Short answer: for most people, either is fine. Chrome and Microsoft Edge are built on the same engine, Chromium, so most websites work the same in both and most extensions run in both. Pick the one that matches the account you already live in: Chrome if you use Google (Gmail, Google Drive, an Android phone), Edge if you use Microsoft (Outlook, OneDrive, Microsoft 365).
You can install both and try them side by side. Get Chrome for Windows, Mac or iPhone and iPad.
Choose Chrome if
- You sign in with a Google Account and want your bookmarks, passwords and history on every device.
- You want Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, built into the browser. Google says Gemini in Chrome is part of Chrome on computers, and that availability varies.
- You want extensions straight from the Chrome Web Store with no extra step.
Choose Edge if
- You sign in with a Microsoft account and use Outlook, OneDrive or Microsoft 365.
- You want a simple tracking control. Edge has three tracking prevention levels, Basic, Balanced and Strict (Microsoft’s tracking prevention help).
- You want Copilot, Microsoft’s AI assistant, in a side pane of the browser.
- You are on Windows and would rather not install another browser. Edge is already there.
What is the same in both
- Websites. Same engine, so sites generally work the same in both.
- Extensions. Microsoft says “extensions designed for Google Chrome can also be used in Microsoft Edge” (Microsoft’s extensions help).
- Saving memory and battery. Chrome has Memory Saver and Energy Saver (Google’s performance settings help). Edge has sleeping tabs and energy saver.
- Devices. Both run on Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone and Android.
Is Chrome faster than Edge?
Not in any lasting way. With the same engine underneath, speed is close and shifts between releases. If speed matters to you, run the same browser benchmark in both on your own computer. The full Chrome vs Edge comparison shows how, and compares memory, battery, privacy and AI in detail.
On Windows 11
Microsoft says Edge is a core part of Windows and cannot be uninstalled (except in the European Economic Area), so the question there is which browser opens your links. Chrome vs Edge on Windows 11 explains how to make Chrome the default and what to do if your PC is in S mode.