Chrome vs. Edge: A Fair Comparison

Internet browsers are typically a desire due to habit. Once you become comfortable with one, selecting another seems like an unfathomable choice. Chances are you are currently satisfied with Google Chrome and use it unquestionably. Up until recently, Chrome was by far the best and most intuitive choice. Fortunately, with some recent updates, Microsoft Edge is the new browser in town, and it appears to be showing Chrome some real competition. Let’s look at what each browser option offers and what option may be best for your browsing needs.

Due to the recent updates, both browsers show much more significant similarities. Both browsers appear to have similar speeds in regards to loading pages and navigating around the web. Since Edge was built with “Chromium Code,” it now, like Google Chrome, is available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS and supports every single extension that runs on Google Chrome. This means that both browsers can be used on all devices and will look about the same. Google Chrome still holds an advantage over Microsoft Edge regarding its integration with Google services like Gmail and Google Translate. Although, as it continues to be seamless, Edge continues to compete with its own integration with these Google services and is getting stronger daily.

For years, many have complained about the load that Chrome puts on our system resources. Although Chrome engineers have been working on these issues, Chrome still uses a massive amount of RAM. In comparison, when loaded, Chrome used 1.4GB versus Edge that when loaded only used 665MG. This significant difference can negatively impact your computer’s battery life and memory.

Privacy is always a hot topic. Although switching browsers will not automatically protect you from being tracked on the web, Edge offers a more user-friendly yet comprehensive approach to allow you to choose how you are being tracked on the web. Chrome provides similar options to Edge’s Basic, Balanced and Strict options regarding privacy, although Chrome’s options are mainly for cookies and are not as simple to configure. Edge even offers the opportunity to clear your browsing data every time you shut down a program. 

Google was built on the premise to collect as much data as possible. Privacy is not Chrome’s goal although, Google has added a great deal to keep you safe online. These additions include “Enhanced Safe Browsing,” which can help avoid a potential phishing attempt. Plus, they also have implemented encryption with some communications between the Chrome browser and host servers.

Innovation has always been important to Microsoft, and we are now seeing this through Edge. Edge is incredibly innovative in addition to its benefits with integration, privacy, and ease on our system resources. Edge has a built-in reading mode that can read pages to you by easily selecting Read Aloud from the menu bar. Edge also has implemented a “sleep state” that will “quiet” your tabs if they have not been used for a specific amount of time.

If innovation, privacy, and efficiency are what make you tick, it might be time to give Microsoft Edge a try. Although change can be challenging, this past year has taught us to manage a little change in our lives. Making a purposeful yet straightforward change to make your life more efficient and secure might be the difference you need to get ahead. For more information on these browsers or what additional changes in our office technology might take you to the next level, reach out to your Pendello Solutions team today.