Both Arc and Firefox aim to offer a fast, private, and customizable web browsing experience. As newer entrants in the browser market compete against established giants like Google Chrome, comparisons are inevitable.
This guide will analyze the key features, performance, privacy protections, and overall experience offered by Arc and Firefox to help you determine which browser better suits your needs.
History and Overview
Arc
Arc is a relatively new browser developed by startup The Browser Company. It was first released in April 2022 for macOS and iOS after undergoing closed beta testing.
Key Highlights:
- Founded in 2019 and based in New York City
- Offers a native application for macOS and iOS currently
- A Windows version is in beta testing
- Developed using Apple’s Swift programming language
- Uses Google’s open-source Chromium engine with added customizations
Firefox
Firefox is an open-source browser backed by non-profit Mozilla Foundation and its commercial subsidiary. It has been available since 2002.
Key Highlights:
- Originally launched in 2002
- Uses own Gecko browser engine instead of Chromium
- Available across Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS and Android platforms
- Focus is privacy, customizability, speed, and ethical practices
User Interface and Experience
Design and Layout
A key differentiator for Arc is its unique sidebar-based interface that aims to serve as an “operating system for the web.” Firefox offers a more traditional tabbed browser layout that most users are accustomed to.
Specifically:
- Arc: Vertical sidebar housing tabs, bookmarks, previews. Top shows web content.
- Firefox: Horizontal tab strip. Entire window shows web content.
Customization
Both browsers allow high levels of UI customization like themes, tab management, toolbar options as per user preferences.
Key options:
- Arc: Space-specific themes, sidebar width editing, tab organization
- Firefox: Color themes, add-on based UI changes, flexible toolbar
Features and Productivity
Arc aims for deeper integration with web apps using built-in features likeeasels, notes, and tab previews. Firefox keeps browser and web app functionality separate in the interest of flexibility.
Notable features:
- Arc: Easels, web page cutouts, note-taking, tab previews
- Firefox: Tab organization, screenshot tools, Pocket integration
Performance
Arc offers good performance for everyday browsing, but can sometimes struggle with heavyweight web applications. Firefox provides excellent benchmark speed thanks to its lightweight Gecko engine.
Key metrics:
- Arc: Good real-world speed. Benchmark lags on complex webpages.
- Firefox: Blazing page load times. Leading JavaScript benchmark scores.
Privacy
With data privacy becoming a key factor for many users, Arc and Firefox take differing approaches here:
- Arc blocks some trackers by default but otherwise relies on Google services for core functionality
- Firefox is committed to enabling user privacy across services/vendors through restrictions
Default Privacy Protections
Firefox enables more anti-tracking protections by default including cookie restrictions, fingerprinting prevention, cryptomining blocks etc.
Arc only blocks some types of trackers using a limited shield list. It allows most cookies and tracking by default.
Additional Privacy Options
Both browsers provide added privacy configuration based on user preference:
- Arc: Site-by-site permissions, secure DNS options
- Firefox: Content blocking, cookie settings, ETP strict mode
Dependency on Google Services
A key difference is Arc’s reliance on Google for services like search, stats, authentication etc. Firefox avoids vendor lock-in by using independent alternatives.
Examples:
- Arc: Google Search, Google Sync, Google Sign-In
- Firefox: Independent Search Deals, Lockwise Password Manager
App Ecosystem
The choice of supportive apps and services also varies:
- Arc browser leverages the existing Chrome Web Store ecosystem. This provides easy access to extensions.
- Firefox relies on its own dedicated Add-on store with tens of thousands of privacy-focused extensions.
Extensions and Add-ons
Both browsers support third-party integrations to enhance functionality:
- Arc: Full Chrome Web Store support. Sidebar boosts.
- Firefox: Comprehensive browser add-on availability.
Compatibility and Support
In terms of wider tooling and vendor support:
- Most systems are optimized for Chrome/Chromium where Arc benefits from shared compatibility.
- Some websites still have quirks with Firefox unless restrictions are eased.
Pricing
In terms of monetary costs:
- Arc browser is currently free to use across macOS and iOS. An paid Arc Max tier may be introduced later.
