Microsoft Edge is  a fast, secure, and feature-rich web browser developed by Microsoft. Built on the Chromium engine, the same foundation as Google Chrome, it is available across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. As the successor to Internet Explorer, it offers modern AI-powered features for productivity, shopping, and security.

Key features

AI integration with Copilot 

• Copilot Mode: The browser has a dedicated "Copilot Mode" that integrates Microsoft's AI assistant into every new tab, providing a chat interface for search, browsing assistance, and task management.
• Actions Preview: For U.S. users, the AI can perform multi-step actions on your behalf, such as making reservations or helping you unsubscribe from marketing emails.
• Content summarization: Copilot can summarize the content of a web page or provide timestamped summaries for videos.
• AI creation tools: Users can generate images and videos directly from the address bar and use the AI Theme Generator to create custom browser themes. 

Performance and efficiency

• Startup Boost: Keeps the browser running in the background with minimal resources, allowing it to start up more quickly.
• Sleeping Tabs: Releases system resources like CPU and memory from inactive tabs to boost the performance of the ones you are actively using.
• Efficiency Mode: Automatically reduces browser resource usage when a game is launched on Windows 10 and 11, improving gaming performance.
• Resource efficiency: Compared to Chrome, Edge generally uses fewer resources, which is especially noticeable during multitasking. 

Security and privacy

• Tracking Prevention: Offers three levels of protection (Basic, Balanced, and Strict) to block third-party trackers.
• Built-in VPN: A free integrated VPN, called Edge Secure Network, helps secure your connection and protect sensitive data (with a 1 GB monthly data cap).
• Password Monitor: Alerts you if your saved passwords have been compromised.
• Scareware Blocker: Uses AI to protect against scareware attacks.
• Integration with Microsoft Defender SmartScreen: Provides powerful defenses against malware and phishing attacks. 

Productivity and organization

• Workspaces: Lets users create and collaborate on separate browsing spaces for different tasks, with tabs and files automatically saved and updated in real-time.
• Vertical Tabs: Allows users to view and manage tabs in a vertical sidebar on the side of the browser window.
• Shopping tools: Includes features like automatic coupon application and price tracking to help save money when shopping online.
• Web Apps: Users can install their favorite websites as apps for one-click access and easier differentiation of web tasks. 

Comparison with other browsers

• Chrome: Shares the same Chromium engine, so website compatibility is excellent. However, Edge is often seen as more resource-efficient and has deeper integration with Windows. Some users find Edge's promotional tactics for its features intrusive.
• Firefox: A popular open-source alternative. Edge is generally considered faster and offers better performance. In contrast, Firefox is known for its strong privacy protections and commitment to data ownership.
• Brave: Also Chromium-based, Brave offers a cleaner browsing experience with a built-in ad and tracker blocker. Brave's focus is on privacy and speed, while Edge emphasizes AI integration and the Microsoft ecosystem.