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Reviewed comparison · verified 2026-09-16

ArcvsZen Browserin 2026

Choose Zen. Arc shuts down on December 22, 2026, so this comparison is now about what Arc users give up and gain by moving to Zen's Firefox-based sidebar and workspaces.

33 documented facts compared 17 differ 16 identical
BrowserPedia mascot comparing browsers on balance scale

Head-to-head: Arc versus Zen Browser

Arc

The Browser Company · United States

Zen Browser

Zen Browser contributors · International

Arc: A Chromium browser centered on spaces, a persistent sidebar, and a redesigned tab workflow.

Zen Browser: A Firefox-based browser focused on compact vertical navigation, workspaces, and customization.

Key facts

  • Yes
  • Partial
  • No
Chromium
Engine
Gecko
Built in
Blocks trackers Same
Built in
Unknown
Anti-fingerprinting
Built in
Built in
Native ad blocking Same
Built in
Supported
Chrome Web Store
Unsupported
Built in
Sync across devices Same
Built in
Google
Default search Same
Google
macWinLinAndiOS
Platforms 0 vs 3 of 5
macWinLinAndiOS
2
Privacy & tracking /4
3
2.5
Extensions /4
3
11
Workflow & tabs /11
11
2
Platforms /5
3

A count of the capabilities each record documents in that category - half a point for partial support. It is a shape, not a score: BrowserPedia does not rank browsers.

Arc profile Full records Zen Browser profile

Arc and Zen Browser at a glance

Documented capabilities per area - a count, not a rating

  • Arc
  • Zen Browser
AI2/9 · 0/9

Each spoke is the share of that area's documented capabilities; a partial counts half. Hover or focus an area for the count.

Select an underlined area to jump to its rows in the fact table. AI facts are listed on each browser's profile.

Where the two sit

On privacy and AI, the two areas where this pair differs most. Grey dots are every other browser.

AI features (of 9)

Privacy protections (of 4)

  • Arc2, 2
  • Zen Browser3, 0
Open the full browser map

What actually differs

See all 33 facts

  • Anti-fingerprinting protection

    Only in Zen Browser · Privacy & tracking

  • Chrome Web Store

    Only in Arc · Extensions

  • Firefox Add-ons

    Only in Zen Browser · Extensions

  • Manifest V2

    Only in Zen Browser · Extensions

  • macOS

    Only in Zen Browser · Platforms

  • Windows

    Only in Zen Browser · Platforms

Arc vs Zen Browser: every documented fact

Each row is a field from the two browser records. Open a row to read the documented note and its source. Categorical rows carry no colour, because one engine is not better than another.

33 documented facts · 17 differ · 16 identical

Fact
Arc
Zen Browser

Privacy & tracking

built in
2/4
3/4

Extensions

built in
2.5/4
3/4

Workflow & tabs

built in
11/11
11/11

Platforms

built in
2/5
3/5

Foundation

Arc vs Zen Browser: common questions

Do Arc and Zen Browser use the same browser engine?
No. Arc renders with Chromium and Zen Browser renders with Gecko. That means they can differ on site compatibility and on which extension ecosystem they support.
Which blocks trackers by default, Arc or Zen Browser?
Both Arc and Zen Browser document tracker blocking enabled by default.
Can Arc and Zen Browser run Chrome extensions?
Arc documents Chrome Web Store support; Zen Browser does not.
Does Arc or Zen Browser have vertical tabs?
Both Arc and Zen Browser document built-in vertical tabs.
What platforms do Arc and Zen Browser run on?
Arc is documented on macOS, Windows, Android and iOS. Zen Browser is documented on macOS, Windows and Linux.
Is Arc or Zen Browser still actively developed?
Arc is discontinued and Zen Browser is active, as of the profile verification dates on this page.

Evidence sources

BrowserPedia does not rank browsers by a universal score. The verdict is an editorial interpretation of the sourced facts above.

Canonical comparison link