Arc browser is here, but should you replace Chrome and Edge with it?

There has been chatter since the Arc browser for Windows was sent out for beta testing. Arc is a Chromium-based browser developed using Apple’s Swift programming language.

Compared to other browsers in the market, it differs in a few main aspects and certainly claims to be superior in terms of user privacy. Moreover, it is touted to be a Chrome killer, but only time will tell how the wind blows.

Arc browser has reinvented the wheel of the browser experience, and it shouldn’t be considered in the same category as traditional web browsers, as it offers much more. Still, do the extra features and unique interface make it superior to Chrome and Edge? Let’s find out.

UI and themes

If we talk about the interface, Chrome and Edge have a simple, breezy interface and offer many themes. However, compared to Arc, they are not even close; there are many color options, intensity tweaks, and more to choose from.

You can even create a gradient theme and get a different interface for the Passwords and Advanced Settings menu.

However, Google Chrome and Edge have a simplistic approach to ease of use, making them easy to adapt to. Arc has a lot to offer: app shortcuts, an address bar, folders, tabs, and more, all within a single window, which could be confusing for the average user.

Tab management & profiles

If you often open multiple tabs while working, you must understand the importance of keeping tabs organized and reachable. Chrome and Arc pin tabs are at the top, but Chrome can also group relevant tabs together and assign them a name and shade of color to make them identifiable.

Chrome lets you create multiple profiles and has an option for guest browsing, and Edge is more or less the same. Arc also lets you create different profiles to keep your data separate, including history, logins, cookies and extensions. In addition to this, in a profile, you can create different spaces for separate sidebars for different purposes.

You can use different themes or icons to differentiate between spaces and share collaborative space with other people. Also, if you want to share information with people in your group, you can share the space link so that they can open it in their preferred browser.

Cross-platform availability

Arc browser was initially designed for iOS and macOS but is now available for free on Windows 11. It will soon be available for Windows 10 and Android users.

However, Chrome is available on Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, Linux, and ChromeOS, while Edge is limited to Windows and macOS.

Security and privacy

All three browsers are based on Chromium, so most security features are the same. However, Arc comes with a default uBlock Origin extension, and the Arc company has disabled some of the Chromium features for security reasons.

RAM usage and performance

Since all three browsers are built on Chromium, you won’t notice significant loading times and performance differences. Arc also supports the Chrome Web Store, and most Chrome extensions are available on Edge as well, so you won’t miss any of your favorite extensions if you decide to switch.

However, if we consider the add-ons that come with Arc, including Boost, Max, and Create Spaces, this browser will consume more memory than the other two.

Arc browser comes with extra features

Features
Multitask	Split View: View multiple tabs at once, press Control +Shift + Plus Peek: Quickly preview links without leaving your existing Pinned Tab, press Control + O Previews: Take a look at top sites without leaving your current tab, go to Arc > Settings, then choose Previews in General. Little Arc: Quick way to open, view, and close a link Mini Player: Allows you to keep watching videos while browsing
Create	Notes App—This option lets you set a default notes app that suits your workflow. To change, go to Arc > Settings > Profiles, and select a suitable app from the drop-down menu under New Documents. Developer Mode: This mode provides instant access to developer shortcuts and a different UI. To access it, go to Site Settings in the URL bar and select Developer Mode. Easels: Capture & Create – This is a Whiteboard within the browser where you can draw, add images, or write your ideas as you browse the net. Share Spaces, Folders & Splits – You can share any of these with your friends, and they can view them on their preferred browser without any issues. Boosts: Allows you to change the look and feel of a website as per your preferences.
Organize	Air Traffic Control – You can organize your digital space by directly URLs automatically to their designated areas Automatic Github Live Folders – Streamlines your work by automatically compiling your PRs in one place Pinned Tabs – Allows you to go back to specific subpages of a site Favorites: Can be accessed from any space Library: A place where downloads, archived tabs, easels, and more are stored Auto Archive: The idle unpinned tabs are archive automatically to keep your sidebar clean
Rev Up	Air Traffic Control – You can organize your digital space by directly URLs automatically to their designated areas Automatic Github Live Folders – Streamlines your work by automatically compiling your PRs in one place Pinned Tabs – Allows you to go back to specific subpages of a site Favorites: Can be accessed from any space Library: A place where downloads, archived tabs, easels, and more are stored Auto Archive: The idle unpinned tabs are archived automatically to keep your sidebar clean

In conclusion, unlike a regular browser, Arc is developed based on a different concept. We admire these added features and amazing interface, but does that not complicate the experience of using a browser just to look refreshing and different? This is up to you; you don’t need to switch if you like a simple browser and use it to surf things on the internet.

However, if you are looking for something to jazz up your browsing experience and use features like collaborative spaces, Notes, Easel, Split Screen, and many more within the browser, you should try Arc.

What do you think about Arc, or are you ready to make the switch? Share your opinions with our readers in the comments section below