Brave becomes first major web browser to introduce its own onchain domain

Brave, the privacy-focused web browser, has unveiled the ".brave" domain — an onchain domain in partnership with Unstoppable Domains.

This makes Brave the first browser to introduce its own blockchain-based TLD, allowing users to replace complex cryptocurrency wallet addresses with human-readable names.

The .brave domains can be minted as non-fungible tokens on the Polygon blockchain, giving users ownership and control without renewal fees. They resolve across multiple networks, including Sonic, Solana, Ethereum, Base, and Bitcoin.

A unique aspect of this launch is that users will be able to host decentralized websites on the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) using these domains, which will remain accessible natively in the Brave browser.

“Our mission is to put privacy, ownership, and control back in the hands of users,” said Brian Bondy, CTO and co-founder of Brave. “.brave is more than a domain — it’s a user-owned identity layer, native to the Brave ecosystem.”

Direct resolution of .brave domains will be supported in Brave Browser and Brave Wallet starting with version 1.81, available in Nightly builds and targeted for release in August of this year.

Blockchain domains face hurdles in achieving universal resolution in traditional browsers due to their operation outside the ICANN-regulated DNS system. However, it appears that Brave intends to change that.

Brave said the firm and Unstoppable Domains are exploring ICANN general top-level domain (gTLD) registration for 2026 to enable .brave domains to function across both Web2 and Web3 environments.

While Brave Browser has over 85 million monthly active users, it’s generally considered a niche but growing player in the browser market. The browser holds a 1% market share, trailing behind major browsers like Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox.