Why did The Browser Company discontinue Arc?

The Browser Company stated they were shifting resources to 'Dia,' a new AI-centric browser project they believe represents the future of browsing. In May 2025, they announced Arc would receive only maintenance updates for security and bug fixes. The company, acquired by Atlassian, decided Arc's specific vision, while innovative, didn't align with their future product strategy focused on AI integration. This left millions of Arc users searching for alternatives.

Can I replicate Arc's vertical sidebar in Vivaldi?

Yes, Vivaldi can closely replicate Arc's vertical sidebar experience. Navigate to Settings > Tabs > Tab Bar Position and select 'Left' or 'Right' to enable vertical tabs. Enable Workspaces (Settings > Workspaces) to create separate browsing contexts similar to Arc's Spaces. Configure the side panel with your favorite tools for quick access. While Vivaldi's default interface is more traditional, its customization options allow former Arc users to create a familiar workflow.

Does Vivaldi have auto-archiving tabs like Arc?

Vivaldi doesn't auto-delete tabs like Arc, but offers tab hibernation for memory management. Right-click any tab and select 'Hibernate Tab' to unload it from memory while keeping it in your tab bar. You can also hibernate background tabs automatically via settings. Unlike Arc's irreversible archiving, hibernated tabs can be reactivated instantly. For users who valued Arc's forced minimalism, Vivaldi offers similar memory benefits without data loss.

Is Vivaldi really free? How do they make money?

Yes, Vivaldi is completely free with no premium tiers or paid features. The company generates revenue through partnerships like their integrated Proton VPN service (where they likely receive affiliate revenue from paid VPN subscriptions) and search engine referral agreements (when users search via the default search engines). Importantly, Vivaldi does not track users, sell data, or display advertising, making their business model privacy-aligned unlike many 'free' tech products.

Which browser is best for Arc refugees in 2026?

For most Arc users, Vivaldi is the best alternative in 2026. It offers the closest feature parity with vertical tabs, workspaces, and extensive customization. Unlike other alternatives (Zen Browser, SigmaOS), Vivaldi has the backing of an established company with a sustainable business model, ensuring long-term development. It runs on all platforms (not just macOS), includes built-in productivity tools Arc lacked, and welcomes customization to match your preferred workflow.

Does Vivaldi have collaborative features like Arc's Easels?

Vivaldi does not have a direct equivalent to Arc's Easel collaborative canvas feature. However, Vivaldi's web panels can embed external tools like FigJam, Miro, or Kosmik within the browser sidebar. For users who heavily relied on Easels for collaborative work, dedicated whiteboard tools accessed via web panel or separate apps remain necessary. Vivaldi's strength lies in integrated productivity (email, calendar, RSS) rather than collaborative canvas features.

How do I migrate my Arc data to Vivaldi?

To migrate from Arc to Vivaldi: 1) Export bookmarks from Arc's Library and import via Vivaldi's Bookmarks menu. 2) Export passwords from Arc as CSV (if available) and import to Vivaldi's password manager. 3) Manually recreate your Spaces as Vivaldi Workspaces. 4) Configure Vivaldi's appearance to match Arc's aesthetic, enable vertical tabs, adjust sidebar position, and set theme colors. 5) Set up Vivaldi Mail if you want unified email. The migration requires manual configuration but most Arc workflows can be replicated within 1-2 weeks of adjustment.

Is Vivaldi more private than Chrome or Edge?

Yes, Vivaldi is built to be more private than Chrome or Edge. It does not track users, build profiles, or sell data, and it ships with built in ad and tracker blocking so you do not need extra extensions for basic protection. The browser works from Iceland, which gives it a different legal privacy footing than US browser makers, and the team publishes clear privacy policies that describe what is collected and what is not. Its revenue comes from partnerships and search referrals rather than user data, which is the core difference from Chrome and Edge.

What's the learning curve for former Arc users switching to Vivaldi?

The learning curve varies based on how deeply you customize. Out-of-the-box, Vivaldi resembles a traditional browser, which can feel jarring to Arc veterans. However, spending 30-60 minutes in Settings enables you to recreate much of Arc's experience: vertical tabs, workspace separation, and sidebar tools. The main adjustment is Vivaldi's flexibility versus Arc's opinionated design, you'll have choices Arc never offered, which can initially feel overwhelming. Most users report feeling comfortable after 1-2 weeks of daily use.

Arc or Vivaldi: which should I use in 2026?

Vivaldi for any new setup. Arc only as a temporary profile while you export bookmarks, passwords, and Spaces notes. Maintenance-mode browsers are fine for a transition week; they are a poor primary browser for the next two years of web platform changes.

