Updated September 2026
vs
Arc vs Zen Browser
Short answer
Pick Arc for keyboard-first control, raw speed and built-in AI. Pick Zen Browser for being open source, independence from Big Tech and strong default privacy.
Arc runs on Blink, Zen Browser on Gecko.
| Arc | Zen Browser | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Blink | Gecko |
| License | Proprietary | Open source |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Tracking protection | 0/3 | 2/3 |
| Built-in ad blocking | 0/3 | 1/3 |
| Customization | 1/3 | 2/3 |
| Keyboard control | 2/3 | 1/3 |
| Built-in tools | 2/3 | 2/3 |
| Minimal interface | 1/3 | 2/3 |
| Fresh design | 3/3 | 3/3 |
| Raw speed | 2/3 | 1/3 |
| Battery efficiency | 1/3 | 1/3 |
| Extension ecosystem | 3/3 | 3/3 |
| Cross-device sync | 2/3 | 2/3 |
| Site compatibility | 3/3 | 3/3 |
| Low maintenance | 1/3 | 2/3 |
| Open source | 0/3 | 3/3 |
| Independence | 0/3 | 3/3 |
| Built-in AI | 1/3 | 0/3 |
| Dev tooling | 1/3 | 0/3 |
Scores run 0–3; criteria where both score 0 are left out. How we score.
Arc
The browser that rethought browsing.
Why it shines
- Spaces and profiles were new ideas, and good ones
- Command-bar-driven workflow
- Auto-archiving keeps tabs tidy
Worth knowing
- Maintenance mode: security fixes only, no new features
- Requires an account
- Its future is uncertain
Zen Browser
Calm, beautiful Firefox.
Why it shines
- Gorgeous minimal UI with vertical tabs
- Workspaces and split view built in
- Community mods and themes
- Firefox Sync and extensions work
Worth knowing
- Young, fast-moving project — occasional rough edges
- Compact UI hides things until you learn it
More head to heads
Still torn between Arc and Zen Browser? The quiz ranks both — and 55 others — against what you need.
Take the quiz →