Microsoft Edge vs Safari
Microsoft Edge
Cross-platform Chromium-based browser with AI integration and enterprise features
Cross-platform users, enterprise employees, power users needing customization, teams using Microsoft 365
Safari
Apple's native browser optimized for macOS and iOS with industry-leading battery efficiency
Apple device users, Mac and iPhone-only organizations, users prioritizing battery life and privacy
Short Answer
Microsoft Edge is a cross-platform browser available on Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile with extensive customization and enterprise features, while Safari is exclusively optimized for Apple devices with tight OS integration and superior battery efficiency. Edge offers broader compatibility; Safari delivers seamless Apple ecosystem integration.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose Microsoft Edge if you use multiple operating systems, need extensive customization, work in enterprise environments, or require broad cross-device compatibility. Choose Safari if you're invested in the Apple ecosystem (macOS, iOS, iPad), prioritize battery efficiency, prefer seamless OS integration, and value out-of-the-box privacy without configuration.
Was this verdict helpful?
Choose Microsoft Edge if
Cross-platform users, enterprise employees, power users needing customization, teams using Microsoft 365
Choose Safari if
Apple device users, Mac and iPhone-only organizations, users prioritizing battery life and privacy
Track this comparison
Get notified when prices change, new specs ship, or our verdict updates.
Triggers: price change new spec verdict update
No spam. Stop anytime.
Key Differences at a Glance
Key Facts & Figures
| Metric | Microsoft Edge | Safari | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Life on MacBook (hours)(hours) | 11.8 hours | — | — |
| Memory Usage at Idle(MB) | 380 MB | — | — |
| Available Extensions(count) | ~200,000+ extensions | ~1,500 | +13233% |
| Memory Usage (10 open tabs)(MB) | ~450 MB | — | — |
| Website Compatibility Rate(%) | 99.2% | — | — |
| Chrome Extension Compatibility(%) | 100% | — | — |
| Users Needing Secondary Browser(%) | ~8% | — | — |
| Global Market Share(%) | 3.5% | 28% | -88% |
| Battery Life on MacBook Pro(hours) | 12-14 hours | 15-17 hours | -19% |
| Memory Usage Per Tab(MB) | 450 MB | — | — |
| Global Market Share | Safari | Safari | — |
| Available Extensions/Add-ons(count) | ~12,000 | ~12,000 | — |
| Memory Usage (10 tabs open)(GB) | 1.6GB | 1.6GB | — |
| Tracking Protection Coverage(% of trackers blocked) | 99% (ITP) | 99% (ITP) | — |
| Cross-Platform Support(platforms) | 2 platforms (macOS, iOS) | 2 platforms (macOS, iOS) | — |
| Latest Feature Update(features) | v26.4 with 44 new features (Mar 2026) | v26.4 with 44 new features (Mar 2026) | — |
All figures sourced from publicly available data. Last updated Jun 2026.
Key Differences
Microsoft Edge
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android🏆
Safari
macOS, iOS, iPadOS only
Microsoft Edge
3.5% global browser market share
Safari
28% global browser market share🏆
Microsoft Edge
12-14 hours
Safari
15-17 hours🏆
Microsoft Edge
44+ themes, workspaces, extensive extensions🏆
Safari
Limited themes, minimal customization
Microsoft Edge
Built-in VPN, tracking prevention, password manager
Safari
Intelligent Tracking Prevention, iCloud Keychain, native VPN
Microsoft Edge
AI-powered features, copilot integration, tab groups
Safari
44 new features in v26.4, Keyboard Lock API, enhanced shortcuts
Microsoft Edge
High in corporate environments🏆
Safari
High in Apple-only enterprises
Full Comparison
| Attribute |  Microsoft Edge |  Safari |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support(platforms) | 5 platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android) | macOS, iOS only |
| Website Compatibility Rate(%) | 99.2% | — |
| Users Needing Secondary Browser(%) | ~8% | — |
| Platform Support | Apple platforms only (Mac, iOS, iPadOS) | — |
| Supported Platforms | macOS, iOS, iPadOS (Apple only) | — |
Show 1 more attributeCross-Platform Support(platforms) 2 platforms (macOS, iOS) — | ||
| Battery Life on MacBook (hours)(hours) | 11.8 hours | — |
| Memory Usage at Idle(MB) | 380 MB | — |
| Memory Usage (10 open tabs)(MB) | ~450 MB | — |
| Battery Life on MacBook Pro(hours) | 12-14 hours | 15-17 hours |
| Memory Usage Per Tab(MB) | 450 MB | — |
Show 5 more attributesSpeedometer 2.1 Performance(responsiveness) More responsive — Memory Efficiency Optimized, lower usage — Memory Usage (10 tabs open)(GB) 1.6GB — Page Load Speed vs Chrome(relative performance) +8% faster — Battery Efficiency on macOS(relative) Excellent (native optimization) — | ||
| Available Extensions(count) | ~200,000+ extensions | ~1,500 |
| Chrome Extension Compatibility(%) | 100% | — |
| Native Tab Group Support | Yes (full API) | — |
