Edge is Microsoft’s latest web browser, and it looks its best when you use it as it was intended to be used: by running Bing, which is Microsoft’s search engine.
Microsoft Edge is undoubtedly the second-biggest fish in the pond, as of now. But we have reasons to believe it might just be getting ahead of its long-time competitor, Google Chrome.
Windows users swear by Edge’s speeds and intuitive multi-functional user-interface and dashboard. With the introduction of AI assistance on Edge, the user experience is way more personalized than before.
For the ones looking for a reliable browser that comes with security, user data privacy, and an easy user interface, Edge is a great choice. If you want to know more about the browser and how it can make a difference to your online experience, read on!
Microsoft Edge: Features
Microsoft Edge offers one of the fastest browsing experiences in the industry, thanks to its “Sleep Tabs” feature. Under this, Edge will put the tabs that haven't been used in a while to sleep, opening up more space and power for your CPU and RAM so that they can take on the active tabs.
Edge is also one of the quickest browsers as far as booting is concerned. That’s because it uses a special feature called “Startup Boost.”
Whether you’re opening the browser from the main menu, taskbar, or a link, the Edge window will open up almost instantly, whereas Opera and Safari take anywhere between 3 seconds and several minutes to load.
So if you’re in a hurry to look up something or open a link, Edge won't stand in your way. This feature is available on all current versions of Windows.
Edge is highly battery-efficient. Microsoft is constantly working to optimize energy usage so that Edge can function on minimal battery power.
Current tests show that Edge’s efficiency mode helps you save up to 25% of your battery life. Features like putting your tabs to sleep further contribute to it. Even for your active tabs, Edge uses a rather tiny portion of the battery to keep them running in the background.
With Edge’s Clarity Boost protocol, all the visuals on your screen look much clearer and life-like. For avid gamers or movie enthusiasts, this feature is a huge win. Currently, this feature is available on devices running Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Speaking of gaming, if you’re looking for a browser that’s masterfully crafted for gamers, Edge is a must-try. With its Efficiency mode, Edge keeps your PC running fast and smooth even when you’re playing a demanding game.
The Efficiency mode is turned on by default. But if you want to turn it off, go to “Settings,” click on “More,” select “System & Performance” and turn off the Efficiency mode. However, if you’re keen on getting the best browser performance, we don't recommend turning it off. After all, it's not going to take up any extra power or space.
A test showed that Edge uses 665MB of RAM as against Chrome’s 1.4GB. Meaning? Less data usage during web gaming on the Microsoft Edge.
Microsoft Edge: Privacy
Microsoft Edge prioritizes data privacy. Say you don’t want websites to track your information or activities; you can turn on the “Send a Do Not Track Request” option from the settings.
Edge will then send a “Do Not Track” request to all websites you visit. Truth be told, some websites might not adhere to Edge’s request, but the extent of tracking will still be greatly minimized.
Additionally, you can also choose to clear all cookies and block websites from saving cookies during future browsing sessions.
Microsoft Edge: Ease of use
If you’re not a fan of complex browsing applications, you’ll certainly appreciate Edge’s simple interface. The biggest advantage here is that Edge comes pre-installed on most devices running Windows 10 and 11. This means that you won't have to go through the hassle of downloading and setting up a new browser.
Once you open the browser, you’ll have everything you’ll need at your fingertips. Granted, at first, it might be a little overwhelming because there are too many options, but you’ll soon get the hang of it.
Just below the search bar, you’ll find quick links to all your saved or recently visited sites. Unlike Google, the Settings menu will be available on the top-right corner of the main page.
Microsoft Edge: The competition
Edge and Google Chrome are the two most popular browsers, and although they share a lot of similarities, Edge is still easier to use.
For instance, while Google has most of its menu/features in tabs and inside the three dots drop-down menus, making it hard for the users to make any changes, Edge has placed the menus right on its main page — no more around the whole browser to make minor adjustments.
What’s more, Edge is also faster than Google. When it was initially launched, Microsoft claimed that it was 112% faster than Chrome. While we cannot confirm that exact number, tests run by Avast show that Edge is faster than Chrome, Opera, Firefox, and many other popular browsers.
It's also the default browser for Windows, unlike Opera or Mozilla Firefox, which have to be downloaded separately.
That said, Opera does outperform Edge in other parameters. For example, Opera offers a free built-in VPN to all its users, whereas the VPN on Edge is only for paid subscribers. Opera also offers integrated access to TikTok which might not be of interest to everyone but surely adds a few extra points in its favor.
In short, if we consider its ease of use, speed, features, and overall performance, Edge is by and large ahead of most of its competitors.
Microsoft Edge: Final verdict
Considering all the reviews, facts, and results from our own evaluation, we find Microsoft Edge to be a good browser and certainly worth your time.
Thanks to its beginner-friendly yet uncompromising nature, it's the perfect browser for people who aren't-tech savvy. Another point to consider here is that it’s the default browser for Windows, so you won't have to put any effort into setting it up.
As the cherry on top, the Edge browser is battery plus internet usage efficient. For people who are constantly on their laptops/computers, a power and data-saving browser is a must-have. No matter how many tabs you have running at any given moment, Edge will always minimize power usage.