Arc changed what people expected from a browser. Not because it was flashy, but because it actually fixed things people had complained about for years. Vertical tabs that made sense. Spaces instead of messy profiles. Tabs that cleaned themselves up. A sidebar that finally felt useful. Once you got used to it, everything else felt outdated.

For a while, it genuinely felt like the future of browsing had arrived.Then, in May 2025, The Browser Company stopped developing Arc. The team announced they were shifting their focus to Dia, an AI-first browser. In September 2025, Atlassian acquired the company for $610 million. Arc still works and still receives security updates. But feature development is done. Nothing new is coming.

Windows users were hit the hardest. Arc for Windows never reached the level of the macOS version before development stopped. And even at its best, Arc was far from perfect. RAM usage regularly crossed 4 to 6GB. Battery drain on MacBooks was noticeable. Crashes were not uncommon. Account sign-in was mandatory. The learning curve was steep enough that Arc’s own CEO admitted it was “too different” for most people.

And still, people kept using it. Because when Arc fit your workflow, going back to a traditional browser felt like a step backward.

So if you switched to Arc for productivity, or you just loved how it felt to use, you are now stuck with a simple question: What do you switch to now?

Not Chrome. Not Safari. You need something that works the way your brain works.

Thus, we researched more than 20 Arc alternatives, from traditional browsers to visual workspaces and hybrids. In the end, we narrowed it down to 10 that actually make sense as replacements. Some feel very close to Arc. Others go in a different direction and might end up working even better for you.

Key Takeaways

• Arc Browser was discontinued in May 2025 after The Browser Company pivoted to AI products and Atlassian acquired them for $610 million

• Kosmik offers the most evolved alternative with built-in browser, infinite canvas, and AI-powered organization that eliminates app-switching

• Zen Browser provides the closest Arc-like experience across all platforms for free with vertical tabs, workspaces, and open-source sustainability

• SigmaOS delivers the smoothest Mac migration with an Arc import tool, Command Bar, and productivity features for $20/month

• Consider your priorities: visual thinking (Kosmik), Arc features (Zen), Mac productivity (SigmaOS), customization (Vivaldi), or privacy (Brave)

Start with Kosmik's 1-week free trial to create visual thinking spaces that match how your brain actually works, with zero app-switching.

Arc Browser vs Modern Browsers: What's the Difference?

Arc wasn't just another browser with vertical tabs. It reimagined how browsers organize information. Traditional browsers use tabs as temporary stops. Arc used Spaces (separate tab collections), Pinned Tabs (that reset to home URLs), auto-archiving (automatic cleanup), and a Command Bar (keyboard-first navigation).

Here's what made Arc different:

The problem? Arc's approach worked brilliantly for some users and felt alien to others. The mandatory account, RAM usage, and crashes frustrated many. Now that development has stopped, former Arc users need browsers that capture what worked without the compromises.

The Real Problems with Arc Browser

High RAM Usage and Memory Leaks

Arc browser consumed 4-6GB of RAM with moderate tab counts. Some users reported similar usage to Google Chrome despite Arc's promises of better performance. One tester found Arc used 320MB compared to Chrome's 660MB with identical tabs, but results varied wildly based on use case.

CPU spikes and heavy swap usage on low-RAM systems made Arc unusable for budget MacBooks and Windows machines. Battery life on MacBooks dropped significantly compared to Safari, with some users reporting reductions from about 8 hours to 5-6 hours under similar workloads.

Crashes and Stability Issues

Windows users faced constant crashes. The Windows version never reached feature parity with macOS before discontinuation. Users reported blank tabs after fullscreen use, crashes from toggling site permissions, and "ERR_TUNNEL_CONNECTION_FAILED" errors in specific profiles.

Users mentioned passwords going missing and frequent breakdowns. One user said, "Keeps crashing, breaking down, passwords go missing." Arc addressed some crashes in updates, but many persisted until shutdown.

Mandatory Account Requirement

You couldn't use Arc without signing in. No browsing local files, no checking settings, nothing without a cloud account. Privacy-focused users questioned why a browser needed mandatory cloud sync for basic functionality.

This requirement separated Arc from Firefox, Brave, and other privacy-first browsers that work perfectly fine without accounts.

Platform Abandonment

In May 2025, The Browser Company ended support for Arc on Windows. The Windows alpha never caught up to macOS. No more updates, no security patches beyond Chromium updates, and Windows users left with an incomplete product.

The community backlash was immediate. One user said: "Dia is just a huge slap in the face to Arc users. Arc had momentum and character, and instead of doubling down, they just left us hanging."

Limited Sync and Export

Arc lacked robust bookmark and history syncing compared to Chrome or Firefox. No way to export pinned tabs. No "true" multi-device synchronization. Users who invested time organizing Spaces found migration difficult.

How Modern Arc Alternatives Solve These Problems

Zero Context Switching

Kosmik solves the app-switching problem Arc didn't address. Press 'W' to open a browser directly on your canvas. Everything you browse, every PDF you read, every note you take lives in one visual workspace. No switching between Arc and Notion, or Arc and your note-taking app.

