Helium Browser vs Microsoft Edge
Helium Browser
helium.computer
Microsoft Edge
microsoft.comSide by side
| Figure | Helium Browser | Microsoft Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Web browsers | 8.5 (#35) | 9.1 (#9) |
| Browser engine | chromium | chromium |
| Built-in ad blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Cross-device sync | No | Edge syncs passwords, favorites, and settings across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. |
| Extension support | chrome_store | both |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Supported platforms | both | both |
| Privacy | The browser makes no network requests unless they result from user actions or features explicitly enabled or configured during setup, and browsing data stays on the device. | Edge includes tracking prevention with selectable protection levels. |
| Security | The maker says Helium ships Chromium security updates as soon as possible, enforces HTTPS, supports passkeys, and updates automatically. | Microsoft Defender SmartScreen helps identify and block known phishing sites, malicious downloads, and suspicious content. |
Plans
In their own words
Helium Browser
Helium Browser has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
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.