Arc is a new, independent browser created by a startup, The Browser Company. Chromium, on the other hand, is the open-source browser project developed by Google that powers Chrome. On the surface, Arc and Chromium share some similarities since Arc is built on top of the Chromium codebase. But there are also key differences that make each browser unique.
This comprehensive guide will compare Arc and Chromium across 10 factors: speed, privacy, design, features, extensions, platform support, open source, customization, accessibility, and mobile experience. By the end, you’ll have all the information needed to decide whether Arc or Chromium is the better browser for you.
Speed
Speed is essential for any modern web browser. Faster browsers allow you to search the web, load pages, and stream video with less lag and fewer frustrations. There are a few key metrics that determine a browser’s speed.
Page Load Time
Arc and Chromium offer comparable page load times. Independent testing indicates Arc and Chrome (built on Chromium) load most pages within milliseconds of each other. That said, Arc has made speed a development priority and implemented tab suspension to free up system resources, which could give it a slight edge in certain use cases.
Javascript Execution
Chromium has faster Javascript execution according to benchmark tests. This can translate into smoother webpage interactions and faster loading of interactive elements.
UI Responsiveness
Arc aims to optimize UI responsiveness through its lightweight sidebar interface whereas Chromium offers a traditional tabbed browser UI. In real-world use, Arc generally feels snappier when opening new tabs, switching tabs, and other frequent actions.
Privacy
Privacy has become a major point of differentiation among modern browsers. Private browsing prevents tracking of your searches, site visits, and other activity.
Private Browsing Mode
Both Arc and Chromium offer private browsing via Incognito (Chrome) and Incognito (Arc). Logs, cookies, and site data are deleted after each session for private browsing windows in both browsers.
Built-in Tracking Protection
Arc blocks third-party tracking by default whereas Chromium does not. For example, Arc prevents Google Analytics scripts from running in the background as you browse between sites. You need to install extensions like uBlock Origin to block tracking in Chromium.
Other Privacy Protections
Arc is designed to minimize data collection and doesn’t require you to sign-in to use the browser. Chromium, on the other hand, syncs your browsing activity across devices when logged into a Google account by default.
Design
The look, feel, and workflow of a browser has a major impact on the overall user experience. Arc and Chromium take different approaches when it comes to design.
Interface Layout
Arc uses a vertical sidebar for tabs whereas Chromium sticks with the traditional tab strip at the top. The unique sidebar makes it easier to scan all your open tabs at a glance in Arc.
Customization Options
Arc offers extensive visual customization, including different color themes and layout options for the sidebar. Chromium’s design remains fairly consistent across the board with limited customizability.
Overall Aesthetic
Arc’s design places heavy emphasis on aesthetics, featuring vibrant colors, playful illustrations, and subtle animations when browsing. The Chromium UI is more minimalist by comparison.
Features
The core functionality of Arc and Chromium is quite similar given their shared codebase. But Arc does include some unique features not found in Chromium.
Built-In Tools
Arc has custom tools like Easel for design and Arc Notes for jotting down thoughts. These tools aim to make Arc an all-in-one creative hub rather than just a browser.
Workspace Management
Arc encourages dividing your browser real estate into Spaces for different parts of your online life. Chromium relies on traditional bookmarks and tabs for workspace management.
Developer Features
Chromium offers more robust developer tools and extension support. Its DevTools are more full-featured compared to Arc’s still-evolving options.
Extensions
Extensions let you add functionality to your browser for greater productivity and customization.
Catalog Size
Chromium has a vastly larger extension marketplace given Chrome’s dominance. The Chrome Web Store has over 200,000 extensions compared to just a few hundred for Arc.
Extension Support
Both support Chrome extensions since they are both Chromium-based. However, some extensions may not function properly or officially support the newer Arc browser.
Native Extensions
Arc does not currently offer first-party extensions whereas Google builds extensions just for Chromium like Google Translate and Password Checkup.
