Arc vs Cent Browser
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Arc is a web browser from The Browser Company that rethinks the traditional tab bar. Instead of one long row of tabs, Arc organizes browsing into Spaces (separate profiles for work, personal life, or side projects) and a vertical sidebar, with Split View for viewing two pages side by side and built-in tools like an ad blocker and screenshot tool. Arc is built on Chromium, so it supports the same extensions and sites as Chrome, while adding features like Boosts (custom CSS/JS tweaks per site) and Easels for quick notes and moodboards. As of its current site messaging, active feature development has shifted to Dia, the company's newer AI-first browser, while Arc itself continues to receive Chromium security updates.
Cent Browser builds on the Chromium engine to deliver a fast, secure browsing experience while adding a suite of tools aimed at power users. It includes mouse gestures, a scrollable tab bar, and super‑drag capabilities that streamline everyday web tasks. The browser also offers extensive customization options, such as built‑in ad blocking, privacy controls, and a range of extensions, making it suitable for both casual surfers and professionals who need more control over their browsing environment.
- Tab and Space organization meaningfully reduces browser clutter for heavy multi-tasking users
- Split View and Easels add real productivity tools most browsers lack natively
- Free to use with no account required for core features
- Full Chromium compatibility means existing Chrome extensions still work
- Highly customizable UI
- Powerful mouse‑gesture navigation
- Built‑in ad blocking and privacy tools
- Efficient handling of many open tabs
- Active feature development has shifted to the company's newer browser, Dia, with Arc now getting mostly maintenance updates
- No Linux version
- The unconventional layout has a learning curve for users coming from traditional tab bars
- Windows‑only; no macOS or Linux builds
- Occasional compatibility quirks with newer Chrome extensions
- Limited official support channels
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Arc
View all →Alternatives to Cent Browser
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataArc offers a broader, more supported experience with built‑in tab organization tools, while Cent Browser is a highly customizable Windows‑only option with stronger mouse‑gesture features.
Key differences
- •Operating system support: Cent is Windows‑only; Arc runs on Windows and macOS (Linux not offered for either).
- •Tab organization: Arc provides Spaces, vertical sidebar auto‑archiving, and Split View; Cent relies on a scrollable tab bar and gestures.
- •Built‑in productivity tools: Arc includes Easels, Boosts (custom CSS/JS), and a Command Bar; Cent focuses on mouse gestures and theme tweaks.
- •Support channels: Arc offers a Help Center and community; Cent only provides email support via a contact form.
- •Privacy controls: Both have ad blockers, but Cent lists anti‑fingerprinting and cookie isolation; Arc’s privacy features are limited to an ad/tracker blocker.
Pricing & value
Both are free to use with no paid tiers, offering comparable monetary value.
Ease of use / learning curve
Arc’s UI is modern but has a learning curve; Cent’s mouse‑gesture system can be harder for new users.
Features & depth
Arc includes Spaces, Split View, Easels, Boosts, and a universal Command Bar, exceeding Cent’s gesture‑focused feature set.
Integrations & ecosystem
Arc explicitly supports Chrome Web Store extensions; Cent notes occasional compatibility quirks with newer Chrome extensions.
Support
Arc provides a Help Center and community forum; Cent only offers email support via a contact form.
Security & privacy
Cent lists anti‑fingerprinting, cookie isolation, and optional privacy settings; Arc mentions only a built‑in ad/tracker blocker.
Scalability
Arc’s vertical sidebar auto‑archives tabs and Spaces separate projects, handling large tab volumes more gracefully than Cent’s scrollable bar.
Choose Arc if…
Professionals managing many projects/tabs who want built‑in organization tools and broader support.
Choose Cent Browser if…
Power‑users who need deep Windows‑only customization and advanced privacy controls.
Common questions
Is there any cost to use either browser?
Both Arc and Cent Browser are free; no paid plans are listed.
Can I run these browsers on Linux?
Neither product offers a Linux version; both are limited to Windows (and Arc also to macOS).
Which browser provides better tab‑management for heavy multitasking?
Arc offers Spaces, auto‑archiving, and Split View, which are specifically designed for large numbers of tabs and projects.