The singer also took home best British single and Global Success award at the ceremony, which is the British equivalent of the Grammys.
Her four-award haul is the most wins for any individual act since 1995, when Blur took home four Brit Awards, reported BBC.
A slew of big names took the stage for live performances during the ceremony, held at London's O2 Arena.
Coldplay kicked off the show with "Hymn for the Weekend," which they performed against a backdrop of coloured flowers.
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Justin Bieber won for best international male solo artist, and performed a flame-heavy rendition of "Love Yourself" and "Sorry."
Rihanna gave a futuristic performance of "Work", from her recent album "ANTI". A grid of laser lights played over her and her cadre of backup dancers, in an act which also included an appearance by Drake.
Bjork accepted the award for best international female solo artist by video, in a headdress which partially obscured her face. James Bay, who also performed "Hold Back the River" onstage, won for best British male solo artist, while Australian band Tame Impala won for best international group.
The night was full of shout outs, with Coldplay dedicating its win to musicians in refugee camps, and Adele recognizing Kesha during her first acceptance speech.
But the biggest tribute went to David Bowie, who received a special posthumous award presented by Annie Lennox to his friend Gary Oldman.
Bowie's touring band performed a medley of his songs, while Lorde received a standing ovation for a cover of "Life on Mars," which she sang wearing what looked like a Bowie-inspired white dress shirt and black vest.
Adele closed the ceremony with a rendition of "When We Were Young", performed before a backdrop of glittering panels resembling one of Yayoi Kusama's mirrored "Infinity Rooms.