Best IE Tab Alternatives in 2026 (Compared Honestly)

IE Tab has been the default answer to "how do I run Internet Explorer inside Chrome?" for more than fifteen years. It works, it is well known, and many IT teams already pay for it. But the market has changed since Internet Explorer was retired, and there are now several alternatives worth a look, some free and some much cheaper.

This article compares them honestly, including where IE Tab is still the better choice. Prices were checked on each vendor's website in October 2026.

What to look for in an IE Tab alternative

Before comparing names, decide what you actually need:

• Which browser your people use: Chrome only, Edge, Firefox, or a mix.
• ActiveX and document modes: do your portals need ActiveX controls, Java applets or a specific mode such as IE8?
• Automatic rules: should certain addresses always open in IE mode without anyone clicking?
• Deployment: one computer, a small office, or hundreds of managed computers with group policy?
• Price model: per user, per computer, yearly or one-time.

The alternatives at a glance

1. IEbridge

IEbridge runs the Internet Explorer engine of Windows inside a Chrome, Edge or Firefox tab, with a companion application that installs without administrator rights. It covers the essentials of IE Tab: IE7 to IE11 document modes, ActiveX controls, automatic URL rules with exceptions, shared cookies, pop-ups, SharePoint Office editing and developer tools on F12.

Where it differs:

• Price per computer, not per user: Pro costs $9.99 per computer per year; Enterprise costs $14.99 and adds group policy templates, Sync Options (central configuration from a web panel, no domain needed) and priority support.
• 30-day trial with every feature, with no card and no account. It starts by itself on the first use.
• A licence panel where you see each computer, name it, give it a department and release seats yourself.
• Firefox support, which IE Tab does not offer.

Honest limits: it is a younger product with a much smaller user base than IE Tab, and it only runs on Windows (as does every real IE engine solution).

2. IEability

IEability is a Chrome and Edge extension with a helper application, very similar in approach to IE Tab. Its strongest argument is price: a one-time $14.90 licence for one PC, with a free basic plan for manual IE mode. Paid features include automatic rules, cookie sync, document modes and developer tools.

It is a good fit for an individual who needs IE mode on a single computer and prefers to pay once. It does not advertise group policy, central configuration or per-company licence management, so it is harder to roll out in an organisation.

3. Microsoft Edge IE mode

If your company can standardise on Edge, its built-in IE mode is free and supported by Microsoft through at least 2029. Users can reload individual pages in IE mode (those entries expire after 30 days), and IT can publish an Enterprise Mode Site List so certain sites always open with the IE engine.

The catch is that it only exists in Edge. If people use Chrome as their main browser, they have to switch browsers for the old portal, and someone has to maintain the XML site list.

4. Chrome Legacy Browser Support

Chrome includes a policy called Legacy Browser Support that sends chosen addresses to another browser, normally Edge in IE mode now that Internet Explorer is disabled. It is free and managed with group policy.

It is not really "IE inside Chrome": every legacy link opens a different browser window. It suits organisations that already manage Chrome and Edge centrally and accept the context switch.

5. A virtual machine with an old Windows

Some teams keep a virtual machine with an old version of Windows and Internet Explorer for one application. It gives maximum compatibility but costs licences, maintenance and, above all, security: an unpatched system on your network is a real risk. Treat it as a last resort.

When IE Tab is still the right choice

IE Tab remains a solid product. If your company already has it deployed, your team knows it, and the price per user fits your budget, there may be no reason to change. Its long track record and large installed base are real advantages.

Switching makes sense when the cost of per-user pricing grows with the team, when you need Firefox, or when you want a longer trial before deciding. For a detailed side-by-side, see IEbridge vs IE Tab vs Edge IE mode.

How much you save at different team sizes

Using published prices for annual licences:

IE Tab prices above 50 users are by quote. IEbridge licenses one key per computer; one user with two computers needs two seats.

Our recommendation

• Edge-only company with IT staff: start with Edge IE mode, it is free.
• One computer, pay once: IEability is a reasonable option.
• Teams on Chrome or Firefox who want a fast setup and lower yearly cost: try IEbridge free for 30 days.
• Already happy with IE Tab: keep it, and compare prices at your next renewal.

New to the topic? Start with our guide on how to open Internet Explorer-only websites in Chrome.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a free alternative to IE Tab?

Yes. Microsoft Edge has a free IE mode, and Chrome's Legacy Browser Support can send sites to Edge for free. Neither runs the IE engine inside a Chrome tab, though.

Can I move from IE Tab to IEbridge without losing my site list?

IEbridge imports URL rules from an Excel workbook, so you can paste your existing list of addresses into its template and import it in one step.

Do these alternatives support ActiveX?

IEbridge, IE Tab, IEability and Edge IE mode all use the Windows Internet Explorer engine, so ActiveX controls work as long as the control is installed in Windows.