TL;DR: Arc is brilliant but its future feels uncertain, so I’m moving to Zen Browser, a Firefox-based alternative.
Why I’m Leaving Arc: The Browser That Redefined My Web Experience (But Might Be Losing Its Way)
At the end of 2022, I made a pivotal change in my digital habits: I left Google Chrome for Arc Browser. Arc wasn’t just a new browser—it was a breath of fresh air in a landscape dominated by stagnant design and functionality. For a while, it felt like the future of web navigation was unfolding right before me. But now, as 2025 begins, I find myself reconsidering my choice, not because Arc isn’t great, but because its future feels uncertain.
Arc: A Revolutionary Browser (with an Uncertain Future)
Arc was a game-changer. Its minimalist design, innovative tab management, and workspace features completely transformed how I navigated the web, both personally and professionally. As a test analyst and manager, it allowed me to streamline workflows and bring structure to my chaotic days. But as innovative as Arc is, recent developments make me wonder if The Browser Company is fully committed to its future.
With the company’s pivot towards a new project, Dia, Arc seems to have been placed on the backburner. While updates still roll out, they’re mostly maintenance and stability fixes. Promises of exciting new features have taken a backseat, replaced by the ambiguous allure of “AI-driven navigation” through Dia.
Why AI-Driven Browsing Feels Like a Gimmick
Don’t get me wrong—AI is powerful and transformative. But do we really need it in our browsers? The integration of AI features in Arc, like tab renaming and content summaries, feels more like a novelty than a necessity. For me, a browser’s primary function is to provide speed, reliability, and a distraction-free experience. These AI tools, while interesting, don’t fundamentally improve the way I browse or work.
The Chromium Dilemma: Manifest V3 and the Open Web
Another concern stems from Arc’s foundation: Chromium. With Google pushing Manifest V3—a change that limits the capabilities of browser extensions—the once-open ecosystem of Chromium browsers is becoming increasingly restrictive. As someone who relies on powerful extensions to augment my workflow, this shift feels like a step backward.
Arc’s reliance on Chromium means it’s bound by these changes. And while The Browser Company’s vision for Arc is admirable, its fate is tied to Google’s roadmap. This reality is pushing me to consider alternatives that prioritize openness and user control.
Enter Zen Browser: A Fresh Take on Familiar Ideas
Recently, I discovered Zen Browser, a Firefox-based alternative inspired by Arc. Zen takes the best of Arc’s innovative design while building on Firefox’s commitment to privacy and extensibility. With Firefox as its foundation, Zen avoids the pitfalls of Chromium’s Manifest V3 and offers a future-proof browsing experience.
Zen feels like a natural evolution—a browser that captures what made Arc special while addressing its limitations. Its focus on user freedom, privacy, and adaptability aligns with my values and needs as both a professional and a tech enthusiast.
Saying Goodbye to Arc
Leaving Arc isn’t an easy decision. It’s a browser that reshaped my online experience and showed me what a modern browser could be. But with The Browser Company’s shifting priorities and the limitations of Chromium, I feel it’s time to move on.
Zen Browser represents a path forward—a browser built for users who value innovation without compromise. As I make the switch, I carry with me the lessons Arc taught me: that a browser isn’t just a tool; it’s a window to the world. And it’s up to us to choose the one that offers the clearest, most empowering view.