Platform Support
The operating systems and devices supported by a browser determine where you can use it.
Desktop Platforms
Chromium is available across Windows, macOS, and Linux whereas Arc currently only supports macOS and Windows (beta).
Mobile Platforms
There are Chromium Android and iOS apps but Arc is only available on iOS. No Arc app exists for Android currently.
Chromebooks
Obviously, Chromium powers Chromebooks as Google’s flagship computing platform. Arc does not run on Chromebooks.
Open Source
Some browsers are developed as open source projects that anyone can view and contribute to.
Codebase
Chromium is open source whereas Arc’s code is proprietary and closed-source.
Development
Chromium accepts contributions from volunteers and benefits from a community of open source developers. Arc’s roadmap is controlled entirely by The Browser Company.
Auditability
Chromium’s open source code can be inspected for transparency and security auditing. Arc’s codebase cannot be independently vetted or modified.
Customization
The ability to tweak a browser’s appearance and functionality is important for power users.
Visual Customization
Arc offers far more customization over the look of the browser with different sidebar layouts, themes, and unique animations. Chromium theming is limited to basic color changes.
Shortcut Customization
Both allow remapping of keyboard shortcuts. For example, you could change the shortcut for opening a new tab in both browsers.
Source Code Editing
Chromium source code can be forked and modified whereas Arc’s cannot due to its closed-source license.
Accessibility
Making browsers accessible to those with disabilities is extremely important.
Assistive Capabilities
Chromium generally offers more robust accessibility features like screen reader support, text magnification, and highlight options. These are still limited in Arc as a newer browser.
A11Y Testing
Google thoroughly tests Chromium for conformance with web accessibility standards and guidelines. Arc’s accessibility has not been independently evaluated.
Configurable User Experience
Arc enables greater UI flexibility by letting users position the sidebar on the right or left side. Chromium lacks comparable options.
Mobile Experience
Many users access the web on both desktop and mobile devices.
Cross-Device Synchronization
Chromium syncs open tabs, bookmarks, passwords, and more across mobile and desktop when logged into a Google account. Arc’s cross-device sync is more limited.
Mobile Apps
There are robust Chromium apps for both Android and iOS. Only an iOS app currently exists for Arc.
Mobile App Features
Chromium’s mobile apps offer strong feature parity with the desktop browser. Arc’s mobile experience is not as fully fleshed out yet.
Detailed Comparison
Now let’s take a deeper, more detailed look at how Arc and Chromium compare across the key factors for any modern web browser.
Speed
Speed is among the most important considerations since no one wants to wait around for pages to load. Let’s break down the metrics for evaluating browser speed.
Page Load Time
Page load time measures how quickly a browser can display the contents of webpage after you click a link or enter a URL. Independent testing indicates Arc and Chrome load most pages within just a few milliseconds of each other. Here are some typical load times for popular sites:
| Website | Arc (secs) | Chrome (secs) |
|---|---|---|
| Wikipedia | 1.59 | 1.61 |
| Amazon | 2.43 | 2.41 |
| YouTube | 2.12 | 2.11 |
| 0.97 | 1.01 |
In most common usage scenarios, the difference in load times between Arc and Chrome will be imperceptible. However, Arc developers have made optimizing speed a high priority. For example, they use tab suspension to freeze background tabs and free up system resources for better performance. This could give Arc a slight edge when juggling many open tabs.
Javascript Processing Speed
Javascript powers interactive elements of modern websites. Benchmark tests indicate Chromium executes Javascript faster than Arc:
| Benchmark | Arc | Chrome |
|---|---|---|
| Speedometer 2.0 | 59.6 | 92.3 |
| MotionMark 1.2 | 113.6 | 166.7 |
| JetStream 2 | 111.3 | 124.3 |
Keep in mind Chrome has over a decade of performance optimization behind it while Arc is still a newer browser. But Chromium’s faster Javascript processing should enable smoother loading and interaction with complex web apps.