Arc vs Vivaldi vs Brave: who wins?

Vivaldi wins Arc-like organization that is still shipping features. Brave wins simpler Chromium browsing with aggressive default blocking. Arc wins only for incumbents who already depend on Spaces/Boosts and accept a frozen product. New Mac users should shortlist Vivaldi and Brave, not Arc.

What are the dealbreakers?

Arc dealbreakers: you need a living roadmap, or you cannot accept maintenance-mode risk. Vivaldi dealbreakers: you hate dense settings and want an opinionated minimal UI. Brave dealbreakers: you need Vivaldi-depth Workspaces, tab stacks, and built-in Mail/Calendar modules.

Can Vivaldi replace Arc Spaces and Boosts?

Workspaces plus vertical tabs and tab stacks replace most Spaces habits. Boosts (site CSS tweaks) and Easels have no complete twin; use user styles, site settings, or a dedicated canvas app for those gaps. Plan an afternoon to rebuild the parts that mattered, not a five-minute import.

Is Dia a drop-in Arc replacement?

No. Dia is The Browser Company's active product after Arc's maintenance-mode shift, and it targets a different AI-assisted browsing bet rather than recreating Spaces. If you loved Arc for organization, Vivaldi is the closer workflow match in 2026 than waiting for Dia to become Arc.

TL;DR

Arc vs Vivaldi: Vivaldi takes the August 2026 win for Mac users who want Arc-class organization without adopting a maintenance-mode browser. Arc remains usable for incumbents but is the wrong new install. Brave is the serious third option when default blocking and a simpler Chromium shell matter more than Vivaldi's workspace depth. If you searched Arc or Vivaldi, choose Vivaldi. If you searched Arc vs Vivaldi, use the matrix above and weight active development as a critical row. If you searched the three-way with Brave, shortlist Vivaldi for power-user layout control and Brave for privacy-default simplicity.

PublishedJanuary 1, 2026•UpdatedAugust 10, 2026

Which is better: Arc or Vivaldi?

Arc is the top pick for most Mac users looking at browsers. It is free and installs in one Homebrew command. Vivaldi is the stronger choice if you are moving off Spark Premium. As of September 2026, both install with brew install --cask arc and brew install --cask vivaldi.

Arc vs Vivaldi

Which is the better browsers for Mac in 2026?

We compared Arc and Vivaldi 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

Vivaldi

Web browser with built-in email client focusing on customization and control

Free

Visual Comparison

Arc

Our Verdict

Vivaldi takes the August 2026 win for Mac users who want Arc-class organization without adopting a maintenance-mode browser. Arc remains usable for incumbents but is the wrong new install. Brave is the serious third option when default blocking and a simpler Chromium shell matter more than Vivaldi's workspace depth. If you searched Arc or Vivaldi, choose Vivaldi. If you searched Arc vs Vivaldi, use the matrix above and weight active development as a critical row. If you searched the three-way with Brave, shortlist Vivaldi for power-user layout control and Brave for privacy-default simplicity.

Feature Comparison

Feature comparison between Arc and Vivaldi
Feature	Arc	Vivaldi
Price	Free	Free
Open Source	No	No
Replaces	—	Spark Premium ($10/month)
Best for	browser, modern, spaces	browser, chromium, customizable
Install	brew install --cask arc	brew install --cask vivaldi
Category	Web Browsers	Web Browsers

Quick Install

Arc

brew install --cask arc

Vivaldi

brew install --cask vivaldi

Learn More

Arc Details

Full review, features, and FAQs

Vivaldi Details

Full review, features, and FAQs

In-Depth Overview

What is Arc Browser?

Arc is the Chromium browser from The Browser Company known for its vertical sidebar, Spaces, pinned favorites, auto-archiving Today tabs, Split View, Boosts, and Arc Max helpers. It made browser organization feel designed rather than accumulated. In May 2025 Arc entered maintenance mode as the company shifted to Dia. It remains downloadable and still receives Chromium engine updates, but official guidance now directs anyone wanting active product investment to Dia. Atlassian acquired The Browser Company in October 2025. Arc is pleasant to use today, yet it is a finished snapshot rather than a living roadmap.

What is Vivaldi?

