Arc vs Google Chrome

Arc

• People who keep work and personal browsing in one window
• Chrome users who want their extensions in a different interface
• Side-by-side reading and research with Split View

Google Chrome

• Google Account users who want the same bookmarks, passwords and tabs on every device
• People who depend on extensions from the Chrome Web Store
• Those who want Gemini and Google's AI search inside the browser

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.

Google Chrome

• Auto browse, where Gemini carries out multi-step tasks, is available only to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S.
• Gemini in Chrome needs a signed-in, eligible account in a supported country, and Google's FAQ says it is not available on Android yet.
• Enhanced Safe Browsing requires browsing data to be sent to Google.
• Desktop requirements start at Windows 10, macOS 13 Ventura, and 64-bit Ubuntu 18.04, Debian 10, openSUSE 15.5 or Fedora Linux 39.

Arc

Spaces and Profiles

Spaces keep work, study and hobbies apart inside a single window, and Profiles sit alongside them so each area of browsing can be organized on its own.

Split View and themes

Split View places up to three tabs side by side, picture-in-picture keeps video and meetings visible, and themes change the color of the browser.

Arc Max AI features

Opt-in AI features preview a link when hovering with Shift held, send a question to ChatGPT from the Command Bar, and give pinned tabs and downloads shorter, tidier names.

Built-in integrations

Integrations show the day's meetings from Google Calendar, unread Gmail, recent Notion pages and GitHub pull requests on hover, and control Spotify from a mini player.

Chrome extensions and import

Arc supports the extensions Chrome supports and imports Chrome data on setup. Chromium's Google account sync, usage metrics and telemetry to Google are disabled.

Arc Search on mobile

The mobile browser blocks ads, trackers and cookie banners, answers questions with Browse for Me, and syncs tabs across Mac, Windows and iOS through Arc Sync.

Google Chrome

Tab groups, vertical tabs and split view

Tabs can be grouped, labeled and color coded, stacked down the side of the window as vertical tabs, or shown two at a time in split view.

Sync across devices

Signing in to Chrome brings bookmarks, saved passwords, payment info and open tabs to any phone, tablet or computer, and a tab can be sent from one device to another.

Google Password Manager and passkeys

Google Password Manager is built in to save, manage and generate passwords. Passkeys allow sign-in with a fingerprint, face, PIN or pattern.

Safe Browsing and Safety Check

Safe Browsing warns before a dangerous site or download, with an optional enhanced mode. Safety Check reviews saved passwords, extensions and settings and points out anything that needs attention.

Gemini in Chrome and AI Mode

Gemini in Chrome answers questions using the context of open tabs, and Skills save prompts for reuse. AI Mode, Google's AI search, accepts tabs, files and images as context.

Extensions and performance controls

Extensions from the Chrome Web Store add features, Energy Saver and Memory Saver limit resource use, and Google ships a new Chrome update every four weeks.

Arc

• Free$0

  The full browser on Mac and Windows, the opt-in Arc Max AI features and the Arc Search mobile app.

Google Chrome

• Free$0

  The full browser on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone and iPad, with sync through a Google Account.