Microsoft Edge more battery efficient? Opera says no way

Opera Browser has put out a blogpost disputing Microsoft's claim, and says their browser is one that has the battery performance edge.

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Opera Browser claims they are the most battery efficient web browser, not Microsoft Edge.

When it comes to web browsers, fights over which one is fastest or more efficient are not really new. Microsoft recently put out a video claiming its new Edge browser is 70 per cent more battery efficient compared to Google Chrome and Opera. Now Opera Browser has put out a blogpost disputing the claim, and says their browser is the one with the battery performance edge.

In the blogpost, Opera says their “dedicated battery saving feature,” which was added in May increased the battery life by as much as 50% when compared to other browsers, such as Google Chrome.

Opera says at that time they given too much attention to Edge, given the browser is restricted to Windows 10, but now after Microsoft’s big PR blitz, they ran their own tests to compare the battery performance. Opera points out since Microsoft didn’t reveal their full methodology, they were unable to run the same tests. However Opera’s tests can be replicated by other users.

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Opera browser with native ad blocker and power saver enabled was able to run 22 per cent longer than Microsoft Edge, and 35 per cent longer than the latest version of Google Chrome, claims the blogpost. This is on a Windows 10 64-bit system.

Opera also explains how their battery saver feature works, pointing out it has several under-the-hood optimisations. The company says their browser reduces activity in background tabs, wakes CPU less often due to optimal scheduling of JavaScript timers, and automatically pauses unused plug-ins.

The browser also reduces frame rate to 30 frames per second, pauses animations in browser themes and includes an ad blocker as well.

Opera says they have been open about their methodology, and so should Microsoft if they claim to be the most battery efficient browser.