General · head to head
Mozilla Firefox vs Microsoft Edge
M
Microsoft Edge
General
The only browser optimized for superior performance on Windows
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Mozilla Firefox no longer supported on Windows 8.1 and earlier versions (users must use Firefox ESR); 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 Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Edge actually diverge.
| Attribute | Mozilla Firefox | Microsoft Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Unknown | free |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Web |
| Founded | 2004 | Unknown |
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 Mozilla Firefox
- Enhanced tracking protection
- Private browsing
- Customizable interface
- Add-ons support
- Cross-device sync
- Built-in screenshot tool
- Reader mode
- Picture-in-picture
Only in Microsoft Edge
Nothing recorded that Mozilla Firefox does not also cover.
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
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
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.
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)
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
Mozilla Firefox
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Mozilla Firefox review.
Microsoft Edge
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft Edge 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 Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge better?
- Neither clearly leads. Mozilla Firefox 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, Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge?
- Mozilla Firefox starts at Free and Microsoft Edge at Free.
- Does Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge run on more platforms?
- Mozilla Firefox runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android. Microsoft Edge runs on Web.
- Can I use Mozilla Firefox for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Mozilla Firefox best used for?
- Mozilla Firefox is most often used for open-source web browser with privacy-focused design, automatic tracking protection and ad blocking (2000+ data trackers blocked by default), private browsing mode for anonymous web sessions, built-in password manager. Of those, open-source web browser with privacy-focused design and automatic tracking protection and ad blocking (2000+ data trackers blocked by default) are not what Microsoft Edge is typically brought in for.
- What can Mozilla Firefox do that Microsoft Edge cannot?
- Mozilla Firefox covers Enhanced tracking protection, Private browsing, Customizable interface, Add-ons support.