Best Microsoft Edge Alternatives in 2026
The top Microsoft Edge alternatives are Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Brave Browser: 15 web browsers our editors would look at instead of Microsoft Edge, in our ranking order.
Microsoft Edge: A free, cross-platform browser suited to Microsoft users who want broad compatibility. Where it falls short: microsoft integrations may matter less outside the microsoft ecosystem.
Switching from Microsoft Edge? For most web browsers buyers the best Microsoft Edge alternative is Google Chrome, built for most users wanting a complete free browser.
Why People Look for a Microsoft Edge Alternative
- 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
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallGoogle Chrome9.3
Most users wanting a complete free browser
Visit Google Chrome - Best free optionGoogle Chrome9.3
Has a free plan
Visit Google Chrome
All 15 Microsoft Edge Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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Best forMost users wanting a complete free browser
- Better than Microsoft Edge:
- Editor score 9.3 vs 9.2
A complete free browser with broad platform coverage, sync, extensions, and built-in security.
- Cross-device sync
9.3/10★★★★★Visit Google Chrome -
Best forOpen-source privacy-conscious everyday browsing
A mature, privacy-focused browser for everyday browsing across desktop and mobile.
- Cross-device sync
- Open source
- Built-in ad blocking
9.1/10★★★★★Visit Firefox -
Best forPrivacy-focused users wanting broad compatibility
A privacy-first Chromium browser with broad platform and extension compatibility.
- Cross-device sync
- Open source
- Built-in ad blocking
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit Brave -
Best forUsers wanting built-in tools and many integrations
Opera combines privacy controls, syncing, AI, messaging, and workspaces at no browser cost.
- Cross-device sync
- Built-in ad blocking
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit Opera -
Best forPower users who want extensive customization
Vivaldi suits power users who want deep control over tabs, tools, and interface design.
- Cross-device sync
- Built-in ad blocking
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit Vivaldi -
Best forUsers committed to Apple devices
A free Apple-platform browser with strong privacy tools and iCloud integration.
- Cross-device sync
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit Apple -
Best forUsers seeking strong anonymity online
A free, open-source browser built for anonymity and censorship circumvention.
- Open source
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit Tor Browser -
Best forOpen-source users wanting strong privacy controls
Waterfox offers open-source browsing with detailed privacy controls at no cost.
- Cross-device sync
- Open source
- Built-in ad blocking
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit Waterfox -
Best forUsers prioritizing private search and blocking
A free browser for privacy-focused users who want blocking and private search built in.
- Cross-device sync
- Built-in ad blocking
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit DuckDuckGo -
Best forUsers seeking hardened private desktop browsing
A privacy-focused desktop browser with strong anti-fingerprinting controls and no paid tier.
- Open source
- Built-in ad blocking
8.2/10★★★★☆Try Mullvad Browser -
Best forAI-assisted browsing and search
A free, cross-device browser for AI-assisted search, commands, and page help.
- Cross-device sync
- Built-in ad blocking
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit Comet -
Best forUsers wanting strong private browsing defaults
A free Chromium browser focused on blocking ads, trackers and fingerprinting.
- Built-in ad blocking
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Epic -
Best forOpen-source users wanting a focused Gecko browser
A focused, open-source Gecko browser for privacy-conscious desktop users.
- Cross-device sync
- Open source
- Built-in ad blocking
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit LibreWolf -
Best forUsers wanting antivirus-linked browser security
A Chromium browser with useful privacy tools and an optional VPN upgrade.
- Cross-device sync
- Built-in ad blocking
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit AVG Browser -
Best forUsers wanting banking and security protections
A free, security-focused browser with banking protection and an optional VPN.
- Cross-device sync
- Built-in ad blocking
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit Avast
Microsoft Edge Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Microsoft Edge?
Google Chrome: #1 in our Web Browsers ranking, with an editor score of 9.3 out of 10. A complete free browser with broad platform coverage, sync, extensions, and built-in security.
Is there a free alternative to Microsoft Edge?
Yes. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Brave Browser, Opera and Vivaldi have a free plan or a free tier (15 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for Microsoft Edge alternatives?
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.
How do I switch from Microsoft Edge?
Export your data from Microsoft Edge (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Microsoft Edge.
How to Switch from Microsoft Edge
- Export your data from Microsoft Edge (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Microsoft Edge.
Microsoft Edge vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Supported platforms | Browser engine | Built-in ad blocking | Extension support | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Microsoft Edge | Yes | Free | Both | Chromium | Yes | Both | 9.2 |
| 1 | Google Chrome | Yes | Free | Both | Chromium | Chrome_store | 9.3 | |
| 2 | Mozilla Firefox | Yes | Free | Both | Gecko | Yes | Own_store | 9.1 |
| 3 | Brave Browser | Yes | $59.99 one-time | Both | Yes | Chrome_store | 9.0 | |
| 4 | Opera | Yes | Free | Both | Chromium | Yes | Both | 8.9 |
| 5 | Vivaldi | Yes | Free | Both | Chromium | Yes | Chrome_store | 8.8 |
| 6 | Safari | Yes | Free | Both | Other | Own_store | 8.7 | |
| 7 | Tor Browser | Yes | Free | Both | 8.6 | |||
| 8 | Waterfox | Yes | Free | Both | Gecko | Yes | 8.5 | |
| 9 | DuckDuckGo Browser | Yes | $99.99/yr | Both | Yes | 8.3 | ||
| 10 | Mullvad Browser | Yes | Free | Both | Gecko | Yes | 8.2 | |
| 11 | Comet | Yes | Free | Both | Chromium | Yes | Chrome_store | 8.1 |
| 12 | Epic Privacy Browser | Yes | Free | Both | Chromium | Yes | Chrome_store | 7.9 |
| 13 | LibreWolf | Yes | Free | Both | Yes | 7.8 | ||
| 14 | AVG Secure Browser | Yes | Both | Chromium | Yes | Own_store | 7.7 | |
| 15 | Avast Secure Browser | Yes | $49.99/yr | Both | Chromium | Yes | Chrome_store | 7.6 |
Head-to-Head
- Microsoft Edge vs Google Chrome
- Microsoft Edge vs Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge vs Brave Browser
- Microsoft Edge vs Opera
- Microsoft Edge vs Vivaldi
- Microsoft Edge vs Safari
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update