Sustainable Open-Source Development

Zen Browser and Floorp are open-source projects that won't be abandoned like Arc. Community-driven development means features get added based on actual user needs, not investor pressure to pivot to AI products.

Cross-Platform Consistency

Vivaldi, Brave, Edge, and Firefox work identically across Windows, Mac, and Linux. No waiting for feature parity. No second-class Windows experience. Your workflow stays consistent regardless of operating system.

No Mandatory Accounts

Most Arc alternatives work without forced sign-in. Firefox, Brave, Vivaldi, Zen, and Floorp all function perfectly without accounts. Sync is optional, not mandatory.

What Actually Matters in a Browser After Arc?

Vertical Tabs and Sidebar Organization

Vertical tabs maximize screen space and improve readability. Arc's sidebar made sense. Look for browsers with native vertical tabs (Zen, Edge, Vivaldi) or strong extension support (Firefox with Tree Style Tab).

Workspaces or Spaces Equivalent

If you used Arc's Spaces to separate work, research, and personal browsing, you need workspace functionality. Zen Browser, SigmaOS, Vivaldi, Floorp, and Edge all offer workspace organization. Quality varies, Arc's implementation was smoother than most.

Keyboard-First Navigation

Arc's Command Bar (Cmd+T) made navigation fast. Look for browsers with Command Palette features: SigmaOS has Lazy Search, Vivaldi has Quick Commands, Edge has Tab Search. Not identical to Arc, but close.

Visual and Spatial Thinking Support

If Arc still felt too linear, consider tools like Kosmik that embrace spatial organization. Infinite canvas lets you arrange tabs, notes, and research visually rather than forcing everything into lists.

Tab Management Features

The auto-archive was polarizing but useful. Most browsers lack native auto-archive. Zen Browser and Floorp can approximate it with the Dustman extension (auto-closes inactive tabs after 20 minutes). Not as polished as Arc's implementation.

Performance and Battery Life

Arc was a battery hog. If efficiency matters, prioritize Safari (Mac only), Brave (privacy + performance), or Orion (WebKit-based, Mac only). Chromium browsers (Chrome, Edge, Vivaldi, Brave) generally consume more RAM than Firefox-based alternatives (Zen, Floorp, Firefox).

Privacy and Security

Arc had a security breach in August 2024 involving Firebase misuse. If privacy matters post-Arc, consider Firefox (strongest privacy), Brave (built-in ad/tracker blocking), or Zen Browser (Firefox-based with Containers).

AI Features and Intelligent Assistance

Arc didn't have AI features, but modern browsers increasingly offer AI-powered organization, research assistance, and content discovery. If you want intelligent browsing capabilities beyond Arc's manual organization, consider browsers with built-in AI features that can auto-tag content, suggest related resources, and assist with research.

Best Arc Browser Alternatives (Ranked)

1. Kosmik: Best Arc Alternative for Visual Thinkers

Kosmikis what happens when you stop forcing creative work into browser tabs and embrace how your brain actually thinks. Instead of managing 50 tabs across multiple Spaces, you get an infinite canvas where everything lives visually. Built-in browser, PDF reader, AI organization, all in one workspace.

Key Features

• Built-in browser (press 'W') eliminates app-switching entirely - browse without leaving your workspace

• Infinite canvas for spatial organization - arrange research visually instead of forcing it into linear tabs

• AI auto-tagging organizes content by colors, themes, and subjects automatically (launched July-August 2025)

• PDF reader with OCR extracts text from any document without separate apps

• Multi-format support: PDFs, images, videos, web pages, documents all work natively

• Real-time collaboration with live cursor tracking and commenting

• Web Clipper Chrome extension sends content directly to Kosmik Inbox

Pros

• Zero context switching - browser, notes, files, all in one visual workspace

• AI visual similarity search finds related content you'd never discover with text search alone

• Native support for every file type eliminates "which app opens this?" moments

• Affordable at $11.99/month (yearly) compared to professional research tools costing $200+/month

• Connector system (Spring 2025) creates visual relationships between ideas automatically

• 1-week free trial with full Pro features lets you test without commitment

• Real-time collaboration works smoothly for team research projects

• Actually designed for how visual thinkers work, not retrofitted from traditional browsers

Cons

• Newer platform means smaller ecosystem than established browsers

• Learning curve if you're deeply attached to traditional tab chaos

• No mobile app yet (web version works on tablets)

• Different paradigm from browsers - requires rethinking your workflow

Pricing

• 1-Week Free Trial: Full Pro features

• Kosmik Pro: $11.99/month (yearly) or $14.99/month - unlimited workspaces, sharing, AI requests, priority support

• Ambassador: $16.99/month (yearly, coming soon) - adds Slack channel, Figma plug-in, fonts support, brand kits

• Enterprise: Custom pricing - team management, custom onboarding, dedicated support

See full pricing details for the latest plans and features.

User Reviews

Kosmik has an 8.6/10 user rating on Tool Finder. Users highlight the fast macOS app, brilliant in-app browser feature, and describe it as "the most complete and easiest to use visual research platform for individuals and teams alike."

