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Microsoft Edge vs Chrome: Which Browser Offers Better Performance?

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Microsoft Edge vs Chrome: Which Browser Offers Better Performance?

Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge stand out as two of the most popular web browsers today. Chrome has maintained its position as the market leader for years, thanks to its broad user base and fast performance. Meanwhile, Microsoft Edge, initially introduced as Project Spartan to replace Internet Explorer, has evolved into a strong alternative. Both browsers use the Chromium engine, providing similar foundations in performance and compatibility. However, they are in fierce competition, particularly in terms of security, speed, and new technological features. In this article, we will examine how Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge compare in terms of performance, HTML5 compatibility, and innovative features.

Overall usability

Chrome and Edge offer clean, user-friendly interfaces to highlight web content. Chrome has adopted a minimalist design approach since its introduction in 2008, removing unnecessary features and providing easy access to basic functions. Edge, on the other hand, was not very popular when it was released in 2015, but it moved to a new version based on Chromium in 2019. This new version of Edge has a similarly clean interface and offers similar basic functions to Chrome. Where Edge differs from Chrome is in the additional icons in the user interface and additional features such as Copilot, Microsoft’s artificial intelligence tool. Overall, both browsers are very similar in terms of usability, with Edge making minor differences with some additional functions.

Speed, System Resource Usage

Both Chrome and Edge deliver similar performance when it comes to speed, system resource usage, and web standards compatibility. In the tests, Edge outperformed Chrome in JetStream 2 and WebXPRT 4, while Chrome led in Speedometer 3.0. However, these differences are not significant during everyday browsing. If you’re looking for the best performance on a particular site or app, it’s worth testing both browsers. For users dealing with heavier loads, Edge’s better performance in the JetStream 2 test could make it a preferable option.

TestChrome ScoreEdge Score
JetStream 2194,260216,260
WebXPRT 4179184
Speedometer 3.0236213

RAM and CPU Tests

In the RAM and CPU tests, 10 websites were opened in different tabs to assess how efficiently the browsers used system resources, with measurements taken after one minute. According to the test results, Edge used an average of 1.9 GB of RAM and 5% CPU, while Chrome used 2 GB of RAM and 7% CPU. After five minutes, Edge’s CPU usage dropped to 1%, while Chrome’s decreased to 3%. In conclusion, Edge uses less RAM and CPU and shows a quicker drop in CPU usage. This difference can be significant during multitasking or when running multiple applications, where Edge may offer better performance.

Security and Privacy

Chrome and Edge offer essential security and privacy features like blocking malware, limiting cookies, and hiding browsing history. Chrome provides features like “Security Check,” which analyzes passwords, and “Enhanced Protection,” which analyzes suspicious websites in real-time, though this data may be shared with Google. Edge, on the other hand, makes it harder for websites to track you with its tracking prevention feature and offers three different levels of tracking protection. Additionally, it provides customization options like site-based tracker blocking and cookie management. Overall, while both browsers are strong in terms of security, Edge stands out in privacy with its tracking prevention and customization options.

Extensions

Both Chrome and Edge browsers can be extended and customized through the use of extensions. As of early 2024, Chrome has approximately 188,620 extensions, which are typically installed through the Chrome Web Store. Once installed, extensions appear in the upper right corner of the browser, and multiple extensions are grouped under a puzzle piece icon. By clicking on this icon, users can easily manage, modify settings, or remove extensions.

Since Edge switched to a Chromium base, it supports direct extension installation from the Chrome Web Store. Although the Microsoft Edge Add-ons store does not offer as wide a selection as Chrome, the extensions work seamlessly. Edge also provides easy activation and deactivation of extensions, similar to Chrome. Overall, both browsers offer extensive extension support and simple management features, making them quite similar in terms of extension functionality.

AI Features  

Chrome and Edge offer different approaches to artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. Chrome provides some experimental AI features, such as writing assistants, tab organizing, and creating themes with AI, although these features are still in development and offer moderate benefits. In contrast, Edge stands out in the AI arena by integrating OpenAI’s ChatGPT-based Copilot. Copilot can assist with tasks like drafting documents and finding information on the web, and Edge also offers graphic design tools like Designer, powered by OpenAI’s DALL-E. Overall, Edge emerges as a stronger option in the field of AI integrations.