Pick Chrome if
You live in Gmail and Docs, rely on a Chrome-only extension, or want one browser on every device.
The catch. It is heavier on memory and battery than Safari, and it blocks only intrusive ads.
Chrome vs Zen
Chrome is best for Google apps and extensions. Zen is best for an Arc-style sidebar.
Pick Zen if
You miss Arc and want its layout in an open-source browser.
The catch. It runs Firefox add-ons, not Chrome extensions, and a few web apps work best in Chromium.
Chrome vs Zen, feature by feature
| Chrome | Zen | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Chromium | Firefox (Gecko) |
| Vertical tabs | Yes, since 2026 | On by default |
| Sites on screen at once | Two, in Split View | Up to four, in Split View |
| Separate workspaces | Profiles and tab groups | Workspaces and Container Tabs |
| Ad and tracker blocking | Only intrusive ads; an extension does the rest | Trackers built in; ads with an add-on |
| Extensions | Chrome Web Store | Firefox add-ons |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Open source | No (Chromium is) | Yes |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Development | Active | Active |
Questions
Is Chrome better than Zen?
Neither wins everywhere. Chrome is best for Google apps and extensions; Zen is best for an Arc-style sidebar. Pick Chrome if you live in Gmail and Docs, rely on a Chrome-only extension, or want one browser on every device. Pick Zen if you miss Arc and want its layout in an open-source browser.
Do Chrome and Zen block ads?
Chrome: Only intrusive ads; an extension does the rest. Zen: Trackers built in; ads with an add-on.
Which extensions do Chrome and Zen run?
Chrome: Chrome Web Store. Zen: Firefox add-ons.
Where do Chrome and Zen run?
Chrome: macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android. Zen: macOS, Windows, Linux.
Are Chrome and Zen free?
Both are free.