Why Kosmik is the Best Arc Browser Alternative?

Arc tried to fix browsers by organizing tabs better. Kosmik went further, asking: why force creative work into tabs at all?

If you used Arc for research, design inspiration, or complex projects, you probably still hit walls. Too many tabs across too many spaces. Everything is still linear. Still switching between Arc and other apps for notes, files, and organization.

Kosmik eliminates that friction completely. Your browser, notes, PDFs, images, videos - everything exists on one infinite canvas you can organize spatially. The built-in browser (press 'W') means you never leave your workspace to search or clip content. AI auto-tagging handles categorization automatically. Visual similarity search connects related ideas you'd never find with traditional search.

For Arc users who loved the idea but hated the limitations, Kosmik delivers what Arc promised: a genuinely better way to organize your digital work. No mandatory account. No RAM overload. No abandonment risk from a startup chasing AI pivots.

Get Started with Kosmik

Best For

• Researchers managing multiple sources and complex literature reviews

• Designers collecting inspiration and building moodboards across web + file sources

• Content creators organizing references without tab chaos

• Visual thinkers who find linear organization limiting

• Teams collaborating on research, strategy, or creative projects

• Anyone who used Arc Spaces but needed more flexibility

2. Zen Browser: Best Free Open-Source Arc Alternative

Zen Browser is the closest you'll get to Arc's experience without Arc. Free, open-source, built on Firefox, with vertical tabs, workspaces, split view, and glance windows. Launched in 2024, Zen's already earned 38,300 GitHub stars and becoming the daily driver for former Arc users who want the features without the abandonment risk.

Key Features

• Vertical tabs as core design choice - entire browser built around sidebar organization

• Workspaces organize tabs into separate contexts, switch between them easily

• Split View tiles tabs together in same window for true multitasking

• Glance opens links in modal view (hold modifier key when clicking) - easier dismissed than new tabs

• Tab folders (added August 2025) let you nest groups for complex organization

• Compact Mode hides tab bar when not needed, shows it when you do

• Firefox Containers provide privacy isolation Arc lacked

• Works with all Firefox extensions out of the box

• Zen Mods ecosystem offers community themes and plugins

Pros

• Most Arc-like experience available across all platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux)

• Free and open-source - sustainable development model, no abandonment risk

• Firefox Containers provide better privacy isolation than Arc had

• Workspace icons at bottom for quick switching feel like Arc's Spaces

• No account required unlike Arc's mandatory sign-in

• Active development with rapid feature additions despite beta status

• Keyboard shortcuts comparable to Arc's efficiency

• Cross-platform from day one (no Windows second-class treatment)

Cons

• Still in beta with occasional bugs and friction

• No Command Bar equivalent (uses floating URL bar instead)

• Auto-archive requires Dustman extension which isn't as seamless as Arc's

• Firefox extensions only (no Chrome extension compatibility)

• Smaller ecosystem than established browsers

Pricing

Free - completely free and open-source. Supported by donations and sponsors, no user fees ever.

User Reviews

Zen Browser has 38,400 GitHub stars as of December 2025, indicating strong community adoption according to GitHub metrics.

Best For

• Former Arc users wanting closest traditional browser experience

• Open-source advocates avoiding company abandonment risk

• Linux users needing Arc-like features (Arc never supported Linux)

• Privacy-conscious users valuing Firefox's Gecko engine

• Users who don't want subscription fees

• Cross-platform users needing consistency across Windows, Mac, Linux

3. SigmaOS: Best Mac Productivity Browser (Arc Migration Tool)

SigmaOS is the Mac-only productivity browser built specifically for "productivity nerds." London-based, Y Combinator-backed, with over 100,000 users. If you're on Mac and loved Arc's productivity focus, SigmaOS offers the closest workflow with easy migration, Command Bar (Lazy Search), workspaces, and AI features that actually help.

Key Features

• Workspace organization with different profiles per workspace (like Arc Spaces)

• Command Bar (Lazy Search) searches across tabs, page content, history, workspaces

• Locked Tabs similar to Arc's Pinned Tabs with URL reset functionality

• Mini Window Feature like Arc's Little Arc for quick tasks

• AI features (Airis): auto-renaming tabs, Browse for Me, Pinch to Summarize, contextual questions

• Subpages similar to Arc's folders for tab organization

• Arc Migration Tool (v1.18+) transfers all Arc setup in one click - Spaces, pinned pages, cookies, history

Pros

• Easy migration imports Arc Spaces, tabs, favorites, cookies, history automatically

• Familiar Arc-like workflow specifically designed for Mac users

• AI features enhance productivity (tab renaming, summarization, Browse for Me)

• Split View works seamlessly for multitasking

• Command Bar powerful for keyboard-driven navigation like Arc's Command Palette

• Cross off tabs and snooze features for task management

• Active Slack community for feedback and feature requests

Cons

• Mac-only (no Windows or Linux support, iOS and Windows "coming soon")

