Arc browser vs Vivaldi: Which is better?

Arc and Vivaldi are two standout browsers known for their unique user experiences and functionalities. Both run on the Chromium engine, allowing for extensive extension support, but they each appeal to different user preferences. This comparison explores the features, usability, and performance of both browsers to help you decide which one suits you best.

User experience and interface

Arc Browser offers a unique browsing experience. It changes traditional elements like tabs and bookmarks, using a sidebar that works as both a tab manager and app launcher. This sidebar lets users organize their browsing in a clear, intuitive way, similar to an operating system. The design encourages a dynamic interaction with the web, viewing it as remixable components instead of fixed pages.

Vivaldi focuses on customization and productivity. It allows users to change nearly every part of the interface. With adjustable themes, custom designs, and advanced tab management tools, browsing is both efficient and personal. Users can create custom keyboard shortcuts for almost any function, making navigation easy. Vivaldi’s two-level tab stacks let users group and manage many tabs visually, keeping things organized.

Features and functionality

Arc is designed with productivity in mind, integrating tools that streamline workflow. It allows users to create "Spaces," which are essentially grouped tabs that can be color-coded and organized for different tasks. This innovative feature is particularly beneficial for users who manage multiple projects simultaneously. However, Arc's unique design may require a learning curve for those accustomed to traditional browsers.

In contrast, Vivaldi focuses on customization and productivity. It features a highly customizable interface that allows users to tailor their browsing experience extensively. Vivaldi's tab management tools, including Tab Stacking and hibernation modes for inactive tabs, provide users with powerful options for organizing their workspace. Users can also create sessions to save and restore groups of tabs, making it ideal for those who juggle multiple projects or topics.

Feature	Arc Browser	Vivaldi
Interface	Sidebar for tabs and apps	Highly customizable interface
Tab Management	Vertical tabs in a collapsible sidebar	Tab Stacking and hibernation features
User Interaction	Dynamic, OS-like experience	Focus on productivity and organization

On the other hand, Vivaldi excels with its built-in features aimed at enhancing user control and privacy. It includes a customizable ad blocker, tracker protection, and a built-in password manager, making it a solid choice for users concerned about security and privacy. Vivaldi also supports a variety of productivity tools, such as the ability to open tabs in split-screen mode, which is perfect for multitasking.

Feature	Arc Browser	Vivaldi
Built-in Tools	Limited, focuses on user experience	Extensive, including ad blocker and tracker protection
Customization	Limited customization options	Highly customizable, from themes to layout
Privacy Features	Basic, relies on extensions for privacy	Strong privacy focus with built-in protections

Performance

Both browsers are built on the Chromium engine, which generally ensures good performance and compatibility with web standards. However, user experiences may vary based on individual needs. Arc has received praise for its fluidity and responsiveness, particularly in managing multiple tabs and applications. Its design is optimized for a seamless experience, although some users may find it less straightforward due to its unconventional layout. Vivaldi, while slightly slower than some mainstream browsers like Chrome, offers a stable and efficient experience, especially for users who take advantage of its extensive features. Its focus on resource management, such as hibernating inactive tabs, helps maintain performance even with many tabs open.

Performance Aspect	Arc Browser	Vivaldi
Speed	Generally fast, but depends on usage	Stable, but can be slower than Chrome
Resource Management	Innovative, but can be resource-intensive	Efficient, with options to manage resources

AI features in Arc and Vivaldi

Arc browser's AI: Arc Max

Arc Browser takes a step into the AI-powered future with Arc Max, offering smart features to enhance user productivity. Here’s how you can get started with Arc Max and what it brings to your browsing:

Instant Answers: On any page, hold down Command + F to ask a question and get an answer in seconds.
Integrated ChatGPT: Type “ChatGPT” into the Command Bar, press Tab, and get your questions answered directly in the browser. (Requires a ChatGPT account).
Smart Tab Management: Automatically rename pinned tabs with shorter titles for a cleaner sidebar.
Organized Downloads: Downloads are renamed smartly to keep your files organized.

Vivaldi's stance on AI

On the other hand, Vivaldi has chosen not to integrate AI like Arc Max into their browser. They believe current AI models, like those using Large Language Models (LLM), have significant issues:

Copyright and Privacy Concerns:

LLMs may produce text that plagiarizes or includes sensitive information.

Inaccurate Information:

LLMs can generate confident yet false information, leading to misinformation.

Vivaldi remains committed to a featureful and ethical browsing experience, opting to wait for more robust and reliable AI advancements before incorporating similar features.

In summary, while Arc leverages AI to streamline your browsing with Arc Max, Vivaldi prioritizes a cautious approach, focusing on privacy and accuracy.

Privacy

When it comes to web browsing, privacy is a significant concern for many users. Both Arc Browser and Vivaldi offer unique approaches to privacy, but they differ in their philosophies, features, and practices. Here’s a detailed comparison of how each browser handles privacy.

