Microsoft edge is the only one that plays netflix at 1080p

Last month we were surprised when a test carried out by Microsoft compares the battery consumption of its Microsoft Edge browser against Google Chrome, Firefox and Opera, in this test it was found that Microsoft's browser consumed 42% less battery power. This comparison was criticized at the time but Microsoft insisted on the benefits of its new application, assuring that it was the only browser that could play Netflix content in 1080p.

Chrome, Firefox, Opera limited to 720p on Netflix

Considering the latest claim, the folks at PCWorld got down to business to see if this was true or a typical swing from the Redmond giant.

In the tests carried out, it was effectively confirmed that Microsoft Edge is the only browser that allows the content of the Netflix platform to be reproduced at 1080p (1920 x 1080), Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Opera cannot reach this resolution and are limited to 720p content. (1280 x 720).

This possibility was discovered almost by chance thanks to some Reddit users, who found secret commands and menus on Netflix (Ctrl + Alt + Shift + D) with which you can see the bit rate and the video resolution at which it is broadcasting the platform. In fact if we read the support documentation on Netflix we will realize that the only browser that allows 1080p playback is Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge, Safari can also do it but only on Mac computers.

Capture confirming 1080p in Microsoft Edge

In an official blog post, Microsoft stated that Microsoft Edge was built to take advantage of the platform's features in Windows 10, including PlayReady content protection and the Protected Media Path media engine, in addition to working with the Open Media Alliance to develop next-generation media formats, codecs, and other Ultra HD video technologies.