TL;DR
Arc vs Zen Browser: For most Mac users in 2026, Arc is the better choice for browsers because it is the more widely adopted, better-maintained option in the browsers space. Both install with a single Homebrew command, so the switching cost is low. Choose Zen Browser instead if browser support is your priority.
Which is better: Arc or Zen Browser?
Arc is the top pick for most Mac users looking at browsers — it is free and installs in one Homebrew command. Zen Browser is the stronger choice if you prefer its specific feature set. Both are worth trying.
Arc vs Zen Browser
Which is the better browsers for Mac in 2026?
We compared Arc and Zen Browser 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
Zen Browser
Open-source, privacy-focused Firefox-based browser with a beautiful sidebar and tab management.
Visual Comparison
Arc
Arc — Official Website
Our Verdict
For most Mac users in 2026, Arc is the better choice for browsers because it is the more widely adopted, better-maintained option in the browsers space. Both install with a single Homebrew command, so the switching cost is low. Choose Zen Browser instead if browser support is your priority.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Arc | Zen Browser |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Open Source | No | No |
| Replaces | — | SigmaOS ($15/month) |
| Best for | browser, modern, spaces | browser, privacy, open source |
| Install | brew install --cask arc | brew install --cask zen-browser |
| Category | Web Browsers | Web Browsers |
Quick Install
brew install --cask arcbrew install --cask zen-browserLearn More
In-Depth Overview
What is Arc Browser?
Arc is The Browser Company's Chromium browser that popularized Spaces, a vertical sidebar, auto archiving tabs, Split View, and Boosts for customizing sites. It remains downloadable in August 2026 and still receives Chromium updates, but feature development stopped in May 2025 when the company shifted to Dia. Atlassian acquired the company in October 2025. Arc today is a finished, opinionated, pleasant product snapshot that is no longer evolving.
What is Zen Browser?
Zen Browser is an open source, privacy minded Firefox fork focused on calm productivity. Its headline features map closely to what Arc users valued: Workspaces for separating contexts, Compact Mode for more screen space, Glance for quick page previews, Split View for side by side tabs, and a sidebar first layout. It follows current Firefox engines, with August 2026 notes referencing the Firefox 153.0.3 lineage, and it stays free under open source licensing with community donations. For Mac users who want Arc like organization on a non Chromium base, Zen is the leading candidate.
Detailed Feature Comparison
Active Development
CriticalArc Browser is placed into maintenance mode as of May 2025. The Browser Company ceased all feature development, shifting focus to their new Dia browser. Arc receives only security updates and critical bug fixes. No new features, improvements, or platform expansions are planned.
Zen Browser is under active open-source development with regular releases throughout 2026. The project has an engaged community, frequent updates, and a public roadmap. New features like enhanced Zen Mods, improved workspace management, and platform expansion are actively being developed.
Verdict: Zen Browser wins decisively. Active development is essential for browser security, compatibility, and feature evolution. Arc's discontinued status makes it unsuitable for new adoption.
Privacy & Security
CriticalArc, being Chromium-based, inherits Google's tracking infrastructure. While it includes some privacy features, it lacks comprehensive tracker blocking by default. As a proprietary browser from a venture-backed company (now owned by Atlassian), data handling practices are less transparent. With development ceased, future security enhancements are uncertain.
Zen Browser is built on Firefox's privacy-respecting foundation with enhanced protections. It includes built-in tracker and ad blocking, no telemetry by default, and open-source transparency allowing code audit. The browser does not collect user data and allows users to use their own Firefox Sync servers.
Verdict: Zen Browser wins on privacy through its open-source nature, Firefox heritage, built-in blocking, and lack of data collection. Arc's proprietary status and Chromium base make it inherently less private.
Tab Management
HighArc's vertical sidebar with 'Spaces' for context organization was revolutionary. Features like pinned tabs, auto-archiving of unused tabs, and the 'Library' for saved content provided excellent workflow management. However, with development stopped, these features will not improve or adapt to new web standards.
Zen Browser offers a comparable vertical sidebar experience with Workspaces, vertical tabs, and container tabs for account isolation. Zen Mods allow deep UI customization. Split view enables side-by-side browsing. The implementation is actively refined based on user feedback.
Verdict: Both browsers excel at tab management with similar philosophies, but Zen Browser wins due to ongoing refinement and community-driven improvements. Arc's feature set is frozen in time.
Extension Ecosystem
HighAs a Chromium browser, Arc had access to the entire Chrome Web Store, offering thousands of extensions for every conceivable need. This massive ecosystem is one of Arc's remaining advantages for users with specific extension requirements.
Zen Browser uses Firefox's extension ecosystem, which is smaller than Chrome's but still comprehensive. Most major extensions are available. Firefox's WebExtensions API provides good compatibility, though some Chrome-specific extensions may not work.
Verdict: Arc wins on raw extension availability due to Chromium/Chrome Web Store compatibility. However, Zen Browser's Firefox ecosystem covers most user needs adequately.
Performance (Apple Silicon)
HighArc runs well on Apple Silicon M3/M4 Macs through Chromium's native ARM support. However, it is resource-intensive due to its Chromium base and feature-rich nature. Performance will not improve as optimization efforts have ceased.
Zen Browser, built on Firefox's Gecko engine, is highly optimized for modern hardware. It offers excellent performance on Apple Silicon with efficient memory usage. Firefox's continuous performance improvements benefit Zen directly.
Verdict: Zen Browser wins on efficiency and ongoing optimization. While both run well on Apple Silicon, Zen's active development ensures it will continue to improve performance on new hardware.
Customization
MediumArc offered customization through themes, Spaces configuration, and Easel creation. However, deeper UI customization was limited, and with development ended, no new customization options will arrive.