UI Responsiveness
A browser’s interface should feel snappy when performing common actions like opening tabs, switching between tabs, and typing into the address bar. Here Chromium and Arc diverge significantly in their UI approach.
Chromium uses the traditional tab strip interface where all tabs are displayed horizontally at the top of the window. In contrast, Arc consolidates tabs into a vertical sidebar with frequently used tabs pinned at the top.
In practice, Arc’s sidebar interface keeps the most relevant tabs within easier view and reach. Testers generally report Arc feeling slightly quicker when navigating between tabs and windows. The sidebar prevents tedious tab scrolling when juggling many open tabs.
Privacy
Privacy has become a key point of differentiation among modern browsers. Let’s explore the various protections each browser offers.
Private Browsing Mode
Both Arc and Chromium offer private browsing modes to prevent tracking user behavior:
- Incognito Mode – Chrome’s private browsing prevents logging of history, cookies, site data, and information entered in forms. No trace of your activity is left on the device once the Incognito window is closed.
- Incognito Windows – Similarly, Arc’s Incognito Windows do not save any information like search history, downloads, cookies or site data. An Incognito badge appears at the top of the window.
In essence, Incognito and Incognito deliver equivalent privacy benefits. BothModes clear all private browsing traces after the session ends.
Built-in Tracking Protection
Third-party tracking scripts constantly run in the background as you browse different sites. Arc and Chromium take opposite approaches here:
- Arc blocks trackers by default – No extension is needed to prevent common tracking techniques like browser fingerprinting and cross-site data collection.
- Chromium allows most tracking – You need to manually install an ad blocker extension like uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger to block tracking scripts in Chromium. Trackers are not blocked out of the box.
So Arc provides stronger anti-tracking protections immediately without any configuration needed. Chromium leaves you more exposed unless extensions are added.
Other Privacy Measures
There are a few other important privacy considerations:
- Sign-In Requirement – Arc does not require signing in to an account for basic browsing. But Chromium syncs your browsing data across devices when logged into Google.
- Data Collection – Arc aims to collect as little user data as possible. Chromium sends usage statistics and crash reports to Google by default.
- Source Code – As open source, Chromium’s code can be audited for privacy risks. Arc’s proprietary source code cannot be independently inspected.
So in general, Arc appears designed to minimize data collection and take a privacy-first approach. Chromium trades some privacy for Google account integration.
Design
The look, feel, and workflow of a browser greatly impacts the overall user experience. Arc and Chromium stake out very different territory when it comes to design.
Interface Layout
One of Arc’s signature design elements is consolidating all open tabs into a vertical sidebar. Tabs no longer take up horizontal space at the top of the window. This layout offers several benefits:
- All open tabs are visible at a glance in a single scrollable list
- The full page width is dedicated to web content rather than tab Chrome
- Frequently used pinned tabs remain visible on the side for quick access
- More vertical space reduces excessive tab scrolling
Meanwhile, Chromium sticks with the traditional tab strip layout that has been the norm for decades. So you must scan multiple rows of horizontal tabs if you have many pages open.
Customization
Arc heavily emphasizes aesthetic customization for the sidebar and other interface elements. You can:
- Toggle between horizontal and vertical tab layouts
- Change sidebar position (left or right side)
- Pick custom sidebar colors or gradient themes
- Set custom sidebar width by expanding/collapsing
- Apply custom themes and icons to individual Spaces (tab groups)
This level of customizability sets Arc apart. In contrast, Chromium only supports basic theme colors and Background customization through extensions.
Visual Design
Arc’s overall visual design sensibilities differentiate it from other browsers. Interface elements embrace:
- Vibrant Colors – The default themes utilize bright, saturated hues that give Arc energy compared to Chromium’s muted palette.
- Playful Illustrations – Whimsical but tasteful illustrations accompany onboarding flows and help documentation.
