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Arc vs Vivaldi 2026: Features, Performance Compared

Arc is a modernized, AI-integrated browser optimized for productivity with a vertical sidebar and cleaner interface, while Vivaldi is a highly customizable browser built on Chromium that prioritizes user control and advanced features for power users. Arc focuses on simplicity and AI assistance, whereas Vivaldi emphasizes granular customization and rich feature depth.

A

Arc

AI-powered, modernized web browser by The Browser Company with productivity-focused features and a vertical sidebar interface.

Productivity-focused professionals, students, and users who want a modern interface with integrated AI assistance and minimal configuration.

Score63%
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Vivaldi

Vivaldi

Highly customizable Chromium-based browser by Vivaldi Technologies emphasizing user control, privacy, and advanced features for power users.

Power users, developers, Linux users, and those who demand granular control over every browser aspect and prioritize privacy and cross-platform support.

Score71%
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Quick Answer

AI Summary

Arc is a modernized, AI-integrated browser optimized for productivity with a vertical sidebar and cleaner interface, while Vivaldi is a highly customizable browser built on Chromium that prioritizes user control and advanced features for power users. Arc focuses on simplicity and AI assistance, whereas Vivaldi emphasizes granular customization and rich feature depth.

Our Verdict

AI-assisted

Choose Arc if you prioritize a modern, streamlined interface with integrated AI assistance and productivity-focused features—ideal for professionals who want simplicity and smart recommendations built-in. Choose Vivaldi if you're a power user seeking deep customization, cross-platform support (including Linux and mobile), and advanced privacy controls with granular user control.

Community feedback

Was this verdict helpful?

A
Arc
5.6/10
Vivaldi
9.4/10
A

Choose Arc if

Productivity-focused professionals, students, and users who want a modern interface with integrated AI assistance and minimal configuration.

Vivaldi

Choose Vivaldi if

Best pick

Power users, developers, Linux users, and those who demand granular control over every browser aspect and prioritize privacy and cross-platform support.

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Key Differences at a Glance

  • User Interface Design:✓ Arc wins(Vertical sidebar with split-screen; minimalist modern design vs Traditional horizontal tabs with extensive customization options)
  • AI Integration:✓ Arc wins(Built-in ChatGPT integration, AI summaries, and smart features vs No native AI features; relies on extensions)
  • Customization Options:✓ Vivaldi wins(Extensive customization including UI themes, keyboard shortcuts, gestures, and layouts vs Limited customization; opinionated design philosophy)
See all 7 differences

Key Facts & Figures

6 numeric metrics compared

MetricArcVivaldiRatio
Memory Usage (10 tabs idle)(MB)~500 MB~415 MB
CPU Usage (video playback)(%)12-15%10-12%
Built-in Privacy Features(count)3 (tracker blocking, privacy mode, standard protections)7 (VPN, fingerprint protection, tracker blocking, malware protection, cookie management, advanced blocking)
AI Features (Native)(count)3 (ChatGPT integration, page summaries, smart organization)0 (no native AI; requires extensions)
Tab Management Methods(methods)3 (Spaces, pinning, split-screen)5 (stacking, tiling, organizing, grouping, session management)
Extension Ecosystem Size (estimated)(extensions)~500 Arc-native extensions~10000+ Chrome extensions supported

Sourced from publicly available data ·

Key Differences

7 attributes compared head-to-head

A
2Arc
Vivaldi leads1 tie
Vivaldi
4Vivaldi
  • User Interface Design

    Arc

    Vertical sidebar with split-screen; minimalist modern design(winner)

    Vivaldi

    Traditional horizontal tabs with extensive customization options

  • AI Integration

    Arc

    Built-in ChatGPT integration, AI summaries, and smart features(winner)

    Vivaldi

    No native AI features; relies on extensions

  • Customization Options

    Arc

    Limited customization; opinionated design philosophy

    Vivaldi

    Extensive customization including UI themes, keyboard shortcuts, gestures, and layouts(winner)

  • Tab Management

    Arc

    Space-based organization with visual grouping

    Vivaldi

    Traditional tab bar with tab stacking and organizing tools

  • Privacy Features

    Arc

    Built-in tracker blocking and privacy mode

    Vivaldi

    Advanced privacy settings, built-in VPN (limited), tracker blocking, and fingerprint protection(winner)

  • Performance (Memory Usage)

    Arc

    ~450-550 MB with 10 tabs (Chromium-based)

    Vivaldi

    ~380-450 MB with 10 tabs (optimized Chromium)(winner)

  • Platform Availability

    Arc

    macOS and Windows only; iOS via waitlist

    Vivaldi

    Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android(winner)

Full Comparison

AArc
Vivaldi
Memory Usage (10 tabs idle)(MB)
~500 MB
~415 MB
CPU Usage (video playback)(%)
12-15%
10-12%
Customization Options(count)
~40 settings
~350+ settings
AI Features (Native)(count)
3 (ChatGPT integration, page summaries, smart organization)
0 (no native AI; requires extensions)
Built-in Privacy Features(count)
3 (tracker blocking, privacy mode, standard protections)
7 (VPN, fingerprint protection, tracker blocking, malware protection, cookie management, advanced blocking)
Supported Operating Systems(platforms)
2 (macOS, Windows)
5 (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android)
Tab Management Methods(methods)
3 (Spaces, pinning, split-screen)
5 (stacking, tiling, organizing, grouping, session management)
Extension Ecosystem Size (estimated)(extensions)
~500 Arc-native extensions
~10000+ Chrome extensions supported

Pros & Cons

10 pros·5 cons across both

A
Vivaldi
A

Arc

+5-3

Pros

  • Split-screen view for side-by-side browsing without opening tabs
  • Native ChatGPT integration and AI-powered page summaries
  • Innovative vertical sidebar reduces visual clutter and improves organization
  • Lightweight performance compared to traditional browsers
  • Automatic grouping and organization of websites into Spaces

Cons

  • Limited to macOS and Windows; no native Linux support
  • Reduced customization compared to competing browsers—design is opinionated and rigid
  • Smaller user base limits community-created extensions and add-ons
Vivaldi

Vivaldi

+5-2

Pros

  • Extreme customization: adjust UI colors, keyboard shortcuts, mouse gestures, and layout to personal preference
  • Built-in VPN, tracker blocking, fingerprint protection, and advanced privacy controls
  • Native support for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
  • Tab stacking, tiling, and organizing tools provide powerful tab management
  • Sync across devices includes passwords, bookmarks, notes, and settings without account requirement

Cons

  • Steeper learning curve due to hundreds of customization options
  • Heavier memory footprint than Arc; uses more CPU resources with many tabs open

Frequently Asked Questions

5 questions

  1. Yes, Arc is currently free during its beta phase. The Browser Company has stated there will be a free tier in the future with optional premium features, but no pricing model has been finalized as of 2026.

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