Alternatives · Browsers
Arc alternatives
Arc compared with 9 alternatives: Dia, Zen Browser, Vivaldi, Google Chrome, Brave and 4 more.
Arc is free to use. 8 of the 9 alternatives are free or have a free plan. One more offers a free trial.
9 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| ArcThis tool | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Dia | Free plan · from $20/mo | Yes | macOS |
| Zen Browser | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Vivaldi | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Google Chrome | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Brave | Free plan · from $3.00/mo | Yes | macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Orion | Free plan · from $5/mo | Yes | macOS, Linux, iOS |
| Shift | Free plan · from $19.99/mo | Yes | macOS, Windows |
| Wavebox | Free plan · from $8.33/mo | Yes | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Velja | Free trial · from $10 one-time | Trial only | macOS, Browser extension |
How each one differs from Arc
- Free plan · from $20/mo
Dia
AI browser for work that answers questions across tabs and tools
- Dia starts at $20 per month (Better Answers). Arc is free.
- Only Arc lists Windows, iOS and Android apps.
- Dia is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
- Dia also covers chat assistant.
Suits: Mac users whose work is spread across Slack, Notion, Google Workspace and Teams
- Free
Zen Browser
Free, open-source desktop browser built around vertical tabs
- Zen Browser is free. Arc is free.
- Only Zen Browser lists a Linux app.
- Only Arc lists iOS and Android apps.
- Zen Browser is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: People who prefer vertical tabs and a minimal interface
- Free
Vivaldi
Customizable browser with built-in mail, calendar and feed reader
- Vivaldi is free. Arc is free.
- Only Vivaldi lists a Linux app.
- Vivaldi is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
- Vivaldi also covers notes, calendar, email client, screenshots and rSS reader.
Suits: Power users who keep dozens of tabs open
- Free
Google Chrome
Google's free browser for desktop and mobile, with Gemini built in
- Google Chrome is free. Arc is free.
- Only Google Chrome lists a Linux app.
- Google Chrome also covers password manager and passkeys.
Suits: Google Account users who want the same bookmarks, passwords and tabs on every device
- Free plan · from $3.00/mo
Brave
Open-source browser that blocks ads and trackers by default
- Brave starts at $3.00 per month, or $29.99 per year (Search premium). Arc is free.
- Only Brave lists a Linux app.
- Brave is open source, according to its own site.
- Brave also covers password manager and video calls.
Suits: People who want ads and trackers blocked without installing extensions
- Free plan · from $5/mo
Orion
WebKit browser from Kagi that runs Chrome and Firefox extensions
- Orion starts at $5 per month, $50 per year or $150 lifetime, plus sales tax (Orion+). Arc is free.
- Only Orion lists a Linux app.
- Only Arc lists Windows and Android apps.
- Orion also covers password manager.
Suits: Apple users who want Chrome and Firefox extensions on a WebKit browser
- Free plan · from $19.99/mo
Shift
Build-your-own desktop browser for multiple inboxes, apps and Spaces
- Shift starts at $19.99 per month, or $199.99 billed annually (Advanced). Arc is free.
- Only Arc lists iOS and Android apps.
Suits: People juggling several email accounts and app logins
- Free plan · from $8.33/mo
Wavebox
Desktop browser that keeps many web apps and accounts signed in
- Wavebox starts at $8.33 per month, paid annually (Wavebox Pro). Arc is free.
- Only Wavebox lists a Linux app.
- Only Arc lists iOS and Android apps.
Suits: Virtual assistants and agencies working across many client accounts
- Free trial · from $10 one-time
Velja
Mac browser picker that routes links to a browser, profile or app
- Velja starts at $10 one-time purchase. Arc is free.
- Arc has a free plan. Velja does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Velja lists a browser extension.
- Only Arc lists Windows, iOS and Android apps.
- Velja can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: Mac users who keep separate browsers or profiles for work and personal use
Limits worth knowing in Arc
- The Browser Company says Arc receives Chromium updates only and directs people to Dia for active security patches.
- There is no Linux version. Arc needs macOS 13.0 or later, or Windows 10 19H1 or higher.
- Arc asks people to create an account, which is used to keep data and sync it across devices.
- The Ask ChatGPT feature of Arc Max requires a ChatGPT account signed in on the current Arc profile.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Arc?
The alternatives to Arc in this directory are Dia, Zen Browser, Vivaldi, Google Chrome, Brave, Orion, Shift, Wavebox and Velja. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Arc.
Is there a free alternative to Arc?
Yes. Zen Browser, Vivaldi and Google Chrome are free to use. Dia, Brave, Orion, Shift and Wavebox have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Arc alternatives work on Linux?
The Arc listing does not include a Linux app. Zen Browser, Vivaldi, Google Chrome, Brave, Orion and Wavebox list one.
Is there an open-source alternative to Arc?
Zen Browser and Brave are described as open source on their own sites.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.