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.
Zen vs Edge
Zen is best for an Arc-style sidebar. Edge is best for Windows and Microsoft 365.
Pick Edge if
Your work runs on Microsoft 365 or you want sleeping tabs that save memory.
The catch. It nudges you toward Microsoft’s services and Copilot, and it blocks trackers but not ads.
Zen vs Edge, feature by feature
| Zen | Edge | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Firefox (Gecko) | Chromium |
| Vertical tabs | On by default | Yes, one click |
| Sites on screen at once | Up to four, in Split View | Two, in Split screen |
| Separate workspaces | Workspaces and Container Tabs | Workspaces and profiles |
| Ad and tracker blocking | Trackers built in; ads with an add-on | Trackers, not ads |
| Extensions | Firefox add-ons | Edge Add-ons and Chrome Web Store |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Development | Active | Active |
Questions
Is Zen better than Edge?
Neither wins everywhere. Zen is best for an Arc-style sidebar; Edge is best for Windows and Microsoft 365. Pick Zen if you miss Arc and want its layout in an open-source browser. Pick Edge if your work runs on Microsoft 365 or you want sleeping tabs that save memory.
Do Zen and Edge block ads?
Zen: Trackers built in; ads with an add-on. Edge: Trackers, not ads.
Which extensions do Zen and Edge run?
Zen: Firefox add-ons. Edge: Edge Add-ons and Chrome Web Store.
Where do Zen and Edge run?
Zen: macOS, Windows, Linux. Edge: macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android.
Are Zen and Edge free?
Both are free.