The history of web browsers is a tale of relentless innovation, technological rivalry, and shifting user allegiances. For many Windows users, the browser of choice has often dictated the rhythm of their daily digital lives—how many tabs they juggle, whether their system lags under intense memory use, and the ways they organize their workflows. The rise of Google Chrome marked a revolution, offering lightning speed and sprawling functionality that quickly won over a generation burned by the idiosyncrasies of Internet Explorer. Yet now, a growing number are making the switch back to Microsoft’s latest browser—Edge—and discovering features and optimizations that give even loyal Chrome users reason to reconsider.
To appreciate the shifting tides in browser preference, it’s essential to remember where Microsoft came from. Internet Explorer (IE) once dominated the web, as the built-in browser for Windows and the default choice for millions. However, especially after the notoriously buggy IE6, it garnered a reputation for crashes, lackluster security, and slow updates. Even though later iterations improved, the damage to its reputation proved lasting. As Firefox and Opera tried to chip away at IE’s dominance, it wasn’t until the arrival of Google Chrome in 2008 that a true challenger emerged. Chrome’s speed, clean interface, and commitment to supporting emerging web standards set it apart, leading thousands—including the author at Laptop Mag—to abandon IE despite Microsoft's efforts to improve.
By 2012, Chrome unexpectedly vaulted past IE to become the world’s most popular browser—a remarkable feat given that users had to download it independently rather than finding it pre-installed. Microsoft, after years of being on the defensive, officially retired Internet Explorer in 2022. By then, Microsoft had already introduced Edge—originally built on its own engine in 2015, but since 2020, relaunched atop the very same Chromium foundation that powers Chrome. Yet, as of the latest surveys, Edge remains locked at just above 5% market share, dwarfed by Chrome’s commanding 66% dominance.
Edge resolves this by letting users dock their tabs vertically along the left side of the browser. This doesn’t just provide more visual real estate; it compresses the chaos into a neat sidebar, showing site icons and allowing users to unfurl the sidebar for full titles when needed. Those who run multiple browser windows—perhaps one for work, one for research, and another for personal use—find that vertical tabs make it dramatically easier to track and switch among pages. While Google Chrome does support tab grouping and color-coding, its native vertical tab solution remains absent outside of experimental flags or extensions.
Edge achieves this through a combination of optimizations. Its “Sleeping Tabs” feature automatically hibernates inactive tabs, freeing resources until those pages are revisited—something Chrome has emulated, but not with the same reported efficacy. For users running multiple browsers, or for those reliant on memory-hungry web apps like Trello and Slack, the resource savings can mean the difference between a smooth workflow and a system that grinds to a halt.
With Workspaces, Edge users can assign collections of tabs to particular projects or functions. Loading a Workspace brings up all the associated sites in one go—no need to bookmark everything, no hassle with manual restoration. This workflow-centric model not only saves time but also prevents the mental overhead of context switching, as Edge reliably recalls exactly where each project was left off.
While Chrome provides similar functionality through third-party extensions or profiles, Edge’s native integration is both seamless and less resource-intensive. These integrated organizational tools are increasingly vital in an era where digital multitasking is the norm, not the exception.
While Chrome users can add extensions to block ads or reformat pages, having an efficient reading mode built-in by default gives Edge a major usability boost. It’s not perfect—certain complex sites may still slip in unrelated or commercial links—but for the majority of articles, Immersive Reader delivers on its promise.
But Microsoft has leveraged its Windows integration to push further. Edge can claim faster startup and smoother scrolling on Windows 10 and 11 machines, thanks in part to deeper hooks into the OS. Microsoft also touts privacy features such as tracking prevention set to “Balanced” by default, aiming to give casual users more security out of the box compared to Chrome’s “opt-in for privacy” approach.
For enterprise and education users, Edge’s additional management and group policy settings—integrated with Windows security and update mechanisms—make it attractive for IT departments eager to control browser behavior and restrict risky extensions, something Chrome handles too, but often with less Windows-specific finesse.
