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The Browser Company has announced that it will sunset Arc before the end of 2026, according to Lifehacker. Lifehacker’s alternatives include Zen for an Arc-like interface, Vivaldi for extensive customization, and Brave or Helium for simpler Chromium-based browsing; the best fit depends on which Arc features matter most.
The Browser Company plans to sunset Arc before the end of 2026, according to Lifehacker, giving users a limited window to choose another browser and move their data. Lifehacker recommends Zen Browser as the closest match for Arc’s sidebar-and-workspaces design, while Vivaldi is an option for people who want a highly customizable Chromium-based browser.
Lifehacker reports that Arc had already stopped receiving major development, with the Browser Company focusing instead on Dia, an AI browser built on Arc’s framework. The announced sunset makes the choice of a replacement more immediate for Arc users, particularly those who rely on its workspaces, pinned tabs and vertical sidebar. Lifehacker advises users to export their Arc data as they prepare to switch; the source does not specify an export deadline or exactly what data can be carried over.
Zen Browser is built on Firefox and offers a vertical sidebar, customizable workspaces, pinned tabs and interface modifications. Lifehacker describes it as free and open-source, with no AI features. It supports Firefox extensions, including the full version of uBlock Origin. The trade-offs cited by Lifehacker include occasional website compatibility issues compared with Chromium browsers and high memory use in some circumstances.
Vivaldi uses Chromium, the browser engine also used by Chrome, and offers workspaces, tab groups called Tab Stacks, split-screen browsing and extensive interface customization. Its sidebar can host web panels and built-in tools, including notes and a calendar. Lifehacker also lists Brave and Helium as simpler Chromium-based options, Dia for users comfortable with AI features, and Quiche for people seeking an iPhone or iPad alternative.
Browser switch guide · Updated October 2026
How to Choose an Alternative to Arc Browser
The Browser Company plans to sunset Arc before the end of 2026, according to Lifehacker. Match a replacement to the parts of Arc you rely on, then save your important data and test your new setup.
A practical comparison based on Lifehacker’s recommendations and reported observations.
01 / Find your fit
Choose by the workflow you want to keep
Think beyond appearance: compare tab organization, extensions, site compatibility, memory use, and each browser’s approach to AI and privacy.
Closest interface match · Firefox
Zen Browser
Vertical sidebar, customizable workspaces, pinned tabs, and interface modifications aim to preserve an Arc-like layout. It is free and open-source, with Firefox extension support, including the full version of uBlock Origin.
Consider: Lifehacker reports occasional compatibility issues and high memory use in some circumstances.Deep customization · Chromium
Vivaldi
Workspaces, Tab Stacks, split-screen browsing, and extensive interface controls give you many ways to shape your browser. Its sidebar can host web panels and tools such as notes and a calendar.
Consider: Its feature-rich approach may suit people who want controls more than a minimal setup.Simpler Chromium options
Brave or Helium
Lifehacker lists both as simpler Chromium-based choices. They may fit users who want a more straightforward browsing experience than Arc’s workspace-centered interface.
Also listed: Dia for users comfortable with AI features; Quiche for iPhone or iPad.02 / Compare the trade-offs
At a glance
These are reported features and recommendations, not results from a formal benchmark of every browser.
| Browser | Engine | Arc-style organization | Best starting point | Reported caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zen | Firefox | Sidebar, workspaces, pinned tabs | Closest interface match | Some compatibility and memory concerns |
| Vivaldi | Chromium | Workspaces, Tab Stacks, split screen | Extensive customization | Feature-rich approach |
| Brave | Chromium | Not detailed in source | Simpler browsing option | Check current features and platform support |
| Helium | Chromium | Not detailed in source | Simpler browsing option | Check current features and platform support |
| Dia | Arc framework | Does not retain all Arc interface features | AI-focused browsing | Includes AI features |
03 / Make the move
Plan a data-safe switch
Arc’s sunset schedule and export details remain incomplete in the source. Prepare with what you can confirm today, and keep essential information somewhere you control.
Review Arc export options
Check available settings and save important bookmarks and other exportable data.
Make a separate copy
Keep a backup of essential information; the report does not specify what transfers.
Test a candidate
Try your key sites, extensions, workspaces, and tab habits before switching fully.
