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.
Vivaldi is a feature-rich web browser designed to give users unprecedented control over their browsing experience. It offers deep customization options for the user interface, keyboard shortcuts, mouse gestures, and tab management. Focused heavily on user privacy and productivity, Vivaldi includes built-in tools like a customizable ad and tracker blocker, a translation tool, a mail client, a calendar, and a note-taking app. It is available across desktop, mobile devices, and automotive systems.
- 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
- Extremely high level of customization
- Built-in productivity tools like mail and notes
- Strong focus on user privacy and no tracking
- Innovative tab management features
- 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
- Steeper learning curve for casual users
- Can consume significant system resources with heavy usage
- Smaller user market share compared to mainstream browsers
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth Vivaldi and Arc are free, feature‑rich browsers for power users, but Vivaldi offers deeper built‑in customization while Arc focuses on workspace organization and split‑view productivity.
Key differences
- •Vivaldi provides two‑level tab stacks and built‑in mail, calendar, notes; Arc uses Spaces and Split View for project‑based tab grouping.
- •Arc includes a vertical sidebar that auto‑archives tabs and an Easel canvas for quick notes; Vivaldi lacks these specific tools.
- •Arc does not have a Linux version, whereas Vivaldi is available on Linux as a desktop app.
- •Vivaldi emphasizes end‑to‑end sync and strong privacy with no tracking; Arc’s privacy features are limited to a built‑in blocker.
- •Both rely on Chrome Web Store extensions, but Vivaldi is not open source while Arc’s future development is shifting to a newer browser.
Pricing & value
Both are free to use with no paid tiers.
Ease of use / learning curve
Arc’s unconventional layout has a learning curve, but Vivaldi’s extensive customization is steeper for casual users.
Features & depth
Vivaldi includes built‑in mail, calendar, notes, two‑level tab stacks, and full‑page screenshot tools.
Integrations & ecosystem
Both support Chrome Web Store extensions; neither offers an API.
Collaboration
Arc’s Easels provide a shared canvas for quick notes, a feature Vivaldi does not mention.
Support
Arc lists a Help Center and community; Vivaldi offers community forum and email support—comparable, but Arc’s Help Center is more formal.
Security & privacy
Vivaldi explicitly states no tracking and end‑to‑end sync; Arc only mentions a built‑in blocker.
Choose Arc if…
Professionals who want workspace‑based tab organization, split‑view browsing, and quick‑note canvases.
Choose Vivaldi if…
Power users needing deep UI customization, built‑in productivity tools, and strong privacy.
Common questions
Are either of these browsers paid?
Both Vivaldi and Arc are free to download and use.
Do they run on Linux?
Vivaldi is available on Linux; Arc does not have a Linux version.
Which offers stronger privacy protections?
Vivaldi emphasizes no tracking and end‑to‑end sync, while Arc only provides a built‑in ad/tracker blocker.