Pick Firefox if
You want an open-source browser that is not built on Chrome’s engine.
The catch. A few web apps are tested in Chrome first, and it runs Firefox add-ons rather than Chrome extensions.
Firefox vs Arc
Firefox is best for an independent, open-source engine. Arc is best for people who already love it.
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.
Firefox vs Arc, feature by feature
| Firefox | Arc | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Gecko | Chromium |
| Vertical tabs | Yes, in settings | On by default |
| Sites on screen at once | Two, in Split View | Up to four, in Split View |
| Separate workspaces | Profiles and tab groups | Spaces and Profiles |
| Ad and tracker blocking | Trackers, not ads | Through an extension |
| Extensions | Firefox add-ons | Chrome Web Store |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android | macOS, Windows, iPhone |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Development | Active | Maintenance only since May 2025 |
Questions
Is Firefox better than Arc?
Neither wins everywhere. Firefox is best for an independent, open-source engine; Arc is best for people who already love it. Pick Firefox if you want an open-source browser that is not built on Chrome’s engine. Pick Arc if you already use it and it still does everything you need.
Do Firefox and Arc block ads?
Firefox: Trackers, not ads. Arc: Through an extension.
Which extensions do Firefox and Arc run?
Firefox: Firefox add-ons. Arc: Chrome Web Store.
Where do Firefox and Arc run?
Firefox: macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android. Arc: macOS, Windows, iPhone.
Are Firefox and Arc free?
Both are free.