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 Opera
Arc is best for people who already love it. Opera is best for built-in extras like a free VPN.
Pick Opera if
You want an ad blocker, a free browser VPN and Tab Islands without installing anything.
The catch. It comes with a lot of bundled features and AI, and it is not open source.
Arc vs Opera, feature by feature
| Arc | Opera | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Chromium | Chromium |
| Vertical tabs | On by default | Yes, since 2026 |
| Sites on screen at once | Up to four, in Split View | Up to four, in Split View |
| Separate workspaces | Spaces and Profiles | Workspaces and Tab Islands |
| Ad and tracker blocking | Through an extension | Built in, ads and trackers |
| Extensions | Chrome Web Store | Opera add-ons and Chrome Web Store |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, iPhone | macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android |
| Open source | No | No |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Development | Maintenance only since May 2025 | Active |
Questions
Is Arc better than Opera?
Neither wins everywhere. Arc is best for people who already love it; Opera is best for built-in extras like a free VPN. Pick Arc if you already use it and it still does everything you need. Pick Opera if you want an ad blocker, a free browser VPN and Tab Islands without installing anything.
Do Arc and Opera block ads?
Arc: Through an extension. Opera: Built in, ads and trackers.
Which extensions do Arc and Opera run?
Arc: Chrome Web Store. Opera: Opera add-ons and Chrome Web Store.
Where do Arc and Opera run?
Arc: macOS, Windows, iPhone. Opera: macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android.
Are Arc and Opera free?
Both are free.