• Expensive at $20/month for Personal Pro tier with unlimited AI

• No auto-archive feature like Arc

• Tabs called "Pages" which can confuse new users coming from other browsers

• Smaller user base than mainstream browsers

• WebKit engine with Chromium extension support (hybrid approach may cause compatibility issues)

Pricing

• Personal (Free): Unlimited workspaces, ad-blocker, limited Airis AI Assistant

• Personal Pro: $20/month - unlimited advanced Airis AI Assistant

• Personal Max: $30/month - AI model choice, all Pro features

User Reviews

SigmaOS has a 4.1/5 stars rating on Product Hunt. User praised it for being "One of the few productivity tools that actually increased my productivity" and "Productivity while doing topical research or learning increased by 10x" (student report). Users also appreciate easy migration from Arc, familiar workflow, Split View, and Command Bar.

Best For

• Mac users who prioritized Arc's productivity features

• Professionals willing to pay $20/month for premium experience

• Users who need AI-powered tab management and summarization

• Those who value Command Bar efficiency above all else

• Arc refugees wanting easiest migration path on Mac

4. Vivaldi: Best for Power Users and Extreme Customization

Vivaldi is the browser for people who conquered Arc's learning curve and want even more control. Founded by former Opera developers, Vivaldi offers unmatched customization with vertical tabs, workspaces, tab stacking, split view, and Quick Commands. Free forever. Works on all platforms. The VivalArc theme even makes it look like Arc.

Key Features

• Vertical tabs with customizable side panel - place tabs at top, left, right, or bottom

• Workspaces organize tabs for different projects/teams with sync across devices

• Tab stacking for flexible organization approximating Arc's folders

• Tab tiling for split view (view multiple tabs side-by-side or grid)

• Tab hibernation and colored tab stacks (v7.5 update July 2025)

• Quick Commands (Command Palette) controls browser from pop-up keyboard panel

• VivalArc Theme (community-created) makes Vivaldi feel remarkably similar to Arc

• Built-in tools: Mail, Calendar, Notes, Feed Reader, Screenshot, Ad blocker, Tracker protection

Pros

• Unmatched customization - control almost every aspect of browser behavior and appearance

• Free forever, no subscription required

• Cross-platform availability (Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS)

• Tab stacking offers flexible organization beyond what Arc provided

• Chromium base means all Chrome extensions work (200,000+ available)

• No account required to use (sync optional)

• Built-in email client, calendar, notes if you want an all-in-one setup

• VivalArc theme provides Arc-like aesthetics for users missing the design

Cons

• Overwhelming feature-packed interface initially (steep learning curve even compared to Arc)

• Pinned tabs don't auto-reset to original URL like Arc's

• Workspaces less intuitive than Arc's Spaces implementation

• No auto-archive feature

• Can feel bloated if you don't customize to trim features you don't need

• Heavy memory and battery usage reported by some users

Pricing

Free - completely free forever, no subscription required.

User Reviews

Vivaldi is recognized by G2 as "Best for extreme browser customizations" in their 2025 browser evaluation and receives a solid 4.5/5 stars, with users praising its unmatched customization and tab management features.

Best For

• Power users who already conquered Arc's learning curve and want more control

• Tinkerers who enjoy customizing every detail of their workflow

• Cross-platform users needing consistency across all devices

• Users who want Arc-like features without subscriptions or accounts

• Privacy-conscious users who distrust Big Tech browsers but want Chromium compatibility

5. Brave Browser: Best for Privacy-First Arc Users

Brave is the fast, privacy-oriented browser built on Chromium with native ad and tracker blocking, HTTPS Everywhere, and private browsing with Tor built right in. Free and open-source. If you valued Arc's design but need stronger privacy, Brave delivers without the RAM overload or abandonment risk.

Key Features

• Built-in ad and tracker blocking (no extensions needed) - blocks by default

• HTTPS Everywhere native - automatically upgrades connections

• Private browsing with Tor built right in for maximum anonymity

• Privacy-focused Brave Search engine (no Google tracking)

• Vertical tabs via sidebar (optional feature)

• Leo AI chatbot provides TLDRs of webpages and ChatGPT-like conversations

• Speedreader strips out distractions and cleans up articles

• Brave Rewards earn BAT cryptocurrency for viewing privacy-respecting ads (optional)

Pros

• Strong privacy protection out of the box - "no data collected or shared"

• Fast performance with aggressive ad-blocking

• Free and open-source with independent security review badge

• Cross-platform support (Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS) including mobile

• Chromium base ensures full Chrome extension compatibility

• Lower RAM usage than Chrome reported by users

• No account required (sync optional)

• G2's 2025 roundup named it "Best private browser in 2025"

Cons

• No workspaces or Spaces equivalent like Arc had

• Vertical tabs basic compared to Arc's sophisticated sidebar

• No Command Bar or keyboard-first navigation

• No auto-archive or pinned tab URL reset features

• Crypto features (BAT rewards) may not appeal to everyone

Pricing

Free - browser completely free. Optional Firewall + VPN service available with monthly or yearly plans covering up to 10 devices (7-day free trial for VPN).

