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Head-to-head · Web Browsers

Microsoft Edge vs Brave Browser

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Microsoft Edge #2 in Web Browsers 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Microsoft Edge
Brave Browser #4 in Web Browsers 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Brave

Microsoft Edge leads on 0 checks, Brave Browser on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreMicrosoft Edge · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresBrave Browser · 3 of 3

Microsoft Edge scores higher on our rubric for web browsers: 9.2 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.

On tracking protection, Brave Browser gives you Advanced where Microsoft Edge offers Standard. On extension support, Microsoft Edge gives you Both where Brave Browser offers Chrome_store.

Microsoft Edge is the better fit for microsoft users needing a full-featured browser. Brave Browser is the better fit for privacy-focused users wanting broad compatibility.

  • Microsoft Edge fits best

    Microsoft users needing a full-featured browser

  • Brave Browser fits best

    Privacy-focused users wanting broad compatibility

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Side by side

Feature Microsoft Edge 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Brave Browser 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 9.0
Ranking #2 in Web Browsers #4 in Web Browsers
Best for Microsoft users needing a full-featured browser Privacy-focused users wanting broad compatibility
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan $59.99 one-time
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Docs, Community Email, Tickets, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Microsoft Edge 2/3 · Brave Browser 3/3
Built-in ad blocking ✓ ✓
Cross-device sync ✓ ✓
Open source Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Supported platforms Both Both
Browser engine Chromium Not checked yet
Tracking protection Standard Advanced
Extension support Both Chrome_store
Our review
Pros
  • Works across web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
  • Supports Edge Add-ons and compatible Chrome Web Store extensions
  • Combines Copilot, SmartScreen, tracking prevention, and device sync
  • Blocks ads, trackers, cross-site cookies and fingerprinting by default
  • Supports encrypted sync, Tor windows and Chrome Web Store extensions
  • Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android
Cons
  • Microsoft integrations may matter less outside the Microsoft ecosystem
  • Cross-device synchronization depends on signed-in devices
  • Copilot may not suit users seeking a browser without built-in AI
  • The iOS version uses WebKit rather than Chromium
  • Brave Origin costs $59.99 as a one-time purchase
  • VPN and other premium subscriptions are separate add-ons
Our verdict

Microsoft Edge is a free web browser for consumers, organizations, and developers. It uses Chromium-based web rendering, supports compatible extensions from Microsoft Edge Add-ons and the Chrome Web Store, and runs across web, Windows,…

Read the review →

Brave Browser is a free web browser for desktop and mobile users who want privacy protections without giving up broad compatibility. Brave Shields blocks third-party ads and trackers, cross-site cookies and fingerprinting by default. The…

Read the review →
  1. Microsoft EdgeWeb Browsers 9.2Free plan
  2. Brave BrowserWeb Browsers 9.0Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Microsoft Edge — where it wins

    • Works across web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
    • Supports Edge Add-ons and compatible Chrome Web Store extensions
    • Combines Copilot, SmartScreen, tracking prevention, and device sync

    Where it doesn't

    • Microsoft integrations may matter less outside the Microsoft ecosystem
    • Cross-device synchronization depends on signed-in devices
    • Copilot may not suit users seeking a browser without built-in AI

  • Brave Browser — where it wins

    • Blocks ads, trackers, cross-site cookies and fingerprinting by default
    • Supports encrypted sync, Tor windows and Chrome Web Store extensions
    • Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android

    Where it doesn't

    • The iOS version uses WebKit rather than Chromium
    • Brave Origin costs $59.99 as a one-time purchase
    • VPN and other premium subscriptions are separate add-ons

More comparisons

All web browsers comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update