search Privacy Notice
Neither statement means that no information is processed. Brave’s notice documents several exceptions, and Google explains that collection and retention vary by product, account, and setting.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
How Brave handles an ordinary search
De-identified query storage
Brave does not claim to retain nothing. Its notice says the query text and limited context fields are retained in de-identified form. The listed fields are platform, operating system, country, language, and date. Brave says it does not add account, device, or IP information that would connect the record to a person, and does not organize queries into user, device, or originating-IP histories.
This distinction matters. A service can avoid a personal search profile while still retaining aggregate query material for operating or improving search. “De-identified” is a policy description, not proof that an independent auditor has tested every technical pathway or that re-identification is impossible under all circumstances.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Short-lived IP processing for abuse prevention
Brave says it temporarily processes IP addresses to detect and prevent bots, then deletes them within seconds. That is different from saying Brave never receives an IP address: an IP can be visible during a network request and may be handled briefly for service integrity.
Anonymous local results
Local results are an optional privacy trade-off. Brave says it can use the IP address broadcast by your device to infer a general location, return nearby results, and avoid sharing or storing that IP for this purpose. The Brave Search FAQ, updated April 10, 2024, explains that users can opt out of anonymous local results. Turning the feature off reduces location-based processing but may make nearby business, map, or service results less relevant.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Cookies and optional metrics
Brave’s FAQ says search preferences can be stored in anonymous cookies. Its privacy notice also describes optional anonymous, aggregated usage metrics. These settings are separate from the de-identification claim for query records: an anonymous preference cookie can remember configuration without creating a named search history, but it is still data stored on your device or sent as part of service operation.
Advertising measurement
Brave says it records ad views and clicks to measure search-ad performance. It may infer a country from the device IP for that purpose and says it does not retain that IP. Measuring whether an ad was displayed or clicked is not the same as retaining a person-linked search history, but it is still an exception to a zero-data interpretation.
How Google Search data can be connected to you
Request and device information
Google’s policy lists search terms, IP addresses, browser and device information, operating-system details, request date and time, and referrer URLs among information that may accompany requests. The policy is written for Google services generally, so it should not be read as a claim that every item is collected for every Search request or retained for the same period.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Search history and account settings
When enabled, Search activity can be saved as Search Services History. Activity from Search and other Google services may also be included in Web & App Activity. Whether a particular query enters an account history depends on settings, sign-in status, and the service context. Google provides a Your data in Search page for reviewing and managing Search activity, personalization, cookies, and related account controls.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsDeleting or pausing history changes what is saved to the selected account history; it does not mean Google never receives request information needed to answer a query. A signed-out search can still involve network and device data described in the policy.
Personalization and advertising
Google says it uses information collected from its services to provide and personalize services, including Search, and that personalized ads depend on user settings. A search engine that remembers activity or uses account signals can tailor results and advertising more closely, but the same linkage gives the provider a richer record of interests than Brave’s stated non-grouped query model.
Location privacy: useful results versus extra signals
Location is one of the clearest feature trade-offs. Google says location-related features such as nearby results and location-based ads can use GPS and device sensors, IP address, Google activity such as searches or labeled places, and nearby Wi-Fi networks, cell towers, or Bluetooth devices. The types of data used and retention periods depend partly on the product and account settings described in Google’s policy.
Brave’s local-result approach is narrower in its published description: it can use the IP address broadcast by the device to produce anonymous local results, says it does not share or store that IP for this purpose, and offers an opt-out. Brave does not claim that every search is location-free; country can also appear as a de-identified context field, and IP addresses are briefly processed for bot prevention and certain ad functions.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
If you need highly precise local results, Google’s broader location signals may be more capable. If minimizing persistent location-linked history is more important, disable local results in Brave or review Google’s location and activity settings before relying on either service.
Optional Brave features that change the privacy picture
Google fallback mixing
Brave Search is not necessarily independent of Google for every request. Brave documents an optional fallback feature in which the browser can anonymously query Google for some searches and mix those results into the page. Brave says fallback results can carry Google’s ranking and filtering decisions. Enabling the feature may improve coverage for searches where Brave’s own index is weaker, but it introduces Google into that request path.
Review the fallback or mixing setting if your goal is to avoid sending queries to Google. Leaving it disabled keeps the search provider choice narrower, while accepting that some results may differ in coverage or ranking.
