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Head-to-head · Web Browsers

Microsoft Edge vs Waterfox

  • 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
Waterfox #9 in Web Browsers 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Waterfox

Microsoft Edge leads on 0 checks, Waterfox 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 featuresWaterfox · 3 of 3

Microsoft Edge scores higher on our rubric for web browsers: 9.2 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #9.

On browser engine, Waterfox gives you Gecko where Microsoft Edge offers Chromium. On tracking protection, Waterfox gives you Advanced where Microsoft Edge offers Standard.

Microsoft Edge is the better fit for microsoft users needing a full-featured browser. Waterfox is the better fit for open-source users wanting strong privacy controls.

  • Microsoft Edge fits best

    Microsoft users needing a full-featured browser

  • Waterfox fits best

    Open-source users wanting strong privacy controls

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Side by side

Feature Microsoft Edge 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Waterfox 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.5
Ranking #2 in Web Browsers #9 in Web Browsers
Best for Microsoft users needing a full-featured browser Open-source users wanting strong privacy controls
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Support Docs, Community Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Microsoft Edge 2/3 · Waterfox 3/3
Built-in ad blocking ✓ ✓
Cross-device sync ✓ ✓
Open source Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Supported platforms Both Both
Browser engine Chromium Gecko
Tracking protection Standard Advanced
Extension support Both Not checked yet
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
  • Advanced tracking protection with Standard, Strict, and Custom modes
  • Open source with built-in ad and tracker blocking
  • Syncs bookmarks, passwords, history, tabs, and preferences
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
  • No premium tier or payment options are offered
  • Synchronization depends on a Mozilla account and Mozilla Sync
  • No AI features are included
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 →

Waterfox is a free, open-source web browser from BrowserWorks Ltd, based on Mozilla Firefox and the Gecko engine. It is designed for people who want detailed privacy controls alongside everyday browsing features. Available on Windows,…

Read the review →
  1. Microsoft EdgeWeb Browsers 9.2Free plan
  2. WaterfoxWeb Browsers 8.5Free 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

  • Waterfox — where it wins

    • Advanced tracking protection with Standard, Strict, and Custom modes
    • Open source with built-in ad and tracker blocking
    • Syncs bookmarks, passwords, history, tabs, and preferences

    Where it doesn't

    • No premium tier or payment options are offered
    • Synchronization depends on a Mozilla account and Mozilla Sync
    • No AI features are included

More comparisons

All web browsers comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update