Is It Time to Give Microsoft Edge Another Chance?

We have a wide range of Internet browsers that suits our needs and preferences–with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Brave being the more popular ones. With this massive “web” of Internet surfing, Microsoft Edge has often been overlooked and shunned to the side. But why? 

The stigma surrounding Microsoft Edge stems from its association with Internet Explorer, notorious for its sluggish performance, security breaches, and, well, outdated design. 

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This negative association has extended to the initial versions of Edge, which failed to break from its old skin completely. However, after several updates, Edge has evolved considerably since its inception. With its transition to the Chromium engine, Edge has shed many of its initial issues, standing now as the modern browser it deserves to be. So is it time to give it a go? 

The pros and cons

• Performance. Microsoft may indeed have the edge over its competitors–their browser boasts a 112% performance difference when loading websites and storage, especially with multiple open tabs. Additionally, it has an available battery-saving option that can be toggled to prolong the life of your laptops. 

• Compatibility. Edge integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft ecosystem, providing features like smooth syncing across devices, compatibility with Windows-specific applications, and strong integration with Microsoft 365 services.

• Privacy. Edge prioritizes user security and data protection with its built-in tracking prevention and privacy controls. 

• Extensions. What others can do, they can do so now with support for extensions, allowing users to customize their browsing experience. 

Cons

• Limited extension library. Microsoft Edge can accommodate more extensions but not to the quantity its other competitors have. Not many are ready to prepare extensions for Edge as compared to Chrome or Opera GX. 

• Initial startup: A lot of people have complained that their initial impressions aren’t great, as it looks like a ton of bloatware stuff from the get-go–which explains the resurfacing of the old Internet Explorer stigma. 

• Compatibility issues: Despite being built on the Chromium engine, Edge may occasionally encounter compatibility issues with certain websites or web applications, leading to frustration for some users.

While Microsoft Edge may have faced its share of criticism, it has become a worthy contender to consider in the browser competition. It has impressive performance, seamless integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, and robust privacy features, Edge offers a compelling option for users, especially for ones who do have a foot in the Microsoft ecosystem. 

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So, is it time to give Microsoft Edge a chance? The answer is yes! Give it a go, use it for a day, and see how it fits into your lifestyle.