Microsoft Edge vs Google Chrome: Which browser should you use?

With the recent release of Microsoft’s latest Edge browser based on Chromium, many are asking if it’s better than Google Chrome. Today, we tested the new Edge browser to see if you should make the switch. We’ll be comparing the two browsers under these categories: RAM and CPU Usage, BrowserBench.org Benchmarks, Ease of Use, Browser Extensions, and Security Features.

Author’s Note: Results may vary from system to system, but the tests should give you a general idea of which browser performs better using the benchmarks tested.

RAM and CPU Usage

Starting with the question everyone has been asking, we tested for the RAM and CPU usage of both browsers in three different scenarios. We loaded one, five, and ten tabs in each test, and let the system load for 15 seconds, so the usage settles down. In the first test, we tested each browser with only the home tab open. In this test, Google Chrome used 260MB or 250% more RAM compared to Microsoft Edge. The CPU usage difference is almost negligible.

Next, we tested both browsers with five tabs open: one personal Gmail tab, one work Gmail tab, one Facebook tab, one Facebook tab with YugaTech’s account open, and YugaTech.com. With five tabs open, Google Chrome still consumed 565MB or 45% more RAM compared to Microsoft Edge. Microsoft Edge, however, was recorded to use 1.1% more overall CPU, though these values vary wildly from 0.1%-3.4%

Lastly, we loaded each browser with ten tabs: one personal Gmail tab, one work Gmail tab, one Facebook tab, one Facebook tab with YugaTech’s account open, the YugaTech website, YugaTech Youtube channel, one tab playing our latest Youtube video, Reddit’s home page, ESL_CSGO’s twitch stream, and Lazada. Here are the results:

Based on our ten tab test, Google Chrome consumed 537.6MB or 25% more RAM than Microsoft Edge. Microsoft Edge, however, used 0.8% more CPU power compared to Google Chrome. Again, the CPU usage varied wildly between 0.1% and 9.8% for both browsers.

Overall, Microsoft Edge consumed less RAM compared to Google Chrome in all three testing scenarios.

BrowserBench Benchmarks

Next, we ran JetStream2, MotionMark, and Speedometer from browserbench.org to test for each browser’s startup speed, execution speed, smoothness, graphics, and responsiveness. We tested each browser three times, and the highest score was then recorded. Here are the results:

In the JetStream2 benchmark, where it tested for startup speed, execution speed, and smoothness, Microsoft Edge beat Google Chrome by 9.155 points or 8.14%.

In the MotionMark benchmark, which tested for each browser’s graphical capabilities, Microsoft Edge also beat Google Chrome by 48.44 points or 11%.

Lastly, in the Speedometer benchmark, Microsoft Edge won again by 6.62 points or 7.5%.

Microsoft Edge beat Google Chrome in all three benchmarks performed.

Ease of Use

Since both browsers are built on Chromium, they share a lot of similarities with each other. The keyboard shortcuts, layout, and the menus are almost the same. When coming from Chrome, Microsoft Edge will ask if you’d like to import all your bookmarks from Chrome. Logging into your Gmail and Facebook account will also be a breeze, as the system will be able to gather your login information from Chrome. Overall, both browsers feel the same, and there wasn’t any adjustment period needed when coming from Chrome to Edge.

Extensions

Again, since both browsers are built on Chromium, most extensions available on Google chrome is also available for Microsoft Edge. However, Google Chrome’s Web Store is easier to use since the curations and filters are better than the Microsoft Edge Addons page. Do note that the Microsoft Edge Addons page appears to be the Chrome Web Store equivalent, not the Microsoft Store page, which requires you to go through the Microsoft Store app to install extensions. If you already know what extensions you need, you could use the search bar to find them.

Security Features

Lastly, we’re taking a look at each browser’s security features.

Site Permissions

First, we took a look at website permissions. Both browsers have a long list of permissions that users can control; however, Google Chrome enables users to choose whether or not a site can autoplay sounds, edit files on your device, and block insecure content on secure sites.

Tracking

Google Chrome only has one setting for trackers, which is “Do Not Track.” Enabling this adds a request not to track your browsing traffic, which makes users less susceptible to targetted ads. However, many websites ignore this request and will still be able to collect your browsing data. Data collected will be used for improving security, content, services, ads, recommendations, and to generate reporting statistics.

Microsoft Edge, on the other hand, offers three tracking prevention measures: Basic, Balanced, and Strict. The Basic setting allows most trackers across all sites, while the Balanced setting blocks trackers from sites you haven’t visited. The Strict setting blocks a majority (note, not all) of trackers from all websites you visit. Microsoft warns its users that parts of sites might not work if you set your tracking prevention to Strict. All three tracking prevention settings blocks known harmful trackers. Microsoft Edge also allows users to turn on “Do Not Track,” but as mentioned earlier, it’s not as effective at blocking trackers compared to the other tracking prevention options.

Realtime warning, and other security features

Lastly, both browsers warn users of malicious sites. In terms of security updates, both browsers also follow a 6-week security update schedule, and important security updates are shipped as needed.

Overall, Microsoft Edge wins in Security, mainly due to its flexibility when it comes to trackers. However, Google Chrome does have more site permissions that users can manage. In real-world scenarios, both browsers are secure and have not shown any indication or cause for concern.

Conclusion

So which browser is better? In terms of overall performance, and a slight edge in security, Microsoft Edge is the better browser. It consumes fewer system resources and can provide a better user experience in our testing.

What browser do you use? Let us know in the comments below!