Vivaldi is the Chromium-based browser from Vivaldi Technologies, led by Opera co-founder Jon von Tetzchner. It targets power users who want control over interface chrome: movable UI, Workspaces that separate contexts, two-level tab stacks, tab tiling, web panels, command chains, mouse gestures, built-in tracker and ad blocking, translate, capture, notes, plus optional Mail, Calendar, and Feed Reader. Desktop development continued through 2026 on the 8.x series, including 8.1 notes in July 2026. Vivaldi is free, with end-to-end encrypted sync, a privacy-positioned business model, and a stated decision to leave generative AI out of the core browsing experience. It runs on macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Active Development

Critical

ArcPoor

Arc is placed into maintenance mode as of May 2025. The Browser Company ceased all feature development, with only security patches continuing. Current version (1.145.0 as of April 2026) updates Chromium base but adds no new features. No roadmap exists, and future compatibility is uncertain.

VivaldiExcellent

Vivaldi is actively developed with regular updates. Version 7.9 released March 2026 introduced two-level tab stacks on iOS and continuous desktop improvements. The company releases frequent updates with new features, performance improvements, and security patches. A clear development roadmap exists with community input.

Verdict: Vivaldi wins decisively. Active development is non-negotiable for modern browsers due to evolving web standards and security requirements. Arc's discontinued status makes it unsuitable for new adoption.

Tab Management

Critical

ArcExcellent

Arc's vertical sidebar with 'Spaces' was revolutionary. Tabs auto-archived after 12 hours (configurable), favorites pinned permanently, and the interface encouraged focus. The 'Peak' feature allowed quick previews without opening tabs fully. However, this opinionated approach forced users into a specific workflow.

VivaldiExcellent

Vivaldi offers Tab Stacking (two-level hierarchies as of 2026), Workspaces for separate browsing contexts, and a vertical sidebar option that closely mirrors Arc's layout. Tab hibernation saves memory without auto-deletion. Users have granular control over tab behavior rather than forced automation.

Verdict: Both excel at tab management but with different philosophies. Arc's auto-archiving suited minimalists; Vivaldi's manual control suits power users. Vivaldi's two-level tab stacks now surpass Arc's single-level organization.

Built-in Productivity Tools

High

ArcGood

Arc offered unique tools: 'Easels' for collaborative whiteboards, 'Boosts' for website customization (CSS injection, color tweaks), and 'Library' for saved content. However, it lacked traditional tools like email, calendar, or RSS integration, requiring external apps or extensions.

VivaldiExcellent

Vivaldi includes a full Mail client (IMAP/POP3 support), Calendar with multiple account sync, Feed Reader for RSS/Atom, Notes with screenshot capability, and Web Panels for sidebar widgets. These are native features, not extensions, offering superior performance and integration.

Verdict: Vivaldi wins for users wanting an all-in-one workspace. While Arc's Easels were innovative, Vivaldi's practical tools (email, calendar, RSS) eliminate the need for multiple apps. Vivaldi is the browser for users who want their entire digital workspace in one window.

Customization

High

ArcGood

Arc allowed theme customization, sidebar width adjustment, and Boosts for website modifications. However, the core interface was rigid, vertical sidebar was mandatory, and many UI elements couldn't be moved or hidden. The browser enforced its design philosophy rather than adapting to user preferences.

VivaldiExcellent

Vivaldi offers unmatched customization: movable toolbars, optional vertical/horizontal tabs, customizable keyboard shortcuts, mouse gestures, theme engine with scheduling, address bar placement options, and extensive settings for power users. Nearly every UI element can be repositioned, hidden, or modified.

Verdict: Vivaldi dominates customization. While Arc offered a polished but opinionated interface, Vivaldi lets users design their ideal browsing experience. Users can replicate Arc's vertical layout or choose entirely different configurations.

Performance on Apple Silicon

High

ArcGood

Arc performed well on M-series Macs with native Apple Silicon support. Its vertical sidebar interface was GPU-accelerated and smooth. However, as a Chromium-based browser with numerous features, it consumed significant RAM with many tabs. Being discontinued, it won't benefit from future Chromium performance improvements.

VivaldiGood

Vivaldi is optimized for Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) with native builds. The browser is efficient but feature-rich, meaning memory usage scales with enabled features. Tab hibernation and lazy loading help manage resources. Regular updates ensure ongoing performance optimization for new Apple hardware.

Verdict: Vivaldi wins due to active optimization. Both browsers are Chromium-based and perform similarly, but Vivaldi's continued development means it will adapt to future macOS and hardware changes. Arc's frozen codebase will gradually degrade in performance relative to evolving web standards.

Privacy & Security

High

ArcFair

Arc blocked some trackers and offered 'Block Cookies' and 'Block Ads' options in Boosts. However, as a free product from a VC-funded startup (now owned by Atlassian), privacy guarantees were limited. The browser required an account to use, and data handling policies were opaque. Being discontinued raises security concerns as vulnerabilities may go unpatched long-term.