User Reviews

Brave was named "Best private browser in 2025" by G2 and received 4.6/5 stars in their browser roundup, with users praising its fast, privacy-oriented approach and aggressive ad-blocking.

Best For

• Privacy-conscious Arc users who prioritize data protection above features

• Users tired of RAM-heavy browsers (Brave typically lighter than Arc or Chrome)

• Crypto enthusiasts interested in BAT rewards system

• Cross-platform users who need mobile sync (Arc never had good mobile)

• Users who want simplicity without Arc's complexity or mandatory account

6. Microsoft Edge: Best for Stability and AI Features

Microsoft Edge is the Chromium-based browser from Microsoft that evolved into a solid Arc alternative with vertical tabs, Split View, Copilot AI features, and extreme stability. Often dismissed as "just another browser," Edge offers reliable performance, cross-platform sync, and AI features that actually work. Free.

Key Features

• Copilot AI Mode (announced July 2025) transforms browsing into interactive experience

• Copilot anticipates needs, automates tasks, provides multi-tab insights

• Copilot-Inspired New Tab Page integrates search, chat, files, personalized prompts

• Agent Mode automates multi-step workflows on IT-approved sites (requires Microsoft 365 Copilot license)

• Vertical Tabs and Workspaces with Tab Search to quickly find open or recently closed tabs

• Split View for multiple tabs side-by-side natively

• AI-powered tab grouping for related tasks/projects

Pros

• Extremely stable - no crashes like Arc experienced

• Free with no subscriptions (enterprise features require Microsoft 365 Copilot license)

• Cross-platform availability including mobile (Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS)

• Integration with Microsoft ecosystem (Office, OneDrive, SharePoint)

• Good performance and resource management compared to Arc

• Vertical tabs work well out of the box

• AI features via Copilot add genuine productivity value

Cons

• Bloatware in default installation (can be disabled with tweaking)

• Workspaces feel clunky compared to Arc's Spaces (separate windows, not integrated sidebar)

• No auto-archive feature

• Pinned tabs don't reset to original URL like Arc's

• Microsoft tracking concerns for privacy-focused users (similar data collection to Chrome)

• Telemetry practices raise concerns among privacy advocates

Pricing

Free - no subscriptions. Enterprise features like Agent Mode require Microsoft 365 Copilot license.

User Reviews

Microsoft Edge receives 4.3/5 star rating on G2, with users praising its separation of profiles, enterprise features, security, and integration with Microsoft applications like Office 365 and SharePoint.

Best For

• Users prioritizing stability over innovation

• Windows users already in Microsoft ecosystem

• Cross-platform users needing seamless sync across all devices

• Users who want free, reliable browser without Arc's quirks or mandatory account

• Enterprise users with IT requirements and Microsoft 365 integration needs

7. Floorp Browser: Best Open-Source Firefox Alternative

Floorp is the open-source web browser inspired by Mozilla Firefox, designed with emphasis on privacy, adaptability, and user customization. Originating in Japan, Floorp is built on Firefox Gecko engine with workspaces support (Firefox doesn't provide out of box), containerized workspaces, and extensive customization options.

Key Features

• Workspaces support with containerized isolation - different login information and settings per workspace

• Workspaces accessible from side panel for easy switching

• Extensive customization: move top bar, hide title bar, vertical-style and tree-style tabs

• Wide array of UI themes with custom CSS support for advanced tweaking

• Split Tabs view multiple tabs side-by-side

• Custom Mouse Gestures for enhanced navigation

• Web Apps on internal Floorp Hub

• Built-in Note Integration for productivity work

Pros

• Strong privacy features rival Brave (Firefox-based privacy architecture)

• Open-source and free (MPL 2.0 license)

• Firefox Containers for browsing isolation across different contexts

• Custom CSS allows deep customization beyond what Arc offered

• Cross-platform (Mac, Windows, Linux) with consistent experience

• No account required (sync optional)

• Workspaces accessible from side panel similar to Arc's sidebar

Cons

• Still rough around edges with occasional bugs

• Workspaces require manual renaming (defaults to "New Workspace")

• DRM issues - Netflix and similar services may not work without tweaking

• Pinned tabs don't reset to original URL like Arc's

• Small development team raises sustainability questions

• Can feel complicated initially compared to mainstream browsers

Pricing

Free - open-source, no cost.

User Reviews

Floorp is described as a "very popular Web Browser" on AlternativeTo with an incredible 4.8/5 star rating, it is praised for customizability, privacy-focused features, and user-friendly design. Users note it's "considered better than Firefox for both productivity and privacy."

Best For

• Privacy purists who want Firefox-level security with Arc-like workspaces

• Open-source advocates who value community-driven development

• Users comfortable with custom CSS tweaking for personalization

• Linux users needing Arc-like features (Arc never supported Linux)

• Users who value security and privacy over polish

8. Mozilla Firefox: Best for Privacy and Web Diversity

Firefox is the open-source, privacy-focused browser from Mozilla with decades of history. The non-Chromium alternative (Gecko engine) that won't be abandoned like Arc. Free and open-source. Strong privacy, extensive extension ecosystem, and Firefox Containers for unique browsing isolation.

