Can I use all my Chrome extensions in Arc?

Yes, absolutely. Because Arc is built on the same Chromium engine as Google Chrome, it supports the entire library of the Chrome Web Store. You can install uBlock Origin, 1Password, React DevTools, and any other extension you rely on. The main difference is how you access them; Arc places extensions in a collapsible menu in the URL bar or sidebar to keep the interface clean, whereas Chrome displays them in the top-right toolbar. You can still 'pin' extensions in Arc to make them visible, but the default behavior prioritizes a clutter-free look.

Is Arc safe and private compared to Google Chrome?

Arc is generally considered more private regarding data collection. The Browser Company states they do not sell user data, which stands in stark contrast to Google's business model. Arc includes built-in tracker blocking and ad-blocking capabilities that are often more solid than Chrome's default settings. However, in terms of security updates (patching vulnerabilities), both browsers are secure; Arc pulls the latest Chromium security patches promptly. If your concern is 'protection from hackers,' they are equal. If your concern is 'protection from corporate tracking,' Arc is the superior choice.

How does Arc's 'Spaces' feature differ from Chrome's 'Profiles'?

Chrome Profiles are completely separate instances; switching profiles usually opens a new window, and they don't share any context. It feels like logging out and logging back in. Arc's Spaces, however, are fluid. You can swipe between your 'Work' Space and 'Personal' Space within the same window instantly using a trackpad gesture or keyboard shortcut. While Spaces can separate cookies (allowing you to be logged into two different Twitter accounts simultaneously), they feel like different rooms in the same house, whereas Chrome Profiles feel like different houses entirely.

Is the learning curve for Arc really that steep?

It is not so much 'steep' as it is 'different.' If you have used a browser for 20 years, your muscle memory is trained for horizontal tabs and a back button in the top left. Arc moves the tabs to the left and hides the navigation controls often. Most users report feeling 'lost' for the first 2-3 hours. However, once you learn the `Command + T` (New Tab/Search) and `Command + S` (Toggle Sidebar) shortcuts, the speed of navigation increases dramatically. It requires a willingness to unlearn old habits, but the friction usually disappears after about three days of consistent use.

Does Chrome's Gemini AI offer features that Arc Max lacks?

Yes. Chrome's Gemini integration is more 'generative.' It can write entire emails for you, generate images, or help you code directly in the side panel. It is a creative assistant. Arc Max is more 'navigational.' It summarizes the page you are on, renames tabs, and finds text. Arc Max helps you browse; Gemini helps you create. If you want a browser that helps you write content, Chrome's Gemini is better. If you want a browser that helps you organize and consume content, Arc Max is superior.

Can I sync my tabs from Arc on Mac to my iPhone?

Yes, via the 'Arc Search' app on iOS. By 2026, the sync is solid. You can see your open tabs from your Mac on your phone and vice versa. However, it is not as instant or deep as Chrome's sync. Chrome creates a near-mirror image of your browsing state across devices. Arc treats the mobile app more as a 'companion' for quick searches and retrieving open tabs, rather than a full-state synchronization. It works well for 90% of use cases, but Chrome still holds the crown for seamless continuity.

Why do developers often prefer Chrome over Arc?

It comes down to reliability and standard tooling. Chrome is the 'reference browser.' If a website works in Chrome, it works for the majority of the web. Developers prefer to build in the environment that mimics their users. Additionally, Arc's UI overlays can sometimes interfere with viewport testing or responsive design modes. Chrome's DevTools can be detached into their own native window effortlessly, which suits multi-monitor setups better than Arc's preference for keeping everything contained in one window frame. Chrome just gets out of the way better for coding.

In August 2026, the Arc browser is free for individual users. The Browser Company has stated they intend to keep the core browser free. Their monetization strategy revolves around 'Arc for Teams' and enterprise features, advanced collaboration tools, shared Spaces, and admin management for companies. So, for a standard Mac user, you can expect the browser to remain free, but you might see prompts to upgrade if you try to use advanced team-collaboration features in the future.

Does Arc support multiple user profiles like Chrome?

