BrowserPedia
Browse
Reviewed comparison · verified 2026-09-16

ArcvsZen Browserin 2026

Choose Arc for a polished Chromium sidebar-and-spaces model; choose Zen for a Firefox-based alternative with vertical navigation and a fast-moving community release cadence.

33 documented facts compared 15 differ 18 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, on one axis

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

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

  • Linux

    Only in Zen Browser · Platforms

  • Android

    Only in Arc · 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 · 15 differ · 18 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
4/5
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 maintenance mode 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