User Interface
The user interface is usually the first thing you notice when using a browser. Out of the box, both browsers are (unsurprisingly) similar in appearance. One immediate difference you’ll notice is that Edge provides an option for vertically managing your tabs. Both browsers allow for the option of grouping multiple tabs into groups. Additionally, Edge has a function that allows you to group ideas together in a “Collection.” Think of it as the halfway point between bookmarks and lists. In other words, this functionality has been designed for users to group together tabs thematically for specific purposes like holiday to-do lists or shopping lists. The bookmarks and bookmarks bars function in the same way in both browsers, although in Edge it’s called a “favorites bar.”
Winner: Tie! There’s not enough to declare one better than the other.
Browser Extensions
Chrome’s biggest advantage over every other browser available on the market is its selection of extensions. There are currently over 130,000 extensions available on the Chrome Web Store - and all of these are compatible with Chromium-based browsers. While Microsoft Edge has its own add-on store for Edge, the offerings don’t deviate too far from what’s offered on the Chrome Web Store. An important distinction between the two is that while you can install Chrome extensions on Edge, you can’t install Edge add-ons on Chrome.
Winner: Tie! Even if you’re using Edge and not into its selection of add-ons, you can always just use Chrome extensions instead.
Customization
Both Chrome and Edge are provided with a plethora of theming options on both the Chrome Web Store and Edge Add-ons page respectively. By default, Chrome has more in the way of appearance customization and as with extensions, anything that’s available for Chrome will work with Edge but not vice versa.
Winner: Chrome takes the lead on this one.
Backup & Synchronization
Both browsers provide the same functions for backup and device synchronization. Specifically, this includes optional like:
Bookmarks/favorites
Extensions/add-ons
Settings
History
Open tabs/tab groups
Themes/appearance
Passwords
Winner: Tie! Again, not much of a comparison here considering they both essentially provide the same thing.
Compatibility & availability
Google Chrome is available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Chrome OS. Microsoft Edge is available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and included with Xbox One and Series X/S.
Winner: Tie! Both browsers cover some of the most popular devices out there.
Speed
Wile both browsers are touted as being fast, we noticed no real difference in loading times while loading the same content. We performed several browser speed tests in this case we used WebSPRT 4 and the results were neck and neck.
Winner: Tie! Not much to see here, folks.
Resource & RAM Usage
Here’s where the comparison starts to differ. It’s no secret that Google Chrome has a reputation for being resource heavy. Forums are filled with questions on how to optimize Chrome’s RAM usage. Unsurprisingly, a lot of this can come down to an excessive amount of third-party extensions weighing the browser down. Separate to that, other causes can include: An excessive amount of tabs in use, an uncleared cache, or malware. With Edge, Microsoft has worked on improving memory usage with features like sleeping tabs which put unused tabs to sleep if they’ve been inactive for a while. Users will likely notice less battery drain when using Edge than Chrome. That’s not to say Google hasn’t been working on ways to improve Chrome, but in our experience Chrome does seem to use up more system resources.
Winner: Edge takes the…edge…on this one.
Privacy & Security
Here’s where it gets juicy! In recent years, both Google and Microsoft have made strides to ensure their respective browsers have at least the requisite level of security. For instance, both Chrome and Edge will default to HTTPS connections, have rudimentary malicious site detection, and malware detection features. Both browsers have a decent enough set of privacy and security features, but Edge is easier to navigate and provides more control for its users. However, Chrome has a more consistent update schedule, meaning that malware or exploits will get patched faster than Edge. Both browsers also have private browsing options, with Chrome’s Incognito Mode and Edge’s InPrivate Browsing. It’s important to mention here that private browsing is not 100% private. In other words, your activity can still be tracked. Google has come under fire in the past for Chrome’s less-than-anonymous Incognito mode. That said, by no means are Chrome or Edge considered to be privacy browsers. Chrome still hasn’t been able to shake its reputation for harvesting massive amounts of user data. This includes: location, search history, browser history, and user preferences. Google has also been known to be able to link this data to individuals and their devices. In that regard, you should consider Tor, Firefox, or Brave but, we’re not talking about those browsers today.
Winner: For privacy? Edge. For security? Chrome.
Chrome vs. Edge - Which Is Better ?
That honestly depends on where your priorities lie. For everyday use, both will do the job. With Edge, Microsoft has made a concerted effort to utilize all the best components that a Chromium-based browser can offer especially when it comes to resource management. Edge also provides a slightly better privacy experience than Chrome. While Chrome may receive its updates faster, Edge isn’t too far behind. In my opinion, as it stands today, Edge wins .. slightly.