Key Features

• Built-in cookie blockers automatically block 2,000+ trackers

• Total Cookie Protection isolates third-party cookies without breaking websites

• Firefox Containers isolate browsing contexts with separate login information per container

• Vertical tabs via extensions (Tree Style Tab, Sidebery) - not native like Arc

• Extensive customization with Focus mode, organizing tabs and plugins

• Uniquely allows using add-ons in private browsing mode

• about:config tweaks for advanced users who want deep control

Pros

• Best-in-class privacy and security (Mozilla's non-profit mission-driven)

• Free and open-source with established community

• Stable development - won't be abandoned like Arc (Mozilla's long-term commitment)

• Firefox Containers unique privacy feature not available in Chrome/Edge

• Non-Chromium engine (Gecko) supports web diversity and breaks Google monopoly

• Extensive extension ecosystem (smaller than Chrome but high quality)

• No account required (sync optional)

• Customizable with about:config tweaks for power users

Cons

• No native workspaces (requires extensions like Simple Tab Groups)

• No Command Bar equivalent built-in

• Vertical tabs require extensions (Tree Style Tab, Sidebery) - not native like Arc

• No auto-archive without extensions

• Less polished out-of-box experience than Arc

• High RAM consumption with multiple tabs reported by some users

Pricing

Free - completely free and open-source.

User Reviews

Firefox receives 4.4//5 on G2, with users praising its privacy features, customization options, strong security, effective tracker-blocking and Mozilla's non-profit mission.

Best For

• Privacy advocates who trust Mozilla's non-profit mission over corporate browsers

• Users wanting non-Chromium browser to support web diversity

• Open-source purists who value transparency and community development

• Users who value stability over bleeding-edge features (Firefox won't pivot like Arc)

• Those comfortable with extension-based customization rather than native features

9. Orion Browser: Best WebKit Browser for Mac

Orion is the privacy-focused browser for Mac from Kagi (the search engine company). Kagi officially released version 1.0 of Orion in November 2025 after six-year beta. Built on WebKit (Safari engine) with dual extension support (Chrome + Firefox), zero telemetry, and Focus Mode.

Key Features

• WebKit foundation (Safari engine) works closely with Apple's systems for efficiency

• Speedometer 3.1 testing: Orion scored 34.5 average, faster than Safari's 33.5

• Zero telemetry - no hidden background data collection

• Aggressive anti-tracking and ad-blocking enabled from start

• Focus Mode strips away browser interface, turns any website into distraction-free app

• Link Preview lets you peek at links from mail or notes without opening new tab

• Extension support: compatible with both Chrome and Firefox extensions (dual support)

• Vertical tabs and sidebar organization

• Comes with 200 free Kagi searches, no account sign-up required

Pros

• Excellent battery efficiency on MacBooks (WebKit native to macOS)

• Dual extension support (Chrome + Firefox) - unique feature

• Privacy-first design with zero telemetry

• Fast WebKit performance (scored higher than Safari in Speedometer 3.1)

• Free tier available with 200 Kagi searches included

• Native Mac integration feels polished

• Lifetime license option ($150) for users wanting one-time payment

Cons

• Mac/iOS only (no Windows or Linux, "potentially" coming to other platforms)

• Smaller user base and ecosystem than established browsers

• No workspaces or Spaces equivalent like Arc

• Development pace slower than larger browsers

• Some extension compatibility issues despite dual support

• Focus Mode and Link Preview nice but not as sophisticated as Arc's features

Pricing

• Free: Completely free to download and use, comes with 200 free Kagi searches, no account sign-up required

• Orion+ Subscription: $5/month, $50/year, or $150 lifetime license

• Orion+ Features: Floating windows (stay on top), advanced icon customization, early access to experimental updates

User Reviews

Orion has a 4.8/5 stars rating on Product Hunt and is praised for being a "Surprisingly good alternative to Safari". Users also liked its privacy-centered performance.

Best For

• Mac users prioritizing battery life above all else

• Privacy advocates who want extension flexibility

• Users who prefer WebKit over Chromium/Gecko engines

• Those who value native macOS integration and efficiency

• Safari users wanting more features without switching to Chromium

10. Google Chrome: Best for Extension Compatibility

Google Chrome is the most widely-used browser globally. Chromium-based (it IS Chromium), with the largest extension ecosystem (200,000+), extremely stable, free, and maximum compatibility. Often the "default" choice, but now testing native vertical tabs in Canary build.

