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.
Toby is a browser extension and companion app that turns an overwhelming pile of open browser tabs into organized, named collections. Instead of hoarding dozens of tabs, users save groups of links into Toby's visual workspace and close the tabs, then reopen a whole collection later in one click. It supports AI-assisted organization of saved tabs, instant search across everything stored, and a lightweight built-in to-do list alongside the link collections. Toby works across Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, plus a web app and mobile apps, and is used by both individuals and teams for shared project link libraries, reporting over 500,000 users.
- 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
- Free Starter plan is usable indefinitely, not just a time-limited trial
- Meaningfully reduces browser tab clutter and memory usage by closing organized tabs
- Available across Chrome, Edge, Firefox, web, and mobile, not locked to one browser
- Team sharing makes it useful for group research or onboarding link libraries, not just individual use
- 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
- Free plan is capped at 60 saved tabs
- As a browser extension, it depends on browser compatibility and permissions
- AI organization features add complexity some users may not need for simple bookmark management
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Arc
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Alternatives to Toby
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataArc is a full-featured Chromium‑based browser that excels at personal tab organization, while Toby is a cross‑browser extension focused on saving and sharing tab collections.
Key differences
- •Arc is a standalone desktop browser; Toby is an extension that works inside existing browsers.
- •Arc offers built‑in Split View, Easels, and custom Boosts; Toby provides AI‑assisted grouping and a to‑do list.
- •Arc is free with all core features; Toby uses a freemium model and caps free saved tabs at 60.
- •Arc has no Linux version and limited future development; Toby runs on Chrome, Edge, Firefox, web, iOS, and Android.
Pricing & value
Arc is completely free for core features; Toby limits free use to 60 saved tabs and charges for higher tiers.
Ease of use / learning curve
Toby adds a familiar extension UI to existing browsers, while Arc’s unconventional layout requires adjustment.
Features & depth
Arc includes Split View, Easels, Boosts, and a built‑in ad blocker, offering deeper native functionality than Toby.
Integrations & ecosystem
Toby works across Chrome, Edge, Firefox, web, iOS, Android; Arc only runs as a desktop app on macOS/Windows and relies on Chrome Web Store extensions.
Collaboration
Toby supports team sharing of collections; Arc has no built‑in collaboration features.
Support
Toby offers email support and priority support on paid plans; Arc provides only Help Center and community forums.
Security & privacy
Arc includes a built‑in ad and tracker blocker; Toby’s privacy details are not specified.
Choose Arc if…
Power users needing deep native tab organization and split‑screen browsing on desktop.
Choose Toby if…
Individuals or teams wanting cross‑browser tab collection sharing and mobile access.
Common questions
Can I use Arc on Linux?
No, Arc does not have a Linux version.
How many tabs can I save for free with Toby?
The free Starter plan caps saved tabs at 60.
Do I need to install anything extra to run Chrome extensions in Arc?
Arc is Chromium‑based, so Chrome Web Store extensions work natively without extra installation.