Software · head to head
Google Chrome vs Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge
Software
The only browser optimized for superior performance on Windows
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Google Chrome multiple critical security vulnerabilities requiring frequent updates; 151 security flaws patched in Chrome 151 including 22 critical severities; Microsoft Edge vendor markets it as optimized specifically for Windows, implying reduced advantage on macOS, iOS and Android
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge actually diverge.
| Attribute | Google Chrome | Microsoft Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Unknown | free |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Web |
| Founded | 2008 | Unknown |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Google Chrome
- Fast page loading
- Extensive extension library
- Cross-device sync
- Built-in security
- Developer tools
- Incognito mode
- Password manager
- Auto-updates
Only in Microsoft Edge
Nothing recorded that Google Chrome does not also cover.
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Google Chrome
- Web browsingnot Microsoft Edge
- Web developmentnot Microsoft Edge
- Online researchnot Microsoft Edge
- Work applicationsnot Microsoft Edge
- Entertainmentnot Microsoft Edge
- Educationnot Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge
No use cases recorded yet. See the Microsoft Edge review.
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Google Chrome
- Multiple critical security vulnerabilities requiring frequent updates; 151 security flaws patched in Chrome 151 including 22 critical severities
- Frequent arbitrary code execution vulnerabilities allow remote attackers to execute code inside sandbox via crafted HTML pages
- Known use-after-free and integer overflow issues in V8 JavaScript engine and Codecs
Microsoft Edge
- Vendor markets it as optimized specifically for Windows, implying reduced advantage on macOS, iOS and Android
- Copilot and Microsoft 365 web app integration require a Microsoft account and internet access, with the page noting fees may apply for some connected services
Pricing, plan by plan
Google Chrome
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Google Chrome review.
Microsoft Edge
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft Edge review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Google Chrome if
- You need fast page loading.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
- You also want extensive extension library.
Questions people ask
- Is Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge better?
- Neither clearly leads. Google Chrome starts at Free and Microsoft Edge at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge?
- Google Chrome starts at Free and Microsoft Edge at Free.
- Does Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge run on more platforms?
- Google Chrome runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android. Microsoft Edge runs on Web.
- Can I use Google Chrome for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Google Chrome best used for?
- Google Chrome is most often used for web browsing, web development, online research, work applications. Of those, web browsing and web development are not what Microsoft Edge is typically brought in for.
- What can Google Chrome do that Microsoft Edge cannot?
- Google Chrome covers Fast page loading, Extensive extension library, Cross-device sync, Built-in security.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Google Chrome: Does Google Chrome have offline browsing capabilities?
Chrome can display cached versions of previously visited web pages offline. Chrome removed the experimental offline mode flag, but can automatically load cached pages when offline for sites you have visited before.
SourceGoogle Chrome: Is Google Chrome free to use?
Yes. Google Chrome is completely free to download and use. There are no paid tiers or subscription requirements for standard browsing.
Source