It’s worth noting these figures are approximations cross-verified from multiple recent market analytics sources—Exact numbers may shift as browser adoption is inherently dynamic.
The learning curve for Chrome expatriates is practically zero, given the underlying engine. The range of Chrome extensions works seamlessly, and the few features Edge lacks can often be filled via add-ons or built-in experiments.
Microsoft’s strategy with Edge is clear: offer a capable, cross-platform browser that’s tightly integrated with the broader Windows and Microsoft ecosystem—while also being genuinely competitive on its own merits. Speculation about whether Edge might one day dethrone Chrome is, for now, just that. But as more users discover that Chrome’s default status isn’t set in stone, and as stories like those from Laptop Mag’s own convert continue to circulate, the momentum behind Edge appears real.
For those willing to push past old prejudices seeded by Internet Explorer’s past, the latest version of Microsoft Edge is worth a genuine trial. Its combination of novel features, sustained performance, integrated privacy controls, and seamless extension support shows that browser innovation is far from stagnant—and in this current era, switching sides could mean gaining real control over how you browse and work each day. As the digital world grows ever more complex, Microsoft Edge makes a strong case: sometimes, the smarter path is not the most traveled.
Source: Laptop Mag Why I ditched Google Chrome for Microsoft Edge (and haven't looked back)
From Internet Explorer’s Legacy to Chrome’s Mainstream Reign
To appreciate the shifting tides in browser preference, it’s essential to remember where Microsoft came from. Internet Explorer (IE) once dominated the web, as the built-in browser for Windows and the default choice for millions. However, especially after the notoriously buggy IE6, it garnered a reputation for crashes, lackluster security, and slow updates. Even though later iterations improved, the damage to its reputation proved lasting. As Firefox and Opera tried to chip away at IE’s dominance, it wasn’t until the arrival of Google Chrome in 2008 that a true challenger emerged. Chrome’s speed, clean interface, and commitment to supporting emerging web standards set it apart, leading thousands—including the author at Laptop Mag—to abandon IE despite Microsoft's efforts to improve.By 2012, Chrome unexpectedly vaulted past IE to become the world’s most popular browser—a remarkable feat given that users had to download it independently rather than finding it pre-installed. Microsoft, after years of being on the defensive, officially retired Internet Explorer in 2022. By then, Microsoft had already introduced Edge—originally built on its own engine in 2015, but since 2020, relaunched atop the very same Chromium foundation that powers Chrome. Yet, as of the latest surveys, Edge remains locked at just above 5% market share, dwarfed by Chrome’s commanding 66% dominance.
The Allure of Edge: Beyond the Chromium Core
Microsoft’s second attempt at a browser, Edge, was easy to dismiss, with many assuming it would simply carry forward Internet Explorer’s legacy baggage. The Chromium-based Edge, however, has proved this assumption wrong, and some tech enthusiasts—including the original author of the Laptop Mag piece—now argue that for a growing subset of users, Edge outshines Chrome in several crucial ways.Vertical Tabs: Taming Tab Overload
One of Edge’s earliest and most celebrated differentiators is its vertical tabs feature. For power users or anyone who finds themselves routinely juggling 10, 15, or even more open tabs, tab management is more than an aesthetic choice—it’s a necessity for productivity and sanity. Chrome’s conventional horizontal tab bar grows cluttered fast; favicons shrink, titles disappear, and navigation can become an exercise in frustration.Edge resolves this by letting users dock their tabs vertically along the left side of the browser. This doesn’t just provide more visual real estate; it compresses the chaos into a neat sidebar, showing site icons and allowing users to unfurl the sidebar for full titles when needed. Those who run multiple browser windows—perhaps one for work, one for research, and another for personal use—find that vertical tabs make it dramatically easier to track and switch among pages. While Google Chrome does support tab grouping and color-coding, its native vertical tab solution remains absent outside of experimental flags or extensions.
