When comparing Internet Explorer vs Microsoft Edge (Chromium), the Slant community recommends Microsoft Edge (Chromium) for most people. In the question“What are the best desktop web browsers?” Microsoft Edge (Chromium) is ranked 24th while Internet Explorer is ranked 64th.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Downloads well
Downloads safely, quickly, and nicely.
Pro System built-in browser
Browser has many system related features. With Internet Explorer you can run certain types of files, without saving them in a non-temporary directory, or you can change proxy settings via a built in Windows dialog window.
Pro Can fluidly stream 4k video
IE 11 can fluidly stream 4k videos on Youtube without issue.
Pro Works great with ruTorrent
Pro Isn't a big target for hackers
Nearly all browsers use the same browser engine as Chrome, Safari, or Firefox; meaning they have the same security-holes as one of the big three. IE doesn't, it has has its own engine.
In other words, even if you find yourself on a website that tries to hack your computer: It's very likely that the the website will only be designed to hack the big three, and wouldn't be able to do anything to IE.
Pro Fast
Pro Supports Chrome extensions
As it is built on Chromium.
Pro Better web compatibility
Uses the same engine as Chromium so web pages render better.
Pro More private
During the launch of Chromium-based Microsoft Edge, the company claimed to have removed more than 50 services intended to collect user data. The improvement in this aspect does not come only from the hand of privacy, but also from optimization. The privacy settings are also a lot simpler to understand, more robust, and better than Chrome. There are three modes, basic, balanced and strict.
Pro Faster than Chrome and other browsers
It uses less RAM, has tracking prevention and accelerates the hardware when possible.
Pro Built on Chromium
Microsoft are contributing to Chromium.
Pro Great UI
It will soon get a new UI codenamed Phoenix. Very cool.
Pro Consumes much less battery than Chrome and other alternatives
Pro Preinstalled in most Windows 10 devices
Most Windows 10 devices have Microsoft Edge preinstalled.
Pro Has built-in ad blocking features
If you select the "strict" option in the Microsoft Edge settings, it practically becomes an ad blocker.
Pro Fast enough, fair privacy protection and compatible with chrome extensions
Pro Has its own built-in plugin web store
Microsoft edge support both, microsoft edge add-ons and chrome web store
Pro Replaces the old pre-installed Edge
Since the old Edge isn't removable on most PCs.
Pro You can earn money with this Browser
with microsoft rewards and Edge you can earn money
Pro Free integrated VPN
Pro Good features for teams to work together, like workspaces
free Office integrated
Pro Lots of features
Pro Sidebar with AI features and new Edge Drop
Edge drop is a good way to integrate your phone into windows
Pro Useful features like the reader mode
Cons
Con Out of date
Con Final version of the browser
Microsoft confirmed that Internet Explorer 11 (released on 2013, still bundled in Windows 10) will be the last version of Internet Explorer as Microsoft is shifting it's development focus to Microsoft Edge.
Con Windows only
Internet Explorer is currently available on Windows only. Internet Explorer was previously available on OS X and UNIX, but both of them have already been discontinued.
Con No browser extensions
Internet Explorer's functionality cannot be extended via extensions/plugins.
Con Not standard compliant
Con Problem rendering online Google Web Apps correctly
I.E. 11 has many issues with rendering Google Web Apps correctly such as Docs or Sheets. The landing pages for each has incorrect button placements and doubled icons, making the sites barely navigable.
Con It's slow and crashes a lot
Con Created By Microsoft
Con No reader view
Con Microsoft sends all your browsing history to Microsoft and tracks you by default
Microsoft Edge collects less information than Chrome, but still is collecting data about you and your interests.
Con Synchronization between PC and phone is weak
Although synchronization between computers is similar to Chrome, synchronization between PCs - phone is weak.
Con Unlike the legacy version, it doesn't have the option to set aside tabs which was a very useful feature
It does give you the option to give feedback for people who want setting tabs aside back, but it's not likely they're going to add it.
Con (Integration with) Windows designed by Microsoft so that deinstall/ install of browser of user choice is extremely elaborate
Let's just wait to see history repeat itself, and Micorsoft being fined for it. (Again!)