Pick Arc if
You already use it and it still does everything you need.
The catch. It gets no new features: its makers moved to Dia in May 2025.
Arc vs Dia
Arc is best for people who already love it. Dia is best for AI in the browser.
Pick Dia if
You want an assistant that reads your tabs and does writing and research with you.
The catch. It needs an Apple Silicon Mac on macOS 14 or later, and its best AI features are paid.
Arc vs Dia, feature by feature
| Arc | Dia | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Chromium | Chromium |
| Vertical tabs | On by default | Yes |
| Sites on screen at once | Up to four, in Split View | Two or more, in Split View |
| Separate workspaces | Spaces and Profiles | Profiles, each in its own window |
| Ad and tracker blocking | Through an extension | Built in, ads and trackers |
| Extensions | Chrome Web Store | Chrome Web Store |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, iPhone | macOS (Apple Silicon) |
| Open source | No | No |
| Price | Free | Free; Dia Pro $20/month |
| Development | Maintenance only since May 2025 | Active |
Questions
Is Arc better than Dia?
Neither wins everywhere. Arc is best for people who already love it; Dia is best for AI in the browser. Pick Arc if you already use it and it still does everything you need. Pick Dia if you want an assistant that reads your tabs and does writing and research with you.
Do Arc and Dia block ads?
Arc: Through an extension. Dia: Built in, ads and trackers.
Which extensions do Arc and Dia run?
Both install extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
Where do Arc and Dia run?
Arc: macOS, Windows, iPhone. Dia: macOS (Apple Silicon).
Are Arc and Dia free?
Arc: Free. Dia: Free; Dia Pro $20/month.