Arc
The browser that reimagined tabs, then stopped.
why this verdict
Keep it for the workflow, not the AI
Dia and Brave cover the headline feature free, and the workflow around it is why you would still open this.
- A named launch, not a vibe named, unlinked
- AI-native browsers, including its own successor. OpenAI, May 1, 2025 — no announcement link recorded yet.
- How much of the job it covers headline only editorial call
- The headline feature, but not the workflow, data or integrations around it.
- Is there a free way to do it? yes
- 3 of 3 listed replacements have a usable free tier: Dia, Brave and Vivaldi.
- What the call is worth nothing to cancel
- No paid entry tier tracked, so there is no subscription to cancel.
- Threatened by
- OpenAI
- Since
- May 1, 2025
- List price
- free
- Per year
- —
The backstory
Arc reimagined the web browser with a sidebar, spaces, and tab management that won a devoted following. Then its maker, The Browser Company, pivoted to Dia, an AI-first browser, and slowed Arc's development. AI-native browsers, including Arc's own successor, are where the attention and features now go. Arc still works and is still loved, but with active development moved on, it is wounded rather than dead.
Escape hatches
Arc maker's AI-first successor browser
diabrowser.com open_in_newPrivacy-focused browser with built-in AI assistant
brave.com open_in_newHighly customizable browser for tab power users
vivaldi.com open_in_new3 of 3 replacements have a usable free tier.