| Privacy-First Design | Secondary to convenience | — |
| Tracking Protection Coverage(% of trackers blocked) | 99% (ITP) | — |
| Google Financial Dependency | None (Microsoft-backed) | — |
| Built-in AI Features(yes/no) | Yes (Copilot integrated) | — |
| Global Market Share(%) | 3.5% | 28% |
| Global Market Share | Safari | — |
| Web Standards Compliance(level) | Good but trailing | — |
| Recent Updates (2026)(features) | Safari 26.4: 44 new features | — |
| Latest Feature Update(features) | v26.4 with 44 new features (Mar 2026) | — |
| AI Features (2026) | Apple Intelligence Safari Summary | — |
| Privacy Features | Privacy-first architecture | — |
| Available Extensions/Add-ons(count) | ~12,000 | — |
| Extension Compatibility(store) | Safari Web Extensions (5,000+ extensions) | — |
| Built-in VPN Data Limit(GB per month) | None (no VPN) | — |
| Current Stable Version | 26.4 | — |
| Built-in Ad Blocker | No (requires extensions) | — |
| Tracker Blocking(types) | Third-party trackers only (ITP) | — |
| Chromium/WebKit Version | WebKit (Safari 26.4) | — |
| Keyboard Lock API Support | Yes (Safari 26.4) | — |
Microsoft EdgeSafariShow 1 more attribute
Show 5 more attributes
Visual Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of numeric attributes
Pros & Cons
Microsoft Edge
Pros
- Available on 5+ operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android)
- Integrated Copilot AI assistant for productivity and content summarization
- 44+ customizable themes and workspace organization features
- Built-in VPN, password manager, and tracking prevention
- Superior for users managing multiple devices and platforms
Cons
- Uses more RAM than Safari (avg 450MB vs 280MB per tab)
- Lower market share (3.5%) means fewer optimizations for some websites
Safari
Pros
- 15-17 hour battery life on MacBook (40% better than Edge)
- Native integration with iCloud, Keychain, and Apple devices
- 44 new features in v26.4 including Keyboard Lock API and enhanced shortcuts
- Intelligent Tracking Prevention with Privacy Preserving Ad Attribution
- Lowest memory footprint of all major browsers (280MB average per tab)
Cons
- Exclusive to Apple ecosystem—no Windows or Android support
- Limited customization compared to Edge (minimal themes, no workspaces)
- Smaller extension library with stricter app approval policies
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Safari is exclusively available on Apple devices (macOS, iOS, iPadOS). Apple discontinued the Windows version in 2007. If you need a browser on Windows, Microsoft Edge is a strong alternative that offers similar privacy and performance features.
Resources & Learn More
Dive deeper with these curated resources
Where to Buy
As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Wikipedia
Related Comparisons
Chrome vs Safari
technology
Firefox vs Safari
software
Microsoft Edge vs Mozilla Firefox
software
Brave vs Safari
software
WordPress vs Wix
software
Slack vs Microsoft Teams
software
Canva vs Photoshop
software
Figma vs Sketch
software
iPhone 17 vs Samsung Galaxy S26
technology
PS5 vs Xbox Series X
technology
Mac vs Windows
technology
Android vs iOS
technology
Related Articles
Best Streaming Services in 2026: Top Picks for Every Budget & Interest
Navigating the crowded streaming landscape in 2026 can be overwhelming. We've tested and ranked the best streaming services that offer the most value, from Netflix's massive library to budget-friendly options like Tubi, helping you cut cable and find your perfect entertainment solution.
Best Live TV Streaming Services & Plans for Spring 2026: Complete Buyer's Guide
Tired of overpaying for cable? Discover the best live TV streaming services and plans for Spring 2026, including YouTube TV's new genre-based packages starting at $55/month. Our comprehensive guide breaks down pricing, channels, and features to help you cut the cord.
Philo in 2026: Streaming TV Service Review, Pricing & Reddit Community Insights
Explore Philo's evolution heading into 2026, including pricing tiers, channel lineup, and how it compares to competitors like Sling TV. Discover what the r/PhiloTV Reddit community thinks about the service's current offerings and future prospects.
Best US Fighter Jets 2026: Top American Combat Aircraft Ranked
Discover the most advanced US fighter jets dominating the skies in 2026. From the legendary F-22 Raptor to the versatile F-35 Lightning II, we rank America's best combat aircraft based on performance, stealth, and air superiority capabilities.
Philo in 2026: Pricing, Lineup & How It Compares to Sling TV
As we head into 2026, Philo continues to position itself as an affordable streaming alternative for cable TV lovers. Discover what Philo offers, how its pricing stacks up against competitors like Sling TV, and what the Reddit community thinks about its future.