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The Browser Company has announced that it plans to discontinue Arc before the end of 2026, giving users a reason to plan for a replacement and export their data. Lifehacker identifies Zen as the closest match to Arc’s interface, while Vivaldi, Brave, Helium, Dia and Quiche suit different needs and devices.

The Browser Company has announced that it will sunset Arc before the end of 2026, leaving users with a limited window to export their data and choose another browser. Lifehacker’s roundup points to Zen Browser as the closest match for Arc’s vertical sidebar and workspaces, with Vivaldi and several other options offering different combinations of customization, privacy features and platform support.

Arc had already been receiving maintenance updates rather than major new development as The Browser Company shifted its focus to Dia, an AI browser built on Arc’s framework. The planned shutdown turns that shift into a practical concern for people who rely on Arc’s interface and organization tools. Lifehacker advises users to export their Arc data before moving, though its roundup does not specify an export deadline or explain exactly what data can be transferred to another browser.

Lifehacker describes Zen Browser as the most Arc-like option. Built on Firefox, it has a vertical sidebar, customizable workspaces, pinned tabs and community-made interface modifications. The browser is free and open-source, and the article says it has no AI features. Firefox extensions are supported, including uBlock Origin. The trade-offs cited include occasional website compatibility issues associated with the Firefox engine and high memory use in some circumstances.

Vivaldi offers a more feature-heavy alternative based on Chromium, the same browser engine used by Chrome. It supports workspaces, split-screen browsing and tab stacks, and includes tools such as an ad blocker, notes, calendar and email features. Its vertical sidebar is not enabled by default, according to Lifehacker, though the article says it can be added through a modification. Other options include Brave and Helium for users seeking simpler Chromium-based browsers, Dia for people willing to use AI features, and Quiche for Arc users on iPhone or iPad.

Choosing a Replacement Before Arc Closes

Arc’s planned shutdown matters because its appeal was tied not only to opening websites but to a distinctive way of organizing them. People who use vertical tabs, workspaces and pinned pages may not find all those features together in a standard browser, so choosing a replacement involves more than transferring bookmarks.

The alternatives also make different trade-offs. Zen is the closest interface match in Lifehacker’s assessment, but it uses Firefox rather than Chromium. Vivaldi keeps Chromium compatibility and adds many built-in tools, but its feature-rich approach may feel less simple. Brave and Helium offer leaner experiences, while Dia is the option from the same company as Arc but has a different emphasis. The best fit depends on which Arc features a user actually relies on, as well as device, extensions and tolerance for extra tools.

Planning ahead can also give users time to check whether their essential websites, extensions and saved data work in a new browser. The announcement creates a deadline, but the source does not report that Arc has already stopped working or that its closure has taken effect.

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From Arc Maintenance to Dia

The shutdown announcement follows a period in which Arc had been put on ice, with the company providing maintenance updates while turning its attention to Dia. Lifehacker says Dia shares Arc’s framework but does not reproduce the interface features that made Arc appealing to some users. That distinction helps explain why Dia may not be a direct substitute even though it comes from the same company.

The alternatives in the roundup vary by platform and underlying technology. Zen is based on Firefox, while Vivaldi, Brave and Helium are Chromium-based. Quiche is recommended specifically for iPhone and iPad users. These browsers are not presented as identical Arc replacements; each covers a different part of the experience, from tab layout to engine compatibility or mobile design.

“Arc will be sunset before the end of 2026.”

— The Browser Company, as reported by Lifehacker

Shutdown Details Still Unspecified

The announcement sets a broad deadline—before the end of 2026—but the source does not give an exact date when Arc will stop operating or receiving updates. It also does not describe whether the shutdown will affect access to existing profiles, synced data or other services, or how long users will have to export their information.

It is also unclear how completely Arc data can be moved into any of the suggested browsers. Lifehacker recommends exporting data but does not compare import tools or confirm that workspaces, pinned tabs and other Arc-specific arrangements can be transferred intact. Users should check the available export options and test their chosen replacement rather than assume a one-step migration.

Export Data and Test Options

Arc users can begin by reviewing the browser’s data-export options and identifying the information and features they need to preserve. They can then test a candidate browser with their usual extensions, important websites and preferred tab setup. Zen is a starting point for an Arc-like layout; Vivaldi is worth testing for Chromium compatibility and deeper customization, while Brave or Helium may suit users who want fewer built-in tools.

The next major milestone is the shutdown itself, which The Browser Company has said will happen before the end of 2026. Until the company gives a more precise schedule and explains the effects on existing accounts and data, users should treat the timeline as announced but incomplete.

Key Questions

When is Arc being discontinued?

The Browser Company says it will sunset Arc before the end of 2026. The source does not give an exact closure date.

Which browser is most like Arc?

Lifehacker identifies Zen Browser as the closest match for Arc’s vertical sidebar, workspaces, pinned tabs and interface customization. It is built on Firefox, so it does not use the same browser engine as Chrome.

Is Dia a direct replacement for Arc?

No. Dia is made by The Browser Company and shares Arc’s framework, but Lifehacker says it does not reproduce all of Arc’s interface features. The article also describes Dia as an AI browser.

What should Arc users do before switching?

Export Arc data and check what can be imported into the browser you choose. The source does not confirm that Arc-specific items such as workspaces and pinned tabs will transfer intact.

Which alternatives use Chromium?

Vivaldi, Brave and Helium are Chromium-based options mentioned in the roundup. Vivaldi emphasizes customization, while Brave and Helium are presented as simpler choices.

Source: Lifehacker