Yes, through 'Profiles' attached to 'Spaces.' You can assign a specific Profile to a specific Space. For example, your 'Work' Space uses your Work Profile (work email, history, logins), and your 'Home' Space uses your Personal Profile. This is actually more powerful than Chrome because you can view these side-by-side or switch between them with a swipe, without opening a new window. In Chrome, accessing a different profile requires opening a separate window instance.

Arc or Chrome: which should be my default browser in 2026?

Chrome, if you need an actively developed Chromium browser with full platform coverage and enterprise options. Arc only if you already depend on Spaces and Split View and you are mid-migration with eyes open about maintenance mode.

Is Arc browser dead or discontinued?

It is in maintenance mode: still downloadable and still receiving Chromium security and engine updates per public 2026 status reporting, but not receiving a normal new-feature roadmap. The company's active product push is Dia. That is different from a hard shutdown, and it is also different from a healthy primary browser choice for new setups.

Should I switch from Arc to Chrome now?

If this is a work Mac or you care about long-term security velocity, start the switch. Export data, run Chrome for a full week, and keep Arc installed until your muscle memory moves. If you want Browser Company innovation, trial Dia on Apple Silicon rather than waiting for Arc features to return.

Arc vs Chrome vs Dia: who wins?

Chrome wins as the safe, universal primary. Arc wins nostalgia and specific spatial-tab habits for people already trained on it. Dia wins as the actively developed Browser Company direction to evaluate, not as a proven Arc clone on every platform. Many people will run Chrome plus a short Dia trial while Arc sunsets from daily use.

Can I keep using Arc safely?

Short term, many people do, because Chromium engine updates still land. Long term, a maintenance-only browser is a weaker bet for new web platform behaviour, AI features, and security process expectations. Set a migration date instead of an open-ended stay.

Does Chrome copy Arc's Spaces and Split View?

Chrome has Tab Groups, profiles, and AI organise-tabs features, and extensions can add vertical tabs. It is not a pixel clone of Arc Spaces and native Split View. If those interactions are non-negotiable, test Dia and vertical-tab tooling before you assume Chrome alone will feel identical.

TL;DR

Arc vs Google Chrome: For most Mac users in 2026, Arc is the better choice for browsers because it ranks higher in Homebrew install popularity (#17). Both install with a single Homebrew command, so the switching cost is low. Choose Google Chrome instead if you want browser.

PublishedJanuary 1, 2026•UpdatedAugust 10, 2026

Which is better: Arc or Google Chrome?

Arc is the top pick for most Mac users looking at browsers. It is free and installs in one Homebrew command. Google Chrome is the stronger choice if you want browser. As of September 2026, both install with brew install --cask arc and brew install --cask google-chrome.

Arc vs Google Chrome

Which is the better browsers for Mac in 2026?

We compared Arc and Google Chrome across 6 key factors including price, open-source status, and community adoption. Read our full breakdown below.

Arc

Browser designed for the way we use the internet in 2025

Free

Google Chrome

Web browser by Google

Free

Visual Comparison

Arc

Google Chrome

Our Verdict

For most Mac users in 2026, Arc is the better choice for browsers because it ranks higher in Homebrew install popularity (#17). Both install with a single Homebrew command, so the switching cost is low. Choose Google Chrome instead if you want browser.

Feature Comparison

Feature comparison between Arc and Google Chrome
Feature	Arc	Google Chrome
Price	Free	Free
Open Source	No	No
Replaces	—	—
Best for	browser, modern, spaces	browser, google
Install	brew install --cask arc	brew install --cask google-chrome
Category	Web Browsers	Web Browsers

Quick Install

Arc

brew install --cask arc

Google Chrome

brew install --cask google-chrome

Learn More

Arc Details

Full review, features, and FAQs

Google Chrome Details

Full review, features, and FAQs

In-Depth Overview

What is Arc?

Arc took Chromium and rebuilt the surrounding interface around Spaces, a vertical sidebar, Split View for two pages side by side, and a design sensibility that tried to make tab chaos feel manageable. For a couple of years it was the browser people recommended when they were tired of Chrome tab strips and wanted something opinionated and calm. In 2026 that product energy has shifted to Dia. Arc itself is free to download and still behaves well if you already live in it, but choosing it as your primary today means choosing a frozen interface with no new organization features coming. It is worth asking how many days a week you truly use Spaces or Split View versus how clearly you remember the launch demos from 2023 and 2024, since the answer often explains whether you miss Arc's ideas or simply its marketing.

