# Arc vs Firefox Published January 1, 2026 · Updated August 10, 2026 Firefox is the top pick for most Mac users looking at browsers. It is free and open-source and installs in one Homebrew command. Arc is the stronger choice if you want browser. As of October 2026, both install with brew install --cask arc and brew install --cask firefox. For most Mac users in 2026, Firefox is the better choice for browsers because it is free and open source, so you can inspect, self-host, and trust the code. Both install with a single Homebrew command, so the switching cost is low. Choose Arc instead if you want browser. ## Head to head | Factor | Arc | Firefox | | --- | --- | --- | | Price | Free | Free | | Open Source | No | Yes | | Replaces | — | SigmaOS Pro ($20/month) | | Best for | browser, modern, spaces | browser, privacy, mozilla | | Install | brew install --cask arc | brew install --cask firefox | | Category | Web Browsers | Web Browsers | ## Arc Browser designed for the way we use the internet in 2025 Install: `brew install --cask arc` [Arc on Bundl](https://bundl.run/apps/arc) ## Firefox Web browser focused on privacy Install: `brew install --cask firefox` [Firefox on Bundl](https://bundl.run/apps/firefox) ## Features - **Tab Management & Organization.** Arc wins for its native, revolutionary approach to handling tab overload and context switching. - **Privacy & Security.** Firefox wins decisively due to its non-profit structure, Gecko engine independence, and advanced anti-tracking defaults. - **Interface & Customization.** Arc wins for easy, aesthetic web styling (Boosts); Firefox wins for deep, structural browser UI modification. - **Rendering Engine & Compatibility.** Arc wins simply because the modern web is unfortunately optimized for Chromium first. - **AI Integration.** Arc Max provides useful, workflow-enhancing AI features that feel native to the browsing experience. - **Performance & Efficiency.** Firefox generally manages memory better with many tabs open and is less taxing on system resources. - **Ecosystem & Sync.** Firefox offers a more consistent, cross-platform experience with extension support on mobile. ## FAQ ### Can I use Chrome extensions on Firefox? Directly, no. Firefox uses a different extension architecture (WebExtensions API) and has its own store (AMO). However, most major Chrome extensions have Firefox versions available. For the few that don't, there is no native way to install a .crx file (Chrome extension) into Firefox. Arc, being Chromium-based, supports all Chrome extensions natively. If you rely on a very obscure Chrome-only tool, this is a key consideration. ### Does Arc steal my data? No evidence suggests Arc sells user data. The Browser Company's privacy policy states they do not sell data to third parties. However, Arc is a venture-backed startup, not a non-profit. It collects telemetry to improve the product (which can be disabled). Also, because it uses the Chromium engine, some underlying communication with Google servers (for updates or safe browsing) may occur, though Arc strips much of Google's tracking out. ### Is Firefox faster than Arc on Mac? On 'cold' benchmarks (raw JavaScript speed), Arc (via V8 engine) often scores slightly higher. However, in 'perceived' performance and system weight, Firefox often feels lighter. Firefox is generally better at memory management, meaning it won't slow down your entire system as much as Arc might when you have 50+ tabs open. If you have an older Mac, Firefox is likely the faster-feeling choice. ### Does Arc have a mobile app? Yes, Arc has 'Arc Search' for iOS and Android. However, it is not a full sync of your desktop state. It focuses on a 'Browse for Me' AI search experience and simple tab management. It does not currently support extensions on mobile. Firefox's mobile app is a full-featured browser that syncs everything (history, tabs, passwords) and supports key extensions like uBlock Origin, offering a more solid mobile utility. ### Why do people say Firefox is better for privacy? Firefox is owned by a non-profit foundation, meaning its primary stakeholder is the public, not shareholders or advertisers. It implements 'Total Cookie Protection' by default, isolating site data. It also resists 'fingerprinting' (tracking you via your device specs) better than Chromium browsers. Since it controls its own engine (Gecko), it doesn't have to follow Google's rules regarding ad-blocker limitations (Manifest V3), allowing for stronger blocking tools. ### What are Arc Spaces? Spaces are essentially separate desktops for your web browsing within Arc. You can have a 'Work' Space with your work email, Jira, and Slack pinned, and a 'Personal' Space with YouTube, Reddit, and Spotify. You can assign different 'Profiles' to Spaces, meaning you can be logged into your Work Gmail in one Space and Personal Gmail in another simultaneously, without needing incognito windows or logging out. ### Is Arc coming to Linux? In August 2026, there is no official native Linux version of Arc. The team has focused on Mac, Windows, and Mobile. Linux users generally rely on Firefox or other open-source Chromium forks. If you are a Linux user, Firefox is the clear winner by default. There are no reliable workarounds to run Arc on Linux that provide the full experience found on macOS. ### Does Arc block ads automatically? Arc has a built-in ad and tracker blocker that is enabled by default. It is effective for general browsing. However, it is not as powerful as a dedicated extension like uBlock Origin. Fortunately, because Arc supports Chrome extensions, you can (and should) install uBlock Origin from the Chrome Web Store for the best ad-blocking experience, similar to what you would do on Chrome. ### Can I hide the sidebar in Arc? Yes, and this is a core feature. You can toggle the sidebar visibility with `Cmd+S`. When hidden, the web content takes up 100% of the window (minus the window border), providing a truly immersive reading or viewing experience. To navigate while the sidebar is hidden, you simply move your mouse to the left edge to peek at it, or use the Command Bar (`Cmd+T`) to jump to other tabs. ### Is Firefox dying? No. While its market share is lower than Chrome's, Firefox remains a critical piece of internet infrastructure. It has a massive, loyal user base and is the only check against a total Chromium monopoly. Mozilla continues to update it monthly with new features, security patches, and performance improvements. It remains a sustainable, vital project for the health of the open web in 2026. ## Sources - [Arc](https://arc.net/) - [Dia Browser](https://www.diabrowser.com/) - [Firefox](https://www.firefox.com/) - [Firefox for Mac](https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/browsers/mac/) - [Firefox Privacy](https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/privacy/) - [Firefox Release Notes](https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/notes/) - [Mozilla Manifesto](https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/about/manifesto/) - [Why Arc stopped developing](https://www.theverge.com/news/674603/arc-browser-development-stopped-dia-browser) ## Related - [Arc vs Google Chrome](https://bundl.run/compare/arc-vs-chrome) - [Arc vs Safari](https://bundl.run/compare/arc-vs-safari) - [Arc vs Brave](https://bundl.run/compare/arc-vs-brave-browser) - [Arc vs Zen Browser](https://bundl.run/compare/arc-vs-zen-browser) - [Arc vs Vivaldi](https://bundl.run/compare/arc-vs-vivaldi) - [Arc vs Microsoft Edge](https://bundl.run/compare/arc-vs-microsoft-edge) - [Orion Browser vs Arc](https://bundl.run/compare/orion-vs-arc) - [Firefox vs Google Chrome](https://bundl.run/compare/firefox-vs-chrome) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization", "name": "Bundl.run", "url": "https://bundl.run", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://bundl.run/og-image.png", "width": 1200, "height": 630 }, "description": "The Ninite for Mac. 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