Microsoft Rewards vs Brave Rewards

If you’ve ever wondered whether those “earn while you browse” programs are worth your time, you’re not alone. Two of the biggest names in this space—Microsoft Rewards and Brave Rewards—take very different approaches to the same idea: rewarding you for being online.

One is powered by a tech giant you already know, and the other comes from a privacy-focused browser trying to change how the internet works.

I’ve tried both, and while they each have their strengths, they’re built for completely different types of users.

In this post, I’ll walk you through what each program offers, how they work, what kind of rewards you can expect, and which one might make more sense for you.

What Is Microsoft Rewards?

Microsoft Rewards is a free program built into your Microsoft account. You earn points by using Bing for your searches, completing daily quizzes, shopping at the Microsoft Store, or even playing games on Xbox. Those points can then be redeemed for gift cards, sweepstakes entries, or donations to charity.

It’s a simple idea: keep using Microsoft products and get rewarded for your loyalty.

Here’s what it typically looks like in action:

• Search with Bing: Every search earns points (up to a daily limit).

• Daily sets and quizzes: Microsoft posts small quizzes and polls each day—quick 30-second tasks that earn extra points.

• Microsoft Store shopping: You can earn points for buying games, apps, or hardware.

• Xbox activities: Certain game achievements and Game Pass tasks also add to your balance.

Over time, you can stack up enough points for tangible rewards like Amazon gift cards, Starbucks credits, or donations to causes like UNICEF.

It’s a program that rewards routine. The more you stick with Microsoft services, the more it pays off.

What Is Brave Rewards?

Brave Rewards, on the other hand, is built right into the Brave browser—a privacy-first alternative to Chrome or Edge.

Instead of showing traditional ads that track you across the web, Brave uses privacy-respecting ads and gives you a cut of the ad revenue in the form of a cryptocurrency called BAT (Basic Attention Token).

Here’s how it works:

• You browse the web on Brave.

• You choose whether or not to see ads.

• When you do, you earn BAT tokens.

You can then:

• Convert BAT to fiat (via crypto exchanges).

• Tip your favorite creators directly on platforms like YouTube, Reddit, and X (Twitter).

• Hold your BAT in your wallet for future use.

In short, Brave Rewards lets you earn from your attention rather than your data.

Comparing the Two

Let’s break it down into practical categories to see where each one shines.

1. Ease of Use

Microsoft Rewards: You don’t need to install anything new. If you already have a Microsoft account, you can just start earning. Everything is integrated into Bing, Edge, and Xbox.

Brave Rewards: You’ll need to install the Brave browser and opt into the rewards program. The setup is easy, but if you’re not into crypto wallets, it might feel slightly more technical.

Verdict: Microsoft Rewards is simpler for the average user.

2. Privacy

Microsoft Rewards: It’s tied to your Microsoft account, which means your activity is logged to track points and performance. It’s transparent but not private.

Brave Rewards: Built around privacy. Brave doesn’t track you across websites, and the ad-matching happens locally on your device. Your personal data never leaves your computer.

Verdict: Brave Rewards wins hands-down if privacy matters to you.

3. Earning Potential

This is where things get interesting.

Microsoft Rewards: You can realistically earn between $5 and $15 worth of gift cards per month, depending on your activity level. The tasks are easy, and it’s basically passive income if you’re already using Microsoft products.

Brave Rewards: Earnings vary more. Some months you might earn $1–$5 worth of BAT; other times less, depending on ad availability in your region and your browsing habits. If you’re in a country with fewer Brave ads, your rewards will be minimal.

Verdict: Microsoft Rewards is more consistent and predictable.

4. Rewards and Payouts

Microsoft Rewards: You can redeem points directly for gift cards (Amazon, Starbucks, Xbox, etc.), or donate to charity. It feels immediate and familiar.

Brave Rewards: You earn BAT, which can fluctuate in value because it’s a cryptocurrency. You can tip creators or transfer it to an exchange if you want to cash out—but it requires a little more tech savvy.

Verdict: Microsoft Rewards is easier to redeem, Brave Rewards offers more flexibility for crypto users.

5. Philosophy and Purpose

Microsoft Rewards: Encourages users to stay within Microsoft’s ecosystem—Bing, Edge, Xbox, etc. It’s about loyalty and engagement.

Brave Rewards: Challenges the traditional ad model by letting users share in the revenue their attention generates. It’s about control and fairness.

Verdict: Brave Rewards feels more revolutionary, Microsoft Rewards more traditional.

Which One Should You Use?

It really depends on what you value.

• If you like simplicity and guaranteed rewards: Go for Microsoft Rewards. You’ll earn gift cards with almost no effort, and it’s easy to manage from your dashboard.

• If you value privacy and want to support a new kind of web: Try Brave Rewards. It’s less predictable but more empowering—you’re literally being paid for your attention instead of being tracked for free.

Personally, I use both. Microsoft Rewards keeps giving me small perks I can use for everyday things, while Brave Rewards feels like I’m part of something bigger—a shift toward a fairer, more private internet.

FAQs

Can I use both Microsoft Rewards and Brave Rewards at the same time?

Yes, absolutely. You can earn Microsoft Rewards by using Bing and Edge while using Brave for private browsing and BAT earnings. They don’t conflict.

Do Brave Rewards actually pay?

Yes, but the amount depends on your region and activity. You’ll see your BAT balance grow each month, but the payout varies.

Is Microsoft Rewards available worldwide?

Not everywhere. It’s most active in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and a few other regions. Check Microsoft’s website to see if your country is supported.

Is BAT worth anything?

Yes—BAT is a real cryptocurrency that can be traded on exchanges like Coinbase or Binance. Its value fluctuates like any crypto asset.

Can I get banned from Microsoft Rewards?

Yes, if you use automation or VPNs to game the system. As long as you’re using it normally, you’ll be fine.

Pros and Cons Summary

Final Thoughts

Both programs give you something for your time online—but they’re aimed at different goals.

Microsoft Rewards feels like a friendly loyalty program that gives you a little back for what you already do.

Brave Rewards, on the other hand, feels like part of a bigger movement—one that values your attention and privacy as much as your clicks.

If you’re curious about how the future of the web might look, Brave is worth exploring. But if you just want reliable, no-fuss perks, Microsoft Rewards is hard to beat.

So, here’s my question to you: Would you rather earn predictable rewards from a tech giant—or take control of your attention and get paid on your own terms?