Zen Browser's 'Zen Mods' system allows extensive UI customization through community-created modifications. Users can change the sidebar behavior, tab appearance, and interface elements. Being open-source, advanced users can modify anything.
Verdict: Zen Browser wins through Zen Mods and open-source flexibility, offering deeper customization than Arc ever provided.
UI/UX Design
MediumArc's design was its standout feature, a beautiful, minimal interface with a permanent sidebar, clean typography, and thoughtful animations. The 'calm' browsing experience with decluttered toolbars set a new standard for browser aesthetics.
Zen Browser captures much of Arc's aesthetic appeal with its vertical sidebar, clean interface, and focus on content over chrome. While slightly different in execution, it offers a similarly modern, distraction-free experience that Arc users will find familiar.
Verdict: It's a tie. Both browsers offer exceptional, modern UI design. Arc may have a slight edge in polish due to its venture-backed design team, but Zen's active development means its UI continues to improve.
Cross-Platform Support
MediumArc is available on macOS and Windows. Linux was never officially released and will not be developed. iOS support exists but is limited compared to desktop. With development ceased, platform expansion is impossible.
Zen Browser is available for macOS, Linux, and Windows (with the Windows version having reached beta status in 2025). As an open-source project, community ports and platform expansion are ongoing. Firefox's mobile foundation could enable future mobile versions.
Verdict: Zen Browser wins through broader platform support and the potential for continued expansion. Arc's platform availability is frozen.
Who Should Choose Which?
1Former Arc User Seeking Migration Path
Zen Browser is the natural successor to Arc. Its vertical sidebar, Workspaces, and organizational philosophy mirror what made Arc special, but with the crucial difference of active development. Zen Browser has become the go-to recommendation for Arc refugees in 2026.
2User Dependent on Chrome-Specific Extensions
If you require specific Chrome extensions with no Firefox equivalent (rare but possible), Arc remains functional despite its discontinued status. However, consider this a temporary solution while seeking alternatives, as Arc's security support will eventually end.
3Privacy-Conscious Power User
Zen Browser's open-source nature, Firefox foundation, built-in tracker blocking, and lack of data collection make it ideal for privacy-conscious users. The vertical tab organization is a bonus for power users managing many tabs.
4Open Source Advocate
Zen Browser is fully open-source, allowing code audit, community contributions, and self-building. This aligns perfectly with open-source principles, while Arc was always proprietary commercial software.
Migration Guide
From_arc → Zen Browser
1. Export your Arc bookmarks via Arc's export feature or manually from the Library. 2. Download and install Zen Browser from zen-browser.app for your platform. 3. Import bookmarks into Zen via the standard Firefox import process. 4. Set up Workspaces in Zen to replicate your Arc Spaces, create contexts for Work, Personal, Projects, etc. 5. Install Zen Mods to customize the sidebar appearance to match your preferences. 6. Explore Firefox extensions to replace any Arc-specific features you used. 7. Enable Firefox Sync if you want cross-device bookmark access. 8. Allow 1-2 weeks to adjust to Firefox's slightly different shortcut keys and behaviors.
From_zen Browser → Arc
Not recommended. Arc is in maintenance mode software with no future. If you must switch from Zen to a Chromium browser, consider actively maintained alternatives like Brave, Vivaldi, or Edge rather than deprecated Arc.
Final Verdict
zen-browser
Winner
Runner-up
Zen Browser wins decisively in August 2026. Arc's original UX innovations remain charming, yet maintenance mode and the Dia pivot mean Arc is not a forward-looking default. Zen delivers Workspaces, Compact Mode, Glance, and Split View on a living Firefox base with frequent 2026 releases, open-source governance, and zero cost. Unless you are mid-migration from a locked-in Arc setup, choose Zen, or Safari if ecosystem integration matters more than Arc-like chrome.
Bottom Line: Use Zen Browser for an actively maintained Arc-like experience. Treat Arc as legacy software to migrate off.
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
About the Author
Explore More on Bundl
Browse browsers apps, read our complete guide, or discover curated bundles.
Sources & References
Fact-CheckedLast verified: Aug 9, 2026
Key Verified Facts
- Zen Browser publishes active 2026 release notes, including August builds on Firefox 153.0.3.[cite-zen-release-notes, cite-zen-official]
- Arc is in maintenance mode with Chromium updates only per official product messaging.[cite-arc-official]
- Zen is free and open source with Workspaces, Compact Mode, Glance, and Split View.[cite-zen-official, cite-zen-github]
- 1The Browser Company explains why it stopped developing Arc
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 2The Browser Company stops active development of Arc in favor of Dia
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 3The Browser Company's AI browser Dia now has a $20 subscription
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 4Dia (web browser) - Wikipedia
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 5Zen Browser - Wikipedia
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 6Zen Browser - Official Website
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 7Workspaces - Zen Browser Documentation
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 8Zen Mods - Zen Browser
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 9Arc (web browser) - Wikipedia
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 10Arc Browser
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 11Zen Browser release notes
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 12Zen Browser GitHub
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 13Dia Browser
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 14The Browser Company
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 15Zen Browser Mac Review 2026
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
Research queries: Zen Browser release notes August 2026; Arc maintenance mode Dia; Zen Browser Workspaces Mac
Related Technologies & Concepts
Related Topics
Discontinued Software Alternatives
Guides for migrating from sunset applications to actively maintained alternatives.
Privacy-Focused Browsers
Web browsers designed with privacy as a primary feature, including tracker blocking and data protection.
Vertical Tab Browsers
Browsers that organize tabs in a vertical sidebar rather than traditional horizontal tabs.
Firefox-Based Browsers
Alternative browsers built on Mozilla Firefox's open-source foundation.
Open Source Web Browsers
Browsers with publicly auditable source code and community-driven development.