Microsoft Edge vs Safari
Microsoft Edge
microsoft.com
Safari
apple.comSide by side
| Figure | Microsoft Edge | Safari |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Web browsers | 9.1 (#9) | 8.6 (#28) |
| Spec score · Mobile Browser Software | 8.6 (#7) | 8.0 (#19) |
| Spec score · Debugging Software | 8.7 (#8) | 8.0 (#17) |
| Browser engine | chromium | other |
| Cross-device sync | Edge syncs passwords, favorites, and settings across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. | Yes |
| Extensions | Edge supports extensions from Microsoft Edge Add-ons and extensions designed for Google Chrome. | Safari extensions are available through the App Store, and Apple says App Store extensions are reviewed, signed, hosted by Apple, and kept up to date automatically. |
| Extension support | both | own_store |
| Founded | 1975 | 1976 |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Headquarters | Redmond, Washington, United States | Cupertino, California, United States |
| Supported platforms | both | both |
| Security | Microsoft Defender SmartScreen helps identify and block known phishing sites, malicious downloads, and suspicious content. | When Fraudulent Website Warning is enabled, Safari warns about suspected phishing or malware websites; checking a site may send calculated address information to Apple and Google Safe Browsing. |
Plans
In their own words
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.
Safari
Safari is a free web browser and web technology platform built on WebKit, included with Apple device operating systems. It supports iOS, macOS, and extensions. Intelligent Tracking Prevention uses on-device machine learning to help prevent cross-site tracking, while Privacy Report shows trackers prevented from profiling you. Private Browsing does not retain visited pages or AutoFill information, and its open tabs are not stored in iCloud or synced across devices. Safari synchronizes passwords, bookmarks, history, tabs, and more across Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch. Built-in tools include page translation, text interaction in images and paused video, and Visual Look Up. Extensions come through the App Store, and web apps can be saved to the Mac Dock or iPhone and iPad Home Screen. When enabled, Fraudulent Website Warning flags suspected phishing or malware sites. Apple no longer offers Safari updates for Windows or other non-Apple operating systems; Safari 5.1.7 was the last Windows version.