5 Best Browsers for Outlook 365 that are Fully Supported
Office 365-supported browsers will work beautifully for Outlook.
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Key notes
- With OWA (Outlook Web Access), Microsoft makes it convenient for you to open the Outlook email client in a web browser.
- All you need is a browser and Internet connectivity to check your email and calendar on the web.Â
- However, the web browser should support Outlook 365 and we recommend using its most recent version for the best experience.
If you are trying to shift from using your favorite email client on the desktop to the web, our post helps you to pick the best browser for Outlook 365.
However, the browser should fully support your Outlook email and that depends on the operating system you are using.
Having said that, you can also refer to our post on how to efficiently use Microsoft 365 in a web browser for increased productivity.
In this post, we recommend some of the best browsers for Office 365 for the best experience.
Does Outlook use a browser?
Yes, you can open the Outlook email client using Outlook Web Access (OWA) on a supported browser.
Currently known as Outlook on the web, it helps you to open your Microsoft Outlook inbox from any computer.
You can log in to Outlook on the browser using a Microsoft 365 account or through your Outlook.com credentials.
Which browser does Microsoft recommend?
Microsoft lists the most recent versions of the below browsers for smooth access to Outlook on the web and Outlook.com.
However, it recommends Microsoft Edge on Windows 10/11 as a default browser for the best experience.
| Operating System | Browser |
| Windows 11 | Microsoft Edge/Mozilla Firefox/or Google Chrome |
| Windows 10 | Microsoft Edge/Mozilla Firefox/Google Chrome |
| Windows 8, 8.1, or 7 (SP1) | Mozilla Firefox/Google Chrome |
| Windows Vista (SP2) | Firefox/Chrome, but not all features are supported Updating to Windows 7 (SP1) is recommended |
| Mac OS X (10.10 and later) | Apple Safari 10+/Google Chrome |
| Linux | Firefox/Chrome, but not all features are supported |
What browser works best with Outlook 365?
Below is a list of our recommendations for the browsers that work best with Outlook 365.
Of course, we will dig deeper to show you exactly what each of them is made of, but for now, here’s a preview of what’s in store:
- Opera – Speed dial Outlook on the home page
- Edge – Fully integrated with the Microsoft 365 suite
- Firefox – Seamless Outlook experience through Thunderbird
- Chrome – Stable and well-rounded
- Safari – Smooth sync with Google workspace calendars
Opera – Secured and private
Opera is a fantastic browser that has some excellent security features that allow you to enjoy a private Outlook 365 mailing experience.
Using Outlook 365 with Opera has its benefits thanks to the ad-blocker, built-in VPN, and battery saver for laptops. It may not be the quickest browser, but it is certainly the most extensible, providing solid browsing and emailing experience.
One of the benefits is that you may add Outlook mail to the speed dial on the Opera main page and access it quickly.
These are the key features of Opera:
- Built-in free proxy VPN
- Ad-blocker
- Tab organizer
- Sidebar messengers
- Full support for video calls
You may also use Opera plugins to modify your Outlook mail and turn it to Dark Mode, or install the Notifier for Outlook to receive instant messages and alerts.
Opera
Enjoy a private, ad-free mailing experience to get the most of your working and shopping routine while using Outlook 365.Microsoft Edge – Best integrated browser for Outlook
Thanks to its advanced features, Edge is one of the most preferred browsers for Windows 10/11 for accessing Outlook 365.
When talking about the Microsoft 365 apps, a large section of the users across the world trust the browser as a part of their daily workflow.
Edge not only offers a fast and secure experience but also helps you work smartly with the Microsoft 365 suite.
Best of all, it offers a smooth experience while switching between contexts. Here’s a quick rundown of some of its best features:
- Option to view links shared with you via Outlook
- Find the link with filters like sort by app, date or time, etc.
- Comes with Outlook integration in Windows 10
- Access to Outlook emails even with a free personal account
- Facilitates video calling
Mozilla Firefox – Great, fast-loading browser
One of the best browsers for Outlook 365, Firefox is another popular browser in the line-up that supports all features of the Outlook web version.
The browser is known for its frequent updates and its data and web privacy features that work best for Microsoft 365 products.
While Firefox has its own email client called the Mozilla Thunderbird, it provides a seamless experience with the Outlook email client as well.
Thanks to its blazing fast site loading and rendering, accessing Outlook on the web is much easier than you could imagine.
Here are few some more of its key features you should know about:
- Supports different browser plugins for Outlook
- Offers enhanced privacy features like Total Cookie Protection, and Enhanced Tracking Protection
- Also provides features like Site Isolation and DNS over HTTPS
- Tab management allows you to toggle between Outlook and other tasks easily
- Supports horizontal scrolling for easier navigation
Google Chrome – Most popular browser
Easily among the reigning champions, Google Chrome is one of the most trusted web browsers due to its stability and advanced features.
Its support for a wide number of extensions, fast HTML rendering, and high-quality user interface makes it a winner in many aspects.
So, when using the Microsoft 365 apps like the Outlook email client, you can expect a faster and hassle-free experience.
Best of all, Chrome is compatible with all major platforms like Windows, Mac, or Linux, and emerges as one of the best browsers for Office 365.
Some of its other major features include:
- Option to install the web version of Outlook ( Outlook on the web/Outlook.com)
- The ability to pin and launch the web version of Outlook from the PC’s home screen
- A choice to open the email client from the taskbar
- Convenience to access your account even when you are offline
- An option to add Microsoft Outlook as a browser extension
Apple Safari 10+ – Best for Mac
If you own an Apple device, Safari 10+ is your best bet for an enhanced experience with the internet.
While Chrome also works great with the Apple devices, using the dedicated browser for Outlook or any other Microsoft apps, gets the best out of it.
Known for its speed, powerful customization options, and security features, Safari brings out the best in your Outlook email.
While the browser makes sending and receiving emails via Outlook effortless, it also displays the Microsoft and Google calendars for the fans.
Some of its other significant features are:
- Option to enable a focused Outlook inbox displaying the most important messages first
- Allows you to view message previews and sender images
- Enables you to customize the toolbar with ease
- Allows smooth sync with Google workspace calendars
- Option to get Add-ins on OWA for Mac
How do I change my default browser in Outlook 365?
Follow the below instructions to change the default browser in Outlook 365:
- Press the Win + I shortcut key combination to launch Windows Settings.
- Click on Apps on the left side of the Settings app.
- Now, navigate to the right side and click on Default apps.
- On the next screen, scroll down and click on the browser that you want to set as default.
- Now, click on Set default to change your default browser in Outlook 365.
Now, whenever you open Outlook on the web, it will open in the default browser you changed to.
Whether you talk of its speed, new features like Poll time to meet, or its built-in People Search feature, using Outlook 365 on a browser has its own advantages.
But if you want a clue on the best email clients for Microsoft Office 365, our detailed post has some best suggestions for you.
If you are facing any issues while accessing Outlook on a browser, you can leave your comments in the comments box below.
