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Microsoft Edge for Mac

  • Free

  • In English
  • V 111.0.1661.41
  • 3.5

    (439)
  • Security Status

Softonic review

Dinkar Kamat
Dinkar KamatUpdated 9 months ago

The classic internet browser

Microsoft Edge is one of the most popular web browsers in the world. This free-to-use, Chromium-based replacement for Internet Explorer offers faster speed, enhanced security, and better performance. For surfing online, Microsoft Edge ensures a productive and safe browsing experience. The interface has been designed to support keyboard shortcuts and comes with unique button placements consistent with the operating system’s interface.

Also, the program is compatible with the Touch Bar of Mac computers. Besides that, it also offers superior and seamless support for and integration with the full suite of Microsoft 365 features.

A good choice for seamless browsing

Once Microsoft updated the application from Chakra to Chromium, it started receiving good recognition among Mac users. When the Chromium-based Microsoft Edge was released for Mac, people were skeptical of compatibility and support. However, the company has done a good job of providing all the features required to ensure a better browsing experience. Compared to the Windows version, the program receives fewer updates, but it works faster than other options like Safari and Mozilla Firefox.

Is Microsoft Edge fast and easy to use?

While some users crave an intuitive interface, Microsoft Edge focuses on simplicity and sophistication. Unlike the previous versions of the popular internet browser, it has a clean and uncluttered interface. You’ll find ample space between the icons on the ‘new tab’ page and the ‘favorites’ bar. Compared to other apps, the context menus look cleaner. With a chic font, the sub-menus let you tap on various options to create more space between the icons manually. As such, you don’t have to worry about inaccurate menu selections while using touch options.

When it comes to speed, the latest version of this browser is almost always faster. In fact, since the program uses the same rendering engine as the popular Google Chrome browser, you won’t feel much difference in usage and speed. Having said that, it’s important to understand that speed is directly related to the hardware configuration of the device, and you might want to consider this too. In case you are looking for an alternative, you may want to try Avast Secure Browser.

Does Microsoft Edge offer good security?

For Edge, Microsoft Corporation has been taking privacy and security features seriously. Within the program, you can set a specific privacy level for a safer browsing experience. The application gives you the option to choose from Strict, Balanced, and Basic. The ‘Privacy and Services’ tab can be conveniently accessed from the three dots at the right-top corner of the browser window. In this section, you can explore a wide range of privacy features and options, which are easily configurable as per your preferences.

It also comes with the classic ‘SmartScreen’ feature, which was first introduced in the 2000s. With this feature, you can stop other users from opening websites with spyware or malware code. The functionality comes integrated with ‘SmartScreen Defender’, which lets you know if a download seems malicious. This prevents you from downloading infected files on your device.

For more privacy options, you can check the ‘site permissions’ in ‘Settings’. While Brave has become quite popular among users looking for a secure browsing experience, Edge has sufficient features to keep your device protected from online threats and attacks.

New tabs, bookmarks, and extensions

Microsoft Edge offers a much better way to manage tabs and bookmarks. The app gives a clear-cut ‘Tabs’ menu option, which lists all the open tabs. From here, you can also manage the pinned tabs without opening multiple browser windows. The program provides you with four different view options for the new tab page. These include Custom — for you to configure manually — Informational, Inspirational, and Focused.

Unlike in the Windows version of the software, you can’t edit existing thumbnail shortcuts. However, you can still delete them, just in case you haven’t been using a few. With Microsoft Edge, you can easily add thumbnail links by clicking on the ‘+’ sign on the last shortcut. It doesn’t take more than a few seconds to add a new thumbnail link.

One of the most promising features of the program is its compatibility with a wide range of extensions and content. Since Edge is a Chromium-based internet browser, you can work with several extensions available on the ‘Addons’ page. It’s quite simple to add extensions to the program.

Do more with Copilot

Newer versions of the program will be integrated with Microsoft 365’s AI-powered assistant, Copilot, through the sidebar. Through this new add-on, multi-tasking is going to be seamless and achievable. The handy companion tool will scrape relevant data on the page you are currently visiting and use that to complete other tasks. For instance, you can ask the bot to complete a summary of the workday’s events and it will go through sent emails and other vital information sources to wrap something up for you.

Ideal and intuitive internet browser for everyone

Microsoft Edge has always been known for its intuitive interface. The Hub and Learning tools are the perfect way to gather knowledge and be part of a solid community. Without a doubt, it ensures a safer, faster, and better browsing experience for users. With this Chromium-based internet browser, you don’t have to worry about using any emulators to relive the Internet Explorer experience. 

PROS

  • Supports keyboard shortcuts
  • Strong privacy controls
  • Compatible with Mac OS buttons
  • Supports hub and learning tools

CONS

  • Lacks updates
  • URL bar is hidden

Also available in other platforms

Program available in other languages


Microsoft Edge for Mac

  • Free

  • In English
  • V 111.0.1661.41
  • 3.5

    (439)
  • Security Status


User reviews about Microsoft Edge

  • Jukka Ainasoja

    by Jukka Ainasoja

    Tuntuu hyvältä ja nopealta. Kaikki vaan pitäisi olla Suomeksi.
    Tutustaan koko ajan, mutta muistakaa Suomi, ei kaikki ole Ylioppila More

  • karel hermans

    by karel hermans

    ON MAY MAC MINI PC I WONT EDGE BETA I TINK IT IS BETER FOR ME


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Laws concerning the use of this software vary from country to country. We do not encourage or condone the use of this program if it is in violation of these laws.