FREE Browser vs Microsoft Edge
FREE Browser
github.comMicrosoft Edge
microsoft.comSide by side
| Figure | FREE Browser | Microsoft Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Web browsers | 8.0 (#79) | 9.1 (#9) |
| Browser engine | other | chromium |
| Built-in ad blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Extension support | none | both |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Supported platforms | mobile | both |
Plans
In their own words
FREE Browser
FREE Browser is a free, open-source Android web browser focused on privacy controls. The project describes it as having no trackers and no unnecessary permissions. Its built-in blocker uses the StevenBlack host list; users can choose a list and add domains. Fingerprinting protection can be switched on or off. A cookie-banner blocker applies Mozilla Cookie Banner Rules, requiring JavaScript and not handling rules in child windows. Site controls let users set JavaScript, cookies, and DOM storage by domain or bookmark, and change ad blocking, fingerprinting protection, and desktop mode per tab. The browser supports simple Greasemonkey-style scripts, with @match required; @run-at and @name work, while @include, @exclude, and @grant do not. Navigation includes unlimited tabs, in-page search, selected-text web search, PDF saving, and opening links in other apps. It can back up and restore databases, bookmarks, and preferences to Documents/browser_backup. F-Droid lists version 3.5.0.159 for Android 10 or newer.
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is a free web browser for desktop and mobile devices, available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and the web. It uses Chromium, supports extensions, and includes ad blocking and tracking prevention with selectable protection levels. Copilot can summarize pages, answer questions, compare options, and help with tasks using open-tab context. Other listed tools include AI-powered tab cleanup, theme creation from words, and a scareware blocker. Security features help block phishing and malware; Password Monitor can alert users if saved passwords appear in an online leak. Sleeping tabs pause inactive pages to reduce CPU and memory use. Energy Saver may provide an average of 25 more minutes of battery life, though results vary with settings and use. Mac features include Spotlight search, Touch ID, trackpad gestures, and macOS visuals. Edge also offers an in-game browser for PC gaming and access to free Microsoft 365 web apps. Feature availability and functionality may vary by device, market, and browser version.