Google Chrome is the world’s most popular browser for both desktop and mobile devices. However, one of the shortcomings of its Android version is the lack of support for extensions. This is where Microsoft Edge has taken a step forward, introducing extension support on its mobile browser.
Extension Store Launch and Available Add-ons
Microsoft has officially launched its own extension store for the Edge browser on Android. According to Android Authority, the stable version of mobile Edge (v134.0.3124.57) now supports more than 20 extensions, and their range is expected to expand. Microsoft began experimenting with plugins for the mobile browser in early 2024. Initially, extensions were available mainly in the preview builds of Canary, requiring users to enable hidden settings. In contrast, the stable version of Edge for Android previously supported only three add-ons.
Currently, the new extension store for mobile Edge offers 22 extensions. These include popular options like Dark Reader for night mode browsing, Bitwarden for password management, Keepa for tracking Amazon prices, NordVPN and Browsec for secure browsing, AIX Downloader for downloading media files, and Collabwriting for collaborative note-taking. To access them, users need to update Edge to the latest stable version, navigate to the extension store through the browser menu, and install the desired extensions with a single click.
Security and Future Outlook
All browser plugins are published in the Microsoft store, giving users confidence in their safety, notes NIXSolutions. The extension page is marked “Beta,” indicating that Microsoft is still fine-tuning the platform and addressing any identified issues. At present, there have been no official announcements regarding Google’s plans to bring extension support to mobile Chrome.
The addition of extensions to Edge on Android is a significant move, especially for users who value customization and additional functionality on their mobile devices. We’ll keep you updated as Microsoft continues to expand the range of available add-ons and further develops its mobile extension platform.