What is Google Chrome?

Google Chrome remains the web's compatibility baseline. It has the largest extension store, automatic updates on every major platform, built in profile support that separates work and personal browsing, and enterprise controls that IT teams actually use to manage fleets. It is free, it is maintained continuously, and it is the browser most sites test against first, so you rarely hit the kind of site quirk that shows up in smaller browsers. The tradeoffs have not changed. Chrome sits inside Google's services and advertising model, which shapes its privacy incentives, and it can get heavy on memory when you carry dozens of tabs and extensions across a long session. For sync across Mac, Windows, Linux, Android and iOS, for PWAs, and for everyday site compatibility, Chrome remains the most predictable option even as AI features evolve across Google products. Its relevance in 2026 has not faded for that reason, even if you ultimately pair it with a more private secondary browser.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Tab Management & Organization

Critical

ArcExcellent

Arc changes tab management with vertical tabs and 'Spaces.' Instead of shrinking tabs, Arc keeps them legible in a sidebar. Pinned tabs act like mini-apps, remaining persistent, while 'Today' tabs auto-archive after 12-24 hours, preventing clutter accumulation. The ability to rename tabs automatically using AI adds a layer of clarity that manual management cannot match. It forces a cleaner workflow.

Google ChromeGood

Chrome uses 'Tab Groups' which allows users to color-code and collapse clusters of horizontal tabs. While functional, this system often leads to the 'favicons only' issue where users can no longer read tab titles once too many are open. In 2026, Chrome's 'Organize Tabs' AI feature helps auto-group tabs, but the fundamental horizontal layout remains a constraint for heavy multitaskers.

Verdict: While Arc's vertical tabs and auto-archiving were innovative, Chrome's active development, cross-platform sync, and ecosystem maturity make it the better choice in 2026. Arc is in maintenance mode.

Interface Design & Customization

High

ArcExcellent

Arc allows for 'Boosts,' which let users inject custom CSS and Javascript to permanently alter the look of any website (e.g., removing YouTube Shorts). The browser chrome (sidebar) can be completely hidden, offering a true full-screen immersion. The usage of translucency and native macOS design language makes it feel like a premium piece of software rather than a utility.

Google ChromeFair

Chrome adheres to the 'Material You' design language. While clean and functional, customization is largely limited to distinct color themes and new tab page backgrounds. You cannot alter the fundamental layout or hide the address bar/tab strip easily. It prioritizes uniformity across platforms over aesthetic flexibility, resulting in a somewhat sterile, albeit familiar, environment.

Verdict: Chrome continues to evolve with active development. Arc's Boosts remain useful for existing users but the browser is in maintenance mode.

AI Integration (Arc Max vs Gemini)

High

ArcExcellent

Arc Max features are subtle but high-impact. 'Five Second Previews' summarize links on hover, saving clicks. 'Tidy Tab Titles' renames ambiguous filenames into readable labels. The 'Ask on Page' feature allows you to CMD+F with natural language questions. It feels like the browser is quietly anticipating needs rather than shouting for attention with a large chatbot sidebar.

Google ChromeGood

Chrome integrates Gemini directly into the omnibar and side panel. It excels at generative tasks, writing emails, generating images, or summarizing long PDFs. However, the integration often feels like a separate tool attached to the browser rather than the browser itself becoming smarter. It is powerful for content creation but less integrated into navigation flow.

Verdict: Arc wins for navigational AI that speeds up browsing; Chrome wins for generative content creation.

Productivity Tools (Split View/Spaces)

Critical

ArcExcellent

Arc's native Split View is best-in-class, allowing users to drag and drop tabs to create vertical or horizontal splits instantly. Combined with Spaces (which switch cookies/logins per profile smoothly), a user can have a 'Work' space with Slack and Jira split-screened, and a 'Personal' space with YouTube, switching between them with a swipe. It replaces the need for multiple window instances.

