Google Chrome has been my primary browser for a long time, mainly because it's simple, fast, and works across all my devices. I like the huge library of extensions that it offers. Still, after spending more time with Microsoft Edge, I began to notice a few built-in features that actually make me question whether I should continue using Chrome.

I'm not trying to start a Chrome vs. Edge debate. Both browsers are great, but Edge has a few built-in tools that help me get things done faster. Honestly, I wish Chrome would take a hint. These aren't big, flashy features, but they enhance my browsing experience. At first, I didn't think much of them, but over time, I realized how often I was reaching for them without noticing. Now I miss them when I'm back in Chrome.

4 Split Screen

Built-in multitasking done right

Microsoft Edge includes a built-in split-screen feature that lets you open two websites side by side in the same browser window. To use it, click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select Split screen. Edge opens a second tab in a split view, with both URLs visible in the same bar. The active page is always highlighted, so you know which one you’re interacting with.

On my Windows 11 Pro laptop, I often use Snap Assist to split two Chrome windows across the screen. It works, but it takes more effort. You have to open a second window and juggle two sets of tabs. What I like about Edge is that it keeps everything in one layout, which saves me steps and helps me stay focused. It’s been especially useful when I’m researching, comparing products, or browsing and replying to messages at the same time.

3 Web Capture

One small change that saved me time

Edge includes a screenshot feature called Web capture, and it turned out to be more useful than I expected. It isn’t pinned to the toolbar by default, so I had to open the three-line menu, right-click Web capture, and choose Show in toolbar. Once I added it, I started using it regularly. It lets me capture part of a page or the entire thing without installing any extra tools.

I’ve used Snipping Tool and Windows shortcuts to grab parts of the screen when I needed to show someone what wasn’t working on a page. However, in Edge, taking screenshots is quicker and easier, and I appreciate how it doesn't clutter my taskbar even further. I still keep those tools around just in case, but I use them less and less.

2 Vertical Tabs

Everything stays in one corner instead of stretching across the top

When I use Chrome and open multiple tabs, they shrink and slide farther to the right. On a widescreen laptop, that means I’m constantly moving the mouse across the screen just to reach them. And because the tab names get cut off as more are added, it’s harder to tell what’s what at a glance. I end up hovering over each one or clicking blindly until I land on the right one.

I used to think vertical tabs would feel cluttered, since they sit on the side of the screen, but Edge handles it well. The sidebar stays narrow by default and shows only icons, which is usually all I need. If I want to see the full tab names, I simply move the cursor over, and the list expands automatically. It’s a small detail, but it makes the layout feel cleaner and easier to navigate.

1 Drop

It works like a synced inbox across all my devices

I use Drop in Edge all the time to send texts, links, or files between devices. It’s especially handy when I want to move something from my Android phone to my iPad, or from my Windows laptop to my iPad. Since I already have Edge pinned to my taskbar, it’s faster than emailing myself or using a separate app just to transfer something small.

What I like about Drop is its simplicity. I added the icon to the Edge sidebar so it’s always easy to reach. When I need it, I just drag in a file or type a note, and I get a notification on the other device right away. It’s become my go-to for quick sharing with no cables or uploads.

The small features in Edge really add up

I still use Chrome as my primary browser, but after spending more time with Edge, I've started to appreciate the features it gets right. Tools like Drop, vertical tabs, and built-in split screen have made everyday tasks faster and more convenient. They don't feel like extras. They feel like things a browser should already do. I'm not dropping Chrome, but Edge's features are pulling me in.