- Firefox browser is entirely free across all platforms. Paid subscription plans focus on standalone VPN and cloud storage services.
Platform and Device Support
Firefox is available on more platforms, while Arc is currently limited to Apple devices:
| Browser | Desktop | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Arc | macOS (Windows beta) | iOS |
| Firefox | Windows, macOS, Linux | iOS, Android |
Based on the OS and devices you need to use, platform support may dictate browser choice.
Security
Both browsers aim to provide robust security against external threats:
- Arc leverages Chromium’s infrastructure for auto-updates with vulnerability fixes.
- Firefox uses its own infrastructure but matches Chrome’s patch release velocity.
Vulnerability Handling
On vulnerability response:
- Arc matches Chrome’s process for checking, validating and patching bugs.
- Firefox also promptly fixes publicly disclosed threats, aided by its bug bounty program.
Key metrics like days-to-patch are comparable across both.
Sandboxing and Process Isolation
Regarding exploit prevention:
- Arc inherits Chromium’s robust multi-process architecture that limits browser tab access.
- Firefox also implements rigorous sandboxing but has faced prior bypass incidents.
Updates and Upkeep
For software maintenance:
- Arc automatically updates Chromium in the background like other Chromium browsers.
- Firefox manages its own update process across platforms and also updates Gecko engine components.
Developer Experience
Both Arc and Firefox cater to developers needing browser-based tools:
- Arc provides easy access to Chrome DevTools for inspecting page elements, debugging JavaScript etc.
- Firefox has its own mature suite of web developer tools including Inspector, Debugger, Network Monitor etc.
Native Inspector Tools
In terms of built-in options:
- Arc: Chromium DevTools available via sidebar shortcut
- Firefox: Firefox Developer Tools with dockable UI
Extensions and Power User Features
Some key power user configurations:
- Arc: Dev mode, console access, local overrides
- Firefox: Browser Toolbox for low-level debugging, userChrome custom CSS
Third-party extensions are also abundantly available for both.
Compatibility and Support
For testing purposes:
- Arc’s Chromium foundation offers better multi-browser parity for sites optimized with WebKit/Blink.
- Firefox may require additional CSS/JS tweaks for layouts designed against Chrome.
Strengths and Weaknesses
To summarize the pros and cons of each browser:
Arc Browser
Pros:
- Unique sidebar-based interface
- Deep system integration and productivity tools
- Full Chrome extension support
- Great for macOS ecosystem users
Cons:
- Proprietary software with dependency on Google services
- Limited default privacy safeguards
- Only available on Mac and iOS currently
Firefox Browser
Pros:
- Powerful default privacy protection
- Leading performance benchmarks
- Completely free and open source
- Broad platform and device support
Cons:
- Conventional interface less distinctive relative to peers
- Some compatibility quirks still exist on certain sites
- Not integrated with system functionality like Arc
Which Browser is Better for You?
Neither Arc nor Firefox can claim to be objectively “better” overall. The right browser depends entirely on user priorities:
- Arc is better for those wanting deep macOS/iOS integration, unique interface approaches, built-in productivity tools.
- Firefox is better for those prioritizing cross-platform availability, stringent privacy safeguards, open ecosystem independence.
For the average user wanting broad site compatibility and support, Chrome/Microsoft Edge remain strong choices as well. But for Apple device owners wanting a seamless customized experience, Arc fills that niche nicely.
Those looking to minimize vendor dependency risks and data sharing can rely on Firefox across OS combinations with peace of mind.
Of course, enthusiasts can easily use both Firefox and Arc side-by-side to enjoy the best of both worlds!
The Bottom Line
- Arc brings differentiation through its UI approach and rich feature integrations spanning note-taking, tab management etc. tailored for the Apple ecosystem.
- Firefox delivers exceptional, ethical standards through stringent privacy, leading performance, and supporting full configuration control.
This guide covers some key considerations helping evaluate where Arc browser and Firefox browser excel or have room for improvement. Determine priorities around interface needs, ecosystem availability, content functionality, and data practices. Weigh these factors against respective strengths to pick the right solution fitting your browser needs!