Google ChromeFair

Chrome requires users to open separate windows to view two tabs side-by-side, relying on the OS window management rather than the browser's. While Chrome Profiles exist to separate work and personal data, switching between them usually requires opening a completely new window instance, which feels heavier and less fluid than Arc's swipe-gesture Spaces switching.

Verdict: Arc's native split view and swipeable Spaces make it a vastly superior productivity dashboard.

Extension Ecosystem

High

ArcGood

Since Arc is built on Chromium, it supports the entire Chrome Web Store library. Extensions generally work flawlessly. However, because extension icons are tucked away in the URL bar or a submenu in the sidebar to maintain minimalism, accessing extension-heavy workflows (like wallet popups or SEO tools) can require one extra click compared to Chrome’s always-visible toolbar.

Google ChromeExcellent

Chrome is the home of the extension ecosystem. The toolbar is designed to host extension icons for quick access. Developer support is prioritized for Chrome first. In 2026, with Manifest V3 fully standardized, Chrome ensures extensions are secure and performant. For users who rely on interacting with 5+ extensions daily, Chrome’s UI placement is slightly more convenient.

Verdict: Chrome wins purely on UI accessibility for extensions, though capability is identical.

Cross-Platform Sync

High

ArcFair

By 2026, Arc has a Windows client and a mobile companion app (Arc Search), but the experience is still heavily Mac-optimized. Sync works well for tabs and simple data, but it lacks the granular history and deep state synchronization of the Google ecosystem. It is a 'Mac-first' product trying to be cross-platform, rather than a native ubiquity.

Google ChromeExcellent

Chrome's sync is flawless. Open a tab on your Mac, and it’s instantly available on your Android phone, Windows PC, or iPad. Passwords, payment methods, reading lists, and full browsing history sync in real-time. For users who live in a mixed-device household (e.g., Mac laptop, Android phone), Chrome provides a continuity that Arc cannot yet match.

Verdict: Chrome is the undisputed king of cross-device continuity and synchronization.

Privacy & Tracking

Medium

ArcGood

The Browser Company positions itself as a user-agent, not an ad-tech company. Arc includes built-in ad and tracker blocking capabilities and doesn't rely on selling user data for revenue. Its business model (likely future enterprise tiers) aligns better with user privacy than an ad-supported model. However, being Chromium-based, it still carries some underlying Google architectural dependencies.

Google ChromeLimited

Chrome is built by an advertising company. While the 'Privacy Sandbox' initiative in 2026 claims to protect anonymity while still enabling ads, the fundamental reality is that Chrome is a data-collection engine for Google. It tracks activity to fuel the ecosystem. While secure against hackers, it is not 'private' from Google itself.

Verdict: Arc wins for users who want to minimize their data footprint with Google.

Developer Tools

Medium

ArcGood

Arc includes the standard Chromium DevTools, so functionality is identical to Chrome. However, the UI wrapper can sometimes get in the way. Docking DevTools to the right or bottom in a frameless window like Arc can sometimes feel cramped or visually disjointed compared to the native window handling in Chrome. It is fully capable but feels slightly secondary.

Google ChromeExcellent

Chrome DevTools is the industry standard. New features for web debugging often land here first. The integration is seamless, and the performance overhead when profiling complex applications is highly optimized. For a developer who spends 6 hours a day in the console, the no-nonsense, maximizing utility of Chrome’s interface is often preferred.

Verdict: Chrome remains the preferred, reliable environment for hardcore web development.

Who Should Choose Which?

1The Product Designer

Arc

For a designer, the browser is a workspace. Arc's ability to have a 'Design Inspiration' Space with pinned references, split-view for comparing live sites with Figma, and the aesthetic appreciation of the UI itself makes it the perfect fit. The ability to hide the UI chrome completely allows the designer to focus entirely on the visual content without distraction.

2The Full-Stack Developer

Google Chrome

Developers need predictability and standard compliance. Chrome is the standard. Using Chrome ensures that what they build is exactly what the majority of users see. The solid, detachable DevTools, combined with the immediate accessibility of extensions (like React DevTools or Redux) in the toolbar, streamlines the debugging loop better than Arc's slightly more buried interfaces.

