Chrome vs. Edge Which is the better browser to use on a PC

When it comes to browsers, you are really spoiled for choice. You can go with Big Tech or small independent companies. Is customization important to you? What about built-in security features like a password manager and breach alert?

If you are concerned about privacy, your mind is in the right place. Big names in browsers have pros and cons when it comes to how they handle your data. Tap or click here to see our roundup of the best browsers for privacy.

Google and Microsoft have competed for a while, and each wants you to scour the web with your browser. Though they constantly try to interweave each other with new features and updates, they are much more alike than you know. We’ll show you why and give you a breakdown of what each has to offer.

chromium bond
Google developed Chromium as the foundation for its Chrome browser. Last year Microsoft released a new version of its Edge browser, now based on Chromium. Although the open-source Chromium lacks some of the features found in Chrome, its use by both browsers means they share some features. They look and function similarly and Edge supports many of Chrome’s extensions.

Let’s see what sets these browsers apart.

1. Privacy
Edge has more privacy settings than Chrome. Tracking Prevention, for example, identifies trackers used by websites and prevents them from seeing your activity. You can choose from three levels of protection. Tap or click here to see the three types of apps that collect the most data from your phone.

By default, Google does not limit tracking across its services. You can tinker with the settings to block cookies and install third-party extensions to limit tracking, but it’s not as obvious as it is in Chrome. If you want to use Chrome’s “Advanced Security” feature, you must agree to share your browsing data with Google.

2. Syncing
Chrome can easily sync most of your browser settings on any device. Pick and choose from bookmarks, apps, extensions, history, settings, themes, passwords, contact information, payment information, and even open tabs. You can sync these between your smartphone, computer, laptop, tablet and anywhere you have Chrome installed.

Edge is more limited in what you’re able to sync and the process is a bit slower.

3. Design Differences
On the Surface there isn’t much difference between Chrome and Edge when it comes to browsing. You’ll notice that the search bars are similar between the two, and if you can find extensions, add-ons, bookmarks, and settings in one, you can find them in the same place in the other. Right-click a tab in Edge or Chrome, and you’ll find a similar list of options.

You’ll find the most obvious difference on the homepage for each browser. Edge uses Bing and Google of course uses Google. You can easily change this in any browser you like, so this conflict is not a big deal.

Edge has a built-in dark mode, whereas you will have to change this setting in Windows or use third-party extensions if you want to darken Chrome. However, Google has customized the theme to compensate for this.

4. Stress on CPU
Edge uses less of your device’s resources as compared to Chrome. Where Microsoft’s browser nibbles on your system memory, Chrome takes the big bite.

If your PC is low on RAM, you will find a significant lag in performance when using Chrome over Edge. Tap or click here for tips on speeding up your PC or Mac.

5. Extension
If you can run the extension in Chrome, you can use it in Edge. You can add more extensions to Edge from the Windows Store as well as the Chrome Web Store.

6. Edge Editor
Edge’s built-in editor helps you learn and maintain good writing habits. You get suggestions and corrections for spelling, grammar, punctuation and other writing elements through the Artificial Intelligence Network. If you’ve used Grammarly, you already have a pretty good idea of ​​how it works.

Editor extensions can be used with social media sites, email programs, and word processing apps. You can install Microsoft Editor on Chrome, although you’ll need a Microsoft account for this.

7. Shopping with Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge can automatically scan and apply coupons and discount codes when you shop online. You also get price comparison and you can find cashback option. You can find extensions for Chrome with similar features, but Edge has it all baked into the system.