Arc browser's privacy features

Arc Browser emphasizes a user-friendly experience while maintaining a commitment to privacy. Here are some key points regarding its privacy practices:

Data Collection: Arc collects minimal personal data. It focuses on usage data to improve its services but explicitly states that it does not sell user data to third parties. The browser does not track the websites you visit or what you type in the address bar, which is a significant advantage over many mainstream browsers.
Privacy Settings: Users can manage their privacy preferences through the browser's settings, including options for cookie management and tracking prevention. Arc does not use cookies to track visitors to its website, opting for a privacy-first analytics provider instead.
Third-Party Connections: While Arc connects to third-party APIs for certain features (like Google Translate), it ensures that user data does not pass through its servers, thus maintaining a level of separation between user data and third-party services.
Ad and Tracker Blocking: Arc includes built-in ad blocking and tracking prevention features, helping to shield users from unwanted ads and tracking mechanisms while browsing.

For more information, visit the Arc browser privacy policy page.

Vivaldi's privacy features

Vivaldi takes a more aggressive stance on privacy, incorporating a range of built-in features designed to protect user data:

No Tracking: Vivaldi prides itself on not tracking user behavior. It explicitly states that it does not collect unnecessary data, ensuring that users' browsing habits remain private.
Ad and Tracker Blocking: Vivaldi includes a robust ad blocker that prevents ads and trackers from following users around the web. This feature enhances privacy by blocking unwanted content and reducing the risk of tracking.
Private Browsing Mode: In Vivaldi's private browsing mode, cookies and temporary files are not stored, further protecting user privacy during sessions.
End-to-End Encryption for Sync: When syncing data across devices, Vivaldi uses end-to-end encryption. This means that the data is encrypted on the user's device before being sent, ensuring that even Vivaldi cannot access this information.
Customizable Privacy Settings: Vivaldi offers extensive privacy settings that allow users to control various aspects of their browsing experience, including blocking specific types of trackers and managing cookies. For users who prioritize privacy above all, Vivaldi may be the better choice due to its strong privacy features and commitment to not collecting user data.

For more information, visit the Vivaldi privacy policy page.

Make Vivaldi look like Arc

For those who admire Arc's innovative design but prefer sticking with Vivaldi, there are ways to bring some of Arc's features and aesthetics to your Vivaldi browser. With a few tweaks and extensions, you can enjoy a similar experience without switching browsers.

Preview Links with MaxFocus

MaxFocus: Link Preview extension is an excellent alternative to Arc’s Peek feature, offering link previews in various ways, such as hovering, long-clicking, or using a keyboard shortcut. You can integrate MaxFocus with Vivaldi to preview webpages, articles, or videos before fully committing to opening them in a new tab, just like Arc.

Vertical Tabs with Side Space Extension

Side Space is a vertical tabs manager that can replicate the vertical tabs feature of Arc. With this extension, your tabs are organized into vertical spaces in a side panel, making it easier to manage and categorize them into work, life, or school categories. Vivaldi users can further enhance their tab management with built-in features such as Tab Stacking and hibernation.

Side Space Highlights:

Organized spaces: Neatly categorize tabs into vertical spaces.
AI Assistance: Use AI to help organize and group your tabs efficiently.
Auto-sync: Synch your tabs across devices.
Customization: Dark mode and customizable color palettes.

Theming with VivalArc

For users who wish to replicate the Arc Browser's aesthetic in Vivaldi, the VivalArc project offers a comprehensive solution. This project includes a set of CSS files and a Vivaldi theme, allowing you to transform Vivaldi into an Arc-inspired browser with just a few configuration steps. VivalArc is compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux, ensuring a consistent theme across multiple operating systems. To get started, follow the detailed configuration steps available on the VivalArc website or directly access the VivalArc configuration guide on Github. With VivalArc, you can enjoy the sleek, modern look of Arc while retaining the powerful features and customization options of Vivaldi.

More: Make your own Arc alternative at home

Conclusion

The decision between Arc and Vivaldi hinges on your specific browsing habits and preferences.

Arc Browser: Ideal for those seeking a groundbreaking and innovative browsing experience. It emphasizes productivity with a distinct, OS-like user interface, making it perfect for users who value a visually engaging and dynamic web experience. Keep in mind, though, that its unconventional layout might present a learning curve.
Vivaldi: A top choice for users who prioritize extensive customization, robust privacy features, and high productivity. Vivaldi shines with its plethora of customization options and privacy tools, making it a powerful tool for users who need fine-grained control over their browsing environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously with ease.

Both browsers represent a progressive shift in the web browsing landscape, offering compelling alternatives to traditional browsers like Chrome and Firefox. Whether you opt for Arc or Vivaldi, you are choosing a browser that redefines the norm and enhances your online experience in unique and powerful ways.

Read after: Vivaldi Browser: Must-have extensions for developers