14 DAY TRIAL // Pre-Internet Explorer 11 versions are now officially dead (with some exceptions, though, that concern Windows Vista users exclusively), so those currently running Microsoft’s operating system have to make a decision and pick another browser.
Right now, the software market is full of more or less advanced browsers, but obviously, both Internet Explorer 11 and Edge could come in handy simply because they are built into Windows and are said to provide the best security and performance. But do they?
While we won’t talk about benchmarks today because they’re all relative after all, and the performance of each browser depends on a lot of factors, it’s pretty clear that, right now, the choice comes down to four different applications: Internet Explorer 11, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox. For those who want to be different, Opera could also come in handy.
Internet Explorer 11
At the moment, Internet Explorer 11 is the only version of Microsoft’s traditional browser that still receives updates and security patches. And it’s also pre-installed in Windows 7 (available as an optional download here, though, on computers that are not up to date), Windows 8.1, and Windows 10.
Should you stick to Internet Explorer 11, you’ll have the same familiar interface, but also the same basic feature package that lacks themes, plug-ins, and more. On the other hand, you do get Do Not Track, plus support for the latest technologies for increased security and improved reliability.
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft claims that everyone should switch to Edge browser because it’s the best, the fastest, the most eye-appealing, and the most secure. Of course, if we trust Microsoft’s words, everyone has to switch to Edge browser, but in reality, things are a little bit different.
Edge lacks key functionality, such as support for extensions and ad-blockers, but Microsoft promised to add new features in an upcoming Windows 10 update codenamed Redstone.
But for the time being, Edge doesn’t seem to be an option unless you’re a hardcore Microsoft fan who really wants to use applications developed by the company.
Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox
At this point, these two are clearly the most popular choices for Windows users, and the removal of old Internet Explorer versions will definitely push more people towards them.
Both have themes and a plethora of extensions and add-ons, and users definitely like this, but while the two are competing against each other with new features and improvements released every once in a while, Google Chrome still seems to take the leading place.
Firefox appears to be suffering from really high CPU usage issues lately, and given the fact that most of the people who ran old IE versions own old hardware, such a thing is hard to ignore.
Verdict: give Google Chrome a try!