Design: A Fresh Approach vs. Familiarity
Arc’s design philosophy is unconventional, featuring a left-hand sidebar with tabs arranged in blocks. Pinned websites appear at the top, and you can view tabs side-by-side with the Split View feature. Customization options include tab folders and spaces for organized browsing.
In contrast, Chrome’s design is more traditional, with tabs running along the top of the browser. It incorporates some Arc-like elements, such as tab groups, but mostly adheres to a familiar layout.
Features: Innovation Beyond Browsing
Arc excels in its innovative features. Easels allow you to save interactive web page snippets on a drawing board, perfect for gathering information or displaying live updates. Boosts, user-made browser tweaks, and Arc Max, which infuses the app with AI capabilities, further enhance the user experience.
Chrome, on the other hand, offers a more extensive built-in feature set. It has a password manager, syncs open tabs, bookmarks, and passwords across devices, and provides Live Caption, which adds subtitles to videos. Google is also integrating generative AI into its browser, offering features like tab organization and message drafting assistance.
Performance: Neck-and-Neck Speed
Both Arc and Chrome are lightning-fast browsers, utilizing the Chromium engine. Our benchmarks on Windows and macOS revealed no significant difference in performance. Both browsers rendered pages swiftly, even on complex websites.
Privacy and Security: Putting Your Data First
Arc prioritizes user privacy by disabling session fingerprinting and telemetry reports enabled in Chrome. It also comes with uBlock Origin pre-installed for ad blocking. Arc guarantees not to track browsing history or sell user data, and its code undergoes regular security audits.
Chrome has had some privacy concerns in the past but has implemented security measures such as regular updates, suspicious website warnings, and a password and extension safety checker. However, Arc’s focus on privacy and its default security features make it a more privacy-conscious choice.
The Verdict: Finding the Perfect Fit
Both Arc and Google Chrome offer exceptional browsing experiences. Arc shines with its innovative design and features, while Chrome provides a more familiar interface and a wider range of built-in tools. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you seek a fresh and privacy-focused experience, Arc is an excellent option. If you prefer a traditional design and a comprehensive feature set, Chrome remains a solid choice.
