Can Arc for Windows really replace Chrome?

There hasn't been much innovation in the web browser space since Google launched the Chrome browser. Every successful browser is essentially a derivative of it - adding certain features to make the browser stand out.

Browser Company decided to try something new. It's called Arc Browser and it could be the Chrome alternative you've been waiting for. Like everything else in the tech space, it comes with a downside.

What is Arc Browser and why is it different?

Arc is a hot new option in the Internet browser arena. It's a browser built from the ground up with new design thinking. Instead of trying to be the fastest or safest option, Arc tries to be the smartest option. This means you'll focus more on the website you're visiting rather than being distracted by dozens of other user interface elements flooding the browser window.

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Essentially, Arc is powered by the same Chromium browser engine that runs Chrome, Edge, Brave, and countless other browsers. However, it's more than just a pretty Chrome interface. The developers have put in some serious work and thought to ensure using Arc is a smooth experience.

Traditionally, web browsers are considered tools for viewing web pages. However, Arc wants to go deeper than that. It's trying to become what the folks at TBC call the operating system of the Internet. This shows up in Arc's design when you first launch the browser. The user experience on Windows is not quite the same as on macOS, the browser starts with a simple interface with a blank screen and command bar to get you started.

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It's very different from a regular web browser, so it will take some getting used to. There isn't even a home page. TBC is very interested in removing anything that doesn't add to the user experience from the browser, even if that means removing features that many people take for granted.

Once you're done with the initial adjustment, Arc's repurposing of tabs, bookmarks as app launchers, a completely new sidebar concept, and countless other tricks will make you wonder if you've ever used any other browser. Any other browsers like this? There are many reasons why you should try Arc.

Features of Arc Browser

If you're a macOS user, chances are you've heard of or even used Arc. However, users had to wait a long time for this browser to be released on Windows. Arc for Windows can now be downloaded from the official website. Here are the key features available on Arc for Windows that make this browser stand out.

Spaces

Spaces in Arc is a new profile that allows you to separate different parts of the Internet browsing process. You can create as many as you like and switch between them using gestures, keyboard shortcuts, or clicking through the space icon at the bottom of the sidebar.

Each space has its own set of themes and pinned tabs to help differentiate between them. Depending on how many tabs you have open each time you use your browser, this can help reduce clutter significantly.

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For example, your workspace might have pinned tabs and specific activities throughout the day. If you need to do something on your personal notes, you can switch to your personal space without affecting the tab structure you set up for work. This ensures you always pick up where you left off in a variety of directions for work or personal use.

Peek

Peek is such a simple yet useful feature that it will make you wonder why no other browser has it. When you press the Shift key and click on a link, it opens a smaller window that allows you to "peek" at that page. You can then expand it to a full tab or click anywhere else to dismiss.

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This is one of the best Arc features for people who have to click on hundreds of links every day just to look up some information. It helps avoid turning your browser into a cluttered pile of tabs, and opening only temporary tabs also helps improve browser performance.

Pinned and favorited tabs

When switching from another browser, the difference between pinned and favorite tabs is not immediately apparent. Simply put, favorites are websites you can use regardless of what you're doing in your browser. This includes tabs like calendar, email, music apps, and others. They are accessible across multiple spaces and appear as individual icons at the top of the sidebar.

Pinned tabs, on the other hand, are a combination of apps and bookmarks. If you're on a pinned tab and click a link to an external site, the link will open in a quick view window instead. You can browse the page and dismiss it without leaving the original tab or website.

Sidebar

Arc's sidebar is where most, if not all, of the browser's activity takes place. It keeps track of pinned and unpinned tabs, what space you're in, what's happening with the browser, and other information. It can be quickly converted with the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + S .

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When the sidebar is hidden, you will have an uninterrupted view of the website. It's a great way to contain essential information without cluttering the browser interface.

Performance and efficiency benefits

While Arc for Windows lacks much of its promised functionality, it offers surprising performance benefits, especially considering the program was in closed beta not too long ago.

Even though Microsoft Edge is optimized for Windows, Arc still offers significantly longer battery life when used on a laptop. Arc may not be the fastest browser, but it's not slow either. And of course, TBC continues to add more performance and stability improvements in almost every update.

What are the disadvantages of Arc for Windows?

If you think that Arc is the perfect choice to replace the existing browser that cannot open 10 tabs at the same time, you are not wrong. But it's also not entirely correct.

Many of the features that make up Arc are not currently available on Windows. The 1.0.1 update feels like the first-gen version and has no feature equivalent to the macOS version.

Currently, Arc on Windows lacks all of Arc Max's AI feature set. While performance and efficiency aren't an issue, the Arc subreddit is full of complaints about frequent browser crashes. However, a software update resolved these issues.

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In addition to the features of Arc Max, Arc on Windows does not have full theme support, space icons, Easels, shortcuts, ChatGPT support in the command bar, developer mode, etc. Even simple things like site search also doesn't work in Arc at the moment, even though the option is in the browser settings. Gestures and keyboard shortcuts can also sometimes fail.

Part of the reason for feature parity between Windows and macOS is because Arc was first developed for macOS in Swift, and TBC invested heavily in running Swift code natively on Windows. While that's impressive, it has significantly slowed down development of Arc on Windows.

Is Arc the right choice for you?

Arc offers a unique enough browsing experience to entice you to switch from your current browser. However, this is a significant departure from the current workflow, especially if you're a Chrome or Edge user, so the transition won't be easy.

Due to its current lack of features, Arc is not as great a Chrome replacement on Windows as the developer claims. New features are regularly added and TBC remains quick to update. If you're looking for a different browsing experience than what you're used to, Arc for Windows is definitely worth a try.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 27 May 2024