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The Browser Company has announced that it will sunset Arc before the end of 2026, after shifting development focus to its Dia browser. Zen is the closest match for Arc’s sidebar and workspace approach, while Vivaldi offers extensive customization on Chromium; Brave, Helium, Dia and Quiche suit other needs.
The Browser Company has announced that it will sunset the Arc browser before the end of 2026, leaving users to plan for a replacement. Lifehacker reports that Arc had already been receiving maintenance updates as its maker shifted its focus to Dia; it recommends Zen as the closest alternative for people who want Arc’s vertical sidebar, workspaces and customizable interface.
Zen Browser is built on Firefox and offers a vertical sidebar, customizable workspaces, pinned tabs and community-made interface modifications. Lifehacker describes it as free and open-source, with no AI features, and says Firefox extensions work with it. Its trade-offs include occasional website compatibility issues compared with Chromium browsers and potentially high memory use, according to the publication’s assessment.
For users who want a Chromium-based browser with more built-in tools, Lifehacker points to Vivaldi. It supports workspaces, split-screen browsing and tab groups called Tab Stacks, alongside optional sidebar panels for websites, email, notes and a calendar. Vivaldi does not have a vertical sidebar by default, though the article says one can be added with a modification.
Other options serve narrower preferences. Brave emphasizes privacy features and tracker blocking, and supports Chrome extensions; Lifehacker says its AI features can be disabled. Helium is presented as a more minimalist Chromium-based choice. Dia, made by the same company as Arc, has a vertical sidebar and pinned apps but includes AI features and is not a direct replacement. For people replacing Arc on iPhone or iPad, Lifehacker recommends Quiche, an independent browser with a customizable layout.
Browser guide / October 2026
Arc Is Shutting Down.
Here Are the Best Alternatives.
The Browser Company plans to sunset Arc before the end of 2026 as it shifts its focus to Dia. Zen is the closest match for Arc’s sidebar and workspaces. Vivaldi, Brave, Helium, Dia and Quiche each fit a different need.
“Zen has become the de facto option for all users looking to find something that looks and works like Arc.”
Lifehacker · quoted assessmentFind the right fit
Start with the parts of Arc you use most: sidebar organization, workspace control, extension support, privacy tools or a simpler mobile layout.
Zen Browser
Firefox-based with a vertical sidebar, customizable workspaces, pinned tabs and community-made interface modifications. Free and open-source; supports Firefox extensions.
Trade-off: compatibility can varyVivaldi
Chromium-based with workspaces, split-screen browsing, Tab Stacks and optional website, email, notes and calendar panels. A vertical sidebar can be added with a modification.
Chrome extensions supportedBrave
Emphasizes privacy features and tracker blocking. It supports Chrome extensions, and its AI features can be disabled.
Chromium-basedHelium
A more minimalist Chromium-based option for people who want a simpler browsing experience.
Chromium-basedDia
The Browser Company’s newer browser has a vertical sidebar and pinned apps, but adds AI features and does not reproduce Arc’s interface exactly.
Not a direct replacementQuiche
An independent browser with a customizable layout, recommended for people replacing Arc on iPhone or iPad.
Mobile alternativeCompare the trade-offs
No single browser reproduces every part of Arc. Test your regular sites, extensions and tab habits before moving your daily workflow.
| Browser | Arc-like organization | Engine / extensions | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zen | ✓ Strong match | Firefox / Firefox extensions | Sidebar, workspaces, customization |
| Vivaldi | ~ Flexible | Chromium / Chrome extensions | Built-in tools and customization |
| Brave | ~ Different approach | Chromium / Chrome extensions | Privacy and tracker blocking |
| Helium | ~ Minimal | Chromium-based | A simpler browser interface |
| Dia | ✗ Not a direct match | Made by The Browser Company | Trying the company’s AI browser |
| Quiche | ~ Customizable layout | Independent browser | Arc users on iPhone or iPad |
Arc’s sunset, in context
The shift to Dia follows a period of maintenance updates rather than active feature development, according to Lifehacker.
Development slows
Arc receives maintenance updates as the company turns attention elsewhere.
Focus moves to Dia
The Browser Company develops an AI browser with some shared framework.
Sunset announced
Arc is planned to be discontinued before the end of 2026.
Users prepare
Choose a browser and review export options while Arc remains available.
Make the move deliberately
The announcement gives a broad timeframe, but leaves key shutdown and data details open.
