What is Microsoft Edge used for?

Microsoft Edge is a Chromium-based web browser from Microsoft with Copilot, sidebar tools, tab management, security features and cross-device sync. It is a good fit for browsing with an integrated AI assistant, managing company browsers via Edge for Business and saving battery on laptops.

Is Microsoft Edge free?

Yes. Microsoft Edge is free to use.

Is Microsoft Edge open source?

No. Microsoft Edge is proprietary (closed-source) software. Open-source alternatives to Microsoft Edge include Brave Browser, Ladybird and Firefox.

What are some alternatives to Microsoft Edge?

Microsoft Edge competes with Google Chrome, Safari and Opera. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source Microsoft Edge alternatives.

Microsoft Edge: features, pricing and alternatives

About Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is a web browser from Microsoft built on the Chromium engine. It integrates Copilot, which can work across open tabs to compare options, explain information and help complete tasks, and Microsoft has added AI features such as tab organization, image generation, a scareware blocker and an AI theme generator.

For performance and battery life it offers Energy saver, Startup boost and sleeping tabs. Security and privacy features include Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to block phishing and malware, password management and Edge Secure Network, and passwords, favorites and settings sync across devices. Microsoft also provides a version aimed at businesses and mobile apps.

Edge is proprietary software that is free to download, so there is no hosted or self-hosted edition to choose between. It suits users of Windows and Microsoft 365 who want tight integration with Microsoft services, as well as organizations that manage browsers centrally.

Key features

Copilot that works across tabs
AI tab organization and image generation
Energy saver, Startup boost and sleeping tabs
Defender SmartScreen phishing and malware protection
Password manager and Edge Secure Network
Sync of passwords, favorites and settings

Good fit for

→Browsing with an integrated AI assistant
→Managing company browsers via Edge for Business
→Saving battery on laptops

Tags: web-browser; chromium; microsoft; copilot; browser; sync

Microsoft Edge: questions and answers

What is Microsoft Edge used for?: Microsoft Edge is a Chromium-based web browser from Microsoft with Copilot, sidebar tools, tab management, security features and cross-device sync. It is a good fit for browsing with an integrated AI assistant, managing company browsers via Edge for Business and saving battery on laptops.
Is Microsoft Edge free?: Yes. Microsoft Edge is free to use.
Is Microsoft Edge open source?: No. Microsoft Edge is proprietary (closed-source) software. Open-source alternatives to Microsoft Edge include Brave Browser, Ladybird and Firefox.
What are some alternatives to Microsoft Edge?: Microsoft Edge competes with Google Chrome, Safari and Opera. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source Microsoft Edge alternatives.