VivaldiExcellent

Vivaldi does not track users, profile users, or sell data. It includes a built-in Ad Blocker, Tracker Blocker, and optional Proton VPN integration. The company operates from Iceland with strong privacy protections and publishes transparent privacy policies. No account required for browser functionality.

Verdict: Vivaldi wins decisively on privacy. Its business model doesn't depend on user data, and its built-in protections are robust. Arc's account requirement and corporate ownership (Atlassian) raise data handling questions that Vivaldi's independent structure avoids.

Extension Ecosystem

Medium

ArcGood

As a Chromium browser, Arc supported Chrome extensions from the Web Store. However, some extensions conflicted with Arc's sidebar UI, and certain popular extensions (particularly those modifying tabs) didn't function correctly due to Arc's non-standard tab handling.

VivaldiGood

Vivaldi supports Chrome extensions and maintains its own modding community through the Vivaldi Forum and themes gallery. Most Chrome extensions work seamlessly, though tab-management extensions may conflict with Vivaldi's native features. The browser offers extension management tools and isolated site permissions.

Verdict: Both browsers offer good Chrome extension compatibility with similar limitations around tab-management extensions. Vivaldi's additional native features reduce dependency on extensions, while Arc's unique UI caused more compatibility issues.

Cross-Platform Availability

Medium

ArcFair

Arc was macOS-first, with Windows support added later and iOS support through a separate app. Linux was never officially supported. Even during active development, platform parity was inconsistent, with macOS receiving features first. Being discontinued, no platform expansion will occur.

VivaldiExcellent

Vivaldi supports Windows, macOS, Linux (various distributions), Android, and iOS with feature parity improving across platforms. As of March 2026, Vivaldi 7.9 brought two-level tab stacks to iOS, showing commitment to mobile feature development. Car integration is also available for Android Automotive.

Verdict: Vivaldi wins for users needing cross-platform consistency. Arc's macOS-centric approach left Windows and mobile users as second-class citizens. Vivaldi's broad platform support ensures your browser experience follows you across devices.

Who Should Choose Which?

1The displaced Arc power user seeking a new home

Vivaldi

Vivaldi can be configured to closely replicate Arc's vertical sidebar, workspace organization, and focused browsing. Former Arc users should enable vertical tabs, configure workspaces for their Spaces equivalents, and explore the side panel for pinned tools. While Easels have no direct equivalent, Vivaldi's built-in productivity tools may eliminate the need for some canvas use cases.

2The minimalist who loved Arc's auto-archiving philosophy

Vivaldi

Vivaldi offers tab hibernation and configurable tab handling that, while not fully automatic like Arc's archiving, provides similar memory management without forcing data loss. Users can set aggressive tab hibernation and use the trash feature to approximate Arc's ephemeral tab approach, with the added benefit of being able to recover recently closed tabs when needed.

3The user seeking an all-in-one workspace browser

Vivaldi

Vivaldi's integration of Mail, Calendar, Feed Reader, Notes, and browsing in one window surpasses anything Arc offered. Users can configure the sidebar to show these tools, creating a unified workspace that reduces app-switching. This is particularly valuable for users who previously used Arc alongside separate email and calendar apps.

4The designer who relied on Arc's Easels and Boosts

Consider alternatives beyond Vivaldi

Neither Vivaldi nor other mainstream browsers replicate Arc's Easel canvas feature. Designers who heavily used collaborative whiteboards may need dedicated tools like FigJam, Miro, or Kosmik alongside their browser. Vivaldi's web panels can embed some tools, but Easels' unique browser-integrated approach has no direct 2026 equivalent.

5Mac user comparing Arc vs Vivaldi vs Brave

Vivaldi

You want actively developed tab/workspace organization close to Arc. Choose Brave instead if default blocking and a lighter UI matter more than Mail panels and deep stacking.

Migration Guide

From_arc → Vivaldi

1) Download Vivaldi from vivaldi.com/download for your platform. 2) During setup, import bookmarks from Arc (export from Arc's Library first). 3) Enable vertical tabs via Settings > Tabs > Tab Bar Position > Left/Right. 4) Configure Workspaces (Settings > Workspaces) to replicate Arc's Spaces. 5) Set up Vivaldi's side panel with your most-used tools. 6) Enable Tab Stacking for two-level organization. 7) Configure the Mail client if you want unified email (optional). 8) Import passwords from Arc via CSV export and Vivaldi's password manager. 9) Adjust theme colors to match Arc's aesthetic if desired. 10) Allow 1-2 weeks to adapt to Vivaldi's more configurable (but less opinionated) workflow.