Your transition checklist
Watch for The Browser Company’s updates on timing and data handling. Review Arc’s export options, then test a replacement with your everyday websites, extensions and tab organization. Do not assume settings, tabs, accounts or extensions will transfer automatically. The source material does not specify what will stop working or whether exported data can be imported directly.
What Arc users ask
Details may change as The Browser Company shares more information.
When will Arc shut down?
The plan is to sunset Arc before the end of 2026. No specific shutdown day is given.
Which browser is most like Arc?
Lifehacker recommends Zen for its vertical sidebar, workspaces, pinned tabs and customizable interface.
Can I keep using Chrome extensions?
Vivaldi and Brave are Chromium-based and support Chrome extensions. Zen uses Firefox and supports Firefox extensions.
What happens to my Arc data?
Lifehacker advises exporting data. The supplied information does not detail what exports include or whether another browser can import them directly.
Is Dia a direct replacement?
No. Dia has a vertical sidebar and pinned apps, but its interface differs from Arc and it includes AI features.
What should I try first?
Start with Zen for an Arc-like workflow. Try Vivaldi or Brave if Chromium compatibility matters more.
Choosing a Browser Before Arc Ends
Arc users may need to move their browsing routines, saved information and preferred features to another browser before support ends. The choice is not only about the browser’s appearance: Arc users may also rely on workspaces, pinned tabs and sidebar tools, while extensions and compatibility with particular websites can affect whether a substitute works day to day.
The alternatives involve different trade-offs. Zen most closely follows Arc’s visual and organizational approach, but is based on Firefox. Vivaldi and Brave use Chromium, which can make them a more familiar fit for people who depend on Chrome extensions or websites optimized for Chromium. No single option in Lifehacker’s list reproduces every part of Arc, so users may need to test a browser against their own workflow.
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Arc’s Shift Toward Dia
The shutdown follows a period in which Arc received maintenance updates rather than active feature development, according to Lifehacker. The Browser Company had shifted its focus to Dia, an AI browser that shares Arc’s framework but, the article says, does not retain the interface features that many Arc users valued.
That history helps explain why alternatives are drawing attention now: Arc users have had signs that the product’s development had slowed, but the reported sunset announcement sets a clearer deadline. The source material does not give a specific shutdown day, and it does not describe the exact date on which Arc will stop working or receiving updates.
“The Browser Company has finally announced that it will be sunsetting the Arc browser before the end of 2026.”
— Lifehacker
Shutdown Schedule and Data Moves
The source material does not specify the exact date Arc will be sunset, what services or features will stop working, or whether the browser will continue to launch after support ends. It also does not give a detailed account of what happens to Arc accounts, synced data or other cloud features.
Lifehacker advises users to export their Arc data, but the supplied material does not spell out which data can be exported, how to do so, or whether exports can be imported directly into the alternatives. Users should not assume that settings, tabs, accounts or extensions will transfer automatically.
Prepare for Arc’s End of Support
Arc users should watch for further details from The Browser Company about the shutdown date and data handling, and review the browser’s export options while Arc remains available. Before moving fully, they can test a candidate replacement with their commonly used websites, extensions and tab organization.
For the closest interface match, Lifehacker suggests starting with Zen; users who prefer Chromium compatibility or extensive built-in tools may want to try Vivaldi or Brave. The eventual timing and mechanics of Arc’s sunset remain unconfirmed beyond the stated plan to end it before 2027.
Key Questions
When will Arc shut down?
The Browser Company has said Arc will be sunset before the end of 2026. The source material does not provide a specific shutdown date.
Which browser is most like Arc?
Lifehacker recommends Zen Browser as the closest match for Arc’s vertical sidebar, workspaces, pinned tabs and customizable interface. Zen is based on Firefox, so its engine and website compatibility can differ from Arc.
Can I keep using Chrome extensions in an Arc alternative?
Vivaldi and Brave are Chromium-based and support Chrome extensions, according to Lifehacker. Zen uses Firefox and supports Firefox extensions instead.
What should Arc users do with their data?
Lifehacker advises users to export their Arc data ahead of the sunset. The supplied information does not detail which data can be exported or whether it can be imported directly into another browser.
Is Dia a direct replacement for Arc?
No. Dia is made by The Browser Company and has added a vertical sidebar and pinned apps, but Lifehacker says it does not reproduce Arc’s interface features exactly and includes AI features.
Source: Lifehacker