Key Features

• Tab Groups feature for organizing tabs by project/context

• "Search tabs" button beside minimize drops down menu of all open tabs

• Largest library of browser extensions (200,000+ in Chrome Web Store)

• 2025 top extensions are AI-focused: Monica and Sider combine chat, summarization, writing tools

• Gemini AI integration built right into browser for productivity

• Split-Window Tabs feature (new for 2025-2026)

• Deep integration with Google services (Drive, Docs, Gmail) with seamless sync

• Vertical tabs coming to stable release (currently in Chrome Canary experimental)

Pros

• Maximum extension compatibility (200,000+ extensions, all Chromium browsers inherit)

• Extremely stable and reliable (rarely crashes unlike Arc)

• Best cross-platform sync across all devices (Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS)

• Integration with Google services (Drive, Docs, Gmail) seamless for Google ecosystem users

• Familiar to everyone - no learning curve, no adaptation period

• Free with no subscriptions or paywalls

Cons

• No vertical tabs natively (yet - coming to Canary build late 2025, then stable release)

• No workspaces feature like Arc Spaces

• High RAM usage (often worse than Arc, notorious for memory consumption)

• Privacy concerns - Google tracking and data collection

• No Command Bar or advanced keyboard-first features like Arc

• Feels like regression after Arc's innovation (back to basic browser)

Pricing

Free - no cost.

User Reviews

Google Chrome is widely reviewed across multiple platforms, with users praising its speed, extension compatibility, and cross-platform sync. Chrome Enterprise is featured on G2 and receives 4.7/5 stars with positive enterprise reviews.

Best For

• Users who need maximum extension compatibility (specific Chrome-only extensions)

• Those deeply invested in Google ecosystem (Drive, Docs, Gmail, Photos)

• Users prioritizing stability and familiarity over innovation

• Cross-platform users who need reliable sync across every device type

• Users who don't want to relearn browsing or adapt to new paradigms

Quick Comparison: Best 10 Arc Alternatives

How to Choose the Right Arc Browser Alternative

What's your primary use case?

Visual research and creative work? Choose Kosmik. Built-in browser + infinite canvas means zero app-switching. AI auto-tagging organizes automatically. Best for designers, researchers, and visual thinkers. Explore Kosmik's use cases to see how it works for different workflows.

Want the closest Arc experience? Choose Zen Browser (cross-platform, free, open-source) or SigmaOS (Mac only, $20/month, easiest migration).

Need extreme customization? Choose Vivaldi. Free forever, power user features, VivalArc theme available.

Privacy is non-negotiable? Choose Brave (privacy + performance) or Firefox (non-Chromium, Containers).

What's your platform?

Mac only: SigmaOS, Orion, or Kosmik work best. All optimized for macOS.

Windows: Zen Browser, Vivaldi, Edge, Brave, Floorp, Firefox, Chrome all work great.

Linux: Zen Browser, Vivaldi, Brave, Floorp, Firefox. (Arc never supported Linux.)

Need mobile sync: Edge, Brave, Firefox, Chrome, Vivaldi all have mobile apps.

What's your budget?

Free: Zen Browser, Vivaldi, Brave, Edge, Floorp, Firefox, Chrome, Orion (free tier).

Freemium: Kosmik (1-week free trial, then $11.99/month yearly), Orion ($5/month for Orion+).

Premium: SigmaOS ($20/month for Personal Pro with unlimited AI).

What features are non-negotiable?

Vertical tabs: Zen, SigmaOS, Vivaldi, Edge, Brave (basic), Orion. Firefox/Floorp via extensions.

Workspaces/Spaces: Zen, SigmaOS, Vivaldi, Edge, Floorp. Kosmik uses a different paradigm (infinite canvas).

Command Bar/keyboard navigation: SigmaOS (Lazy Search), Vivaldi (Quick Commands), Edge (Tab Search).

AI features: Kosmik (auto-tagging, visual search), SigmaOS (Airis), Edge (Copilot), Brave (Leo), Chrome (Gemini).

Privacy-first: Brave, Firefox, Zen, Floorp, Orion.

No account required: Brave, Firefox, Vivaldi, Zen, Floorp. (Arc required mandatory sign-in.)

Use-Case Cheat Sheet

You're a designer collecting inspiration for client projects. Best choice: Kosmik because built-in browser + infinite canvas lets you organize moodboards visually without tab chaos. AI visual similarity finds related inspiration automatically.

You're a researcher managing 50+ academic sources. Best choice: Kosmik for visual organization or Firefox with Tree Style Tab extension for hierarchical tab management and privacy.

You loved Arc on Mac and want easiest migration. Best choice: SigmaOS with Arc migration tool imports everything in one click. Familiar workflow, Command Bar, $20/month.

You're on Windows and frustrated Arc abandoned your platform. Best choice: Zen Browser for most Arc-like experience or Vivaldi with VivalArc theme for customization.

You need cross-platform consistency (Mac + Windows + Linux). Best choice: Zen Browser (free, open-source), Vivaldi (extreme customization), or Firefox (privacy-first).

You're privacy-conscious and distrust Big Tech browsers. Best choice: Brave (privacy + performance), Firefox (non-Chromium), or Zen Browser (Firefox-based).

You want a free Arc alternative without subscriptions. Best choice: Zen Browser (most features), Vivaldi (customization), Brave (privacy), or Firefox (stability).

You're willing to pay for the best productivity experience. Best choice: Kosmik ($11.99/month for visual workspace) or SigmaOS ($20/month for Mac-optimized productivity).

