The method and unit for braking a metal strip (1), running off a wind-out coiler (2.1) in the form of a coil (1.1) and running onto a wind-on coiler (2.2) again, are to guarantee that a surface of the metal strip remains undamaged and a full effective braking force is exerted on the metal strip (1) by means of an eddy current brake (3.1) with a rotating magnet system (3.2). The above is achieved, whereby the braking force is exerted on the metal strip (1) by means of an induced counter-torque against a support bearing (4) to one side in a non-contact manner, whereby the support bearing (4) may be embodied as a counter roller (4.1).