Memory Usage: Performance Optimizations That Matter
Chrome’s reputation for devouring RAM is, unfortunately, well-earned. Users who keep dozens of tabs open often find Chrome consuming tens of gigabytes of memory. Reports from power users continue to show Edge using up to two gigabytes less RAM than Chrome in comparable scenarios. While on high-end machines outfitted with 32 GB or more, this may seem academic, the difference becomes critical for typical laptops or desktops equipped with 8 or 16 GB of RAM.Edge achieves this through a combination of optimizations. Its “Sleeping Tabs” feature automatically hibernates inactive tabs, freeing resources until those pages are revisited—something Chrome has emulated, but not with the same reported efficacy. For users running multiple browsers, or for those reliant on memory-hungry web apps like Trello and Slack, the resource savings can mean the difference between a smooth workflow and a system that grinds to a halt.
Power Workflows: Workspaces and Session Management
Today’s digital professionals rarely restrict themselves to one “job” or project throughout the day. Jumping between roles, publications, or clients often means wrangling a distinct set of tools, bookmarks, and open tabs for each context. Chrome offers the ability to pin tabs and restore previous sessions, but Edge’s Workspaces take this further.With Workspaces, Edge users can assign collections of tabs to particular projects or functions. Loading a Workspace brings up all the associated sites in one go—no need to bookmark everything, no hassle with manual restoration. This workflow-centric model not only saves time but also prevents the mental overhead of context switching, as Edge reliably recalls exactly where each project was left off.
While Chrome provides similar functionality through third-party extensions or profiles, Edge’s native integration is both seamless and less resource-intensive. These integrated organizational tools are increasingly vital in an era where digital multitasking is the norm, not the exception.
Immersive Reader: Distraction-Free Reading with a Click
The modern web is awash in advertising, pop-ups, overlays, auto-playing videos, and sidebar widgets—many of which detract from the core content users seek. Microsoft tackled this frustration by building an “Immersive Reader” directly into Edge. With a quick press of F9 or a simple menu click, users can strip webpages to their content basics: headline, body text, and essential images. For journalists, researchers, and anyone reading long-form content, this delivers a calmer, more focused experience.While Chrome users can add extensions to block ads or reformat pages, having an efficient reading mode built-in by default gives Edge a major usability boost. It’s not perfect—certain complex sites may still slip in unrelated or commercial links—but for the majority of articles, Immersive Reader delivers on its promise.
Under the Hood: Technical Merits and Compatibility
Part of Edge’s renewed success can be attributed to its adoption of Chromium. This means Edge is fundamentally compatible with nearly every site, extension, and web app designed for Chrome. Users moving from Chrome to Edge often experience little or no disruption; their favorite add-ons are available from the Chrome Web Store, and most web technologies behave identically.But Microsoft has leveraged its Windows integration to push further. Edge can claim faster startup and smoother scrolling on Windows 10 and 11 machines, thanks in part to deeper hooks into the OS. Microsoft also touts privacy features such as tracking prevention set to “Balanced” by default, aiming to give casual users more security out of the box compared to Chrome’s “opt-in for privacy” approach.
For enterprise and education users, Edge’s additional management and group policy settings—integrated with Windows security and update mechanisms—make it attractive for IT departments eager to control browser behavior and restrict risky extensions, something Chrome handles too, but often with less Windows-specific finesse.
Strengths: Features That Make Edge Stand Out
- Vertical Tabs and Tab Management: Clean, intuitive, conducive to heavy multitasking.
- Memory Efficiency: Edge consumes less RAM than Chrome under load, aided by built-in “Sleeping Tabs”.
- Workspaces and Organizational Tools: First-party support for project-based browsing and faster context switching.
- Immersive Reader: Customizable, built-in distraction reduction without the need for extensions.
- Deeper Windows Integration: Faster launches, smoother performance, easy profile management on Windows devices.
- Robust Privacy Defaults: Tracking prevention enabled by default, providing a layer of safety for less technical users.
- Full Chromium Extension Support: Access to Chrome Web Store and nearly all Chrome-friendly web apps and tools.
- Cross-Platform Support: Now available on macOS and Linux in addition to Windows, broadening its appeal.
