Arc vs Helium Browser
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Arc is a web browser from The Browser Company that rethinks the traditional tab bar. Instead of one long row of tabs, Arc organizes browsing into Spaces (separate profiles for work, personal life, or side projects) and a vertical sidebar, with Split View for viewing two pages side by side and built-in tools like an ad blocker and screenshot tool. Arc is built on Chromium, so it supports the same extensions and sites as Chrome, while adding features like Boosts (custom CSS/JS tweaks per site) and Easels for quick notes and moodboards. As of its current site messaging, active feature development has shifted to Dia, the company's newer AI-first browser, while Arc itself continues to receive Chromium security updates.
Helium is an open-source, Chromium-based desktop browser built by imput that strips out Google services and telemetry while keeping full compatibility with Chrome extensions. Ad, tracker, and cookie-banner blocking are on by default using community filter lists, so users get uBlock-style protection without any setup.
- Tab and Space organization meaningfully reduces browser clutter for heavy multi-tasking users
- Split View and Easels add real productivity tools most browsers lack natively
- Free to use with no account required for core features
- Full Chromium compatibility means existing Chrome extensions still work
- Ad and tracker blocking enabled out of the box
- No Google services or telemetry baked in
- Full compatibility with Chrome extensions
- Completely free, crowdfunded development
- Active feature development has shifted to the company's newer browser, Dia, with Arc now getting mostly maintenance updates
- No Linux version
- The unconventional layout has a learning curve for users coming from traditional tab bars
- Still in beta with occasional rough edges
- No built-in password manager or sync yet
- No mobile version available
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Arc
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Alternatives to Helium Browser
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A fast Chromium‑based browser that blocks trackers and protects your privacy by default.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth browsers are free, but Arc offers richer productivity tools with a steeper learning curve, while Helium prioritizes privacy, open‑source code, and simplicity.
Key differences
- •Arc provides built‑in tab organization (Spaces, Split View, Easels) that Helium lacks.
- •Helium removes all Google services and ships default ad/tracker blocking, whereas Arc’s blocker is optional.
- •Arc is closed source and has no Linux version; Helium is open source and runs on Linux.
- •Arc’s UI is unconventional and has a learning curve; Helium uses a minimal, familiar Chromium layout.
Pricing & value
Both are free; value differs by feature set versus privacy focus.
Ease of use / learning curve
Helium uses a familiar minimal Chromium UI; Arc’s Spaces and sidebar require adjustment.
Features & depth
Arc includes Spaces, Split View, Easels, Boosts, and a command bar; Helium offers basic browsing and ad blocking only.
Integrations & ecosystem
Both support the full Chrome Web Store extensions.
Collaboration
Arc’s Easels provide a shared canvas for notes; Helium has no collaboration features.
Security & privacy
Helium removes Google telemetry and enforces HTTPS by default; Arc includes an optional blocker but retains Chrome telemetry.
Support
Arc offers a Help Center and community; Helium relies solely on GitHub issues and community.
Choose Arc if…
Power users needing advanced tab organization and productivity tools on Windows/macOS.
Choose Helium Browser if…
Privacy‑focused users who want a minimal, open‑source Chromium browser on any desktop OS.
Common questions
Is there any cost to use either browser?
Both Arc and Helium are free to download and use.
Can I run these browsers on Linux?
Arc does not have a Linux version; Helium is open source and runs on Linux.
Which browser offers stronger privacy out of the box?
Helium removes Google services and blocks ads/tracking by default, while Arc’s blocker is optional.