Web browsers are programs that let people access the internet and browse the world wide web.
Unfortunately, back in the early days of the internet, more specifically, the late 2000s and the early 20210s, the list of web browsers was vastly limited. You either use Internet Explorer, Opera, or Mozilla Firefox, which are not known for their speed during these times, especially the first browser on the list.
You may have heard how notorious Internet Explorer's processing speed thanks to the many memes that refer to it. More importantly, those memes speak (or show) the truth.
If you have no patience to wait for five minutes to see a webpage back then, you should probably do something else while you wait.
However, with the advancements of technology made in the last 2000s, Google Chrome came to the scene and stole Internet Explorer's throne thanks to its superior speed. Since then, Google Chrome has reigned supreme.
Meanwhile, technological advancements have also allowed Microsoft to create a new and improved web browser called Microsoft Edge, advertised as better than Google Chrome.
So which of the two is the better one?
Google Chrome vs. Microsoft Edge: Similarities and Differences
Make Use Of mentioned that both Chrome and Edge are neck in neck in terms of performance, thanks to them both using the same engine — the open-source Chromium project. Despite this, both web browsers are resource hoggers, meaning that your device will significantly slow down if you either accumulated too many apps or if you left the browsers open while doing something just as demanding in resources.
Meanwhile, Digital Trend and Slash Gear said that both web browsers also have minimalistic user interfaces, which are easy to use and understand.
However, the main difference between the two browsers is that Microsoft Edge doesn't demand as much RAM as Google Chrome does.
Google Chrome consumed approximately 850MB - 950MB of RAM, which is 200MB -250MB larger than Microsoft Edge takes, which only uses 650MB - 700MB of RAM. This RAM consumption means that Microsoft Edge is better for devices with limited RAM than Google Chrome without sacrificing performance.
The Battle of the Web Browser Features
Despite Edge's edge on Chrome regarding RAM consumption (pun intended), the latter browser received periodical updates that allow it to perform similarly to the former.
However, Chrome's difference from Edge is its ability to send tabs to a different device through the "Send Link To Your Device" feature. This feature is convenient if you're always on the go as you don't have to save your links somewhere else, per BrowserHow.
Meanwhile, Edge offers a built-in editor that provides users with editing alerts like Grammarly whenever you commit a mistake in an email or blog, or other written media.
Although Edge's list of extensions is limited due to them coming from the Microsoft Store, and opening them manually is required, there are no issues with their installment. This means that Edge will have more extensions over time theoretically.
However, Chrome's popularity means that more developers are likely to make extensions for it than Edge.
Meanwhile, Chrome gives you direct access to the entirety of Google's ecosystem, which is made up of Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Calendars, and other similar features.
However, Edge's privacy features have largely beat Chrome's. While the latter blocks third-party cookies, Edge blocks trackers from websites you've already visited and those that haven't yet, reducing the odds of your personalized information being shared across other websites.
You can also choose from one of three tracking prevention levels to activate based on your preferences.
Edge also uses Microsoft Defender Smartscreen to protect your computer against malicious websites and suspicious downloads.
Another nifty feature Edge has is that it automatically looks for coupons that'll help you save money whenever you're shopping online.
Bottomline
Due to these features and the fact that Edge has better privacy features and uses less RAM, we have to give the win to Microsoft Edge in 2022.
Ultimately, it comes down to user preference. If you want a browser with direct access to the entire Google ecosystem and you have RAM to spare, use Google Chrome. However, if you want to use less RAM and keep your information secure, use Edge.