Check new guidance
Watch for details from The Browser Company on timing, access, and user data.
Lifehacker says Arc had moved to maintenance updates as The Browser Company focused on Dia, an AI browser built on Arc’s framework.
No exact shutdown date, export deadline, confirmed migration tool, or post-sunset access plan is specified in the source material.
04 / Quick answers
Key questions
When will Arc be discontinued?
Lifehacker reports that The Browser Company plans to sunset Arc before the end of 2026. The source does not provide a specific date.
Which browser is most similar to Arc?
Lifehacker recommends Zen for its vertical sidebar, workspaces, pinned tabs, and interface customization. Zen is based on Firefox.
What is a good Chromium alternative?
Vivaldi is the feature-rich option, with workspaces, Tab Stacks, split-screen browsing, and customization. Brave and Helium are listed as simpler options.
Can I move Arc data to another browser?
Lifehacker advises exporting Arc data, but does not specify what can be exported or how imports work. Check the settings and save a separate copy of important information.
Choosing a Browser Beyond Arc
The sunset matters because a browser is often part of a person’s daily workflow, not just a way to open websites. Arc users may depend on its tab organization and workspace layout, so moving to a browser with a different design can require changes to familiar habits as well as transferring bookmarks or other data.
The alternatives also make different trade-offs. Zen aims to preserve Arc’s interface and is based on Firefox; Vivaldi offers a broad set of features on Chromium. Brave and Helium emphasize a more straightforward experience, while Dia retains a connection to Arc’s development team but includes AI features. Comparing these differences can help readers avoid choosing a replacement based only on appearance.
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Arc’s Shift Toward Dia
Lifehacker says Arc had been receiving maintenance updates after the Browser Company shifted its attention to Dia. The publication describes Dia as an AI-focused browser that shares Arc’s framework but does not retain all the interface features Arc users may value. It is therefore a related product, but not necessarily a direct substitute for Arc’s workflow.
The alternatives in Lifehacker’s report span different engines and approaches. Zen uses Firefox, while Vivaldi, Brave and Helium use Chromium. That distinction can affect extension compatibility and how some websites perform. Lifehacker’s recommendations reflect the publication’s assessment and personal use observations, not a formal benchmark comparing every browser.
““The Zen Browser is the best Arc alternative.””
— Lifehacker
Sunset Details Still Pending
The source says Arc will be discontinued before the end of 2026, but does not give a specific shutdown date or explain what access users will retain afterward. It also does not detail the process for exporting or importing Arc data, whether the browser will receive further updates before the sunset, or how long existing installations will continue to function.
Browser performance and compatibility can vary by device, website and user setup. Lifehacker reports occasional compatibility and memory issues with Zen based on its own use, but provides no test results or measurements. Readers should check the current features, privacy terms and platform availability of each candidate before switching.
Plan a Data-Safe Switch
Arc users can begin by reviewing the browser’s export options and saving important data, then test a replacement before relying on it as their primary browser. A practical comparison should include workspaces, tab handling, extensions, website compatibility and memory use, as well as whether the browser’s approach to AI and privacy suits the user.
The next key milestone is further information from the Browser Company about the sunset schedule and what will happen to Arc and user data. Until those details are published, users can compare alternatives and keep a separate copy of important bookmarks and other exportable information. The source does not report a confirmed migration tool or a date for additional company guidance.
Key Questions
When will Arc be discontinued?
Lifehacker reports that the Browser Company plans to sunset Arc before the end of 2026. A specific date has not been provided in the source material.
Which browser is most similar to Arc?
Lifehacker recommends Zen Browser for its vertical sidebar, workspaces, pinned tabs and interface customization. It is based on Firefox rather than Chromium.
What is a good Arc alternative that uses Chromium?
Vivaldi is Lifehacker’s feature-rich Chromium option, with workspaces, tab stacks, split-screen browsing and extensive customization. Brave and Helium are listed as simpler Chromium-based alternatives.
Can I move my Arc data to another browser?
Lifehacker advises users to export their Arc data, but its report does not specify which data can be exported, how imports work in each alternative, or a deadline for doing so. Check the available export settings and keep a separate copy of important information.
Source: Lifehacker
