Microsoft Edge edges out Safari for second place in desktop browser market

Edge Dev Hero 2020 Newfeature
Edge Dev Hero 2020 Newfeature (Image credit: Future)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft Edge is now the second most popular browser on desktops.
  • Edge's market share reached 9.65% in March 2022, which is just enough to surpass Safari's 9.57% share.
  • Google Chrome still sits comfortably in first place with a 67.26% market share.

Earlier this year, we predicted that Edge would pass Safari. Microsoft's browser has steadily gained ground on Apple's since its launch.

Several factors may have contributed to more people using Edge. Microsoft revamped the browser back in 2020. The new version of Edge has received mostly postiive reviews, but it can take time for the word to get out about an app improving.

Microsoft also consistently adds new options to Edge, such as features for saving money and developer tools. Microsoft has also improved IE mode to persuade legacy users to make the switch.

Edge is the default browser on Windows 11 and Windows 10, which run on a combined 1.4 billion devices.

Source: StatCounter Global Stats - Browser Market Share

While Edge has gained ground and beat out Safari, it still sits far below Google Chrome, which has a desktop browser market share of 67.29%. Chrome saw a small dip in market share in February but has since returned to around its normal figure.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.