Is there any reason I should consider using Microsoft Edge instead of

Is there any reason I should consider using Microsoft Edge instead of Google Chrome for web browsing?

This question was answered on July 2, 2026.

If you've been using Google Chrome for years, you're certainly not alone. It's the world's most popular web browser for good reason. But if you haven't looked at Microsoft Edge since it replaced Internet Explorer, you might be surprised by how much has changed.

Birds of a Feather
Today's Edge and Chrome have more in common than most people realize. Both are built on Chromium, Google's open-source browser engine, so nearly every website that works in Chrome works the same in Edge, and most Chrome extensions work there, too. Switching doesn't mean learning a new browser—it just feels like someone rearranged the furniture.

Optimized for Windows
For Windows users, Microsoft has optimized Edge to work closely with the operating system, and it generally uses a little less memory than Chrome. Its Sleeping Tabs feature automatically puts inactive tabs to sleep, freeing up memory while reducing processor activity and battery drain on laptops. If you're the type who always has dozens of tabs open, you'll likely notice your computer stays more responsive.

Hidden Gems
Edge includes several built-in tools that many people never discover. Read Aloud (Ctrl+Shift+U) can read the current web page or PDF to you, which is handy for proofreading or catching up on a long article. Collections (Ctrl+Shift+Y) keeps web pages, notes and images organized for research, shopping or trip planning.

One of my favorite features is Split Screen. Press Alt+F and look for Split screen to display two websites side by side in a single browser tab—perfect for comparing products or referencing one page while working on another. Web Capture (Ctrl+Shift+S) lets you capture part or all of a web page without installing another extension.

AI Along for the Ride
If you're curious about AI, Edge includes Copilot, which can summarize articles, explain complex topics or help rewrite text without leaving the browser. Chrome now offers similar Gemini features, so AI alone isn't a reason to switch.

Where Chrome Shines
Chrome still has its strengths. If you're invested in Gmail, Calendar, Docs and Google's Password Manager, it offers the smoothest integration. Edge also defaults to Bing as its search engine, though changing it to Google takes less than a minute.
On privacy, neither browser has a clear advantage. Chrome is tied to Google's advertising ecosystem, while Edge encourages tighter integration with Microsoft's services. If privacy is your top priority, browsers like Firefox or Brave deserve a look.

Worth a Test Drive?
The good news is that trying Edge is virtually risk-free. It can import your bookmarks, passwords and browsing history from Chrome in just a few clicks, and switching back is just as easy if you decide Chrome is still your favorite.

The browser is probably the most-used program on your computer. If you haven't taken Edge for a test drive lately, you may discover it's no longer just Microsoft's alternative to Chrome—it's a browser that's earned a place in the conversation.