When it comes to choosing a browser, users have a plethora of choices at their fingertips. Two of the leading browsers in the industry, Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome, are likely to be the first choices for many. Their ease of access and availability, along with the well-known names attached to the creators, make both experienced and novice surfers likely to download one of these tools. Is one choice better than the other?
Microsoft Edge vs. Google Chrome – What’s Under The Hood?
In choosing a browser, the user must decide what’s most important. It’s impossible to declare a “best browser choice” because each user will have individual needs. The best way to choose between these two highly useful products is to compare and contrast, so let’s take a closer look at what the browsers have to offer.
Design and Performance
Surprisingly, Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome have more similarities than differences. When taking a look at the design and layout of these browsers, they’re difficult to distinguish from one another. Both feature a crisp, clean design that is user-friendly. Icons, the search bar, and the location of tabs and menus are clear and easy to access. In terms of aesthetics, the two are equal.
One thing that draws users to prefer one over the other is the default search engine. Google Chrome naturally directs to the Google search page. On the other hand, Microsoft Edge uses Bing for search results. However, it’s effortless to change the settings for the default search engine. For most users who navigate the web regularly, this shouldn’t be a deciding factor.
These browsers are both built on the same foundation. Both are based on the Chromium open-source browser, and both utilize the same Blink rendering engine. However, the end product isn’t the same. A significant difference between the two is that Edge uses half the RAM of Chrome in most cases. For users who have more than two tabs open at a time, the amount of memory Chrome uses is often a deal-breaker. This is especially true when other apps crash due to memory shortage.
If you’re looking to make a few tweaks and optimize performance on either browser, plenty of sites out there can help you learn more about it.
Security and Safeguards
Security is a considerable concern when browsing the internet these days. With identity theft and other cyber-crimes becoming more common, users want peace of mind when sharing their most personal data.
Microsoft Edge appears a little more aware of these concerns. It blocks trackers and makes use of Microsoft’s Defender Smart Screen, a program that blocks unwanted downloads and sneaky malware. Edge gives users three different levels of privacy settings, depending on how much security they need.
While Chrome focuses on blocking third-party tracking through unwanted cookies, there are many other loopholes left open. As the engine has evolved, extensions and ad-blockers have made Chrome a safer place to browse. Still, staying safe will require a bit more effort, as Chrome is geared toward the more advanced user in this regard.
Features and Add-Ons
When considering features, the advantage goes to Google Chrome. Google has several utilities and applications that are easy to access using the browser. Even those who don’t consider themselves tech-savvy can sync to a cell phone and create a spreadsheet with little know-how.
Edge does offer some things that Chrome does not, such as a built-in editor for better writing. However, those who use programs such as Grammarly won’t find the Microsoft version advantageous. Edge gains ground when it comes to using extensions for the browser available from the Windows Store. For those willing to do a little free shopping, Edge becomes a powerful and customizable tool.
Does Microsoft Edge Have an “Edge”?
Simply put, yes. While the programs use the same foundation, Microsoft has found a way to provide a sleeker and more efficient way to browse. Those who are die-hard Google users will probably feel more comfortable with Chrome. Nevertheless, Microsoft Edge has an edge on resource usage and security, something that gives the browser an overall advantage.
Whether Microsoft Edge is a better browser than Google chrome is a never ending discussion. I’d say this is an individual choice but not so many people would agree with me. Surprisingly, Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome have more similarities than differences. However, it is important to look at the security and safeguards of a browser when thinking about the two browsers. While many users have complained of the “Err_Cache_Miss” Error in Google Chrome, Microsoft appears to have taken this issue into account when developing the Microsoft Edge browser.besides, Edge is able to block trackers and make use of Microsoft’s Defender Smart Screen to block unwanted downloads and sneaky malware something that Google Chrome users only dream of. Users can only dream of staying completely safe while browsing the internet. As of now, both browsers seem to be level when it comes to security and data protection. Chrome has more features and add-ons and Edge boasts of a sleek, simplicity with ease of use and more security features.