You need AI features to organize research automatically. Best choice: Kosmik (AI auto-tagging, visual search) or Edge (Copilot Mode for multi-tab insights).

You value battery life on MacBook above all else. Best choice: Safari (not covered here), Orion (WebKit-based), or Brave (efficient ad-blocking).

Frequently Asked Questions

About Arc's Discontinuation

What happened to Arc browser?

Arc was discontinued in May 2025. The Browser Company stopped feature development to build Dia, an AI browser. Arc still works and gets security updates, but no new features. Atlassian acquired The Browser Company for $610 million in September 2025.

Why did Arc browser shut down?

Arc shut down due to poor user retention and no revenue model. CEO Josh Miller said Arc was "too different" with too much learning curve for too little reward. Arc relied entirely on investor funding (raised $128 million total across multiple rounds) and failed to reach mass adoption needed to sustain itself.

Is Arc browser still being updated?

Arc receives only Chromium security updates, no feature development. The Browser Company stopped active development in May 2025. You'll get security patches but no new features or bug fixes. The Windows version remains incomplete and won't be finished.

Will Arc browser be open sourced?

No. Arc is built on an internal SDK that Dia also uses. Open-sourcing Arc would expose proprietary technology needed for Dia. The Browser Company may revisit this decision later, but no timeline exists.

Finding the Best Alternative

What is the best alternative to Arc browser?

It depends on your use case. Kosmik is best for visual thinkers needing a browser plus workspace. Zen Browser offers the closest Arc-like experience on all platforms. SigmaOS is best for Mac productivity ($20/month). Vivaldi is best for power users wanting customization. Choose based on visual organization, Arc features, platform, or control needs.

Is Zen browser better than Arc?

Zen matches many Arc features (vertical tabs, workspaces, split view) and adds benefits: open-source, free, cross-platform, privacy-focused Firefox base. However, Zen lacks Command Bar and native auto-archive. It's better for users wanting Arc experience without abandonment risk, though still in beta with occasional bugs.

Which browser is most like Arc?

Zen Browser is most like Arc with vertical sidebar, workspaces, pinned tabs that reset, Glance windows, and split view. For visual thinkers, Kosmik offers an evolved alternative with a built-in browser plus infinite canvas. SigmaOS (Mac only) closely mimics Arc's productivity focus with Command Bar and workspaces.

Is SigmaOS a good Arc replacement?

Yes for Mac users who valued productivity. SigmaOS has sidebar, workspaces, Command Bar, locked tabs, Mini Windows, and imports Arc data automatically. However, it's Mac-only, costs $20/month, and lacks auto-archive. Best for Mac users willing to pay for premium productivity.

Features and Compatibility

What browsers have vertical tabs like Arc?

Zen Browser, SigmaOS, Vivaldi, Brave, Edge, Floorp, Firefox (extensions), and Orion all support vertical tabs. Zen offers the most Arc-like vertical sidebar. Edge and Vivaldi have native vertical tabs. Firefox needs Tree Style Tab or Sidebery extensions. Chrome is testing vertical tabs in late 2025.

Do any browsers have Arc's auto-archive feature?

No browser natively replicates Arc's auto-archive. Zen Browser and Floorp can approximate it using the Dustman extension, which auto-closes inactive tabs after 20 minutes. It's not as polished as Arc's implementation. Most users must manually manage tabs or accept buildup.

What Arc alternatives work on Windows?

Zen Browser (closest Arc-like), Kosmik (visual workspace), Vivaldi (power users), Edge (stability), Brave (privacy), Floorp (open-source), and Firefox (privacy). SigmaOS and Orion are Mac-only. Zen offers the most faithful Arc experience on Windows.

Use Cases

What is the best browser for productivity after Arc?

For traditional browser productivity, SigmaOS (Mac) offers most Arc-like workflow with Command Bar and AI. For cross-platform, Vivaldi provides extensive customization. For visual thinkers, Kosmik combines browser plus infinite canvas. Choose based on platform and whether you need a traditional browser or workspace hybrid.

Final Thoughts

Arc Browser promised to reimagine browsing. For thousands of users, it delivered. Then The Browser Company abandoned it to chase AI trends, leaving loyal users scrambling for alternatives.

The good news? Better options exist. Kosmik goes beyond what Arc offered by eliminating the core problem Arc never solved: constant app-switching. Research, notes, files, browsing - everything lives on one infinite canvas. Press 'W' to browse without leaving your workspace. AI auto-tagging organizes automatically. Visual similarity search connects ideas you'd never find with traditional search.

For users who want traditional browsers, Zen Browser delivers Arc's best features (vertical tabs, workspaces, split view) without the abandonment risk. SigmaOS gives Mac users the closest Arc workflow with easy migration. Vivaldi offers extreme customization for power users. Brave prioritizes privacy. Edge delivers stability and AI features.

Start with Kosmik's 1-week free trial and build your first visual research board today. Zero app-switching, infinite organization, AI-powered tagging - all in one place.