General · head to head
Microsoft Edge vs Google Chrome
Microsoft Edge
General
The only browser optimized for superior performance on Windows
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Microsoft Edge vendor markets it as optimized specifically for Windows, implying reduced advantage on macOS, iOS and Android; Google Chrome multiple critical security vulnerabilities requiring frequent updates; 151 security flaws patched in Chrome 151 including 22 critical severities
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome actually diverge.
| Attribute | Microsoft Edge | Google Chrome |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | free | Unknown |
| Platforms | Web | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Founded | Unknown | 2008 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (General).
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 Microsoft Edge
Nothing recorded that Google Chrome does not also cover.
Only in Google Chrome
- Fast page loading
- Extensive extension library
- Cross-device sync
- Built-in security
- Developer tools
- Incognito mode
- Password manager
- Auto-updates
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Microsoft Edge
No use cases recorded yet. See the Microsoft Edge review.
Google Chrome
- Web browsingnot Microsoft Edge
- Web developmentnot Microsoft Edge
- Online researchnot Microsoft Edge
- Work applicationsnot Microsoft Edge
- Entertainmentnot Microsoft Edge
- Educationnot Microsoft Edge
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
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
Pricing, plan by plan
Microsoft Edge
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft Edge review.
Google Chrome
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Google Chrome 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 Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome better?
- Neither clearly leads. Microsoft Edge starts at Free and Google Chrome at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome?
- Microsoft Edge starts at Free and Google Chrome at Free.
- Does Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome run on more platforms?
- Microsoft Edge runs on Web. Google Chrome runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
- Can I use Microsoft Edge for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What can Microsoft Edge do that Google Chrome 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