- Motion Effects – Interface elements have smooth transition animations when taking actions like opening the sidebar.
Combined, these design traits make Arc feels more lively and engaging versus the pared-back aesthetic of Chromium.
Features
Being built on the same Chromium codebase means Arc and Chromium share similar core browser capabilities. However, Arc does introduce some unique features.
Built-in Tools
Arc integrates custom tools directly into the browsing experience:
- Arc Notes – Quickly jot down notes that sync across devices.
- Easel – Visual workspace for collecting inspiration and designs.
- Camera – One-click webpage screenshots that can be instantly edited and shared.
These tools aim to make Arc an all-in-one hub for both browsing and creative work. Chromium lacks comparable built-ins.
Workspace Management
Arc encourages dividing your digital life into Spaces where each Space contains relevant tabs for a specific purpose like Work, Shopping, Travel, etc. This allows better tab organization since related tabs are clustered logically.
Chromium relies on traditional bookmark folders and open tabs for workspace management. Related tabs end up disorganized across different windows.
Developer Tools
As a long-established open source browser, Chromium offers extremely full-featured DevTools for web developers. Key examples include:
- Responsive testing across simulated device sizes
- Network request inspection and throttling
- Javascript debugging and live editing
- Lighthouse auditing and performance profiling
- Workspace snapshots to save/restore state
Arc provides Developer Mode to enable its early DevTools but they currently lack the sophistication of Chromium’s tools.
Extensions
One of Chromium’s key advantages is its vast ecosystem of extensions for customizing and enhancing the browsing experience.
Catalog Size
The Chrome Web Store provides access to over 200,000 extensions for Chromium. In contrast, Arc only has a few hundred extensions available today.
| Browser | Extensions |
|---|---|
| Chromium | 200,000+ |
| Arc | 400+ |
This massive difference stems from Chrome’s decade-long dominance. Arc’s catalog is still emerging so many familiar extensions are currently missing.
Extension Support
Developers can make Chromium and Arc extensions compatible using the same Chromium APIs and manifest keys since Arc is based on Chromium under the hood.
However, each extension would still need to be explicitly packaged and listed for Arc. So just because an extension works on Chrome does not guarantee out-of-the-box support on Arc.
First-Party Extensions
Google builds proprietary extensions designed specifically for Chromium such as:
- Google Translate – Instant webpage translation
- Password Checkup – Checks for compromised credentials
- Google Docs Offline – Enables offline document access
Arc currently has no comparable first-party extensions designed exclusively for it.
Platform Support
Let’s examine what devices and operating systems are compatible with each browser.
Desktop Platforms
Arc only supports macOS and Windows currently. In contrast, Chromium is available on the three major desktop platforms:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
Linux support gives Chromium better reach across programmers and developers heavily represented on that platform.
Mobile Platforms
There are official Chromium browser apps for both major mobile operating systems:
- Android – Chrome for Android with full syncing and feature parity to desktop
- iOS – Chrome for iOS with extension support and desktop syncing
Arc is only available on iOS currently. There is no Arc app for Android devices as of early 2023.
Chromebooks & Chrome OS
Obviously, Chromium is the default browser bundled on Chrome OS devices like Chromebooks and Chromeboxes. These represent an entire hardware category only accessible to Chromium, not Arc.
Open Source
Some key differences arise from Arc’s closed-source code versus Chromium’s open source model.
Codebase
The core Chromium browser is developed as an open source project. Anyone can inspect, modify, and distribute the code under an OSI-approved BSD license.
In contrast, Arc’s source code is proprietary and not publicly accessible. Only The Browser Company developers can view or modify it behind closed doors.
Development
Chromium benefits from community development with external contributors creating new features and patches. The project had over 1,000 unique code contributors in recent years.
As closed source, only The Browser Company team can shape Arc’s roadmap and development. The process occurs fully internally rather than out in the open.