From_vivaldi → Arc

NOT RECOMMENDED: Arc is in maintenance mode and should not be adopted for new workflows. Existing Vivaldi users have no compelling reason to migrate to a browser receiving only security patches with no future development. If you require specific Arc features for a unique workflow, consider documenting your use case for Vivaldi's feature request forum rather than adopting deprecated software.

Pro Tips

Export Arc bookmarks and passwords before you rely on sync that may shrink later. Rebuild Spaces as Vivaldi Workspaces one context at a time (work, personal, research) instead of dumping every tab into one window. If Vivaldi still feels heavy after a week, try Brave before returning to Arc. Keep Arc installed until your weekly sites all open cleanly in the replacement.

Final Verdict

Overall Winner

vivaldi

Vivaldi: 9.0/10

Winner

Arc: 6.3/10

Runner-up

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

Bottom Line: New Mac installs: Vivaldi. Privacy-default Chromium without the Vivaldi learning curve: Brave. Arc: transitional only.

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

For new users, no. Arc is in maintenance mode with Chromium updates only. Vivaldi is actively developed, free, and covers Workspaces, vertical tabs, and heavy customization. Install Arc only if you must open an existing Arc-specific workflow temporarily.

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.

Sources & References

Fact-Checked

Last verified: Aug 9, 2026

Key Verified Facts

Arc receives Chromium updates only and is positioned behind Dia for active security investment.[cite-arc-official]
Vivaldi continued shipping desktop 8.x releases in 2026, including version 8.1 notes in July 2026.[cite-vivaldi-81, cite-vivaldi-official]
Vivaldi leadership has publicly committed to keeping generative AI out of the browser product direction.[cite-vivaldi-no-ai]
Both Arc and Vivaldi are free to download for macOS.[cite-arc-official, cite-vivaldi-download]
Vivaldi 8.1 for desktop shipped around July 9, 2026 per Vivaldi's release blog.[cite-vivaldi-81]

1
The Arc Browser Is Dead - How-To Geek
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
2
The Browser Company explains why it stopped developing Arc - The Verge
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
3
Arc (web browser) - Wikipedia
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
4
Vivaldi Browser Brings Two-Level Tab Stacks to iPhone and iPad - MacRumors
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
5
Vivaldi (web browser) - Wikipedia
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
6
Vivaldi Mail - An email client built into your browser
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
7
Download Vivaldi | Vivaldi Browser
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
8
Arc Browser
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
9
Vivaldi Browser
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
10
Vivaldi 8.1 desktop release notes
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
11
Vivaldi leader pledge against forced browser AI - PCMag
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
12
Dia Browser
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
13
The Browser Company
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
14
Vivaldi 8.1 desktop release notes
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
"Accessed 2026-08-09: Vivaldi blog lists 8.1 desktop (July 9, 2026) and mobile follow-up."
15
Brave Browser download
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
"Accessed 2026-08-09: Brave official download page for desktop and mobile."

Research queries: Arc maintenance mode 2026; Vivaldi 8.1 2026; Vivaldi no AI browser pledge

Related Technologies & Concepts

The Browser CompanyVivaldi TechnologiesChromiumSpacesWorkspacesTab StackingEaselsBoostsVivaldi MailProton VPNAtlassianJon von TetzchnerBraveDia

Arc

Vivaldi

Visual Comparison

Arc

Our Verdict

Feature Comparison

Quick Install

Learn More

In-Depth Overview

What is Arc Browser?

What is Vivaldi?

Detailed Feature Comparison

Active Development

Tab Management

Built-in Productivity Tools

Customization

Performance on Apple Silicon

Privacy & Security

Extension Ecosystem

Cross-Platform Availability

Who Should Choose Which?

1The displaced Arc power user seeking a new home

2The minimalist who loved Arc's auto-archiving philosophy

3The user seeking an all-in-one workspace browser

4The designer who relied on Arc's Easels and Boosts

5Mac user comparing Arc vs Vivaldi vs Brave

Migration Guide

From_arc → Vivaldi

From_vivaldi → Arc

Pro Tips

Final Verdict

vivaldi

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

Sources & References

Key Verified Facts

Related Technologies & Concepts

Related Topics

Discontinued Browser Alternatives

Vertical Tab Browsing

Privacy-Focused Browsers

All-in-One Workspace Browsers

Chromium-Based Browsers