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Edge Chromium vs Google Chrome: Should You Switch to Microsoft’s New Browser
The introduction of Windows 10 in 2015 marked the release of the new Microsoft Edge browser, which replaced the outdated Internet Explorer. The Edge browser utilized the EdgeHTML rendering engine and was praised by enthusiasts for its modern appearance, seamless scrolling, and improved power usage in contrast to the popular Google Chrome.
Fast forward to 2018, Microsoft Edge was in its third year of development but didn’t gain the traction the company had hoped for. This can be attributed to two main factors. Firstly, its extension support was not as robust as Chrome’s. Secondly, there were compatibility issues with Microsoft’s rendering engine on certain websites.
Eventually, Microsoft decided to give up and announced a new Edge browser based on the open-source Chromium platform. This move effectively resolved the aforementioned problems for the company.
In this post, we will compare Microsoft Edge to Google Chrome and highlight the advantages of using Microsoft’s browser over Google’s. Let’s dive in.
User Interface
Both browsers appear similar initially, but I anticipate Microsoft incorporating fluent design elements in the Chromium-based Edge browser in future updates. This will include the acrylic effect previously seen in the old Edge browser.
The homepage differs significantly between the two browsers. Google maintains its familiar search appearance, combined with a selection of frequently visited websites at the bottom.
Microsoft improved its main page by integrating Bing daily wallpaper, Bing search, most visited sites, and Microsoft news. The layout is well-designed and can be customized.
Performance
I usually skip this section in browser comparison as the performance depends on factors like internet speed, extensions, background tasks, and app version. But here, I noticed some advantages of Microsoft Edge over Google Chrome.
First, the web compatibility issue is resolved (previously, I had problems with Twitter and YouTube on EdgeHTML). The loading speeds were similar, but scrolling was more precise with Microsoft Edge.
The company is committed to improving native Chromium code, which will benefit other Chromium-based browsers like Chrome, Vivaldi, and Opera.
Features
With the move to Chromium-based browser, Microsoft Edge now offers the same extension support as Chrome. It has a reading mode with voice support, where you can change the text style, fonts, and page themes.
Microsoft Edge supports dark theme. However, the ability to pin websites was lost in the transformation to Chromium.
Chrome has a tight integration with Google products. You can view and interact with notifications from Google apps from the notification panel. Chrome has a theming engine from the web store to personalize the experience.
Security
Chromium open source is updated every six to eight months with the latest security patches. Google quickly implements these updates in the Chrome browser.
Microsoft also updates regularly. However, the company has added a tracking prevention option in the Settings menu.
Users can go to Settings > Privacy and Services and switch on the option, choosing a Balanced approach.
The practice blocks trackers from sites you haven’t visited and stops harmful trackers without affecting sites.
Microsoft has removed or replaced over 50 of Google’s services from the default Chromium code. These include ad blocking, Google Now, Google Cloud Messaging, and Chrome OS-related services. So, if you want to move away from Google’s apps and services, Microsoft Edge could be your best bet without compromise.
Password Management
Google Chrome’s password management feature, known as Chrome Password Manager, offers efficient auto-fill and password suggestion capabilities. It uses a Google account to sync history, bookmarks, passwords, and account settings across platforms. Therefore, on an Android device, data is automatically synced as the browser is pre-installed on the operating system.
Microsoft does the same with the Edge browser. One can access the password from Settings > Profile > Password menu. The browser uses Microsoft account to sync data among platforms.
None of the software offers password management. Firefox does that with Firefox Lockwise. Microsoft is expected to offer a password manager with Office 365 subscription. Let’s hope it gets integrated with the Edge browser.
Cross-Platform Availability
Google Chrome is available on every platform. You can access the browser on Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows.
Microsoft edges out Chrome here. The Edge browser is accessible on Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows 10. It also runs on ARM-based Windows PCs, including Surface Pro X. Edge is expected to be future-ready with Windows 10X, designed for foldable PCs.
Should You Make the Switch
Microsoft’s Edge presents a strong case compared to Google Chrome. If you want to move away from Google’s ecosystem and value Microsoft’s efforts to block unwanted trackers, choose Edge. Chrome remains a solid option for Android users, benefiting from years of development.
Next up: Google Chrome becomes more enjoyable with keyboard shortcuts. Read the post below to discover the top 21 Google Chrome keyboard shortcuts.
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
My articles cover a wide range of topics, from troubleshooting out-of-sync audio on TikTok and managing Firestick devices, to understanding the impact of Capcut on video quality and resolving sound issues on Hisense Roku TVs.
I also delve into more general tech tips, like how to block numbers on landlines or use VPNs without Wi-Fi. My goal is to make technology more accessible and less intimidating for everyone, whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user. I strive to offer clear, concise, and helpful advice to make your digital experience smoother and more enjoyable.