Both Arc browser and Chrome OS aim to provide an efficient browsing experience and integrate web apps into the operating system. However, they have some key differences.
Arc browser is a new web browser developed by The Browser Company, founded in 2019. It runs on macOS, iOS, and Windows and is based on the Chromium engine. Arc browser focuses on customizability through features like Boosts, Easels, and Profiles while providing access to Chrome extensions and sync.
Chrome OS is Google’s operating system built around the Chrome browser. It runs on Chromebooks and chromeboxes and provides deep integration with Google’s suite of web services. The focus is on speed, simplicity, and security.
UI and Design
A key difference is Arc browser’s more customizable UI, including the option for vertical tabs, space themes, and cosmetic changes to sites with Boosts. Chrome OS provides a minimal interface focused on the web.
Arc Browser
- Sidebar with vertical tabs for pinned sites, favorites, and explore section
- Spaces to organize groups of tabs with separate themes/logins
- Boosts allow custom styling overrides per site with CSS/JavaScript
- Easels for collecting screenshots, notes, and links
- Customizable sidebar width and themes
Chrome OS
- Tab strip at the top shows open tabs
- Minimal UI keeps focus on web content
- Customization limited to wallpapers and theme colors
Features and Capabilities
Arc offers more features for power users while Chrome OS focuses on simplicity and speed.
Arc Browser
- Support for Chrome extensions and account sync
- Integrated notes, media playback control, downloads manager
- Split view for viewing tabs side-by-side
- Picture-in-picture video
- Preview web apps by hovering pinned tabs
- Capture screenshots and snippets into Easels
Chrome OS
- Instant access to web apps and Google services
- Fast performance with low overhead
- Split screen for viewing two windows
- Printing, scanning, Google Assistant built-in
- Linux app support (beta)
- Android app support
Privacy and Security
Arc browser provides more control over privacy settings, while Chrome OS defaults to sending usage data to Google.
Arc Browser
- Does not track search/browsing data
- Built-in ad blocker
- Spaces isolate cookies/history
- Fine-grained site permissions
- Based on the open-source Chromium engine
Chrome OS
- Syncs browsing data with Google account
- No built-in ad blocking
- Secure from malware with verified boot
- Encrypts data by default
- Automatic updates directly from Google
Platforms and Devices
A key difference is Arc runs on more platforms, including macOS, Windows, and iOS, while Chrome OS only runs on Chromebooks and Chromeboxes.
Arc Browser
- macOS (Intel and Apple silicon)
- Windows
- iOS companion app
Chrome OS
- Chromebooks from various manufacturers
- Chromeboxes
Performance
Chrome OS offers better performance given its tight integration and optimization for lower overhead devices.
Arc Browser
- Performance depends on host hardware capabilities
- Battery use comparable to other Chromium browsers
- Some reports of high CPU usage
Chrome OS
- Fast boot time around 5-15 seconds
- Optimized for web browsing with lower overhead
- Handles demanding web apps better
Ecosystem and Services
A key difference is Chrome OS offers tight integration with Google’s ecosystem, while Arc focuses on customizing the browsing experience itself.
Arc Browser
- Chromium extension ecosystem
- Access all standard web services
- Share Arc Boosts, Easels, and Spaces
- Account required to save data
Chrome OS
- Deep Google integration including sync, search, Gmail, etc.
- Seamless access to Google Drive and Chrome Web Store
- Supports select Android and Linux apps
- Works offline with some Google Docs features
Use Cases and Target Users
Chrome OS is targeted at more mainstream web users, while Arc appeals more to power users who want to customize their browser.
Arc Browser Use Cases
- Power users who extensively use web apps
- People who want to organize many web tools in one place
- Designers and creatives using tools like Figma
- Research, analysis with split screen
- Those looking to customize aesthetics and workflows
Chrome OS Use Cases
- Students and basic web browsing
- Business users focused on G Suite apps
- Minimalists who want distraction free computing
- Use with Chromecast or Google Home
- Travelers who need something lightweight
Pricing Models
Chrome OS offers more affordable hardware since devices run Chrome OS only, while Arc runs on standard PCs and Macs.
| Arc Browser | Chrome OS |
|---|---|
| Free download for macOS, Windows, iOS | Pre-installed on Chromebook hardware ($150+) |
| Requires purchasing a computer separately | Total cost can be cheaper than general laptop |
Some key things to compare:
- Chromebooks can start around $150 USD for simple models
- High end Macs and PCs can cost $1000+
- But Macs/PCs run more software beyond web browsers
- Arc browser does not have its own hardware costs
Release History
Arc is a newer product that is rapidly evolving while Chrome OS has over 10 years in the market.
Arc Browser History
- First released April 2022 after beta testing
- Developed by startup The Browser Company
- Originally macOS only, expanded to Windows/iOS
- Gets weekly updates with new features
Chrome OS History
- Launched 2011, based on Linux and Chromium
- Chromebooks released June 2011 by Samsung, Acer
- Now popular in education and enterprise markets
- Gets updated every 6 weeks by Google
Developer Support
Chrome OS is more limited for developers because of hardware and OS restrictions, while developers have native access on Arc browser.
Arc Browser
- Based on Chromium like Chrome so similar tools
- Dev mode and dev tools fully accessible
- Extensions use familiar Chrome model
- Boosts allow deep customization of sites
- Can access full hardware capabilities
Chrome OS
- Limited native hardware access
- Support for Android/Linux apps in beta
- Chrome apps and extensions work
- Remote Desktop possible to other machines
- Most testing requires Chromebook hardware
Business and Enterprise Support
Chrome OS offers more managed device capabilities for large organizations. Arc browser does not have enterprise device management features.
Arc Browser
- Spaces allow separating work and personal browsing
- No endpoint management or distribution options
- Can use alongside existing device management software
- Easy to deploy extensions to customize sites
Chrome OS
- Native admin console through Google Workspace
- Manage user/device policies remotely
- Suite of education-focused features
- Single-app kiosk mode available
- Centralized reporting and asset tracking
What’s the Difference Between Google Chrome and Chrome OS?
Google Chrome is a popular web browser developed by Google that runs web apps and sites. Chrome OS is an operating system created by Google that runs on Chromebooks, low-powered laptops built around the Chrome browser.
While both leverage the Chrome browser, Google Chrome is an application that runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android operating systems. It focuses purely on browsing the web and running web applications.
In contrast, Chrome OS is its own dedicated operating system optimized specifically for cloud computing and the web. Chromebooks boot directly into the Chrome browser with limited options for other software. The user interface is streamlined for simplicity.
Conclusion
In summary, Chrome OS offers simpler and leaner hardware focused on cloud services, while Arc browser provides more customization and features for power users.
For those wanting a seamless Google ecosystem experience, Chrome OS is a good choice. Families and students may also appreciate the affordable and easy to manage devices.
However, macOS and Windows give Arc browser far more flexibility across platforms. The ability to Boost sites, use Easels, and manage multiple Spaces makes it compelling for productivity.
Neither option is inherently better, but serves different audiences and use cases. Understanding the strengths of each can help consumers pick the right choice for their needs.