Web Discovery Project
The Web Discovery Project is separate from ordinary query serving. In Brave Browser, users who opt in may contribute qualifying queries and page visits to help improve Brave’s index. Brave describes filtering and unlinkability protections in its Search product information and Browser Privacy Policy. Keep this project disabled if you do not want qualifying browsing or search activity contributed for index improvement. Opting out does not turn ordinary search into a zero-processing service; it only declines this additional contribution channel.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Ask Brave conversations
Ask Brave has separate handling from a normal web-results query. Brave says requests are processed on its servers and conversation state is retained until 24 hours of inactivity. A publicly shared conversation can remain stored for up to seven days. Brave says the conversation is encrypted, the key is stored locally, and IP addresses are not retained; it also describes zero-data-retention processing by its model provider. Treat these retention periods as applying to the AI answer feature, not as a description of ordinary Search storage.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Side-by-side privacy comparison
| Privacy area | Brave Search | Google Search |
|---|---|---|
| Query linkage | Stores de-identified query text and listed context fields; says no additional data links the query to a person, device, or IP, and queries are not grouped by those identifiers. | Lists search terms among collected activity data; Search activity may be saved to Search Services History or Web & App Activity depending on settings and sign-in context. |
| Request metadata | IP is temporarily processed for bot prevention and deleted within seconds; country, platform, operating system, language, and date may remain as de-identified context. | Policy lists IP address, browser/device and operating-system details, date/time, and referrer URL among possible request information. |
| Local results | Can use the device-broadcast IP for anonymous local results, says it does not store or share that IP for this purpose, and offers an opt-out. | May use GPS, sensors, IP, activity, and nearby wireless signals; use and retention vary by product and settings. |
| Personalization | Anonymous preference cookies and optional aggregated metrics are described; the policy does not describe a person-linked search profile for ordinary queries. | Information from Google services can personalize Search and ads according to account and ad settings. |
| Advertising measurement | Records ad views and clicks; may infer country from device IP and says the IP is not retained. | Personalized-ad controls and broader Google-service data use are described in the Google policy. |
| Optional data-sharing paths | Google fallback mixing, Web Discovery Project, local results, anonymous metrics, and Ask Brave each have separate controls or retention terms. | History, activity, cookies, personalization, ad, and device/location controls are managed through Google settings. |
Settings to check before searching privately
Brave Search and Brave Browser
- Review anonymous local results. In Brave Search preferences, decide whether nearby results are worth the IP-based location inference. Opt out if you do not need local relevance.
- Check optional usage metrics. Disable anonymous aggregated metrics if you do not want to contribute even non-personal usage measurements.
- Inspect Google fallback mixing. Turn off the fallback option if avoiding Google for qualifying requests is your priority.
- Leave Web Discovery Project disabled unless you choose to participate. This prevents qualifying queries and page visits from being contributed to index improvement through the opt-in program.
- Review preference cookies. Anonymous cookies can preserve settings; clear them when you want to remove locally stored preferences and reset the configuration.
- Use Ask Brave deliberately. Do not treat an AI conversation as an ordinary search: inactive conversations can remain for 24 hours, and publicly shared ones up to seven days.
Google Search and Google Account
- Open Your data in Search. Review Search Services History and Web & App Activity, then pause, delete, or set automatic deletion according to your needs.
- Check Search personalization. Turn personalization off if you prefer results that are less influenced by stored activity, recognizing that Google still needs request data to serve Search.
- Review cookie and advertising controls. These affect personalization and ad use; they do not erase the network information required for a request to reach Google.
- Audit device and location permissions. Limit GPS, sensor, nearby-network, or account activity sources when precise local features are not worth the additional signals.
- Confirm sign-in status on shared or sensitive devices. A signed-in session makes account-history settings especially consequential, while signing out does not make a request invisible to the service or network.
What neither search engine protects after you click a result
Search-engine privacy ends at the boundary of the search service. The destination website can collect its own IP address, cookies, referrer information, browser fingerprint, account data, and interaction history. A private search provider does not automatically make that site private.
Likewise, the browser has separate telemetry and storage behavior, and a Google or Brave account signed into other services can create data flows outside the search query itself. Your employer, school, mobile carrier, Wi-Fi operator, or internet service provider may also see connection metadata. Search-engine settings cannot control all of those layers.
For sensitive research, combine the search provider’s controls with a browser profile that is not signed into unrelated accounts, careful destination-site permissions, encrypted connections, and a network policy you understand. Those measures address different observers; none should be presented as a guarantee of anonymity.
Which service is the better privacy choice?
Choose Brave Search when your priority is avoiding a persistent, person-linked search history and minimizing query linkage under the provider’s published design. Keep optional fallback, Web Discovery, local-result, and metrics features aligned with that goal.
Choose Google Search when account-based history, highly tailored results, or Google’s broader location and personalization features are more valuable to you, and then actively manage Search Services History, Web & App Activity, cookies, ads, and location settings.
The most accurate verdict is conditional: Brave publishes a more restrictive linkage model for ordinary queries, while Google publishes a broader data-collection and account-control model. Neither service is data-free, and the practical difference depends on which optional features you enable, whether you are signed in, and what happens after you leave the results page.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