Potential Risks and Concerns: Why Some Aren't Convinced
Despite Edge’s clear strengths, skeptics and critics remain:- Market Share and Ecosystem: With just over 5% market share versus Chrome’s overwhelming 66%, Edge can feel like a niche tool more than an industry standard. Users who value being part of the majority, or who need compatibility with every app or web service, may hesitate to switch.
- Microsoft’s Aggressive Promotion: Some users find Microsoft’s continuous prompts to switch to Edge—baked into Windows updates and system notifications—irritating or invasive, bordering on anti-competitive practice.
- Data Collection and Privacy: Although Edge flaunts improved privacy settings, Microsoft is still a major tech giant and, like Google, has a vested interest in collecting user data to improve its products and advertising. Users deeply concerned about surveillance capitalism may prefer open-source alternatives like Firefox or Brave.
- Occasional Compatibility Quirks: Edge’s deep Windows ties sometimes mean odd behavior or update delays on non-Windows systems. Chrome’s cross-OS reliability remains a gold standard.
- Dependency on Chromium: Both Edge and Chrome now run on Chromium, resulting in reduced diversity in browser engines. This monoculture may have future implications for web standards and competition.
A Critical Comparison: Edge vs Chrome in 2025
| Feature | Edge | Chrome |
|---|---|---|
| Tab Management | Vertical tabs, native Workspaces | Horizontal tabs, tab grouping |
| Memory Usage | Lower (Sleeping Tabs optimized) | Higher (occasional Sleeping Tabs) |
| Reading Mode | Built-In Immersive Reader | Extensions needed |
| Extension Library | Chrome Web Store supported | Largest and native |
| Privacy Defaults | Tracking prevention on “Balanced” | Default less restrictive |
| OS Integration | Deep in Windows 10/11 | Cross-platform, less OS-specific |
| Market Share (2025 est) | ~5% | ~66% |
Why Edge is Winning Over Power Users (And Could Win Over More)
From the perspective of a long-standing Chrome user, migrating to Edge in recent years has proved rewarding in unexpected ways. Features like vertical tabs and easy Workspaces feel tailored to the needs of “browser-heavy” multitaskers. The persistent, slightly lower memory consumption relieves pressure on RAM-constrained systems. Perhaps most significantly, Edge no longer feels like a “catch-up” browser; rather, it delivers a considered user experience that incorporates lessons from its past and builds on the strengths of Chromium.The learning curve for Chrome expatriates is practically zero, given the underlying engine. The range of Chrome extensions works seamlessly, and the few features Edge lacks can often be filled via add-ons or built-in experiments.
Microsoft’s strategy with Edge is clear: offer a capable, cross-platform browser that’s tightly integrated with the broader Windows and Microsoft ecosystem—while also being genuinely competitive on its own merits. Speculation about whether Edge might one day dethrone Chrome is, for now, just that. But as more users discover that Chrome’s default status isn’t set in stone, and as stories like those from Laptop Mag’s own convert continue to circulate, the momentum behind Edge appears real.
Conclusion: The Case for Switching Is Stronger Than Ever
The web browser is no longer just a gateway; it’s an operating environment that can make or break digital productivity. Chrome arguably redefined what a browser could be and continues to offer undeniable strengths in speed, ecosystem reach, and universal compatibility. But today, Microsoft Edge has evolved into something far richer than a Chrome-alike. By addressing core frustrations—tab chaos, memory leaks, unfocused reading, and workflow management—Edge now stands as a powerful, user-centered alternative that even the most entrenched Chrome fans can appreciate.For those willing to push past old prejudices seeded by Internet Explorer’s past, the latest version of Microsoft Edge is worth a genuine trial. Its combination of novel features, sustained performance, integrated privacy controls, and seamless extension support shows that browser innovation is far from stagnant—and in this current era, switching sides could mean gaining real control over how you browse and work each day. As the digital world grows ever more complex, Microsoft Edge makes a strong case: sometimes, the smarter path is not the most traveled.
Source: Laptop Mag Why I ditched Google Chrome for Microsoft Edge (and haven't looked back)
