Microsoft Edge vs Google Chrome: Which Browser Should You Choose?
If you own a Windows 10 computer, you’re probably wondering whether you should use the built-in Microsoft Edge browser or download the tried-and-tested Google Chrome. There’s no right or wrong answer — the best browser is the one that fits your needs and preferences. But, if you can’t decide off the top of your head, we’ve created this guide to help you choose.
Design
Both Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome have a minimalist design that aims to cram in as many features as possible without making the window look crowded. Edge comes with squared-off tabs at the topmost part of the window, with a search-and-address bar below that. Beside the bar are six buttons that give you access to various features like the history, downloads, and customizable settings.
Chrome is much more minimal since it groups all its features and settings under the three-dot menu button. However, if you get extensions, the menu bar will inevitably become more cluttered.
Extensions
Since Google Chrome has been around since 2008, developers have had plenty of time to create an extension for almost anything. Whether you’re working on blogging, web developing, social media management, or any other task, you’ll most likely find a useful extension for it on the Chrome Web Store. If you’re bored, you can go to the “Fun” category and browse through extensions that let you play Hangman, view pictures of cats in new tabs, or choose a nice background image for your Google Homepage.
Unfortunately, Microsoft Edge is far behind in terms of extensibility. As of this writing, there are only 25 extensions for Edge on the Microsoft Store, including AdBlock, Amazon Asssistant, Evernote Web Clipper, Pinterest Save Button, and Ebates Cash Back. While these are certainly helpful, they’re most likely not enough for all of your computing needs.
Speed and Performance
Many tech experts have put Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and other web browsers through several benchmark tests. In Jetstream 1.1 (which checks advanced web applications), Edge consistently got the highest scores across the board. It also got higher scores than Chrome on the Octane 2.0 benchmark, which measures the performance of JavaScript engines.
Google Chrome makes up for this by getting an almost-perfect score in HTML5 compliance. This means that it closely aligns with HTML5 standards, which promote secure browsing and fast browsing speeds.
It’s important to note that these tests were performed on the current or older versions of Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. Both browsers release updated versions every now and then, so their benchmark scores may differ in the future.
Mobile Integration
One of the best things about Google Chrome is that it prioritizes mobile integration. If you do a search on your Android or iOS device, you can seamlessly continue it on your desktop PC — and vice versa. Your bookmarks and preferences are also synced from one device to another, so you won’t have to fiddle with the settings every time you buy a new phone or laptop.
This isn’t the case with Microsoft Edge. It lets you easily manage your settings and bookmarks from one PC to another but, if you want to sync your browsing data from your Android or iOS phone/tablet, you’ll need to download a third-party app to do it.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome? It’s a question that only you can answer. Use our guide and give each browser a try to see which one best fits your browsing needs.