Transparency
Being open source enables complete transparency and auditability. Security researchers can inspect Chromium’s codebase for vulnerabilities and backdoors.
Arc’s closed-source model means its code cannot be independently vetted for risks. Users must trust The Browser Company’s internal security practices.
Customization
Personalizing your browser with custom tweaks and workflows is valuable for power users. Here Arc excels compared to Chromium.
Aesthetic Customization
As discussed in the Design section, Arc provides multiple options for customizing the visual experience:
- Themes for sidebar, menus, buttons, etc.
- Gradient color options
- Adjustable sidebar width
- Per-Space icons and artwork
- Animations and transitions
These personalization options are largely absent from Chromium other than basic color theming.
Shortcut Customization
Both browsers allow users to remap default keyboard shortcuts:
- Arc – Remap shortcuts in Settings > Shortcuts
- Chromium – Edit shortcuts in Settings > Advanced > Shortcuts
For example, you could change the new tab shortcut or tab switching order in both browsers.
Underlying Code
With Chromium’s open source license, developers can fully customize the underlying codebase by forking or modifying it.
Arc’s proprietary source cannot be reshaped at such a fundamental level. You’re limited to only frontend customization options exposed explicitly by The Browser Company.
Accessibility
Responsibly supporting those with disabilities is crucial for any software. This is one area where Arc lags behind Chromium currently.
Native Accessibility Features
Chromium ships with robust built-in assistive capabilities like:
- Screen reader support (ChromeVox)
- Text scaling and magnification
- High contrast modes
- Focus highlighting options
- Keyboard navigation shortcuts
Arc only provides a handful of accessibility options today. Its assistive features still require significant development.
Conformance Testing
Google thoroughly tests Chromium for compliance with published accessibility standards and guidelines:
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
- Apple Accessibility Guidelines
- Android Accessibility Guidelines
There is no evidence Arc has undergone comparable third-party accessibility testing and certification yet.
Flexible UI
Arc’s sidebar does offer helpful flexibility for certain users. Those with motion disorders benefit from preventing horizontal tab scrolling triggers. And the sidebar can be positioned on the right or left side of the screen.
Mobile Experience
Many users access the web across both desktop machines and mobile devices. The synchronization and mobility experience is worth comparing.
Cross-Device Syncing
When logged into a Google account, Chromium syncs browsing data across devices out of the box:
- Open tabs
- Bookmarks
- Browsing history
- Passwords
- Address form auto-fill
- Extensions
Arc’s cross-device sync is more limited even with a browser account. It focuses mainly on syncing sidebar tabs rather than browsing history.
Mobile Apps
There are dedicated Chromium browser apps for both major mobile operating systems:
- Android – Chrome for Android with full feature parity
- iOS – Chrome for iOS with extension support
For Arc, only an iOS mobile app currently exists. Android users cannot access Arc on the go.
App Capabilities
Chrome for Android and iOS closely replicate the desktop browsing experience with access to:
- Bookmarks
- Synced tabs
- Passwords
- Search engine choice
- Browser history
Arc’s iOS app is more pared down as a companion sidebar rather than full-fledged browser replacement. Key limitations include:
- No support for extensions
- No bookmarks integration
- Cannot set default search engine
- Lacks browsing history outside app
The Bottom Line
Chromium is better for:
- Software developers and power users
- Those who need niche extensions
- Linux users
- Android mobile users
- Tight desktop/mobile syncing
Arc is better for:
- Mac users who want OS integration
- Visually customizable workflows
- Enhanced creative capabilities
- Protecting privacy
- Everyday users who just want a fast, modern browser
In the end, neither browser is objectively “better” overall. The right choice depends on your specific browsing habits, device ecosystem, OS preferences, and feature needs.
Both Arc and Chromium are excellent modern browsers built on the same technology foundation. Try them each out across the factors that matter most to your browsing experience before deciding which to make your daily driver.
