Alternatives to Arc
Reimagined browser UI with spaces and split view
Arc ranks #11 of 14 in Browsers, with an Alt Score of 44. It is proprietary, free and available on macOS, Windows and iOS. 7 of 12 checklist rows are verified against a public source.
People who keep many browser tabs open across different contexts (work, personal projects, research) and want a more organized, less cluttered alternative to Chrome; Arc is macOS/Windows desktop-first, built by The Browser Company.
A vertical sidebar replaces the top tab bar, with tabs grouped into switchable Spaces (e.g. work, personal) that can each have their own profile, pinned tabs, and folders. Split View lets you view multiple tabs side by side in one window. Boosts let you apply custom CSS/theming to individual sites, and a built-in command bar handles search, navigation, and quick actions. Note: The Browser Company has shifted primary development effort to its newer browser, Dia, so Arc now receives limited updates.
You browse inside Spaces you create and organize in the sidebar, switching between them to separate different areas of your life; tabs, folders, and pinned sites live inside each Space rather than in a single flat tab strip. The command bar (Cmd/Ctrl+T) is used to search, open new tabs, or trigger actions without leaving the keyboard.
Why people leave Arc
Dashed reasons are sourced facts; the rest are opinions. Vendors can dispute.
Sign in to add a reason — new reasons go through moderation before appearing.
Ranked alternatives
Ordered by Alt Score. Click any score to see the breakdown.
Feature comparison
How Arc compares with its alternatives, feature by feature.
| Browsers checklist | Arc | Vivaldi | Brave | Waterfox | Orion | Firefox |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | ||||||
| Starts at | ||||||
| License | ||||||
| Platforms | ||||||
| Engine (Chromium / Gecko / WebKit) | ||||||
| Built-in ad blocker | ||||||
| Built-in VPN or proxy | ||||||
| Vertical tabs | ||||||
| Tab groups & workspaces | ||||||
| Extension ecosystem compatibility | ||||||
| Sync (E2E encrypted) | ||||||
| Battery / memory saver mode | ||||||
| Privacy: fingerprinting protection | ||||||
| Telemetry opt-out | ||||||
| Profile containers | ||||||
| Reader mode |
Every fact and feature listed for Arc is verified against its own pages. Each alternative is sourced on its own page.
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License Proprietary verified 2026-07-11
© 2025 The Browser Company of New York Inc.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/arc-search-the-browser-company/id6472513080 -
Pricing model Free verified 2026-07-11
Free
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/arc-search-the-browser-company/id6472513080 -
Platforms macOS, Windows, iOS verified 2026-07-11
Arc has arrived on Windows! You can download it here.
https://arc.net/faq -
Status maintenance verified 2026-07-11
Arc receives Chromium updates only. For active security patches and enterprise-grade protection, download Dia instead.
https://arc.net/download -
Engine (Chromium / Gecko / WebKit) Yes verified 2026-07-11
Arc receives Chromium updates only.
https://arc.net/download -
Built-in ad blocker No verified 2026-07-11
We are working on a built-in content blocker that should be rolled out to everyone in the very near future.
https://resources.arc.net/hc/en-us/articles/25540117353623-What-Happens-to-Ad-Blocking-in-Arc-when-Google-upgrades-to-Manifest-V3 -
Vertical tabs Yes verified 2026-07-11
Pinned Tabs live in the top half of your sidebar, above the horizontal line.
https://resources.arc.net/hc/en-us/articles/19231060187159-Pinned-Tabs-Tabs-you-want-to-stick-around -
Tab groups & workspaces Yes verified 2026-07-11
Spaces are distinct browsing areas in Arc, created to separate different contexts.
https://resources.arc.net/hc/en-us/articles/19228064149143-Spaces-Distinct-Browsing-Areas -
Extension ecosystem compatibility Yes verified 2026-07-11
Yes, Arc supports 100% of the Extensions that Chrome supports.
https://arc.net/faq -
Sync (E2E encrypted) Partial verified 2026-07-11
You create an account so that you don't lose your data and can sync it across devices
https://arc.net/faq -
Reader mode Yes verified 2026-07-11
A reader mode that minimizes distractions (great for ADHD)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/arc-search-the-browser-company/id6472513080
FAQ
Yes. Vivaldi, Brave and Waterfox have a free tier or are fully free. Free-tier limits in the comparison table are verified and dated.
Brave, Waterfox and Firefox — every license claim links its source.