3The University Student

Arc

Students juggle diverse contexts: specific classes, research papers, and social life. Arc's Spaces allow a student to have a 'History 101' Space and a 'Personal' Space. The Split View is invaluable for having a research paper open on one side and a Google Doc on the other within the same window. Arc Max's 'Ask on Page' is also a superpower for quickly finding citations in long PDFs.

4The Corporate Project Manager

Google Chrome

This persona lives in Google Workspace. Calendar, Meet, Drive, and Sheets are their OS. Chrome's integration with these tools is native and reliable. The ability to group tabs for different projects is sufficient, and the reliability of screen sharing via Chrome in Google Meet (without permissions friction) makes it the safe, professional choice for the corporate environment.

5The Tech-Literate Minimalist

Arc

This user hates clutter. They practice 'Inbox Zero.' Arc’s auto-archive feature, which cleans up tabs that haven't been used in 12 hours, aligns perfectly with their philosophy. The ability to rename tabs to simple nouns and hide the sidebar creates a digital Zen garden that Chrome’s perpetually cluttered tab strip simply cannot emulate.

6The Cross-Ecosystem User

Google Chrome

This user has a MacBook for work, a Windows PC for gaming, and a Samsung phone. They need to send a tab from their phone to their desktop instantly. They need their passwords to autofill on every device. Arc cannot bridge these gaps effectively yet. Chrome creates a single digital identity that travels with the user across every hardware boundary.

7New Mac hire in a Google Workspace company

Google Chrome

Managed policies, familiar UX, and continuous updates beat teaching a maintenance-mode browser. Offer privacy alternatives only through an approved list.

8Arc power user afraid to lose Spaces

Google Chrome

Migrate deliberately: export, run Chrome for a week, trial Dia on Apple Silicon if you want Browser Company continuity. Do not freeze your primary on Arc without a date.

Migration Guide

Arc → Chrome

Export bookmarks from Arc, list the extensions you actually use, sign into Chrome and turn on Google account sync, reinstall extensions and check which ones needed workarounds in Arc's sidebar, recreate separate browsing contexts with Chrome profiles, and keep Arc installed for a few weeks so you can recover any missed URLs or pinned items. Keep Arc installed for two weeks as a read-only safety net. Write down Split View layouts you used daily so you can recreate them with windows or tab tools. If you evaluate Dia, do it as a third profile experiment, not as an emergency cutover.

Chrome → Arc

Not advised as a fresh start in 2026. If you are curious about the Browser Company's current design direction, try Dia on supported Apple Silicon Macs instead of adopting maintenance mode Arc. If you still move, treat Arc as a personal experiment on a non-admin machine, keep Chrome for banking and work SSO sites, and plan an exit before the next OS upgrade cycle.

Pro Tips

Keep passwords in a dedicated manager or system keychain rather than only in the browser so a switch does not strand credentials. Export before you uninstall, and give any new tab model a full week before you judge it.

Final Verdict

Overall Winner

google-chrome

Chrome: 9.0/10

Winner

Arc: 7.5/10

Runner-up

Scores are Bundl.run editorial ratings out of 10 across 8 criteria (the feature comparison above), last reviewed August 2026.

Chrome wins as the actively maintained, universal Chromium browser. Arc's spatial tab model and Spaces were a genuine improvement over a horizontal tab strip and they still feel calm if you live in them, but maintenance mode, Chromium only updates, and the Dia succession make Arc a legacy option. For teams that already standardize on Google Workspace, Chrome also removes friction through policies, managed extensions, and the fact that most people already know it.

Bottom Line: Use Chrome when you need a Chromium browser that will stay current, work everywhere, and fit managed environments. Do not start new setups on Arc in August 2026. If you want the Browser Company's current direction, trial Dia on Apple Silicon. If you want less Google in your browsing, evaluate Safari, Brave, or Firefox rather than depending on a frozen Arc.

