Brave is a privacy-focused Chromium browser with built-in ad blocking and cryptocurrency integration, while Arc is a redesigned browser emphasizing spatial organization and AI-powered features through a sidebar-based interface. Brave prioritizes user privacy and independence, while Arc prioritizes productivity and AI assistance.
Brave vs Arc Browser — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Privacy-first Chromium browser with built-in ad blocking and BAT token rewards.
Modern Chromium browser with AI features, spatial tab management, and sidebar navigation.
Core Architecture. Privacy Features. AI Integration. Monetization Model. Tab Management. User Base Size. Extension Ecosystem
Choose Brave if you prioritize maximum privacy, ad blocking by default, and independence from AI tracking—it's the more mature choice for privacy-conscious users. Choose Arc if you value AI-powered productivity features, innovative interface design, and don't mind data syncing for enhanced functionality—it's better for users seeking a modern, assistant-driven browsing experience.
Brave Browser: 101 million | Arc Browser: 2-3 million (estimated)
Brave Browser: Yes (Brave Shields) | Arc Browser: No (extensions required)
Brave Browser: No | Arc Browser: Yes (native)
Brave Browser: No | Arc Browser: Yes (dual-pane)
Brave Browser: Limited | Arc Browser: Built-in Command Bar
Brave Browser: Chromium-based | Arc Browser: Chromium-based
Brave Browser: Yes (BAT token rewards) | Arc Browser: No
Brave Browser: Yes (native Shields) | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: Chromium 147.0.7727.102 | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: 6 platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Raspberry Pi) | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: Good (Chromium overhead) | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: Third-party trackers, fingerprinting, scripts | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: v1.89.137 (Apr 2026) | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: Yes (Chromium 147) | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: 100+ million users | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: Yes, enabled by default | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: Yes, built-in | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: Brave Leo (free, integrated) | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: Brave browser required; Brave Search available elsewhere | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: ~180-220 MB | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: ~950 ms | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: Ad blocker, tracker blocking, HTTPS enforcement, fingerprint protection (4) | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: Basic theme and extension settings | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: 2026 (v1.89.137, April 2026) | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: Standard tab restoration on restart | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: Minimal - works effectively out of box | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: ~500MB | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: 2.1s (with blocking) | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: None; privacy-first | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: Yes (built-in) | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: 35-45% | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: Partial (manual workarounds) | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: ~200 MB | Arc Browser: ~280 MB
Brave Browser: 95%+ | Arc Browser: None (0%)
Brave Browser: Tab grouping, standard organization | Arc Browser: Sidebar spaces, split-view, live preview, grouping
Brave Browser: No (extensions required) | Arc Browser: Yes (ChatGPT integrated)
Brave Browser: Yes (Brave Wallet + BAT rewards) | Arc Browser: No
Brave Browser: 2016 (stable, mature) | Arc Browser: 2022 (limited beta)
Brave Browser: +27% (faster) | Arc Browser: -3% (slower)
Brave Browser: 100% (default Shields) | Arc Browser: 0% (default)
Brave Browser: 5 (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android) | Arc Browser: 2 (macOS, Windows)
Brave Browser: Leo AI (optional paid) | Arc Browser: Arc Search (AI-powered)
Brave Browser: 220 MB | Arc Browser: 380 MB
Brave Browser: BAT token (Brave Rewards program) | Arc Browser: None
Brave Browser: Standard tabs (extension support) | Arc Browser: Split-screen, sidebar, Spaces (native)
Brave Browser: 78 points | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: 280 MB | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: 180,000+ (Chrome Store) | Arc Browser: ~5,000 (Chrome Store + Arc-native)
Brave Browser: ~70% | Arc Browser: ~25% (requires extensions)
Brave Browser: 50+ million | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: None (data not shared with advertisers) | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: Strong fingerprint blocking + tracker blocking | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: N/A (not a search engine) | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: Blocks ~95% of tracking requests | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: Brave browser only (1 browser) | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: 0.5 to 5 USD per month (depends on ad views) | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: ~95 MB (full browser) | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: Zero browsing data collection | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: 60+ million | Arc Browser: 1-2 million (estimated)
Brave Browser: None (third-party only) | Arc Browser: Yes (chatbot, summaries, writing tools)
Brave Browser: Maximum (no telemetry, blocking enabled) | Arc Browser: Moderate (opt-in privacy controls)
Brave Browser: $0 (optional Brave Search premium: $10/month) | Arc Browser: $3-5 (Arc Max subscription)
Brave Browser: ~280 MB (idle) | Arc Browser: ~240 MB (idle, claimed 15% less)
Brave Browser: Stable/Production (since 2016) | Arc Browser: Beta (since 2022, public beta 2024)
