In March, I tested Arc, a free web browser that, at the time, I thought had spectacular utilities, but was too hipster. During my initial testing, I acknowledged some of Arc’s virtues but also criticized it for deviating too much from traditional browser conventions.
Today, I want to publicly retract my previous statements and apologize. After using Arc as my only browser for a few months, it has completely won me over and has become my default browser on both my Mac and iPhone. In case you’re interested, it’s also available for Windows.
Cherished Changes
What caused me to change my mind? Primarily, I realized that Arc isn’t just another browser with a different design, but a complete reimagining of what the Internet browsing experience should be in 2024.
Its minimalist interface, which is focused on a sidebar, may seem unusual at first, but it quickly becomes captivating. This approach, which completely or partially (it’s optional) eliminates the top bar with the address bar, allows for better use of screen space.
Arc window.
The sidebar is very versatile because it can store bookmarks, open tabs, “spaces” and more. It even includes a media playback bar when playing something on Spotify web or YouTube Music.
However, the tab management is what really stands out for me. It uses smart management to help organize my (often too many) open tabs. The “spaces” system allows grouping tabs and favorites based on projects or environments such as Work, Personal, Newsletter, Vacation Plan, etc. This makes it easy to switch between different groups with a simple gesture.
Additionally, Arc automatically archives tabs that haven’t been used for a certain amount of time to prevent them from accumulating. However, users can disable this option or drag the tab to favorites to keep it there for a while. I find the automatic archiving of inactive tabs more convenient on iPhone.
The feature that has the most impact on my day-to-day life is Split View. Being able to have two, three, or four tabs in the same window is tremendously useful. It allows me to add data to Datawrapper without having to switch between websites, write an article while referencing the CEO’s statements, and keep documentation in sight.
I was impressed with the integrated AI functions, called “Max,” which are quite discreet but very useful. Max allows you to ask questions to the page you’re viewing. This can help you find information in lengthy web pages or PDFs. Max can also suggest names for tabs, folders, or downloads, proving its integration is actually useful.
Moreover, I found the speed and performance of Arc to be excellent. Despite my initial concerns about Arc being based on Chromium, I haven’t experienced any issues with my 2021 MacBook Pro. It handles tasks smoothly and efficiently, and its compatibility with various websites and access to a wide range of extensions is all thanks to Chromium.
If you add Google Calendar to your favorites, you’ll receive a notification when a video call meeting is about to start. You’ll then be able to join with a single click thanks to the floating button that Arc displays. It’s those little details that make you fall in love with the browser.
The same goes for the possibility of pressing Command + T to open a tab and directly type in the website you want to visit or the search you want to conduct in Google... Or just like the fact that if you press the down arrow, you can do the same but in ChatGPT. Details.
It’s not perfect, of course. I miss the Reader Mode and the translator feature that Safari integrates. You can use extensions instead, but it’s not the same. In addition, the synchronization between devices isn’t the best either, although it’s improved in recent months.
These are small inconveniences that pale in comparison to all the advantages that Arc brings to the table. It’s completely changed the way I work and navigate. With Arc, I feel more organized and productive, and less overwhelmed.
I take back my initial criticism and skepticism. Arc isn’t overly hipster. It’s simply a browser that has dared to completely rethink what the Internet browsing experience should be like in the modern era. It’s innovative, efficient, and surprisingly intuitive once you get used to it. There’s a learning curve, but it’s a rewarding one.
If you’re like me and spend most of your day in front of a browser, I encourage you to give Arc a try. At first, it’ll feel strange and different, but given time, you’ll love using it.
This article was written by Javier Lacort and originally published in Spanish on Xataka.
Image | Arc
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