Is Your Browser Draining Your Laptop Battery? Here’s How to Fix It Quickly

You’re deep into work or mid-way through a virtual meeting when your laptop suddenly begs for the charger. Frustrating? Absolutely. One sneaky battery drainer you might be overlooking? Your web browser. While browsing the internet seems harmless, modern browsers can quietly consume loads of power. Luckily, a few smart tweaks can dramatically extend your battery life.

1. Optimise Chrome with Built-In Energy Tools

Google Chrome comes equipped with Energy Saver and Memory Saver options. Just go to the three-dot menu > Settings > Performance, and flip them on. Energy Saver reduces activity when your laptop isn’t plugged in or dips below 20%, while Memory Saver hibernates inactive tabs. Together, they cut down on background processes without affecting performance.

2. Boost Battery Life in Edge with Efficiency Mode

Microsoft Edge users can take advantage of Efficiency Mode. Head to Settings > System and Performance and activate it. You can customise when it kicks in and how quickly it puts unused tabs to sleep. Keep in mind: saving battery might slow page loads slightly — a small trade-off for more screen time.

3. Use Opera’s Battery Saver for Extra Mileage

Opera has a dedicated Battery Saver that promises up to an hour of extra use. Navigate to the red Opera icon > Settings > Features, and turn it on. You can set it to activate when your device is unplugged or reaches a specific battery level. Don’t forget to enable inactive tab snoozing for bonus savings.

4. Switch to Dark Mode for Subtle Savings

Dark mode isn’t just stylish — it can reduce power consumption, particularly on OLED or QLED screens. Firefox users can find it under Settings > Appearance. Chrome, Edge, and Opera usually follow your system’s dark theme automatically. It’s a small switch that adds up over time.

5. Trim Down Those Tabs
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ach open tab eats up memory and energy. Shut down the ones you’re not using, or try tab managers like OneTab (for Chrome and Edge) or Tab Stash (for Firefox). These extensions collapse all your tabs into a tidy list, helping your laptop breathe easier and last longer.

Your browser doesn’t have to be your battery’s worst enemy. With a few simple adjustments, you can keep browsing without constantly reaching for the charger.