Arc Browser Vs. Opera: Which Browser is Better?

Finding the right web browser that fits your needs and preferences can be challenging with so many options available today. Two browsers that offer unique features and customization are Arc and Opera.

Arc is a relatively new browser developed by The Browser Company, founded in 2019. It aims to reinvent web browsing by integrating built-in apps and workspace-style functionality. Opera has been around since the 1990s and is known for being fast and lightweight with features like a built-in VPN.

This guide will compare Arc and Opera across several categories to help you decide which browser is the better choice for your needs.

Interface and Design

The interface and design of a browser can greatly impact the overall user experience.

Arc

• Uses a unique vertical sidebar to house all browser functions like tabs, search bar, bookmarks
• Sidebar can be collapsed, narrowed or expanded
• Minimalist, clutter-free design
• Tabs appear within the sidebar rather than horizontally on top
• Customizable “Space” themes and icons

Opera

• Standard tabbed interface with horizontal row of tabs on top
• Tab bar and toolbar can be switched to vertical orientation on the side
• Customizable with different skins and themes
• Built-in Messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Telegram features
• Option for picture-in-picture video popout

Features and Productivity

The features and extra tools a browser offers can greatly boost productivity.

Arc

• Built-in note taking, capturing and Easel workspace
• Split view to view multiple sites simultaneously
• Workspaces called “Spaces” to separate tabs
• Preview panels for apps like Gmail, Slack, Calendar
• AI assistive features like text summary
• Tab suspension to improve performance
• Customizable keyboard shortcuts

Opera

• Built-in ad blocker
• Built-in VPN
• Built-in messengers and social media
• Video popout picture-in-picture
• Tab preview bar
• Split screen view
• Personal news reader powered by Google

Privacy and Security

Privacy protections and security features are critical evaluation criteria for any browser.

Arc

• Blocks some analytics/tracking by default
• Does not track search or browsing data
• Easy cookie clearing per tab
• No need to sign in to browser itself
• Available on Mac, iOS, Windows

Opera

• Free built-in VPN to mask IP address
• Ad blocker blocks trackers
• Enhanced tracker blocker in privacy settings
• Secure core browser based on Chromium
• Available across Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux

Speed and Performance

Speed and smooth performance are essential for a good user experience.

Arc

• Very fast tab loading
• Quick sidebar navigation
• Minimal performance impact with multiple tabs
• CPU/RAM optimization features like tab suspension

Opera

• Consistently fast page loading
• Very responsive and smooth
• Lower memory usage compared to Chrome or Firefox
• Built-in ad blocking improves speed
• Battery saver mode

Compatibility and Extensions

The ability to use extensions and compatibility with websites is key.

Arc

• Full compatibility with Chrome extensions
• Limited extension support on mobile
• Very high website compatibility as based on Chromium
• Mobile apps for iOS and Windows only currently

Opera

• Compatibility with Chrome extensions
• Mobile apps for Android and iOS
• High website compatibility
• Browser available across many platforms

Searching Capabilities

How easily users can search the web is a vital aspect for browsers.

Arc

• Omnibox with auto-suggestions
• Support for multiple default search engines
• Integrated access to search engines in sidebar
• CMD+T command bar for actions including search
• On-page text search capability

Opera

• Omnibox with search suggestions
• Multiple search engine options
• Dedicated search bar
• Find in page ability
• Search engine manager

Customization Options

The ability to tailor the browser’s look and functionality is important for many users.

Arc

• Highly customizable sidebar with different collapse states
• Unique space themes change visual styling
• Flexible tab organization with nested folders
• Remappable keyboard shortcuts
• Hideable UI elements like toolbar

Opera

• Changeable skins to alter look
• Color themes adjust interface color scheme
• Optional layouts like vertical tab bar
• Adjustable toolbars and menus
• Shortcut customization options

Workflow Integration

Integration with other apps and workflows improves productivity.

