General · head to head
Microsoft Edge vs Mozilla Firefox
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; Mozilla Firefox no longer supported on Windows 8.1 and earlier versions (users must use Firefox ESR)
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox actually diverge.
| Attribute | Microsoft Edge | Mozilla Firefox |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | free | Unknown |
| Platforms | Web | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Founded | Unknown | 2004 |
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 Mozilla Firefox does not also cover.
Only in Mozilla Firefox
- Enhanced tracking protection
- Private browsing
- Customizable interface
- Add-ons support
- Cross-device sync
- Built-in screenshot tool
- Reader mode
- Picture-in-picture
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.
Mozilla Firefox
- Open-source web browser with privacy-focused designnot Microsoft Edge
- Automatic tracking protection and ad blocking (2000+ data trackers blocked by default)not Microsoft Edge
- Private browsing mode for anonymous web sessionsnot Microsoft Edge
- Built-in password managernot Microsoft Edge
- Multi-platform synchronisation across devicesnot Microsoft Edge
- Developer tools and debugging capabilities for web developmentnot 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
Mozilla Firefox
- No longer supported on Windows 8.1 and earlier versions (users must use Firefox ESR)
- No longer supported on macOS 10.14 and earlier versions (users must use Firefox ESR)
Pricing, plan by plan
Microsoft Edge
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft Edge review.
Mozilla Firefox
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Mozilla Firefox review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Mozilla Firefox if
- You need enhanced tracking protection.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
- You also want private browsing.
Questions people ask
- Is Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox better?
- Neither clearly leads. Microsoft Edge starts at Free and Mozilla Firefox at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox?
- Microsoft Edge starts at Free and Mozilla Firefox at Free.
- Does Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox run on more platforms?
- Microsoft Edge runs on Web. Mozilla Firefox 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 Mozilla Firefox cannot?
- Mozilla Firefox covers Enhanced tracking protection, Private browsing, Customizable interface, Add-ons support.