Video Tutorials

Arc Browser | A Quick Tour of Arc Basics

The Browser Company • 324.5K views

This Free App Is a Game-Changer For Students | Arc Set Up & Tutorial

Koi • 243.7K views

How to Install Arc Browser on macOS

Ajoy Kumar • 98 views

Switching to a MacBook for Arc Browser ❤️

Efficient App (Alex & Andra) • 17.7K views

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, yes, but the gap has narrowed by 2026. Arc is built on Chromium but adds a rich layer of native Swift UI elements, animations, and AI features on top. This additional overhead can lead to 10-15% higher energy consumption compared to a vanilla Chrome instance, especially if using features like Split View heavily. However, for most M-series Mac users (M3/M4 chips), this difference is negligible in daily use. Chrome is technically more efficient due to ruthless background throttling, but Arc's productivity benefits often outweigh the slight battery cost for power users.

About the Author

Alex Chen

Senior Developer Tools Specialist

Code Editors & IDEsTerminal EmulatorsVersion Control Tools

12+ years in software development · Former senior engineer at tech startups

Explore More on Bundl

All Apps All Comparisons Free Alternatives Collections

Browse browsers apps, read our complete guide, or discover curated bundles.

Expert Insights

Maintenance mode browsers need an exit date on the calendar. Comfort alone is not a security or fleet strategy.

documentationhigh confidence

Sources & References

Fact-Checked

Last verified: Aug 9, 2026

Key Verified Facts

Arc's official site states Arc receives Chromium updates only and directs users to Dia for active security investment.[cite-arc-official, cite-dia]
Google Chrome remains a free browser with continuous cross-platform updates on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android and iOS.[cite-chrome-official, cite-google-chrome-help]
The Browser Company shifted active development from Arc to Dia, with Arc in maintenance mode since May 2025.[cite-verge-arc-dia, cite-browser-company]
Dia targets Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 14 and later as the company's forward browser.[cite-dia]
Arc is in maintenance mode with Chromium security updates while active Browser Company development focus is on Dia.[cite-arc-status]

1
Arc from The Browser Company
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
2
Google Chrome
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
3
Update Google Chrome
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
4
Dia Browser
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
5
The Browser Company
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
6
The Browser Company explains why it stopped developing Arc
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
7
Arc Browser Status 2026
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
8
Chrome Enterprise
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
9
Arc Browser Status 2026
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
"Arc in maintenance mode; Chromium updates continue; Dia is the active product focus."
10
Google Chrome
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
"Official Chrome product page."
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Arc Browser
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
"Official Arc site and download entry."
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Dia vs Arc Browser in 2026
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
"Dia as future-facing product; Arc maintenance-focused in 2026 comparisons."

Research queries: Arc browser Chromium updates only Dia; Google Chrome continuous updates 2026; Arc vs Chrome enterprise and extensions

Related Technologies & Concepts

ArcGoogle ChromeDiaChromiumChrome Web StoreThe Browser CompanySpacesDiaSpacesAtlassianChrome Web Store

Arc

Google Chrome

Visual Comparison

Arc

Google Chrome

Our Verdict

Feature Comparison

Quick Install

Learn More

In-Depth Overview

What is Arc?

What is Google Chrome?

Detailed Feature Comparison

Tab Management & Organization

Interface Design & Customization

AI Integration (Arc Max vs Gemini)

Productivity Tools (Split View/Spaces)

Extension Ecosystem

Cross-Platform Sync

Privacy & Tracking

Developer Tools

Who Should Choose Which?

1The Product Designer

2The Full-Stack Developer

3The University Student

4The Corporate Project Manager

5The Tech-Literate Minimalist

6The Cross-Ecosystem User

7New Mac hire in a Google Workspace company

8Arc power user afraid to lose Spaces

Migration Guide

Arc → Chrome

Chrome → Arc

Pro Tips

Final Verdict

google-chrome

Video Tutorials

Arc Browser | A Quick Tour of Arc Basics

This Free App Is a Game-Changer For Students | Arc Set Up & Tutorial

How to Install Arc Browser on macOS

Switching to a MacBook for Arc Browser ❤️

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Author

Explore More on Bundl

Expert Insights

Sources & References

Key Verified Facts

Related Technologies & Concepts

Related Topics

Chromium browsers

Browser migration