Arc

• Deep Gmail, Calendar, Slack integration
• Built-in notes and easel workspace
• Library section for downloads management
• Capture screenshots to notes
• AppleScript API for custom automations

Opera

• Access social networks in sidebar
• Seamless WhatsApp and messenger integration
• Syncs open browsing tabs across devices
• Clone tab to duplicate workflow
• Pinboards to collect project content

Developer Features

Specialized features tailored for developers and programming work are a key consideration.

Arc

• Built-in developer tools based on Chromium
• Customizable keyboard shortcuts
• Support for Chrome extensions improves workflows

Opera

• Drag-to-inspect element tool
• Access Chrome’s DevTools
• Device mode for responsive testing
• Browser emulator for cross-browser testing
• Built-in cookie editor

Mobile App Features

The functionality offered on the mobile versions are important to evaluate as well.

Arc

• iOS app with sidebar and spaces
• Syncs open browser tabs with desktop
• Limited Chrome extension support
• No Android app currently available

Opera

• Apps for both iOS and Android
• Syncs open tabs between mobile and desktop
• Access mobile messengers and social networks
• Free built-in mobile VPN
• Ad blocking capability
• Night mode

Browser Extensibility

The ability to add extra features via extensions is valuable for many users.

Arc

• Full support for Chrome extensions
• Extension store access built into browser
• Certain extensions like ad blockers preinstalled

Opera

• Compatibility with most Chrome extensions
• Easy extension enabling through settings
• Extensions downloadable from Chrome Web Store
• Select popular extensions preinstalled

Browser Syncing

Syncing bookmarks, history and other data across devices is table stakes for modern browsers.

Arc

• Syncs open tabs across desktop and iOS
• Bookmarks syncing available
• Partial support for History, Password and Autofill sync

Opera

• Syncs open browsing tabs across mobile and desktop
• Bookmarks syncing across platforms
• Partial sync for passwords, speed dials, settings

Visual Customization

The ability to tailor the visual appearance is important to many users.

Arc

• Unique space themes allow extensive custom styling
• Changeable sidebar and tab icons
• Default light and dark mode options
• Customizable background colors

Opera

• Changeable skins alter look substantially
• Color themes adjust overall color scheme
• Dark mode support
• Wallpaper customization
• Adjustable background color

Battery and Resource Usage

Optimized browsers conserve device battery life and resources.

Arc

• Tab suspension frees up system resources
• Performance optimization for filesystem access
• Minimal background processes

Opera

• Lower CPU and RAM usage than leading browsers
• Battery saver mode reduces resource drain
• Ad blocking improves battery life
• Suspends less active tabs

Stability and Reliability

Consistent stability and reliability are expected from quality browsers.

Arc

• Reliability still a work in progress
• Some users report occasional crashes
• Generally smooth browsing experience

Opera

• Proven very reliable over decades
• Low crash rates compared to competitors
• Trusted base from Chromium improves stability

Learning Curve

An easy-to-use browser allows users to be productive faster.

Arc

• Radically new sidebar takes adjustment
• Workspaces concept requires learning
• Improving user onboarding and help guides

Opera

• Intuitive interface familiar to most users
• Shallow learning curve
• Onboarding tour available

Customer Support

Knowledgeable and responsive customer support is key.

Arc

• Integrated chat support and help center
• Small company resources limit scalability
• Very engaged social community provides assistance

Opera

• Established community support resources
• Company offers customer service across channels
• Extensive help documentation

The Bottom Line

In summary, both Arc and Opera are excellent modern browsers with their own standout features.

Arc shines with its innovative interface and built-in productivity features. It offers a fresh take on browsing that fully utilizes the sidebar. The collaborative Spaces, Split View and integrations make it great for work. Downsides are its limited platform availability and cost for full-featured Pro version.

Opera excels in speed, compatibility across devices, and privacy protections like the free VPN. The ability to access messengers and social networks within the browser is convenient. However, the interface may feel dated to some users. And the free version has ads.

For productivity-focused browsing and a unique modern interface, Arc is likely the better choice. But for a seasoned browser available across all platforms that prioritizes speed and privacy, Opera still holds its own.

Consider your most important criteria and how you primarily browse to decide which browser best suits your needs.