Brave Browser: 4.2 hours | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: 450 MB | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: 5 platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS) | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: Yes, BAT token rewards | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: Shields default (blocks trackers) | Arc Browser: N/A
Brave Browser: ~13,000 Chrome extensions supported | Arc Browser: 500+ available
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: ~280 MB
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: macOS (primary), Windows (beta)
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: Arc Search (proprietary + Claude)
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: Yes, blocks tracking by default
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: Web access only
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: macOS, Windows, iOS
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: 475 MB
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: ~50 main shortcuts
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: Vertical sidebar, pinning, split view, auto-grouping
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: Chrome Web Store (188,000+)
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: Themes and sidebar only
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: 8.2 hours
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: 420 MB
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: Yes - native AI with summaries and research
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: Yes - native, customizable
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: ~850 ms
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: Mac & iOS only (limited parity)
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: No dedicated tracker report
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: ~500 MB
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: Basic (works but not native)
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: Sidebar-based spatial organization with auto-archive
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: macOS, Windows
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: 250 MB
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: Yes (enabled by default)
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: $0 (Free) / $4.99 (Pro)
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: 2 (macOS, Windows)
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: 2.1 seconds
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: Yes (ChatGPT integration in Arc Max)
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: ~2,000+ (Chromium ecosystem)
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: No (Closed source)
Brave Browser: N/A | Arc Browser: 450 MB
How to choose between Brave Browser and Arc Browser
Brave vs Arc Browser — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Brave vs Arc Browser. Contains 117 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Brave vs Arc Browser — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Brave vs Arc Browser.
Which browser is more private: Brave or Arc?
Brave is significantly more private by default—it blocks ads and trackers automatically, disables telemetry, and doesn't sync personal data to company servers. Arc syncs browsing data to its servers for cross-device features and AI functionality, making it less private despite privacy controls being available. Brave's approach is privacy-first; Arc's is convenience-first with privacy options.
Brave does not have native AI features built into the browser itself. However, you can integrate AI tools through extensions or use Brave Search's independent results. Arc natively includes an AI chatbot, page summarization, and writing assistance without additional setup, making it better for users wanting integrated AI productivity.
Can I use Chrome extensions in both browsers?
Yes, both browsers support Chrome Web Store extensions. Brave has full compatibility with 180,000+ extensions. Arc also supports Chrome extensions but has a smaller curated library of Arc-native extensions optimized for its sidebar interface. For extension variety, Brave has a significant advantage.
How does Brave make money if it blocks ads?
Brave offers privacy-respecting ads through its Rewards program—users can opt-in to see ads and earn BAT tokens (Brave's cryptocurrency). Users can tip content creators with BAT or use it on supported sites. Brave also monetizes through Brave Search premium ($10/month) and partnerships. This model respects user privacy while generating revenue.
Is Arc browser ready for daily use or still too experimental?
Arc is increasingly stable for daily use but remains in beta. Most core features work reliably, but occasional bugs, feature changes, and data loss during beta transitions can occur. Brave is production-ready with 8+ years of stability. Arc is suitable for early adopters comfortable with beta software; Brave is better for users wanting proven stability.
How to Choose Between Brave Browser and Arc Browser
Core Architecture: Brave Browser has Chromium-based with integrated ad/tracker blocking, while Arc Browser has Chromium-based with spatial tab organization and AI sidebar.
Privacy Features: Brave Browser has Built-in ad blocking, tracker blocking, HTTPS upgrades, no telemetry by default, while Arc Browser has Privacy controls available but not enabled by default, syncs data to Arc servers.
AI Integration: Brave Browser has No native AI features, optional third-party integrations, while Arc Browser has Native AI chatbot, page summaries, and writing assistance built-in.
Monetization Model: Brave Browser has BAT token rewards, optional creator tips, Brave Search premium, while Arc Browser has Free with optional Arc Max subscription ($3-5/month for advanced features).
Tab Management: Brave Browser has Traditional tab bar with vertical tabs option, while Arc Browser has Spatial organization with split-view, easels, and sidebar-based navigation.
User Base Size: Brave Browser has 60+ million monthly active users (2024), while Arc Browser has 500,000+ beta users, rapid growth (estimated 1-2M active 2025).
Extension Ecosystem: Brave Browser has Full Chrome Web Store compatibility with 180,000+ extensions, while Arc Browser has Chrome Web Store compatible, growing Arc-native extensions.