Arc Review: A Fresh Take on Web Browsing in 2026

Our 2026 Arc review explores the modern browser with vertical tabs, spaces, and built-in productivity tools for Mac users who value organization.

By DockShare • December 20, 2025

Arc is a modern web browser that challenges traditional browser design. Built by The Browser Company, Arc removes the typical top tab bar and introduces vertical tabs, spaces for organizing work, and built-in productivity tools. This Arc review explores whether this reimagined approach to browsing makes sense for Mac users who care about workspace organization.

Arc runs fully on macOS and is available on Windows in an actively developed release. It uses Chromium as its foundation, so websites work just like they do in Chrome. The browser reduces the need for some extensions like split view or notes, though it still supports standard Chromium extensions.

Key Features of Arc

Vertical Tabs and Sidebar Navigation: Arc places all tabs in a collapsible sidebar on the left side of your screen. You can organize tabs into folders, pin favorites, and easily search through open pages without hunting through dozens of tiny rectangles at the top.

Spaces for Context Switching: Spaces let you create separate browsing environments for different projects or contexts. Work in one space, personal browsing in another, and side projects in a third. Each space maintains its own tabs and folders independently.

Split View and Picture-in-Picture: Open multiple tabs side-by-side without leaving the browser. Arc's split view works natively, and you can watch videos in corners while browsing other content.

Boosts for Website Customization: Change how websites look with custom CSS and JavaScript. Hide annoying elements, change fonts, or adjust colors on any site. Your changes save automatically and apply every time you visit.

Command Bar for Quick Actions: Press Command+T to open Arc's command bar. Search tabs, create new spaces, access bookmarks, or navigate to websites without touching your mouse. Everything lives behind one keyboard shortcut.

Built-in Note Taking and Easels: Create quick notes or visual boards directly in Arc. Easels work like mini whiteboards where you can capture screenshots, add text, and organize ideas without switching to another app.

User Experience

Arc feels different from the moment you open it. The sidebar replaces traditional tabs, which takes adjustment but makes sense once you organize tabs into folders. Everything stays accessible without covering your actual browsing space.

The browser handles common tasks smoothly. Switching between spaces happens instantly. The command bar responds quickly and learns your habits. Split view works reliably for comparing pages or working with multiple sources simultaneously.

Arc works well for people who keep many tabs open. Instead of tab overload, you get organized folders and automatic archiving of old tabs. The system encourages cleaner browsing habits naturally.

Pricing

At the time of writing this article, Arc is currently free to use with no publicly available paid tiers. The Browser Company has discussed potential future premium offerings, so pricing or tiering could change. Check the official website for current information.

Safari: Apple's native browser integrates deeply with macOS and offers excellent performance. Safari provides tab groups for organization but maintains traditional horizontal tabs. Arc provides more customization and organizational tools through spaces and the sidebar approach.

Brave: Focuses on privacy and blocking ads by default. Brave uses traditional browser layout with built-in crypto wallet features. Arc emphasizes workspace organization over privacy features, though both browsers provide secure browsing experiences.

Vivaldi: Another Chromium browser with heavy customization options and tab stacking. Vivaldi offers tab tiling, notes, and extensive settings for power users. Arc simplifies customization with a cleaner interface while Vivaldi provides more granular control over every aspect.

This Arc Review: Final Thoughts

Arc reimagines web browsing in ways that make sense for modern Mac users. The vertical sidebar, spaces, and built-in tools create a browsing experience focused on organization rather than just displaying web pages. This Arc review finds that the browser delivers on its promise of reducing clutter.

The free pricing makes Arc easy to try without commitment. The learning curve exists but pays off once you adapt to the sidebar navigation and space switching. Users who keep many tabs open or work across multiple projects benefit most from Arc's organizational approach.

Arc continues evolving with regular updates. The Browser Company actively listens to feedback and adds requested features. If you feel frustrated with traditional browsers and want something that helps organize your digital workspace, Arc deserves consideration in your Mac setup.

Whether Arc becomes your primary browser depends on your tolerance for different interfaces and your need for organization. The combination of spaces, vertical tabs, and keyboard shortcuts creates efficient workflows for users willing to adapt. This Arc review recommends trying the browser to see if its approach matches your working style.

This app is part of real dock setups

See how the community uses Arc in their workflow

Browse setups with Arc

Pros and Cons

Advantages

Free browser with no subscription required
Vertical tabs and spaces eliminate typical browser clutter
Command bar makes navigation fast for keyboard users
Built-in tools like split view and easels reduce reliance on some extensions
Regular updates add new features based on user feedback

Disadvantages

Learning curve exists because Arc works differently than traditional browsers
Windows version is still maturing with evolving features and stability
Some users prefer traditional horizontal tabs at the top of windows

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Arc cost?

Arc is currently free to use with no publicly available paid tiers or subscriptions. The Browser Company has discussed potential future premium offerings. All current features remain available without payment.

Is Arc better than Chrome?

Arc and Chrome serve different needs. Chrome provides traditional browser experience with extensive extension support and cross-platform availability. Arc focuses on organization through spaces and vertical tabs with built-in productivity tools.

What are the main features of Arc?

Arc provides vertical tabs, spaces for organizing different contexts, split view browsing, boosts for customizing websites, a command bar for keyboard navigation, built-in notes and easels, and automatic tab archiving to reduce clutter.

Does Arc have a free trial?

Arc doesn't need a trial because the browser is free to use. You can download and use all features immediately without payment, subscription, or trial limitations. Simply download from their website and start browsing.

Does Arc sync across devices?

Arc syncs core data like profiles and many settings across supported Mac and Windows installs, though some features and behaviors can differ while the Windows version matures. Arc offers an iOS app on iPhone with evolving feature parity to desktop.

Can I use Arc offline?

Arc works offline for previously loaded pages and cached content. Your spaces, bookmarks, and browser settings remain accessible without internet. New page loads require connection, like any browser, but the interface remains fully functional.

Is Arc easy to use for beginners?

Arc has a learning curve because it abandons traditional browser layout. Beginners need time adjusting to vertical tabs and the sidebar approach. However, the interface uses intuitive design, and most users adapt within a few days of regular use.