Arc Browser Discontinued: Users Share Top Alternatives and Migration Tips

The news of Arc browser's discontinuation has prompted its user base to search for suitable replacements, sparking a lively discussion on Hacker News. Many users expressed their appreciation for Arc and are now looking for browsers that can offer a similar productive experience.

Prominent Alternatives and User Experiences

Several browsers have emerged as leading candidates:

Firefox: A strong favorite among commenters, Firefox is frequently recommended, especially when combined with the uBlock Origin extension for robust ad-blocking and privacy. Users switching from other browsers like Safari have reported positive experiences. One user highlighted an issue with Firefox's containers feature, specifically an infinite redirect loop when trying to set it up for Google products.
Zen Browser: Zen has garnered significant attention as a potential Arc replacement. Users praise it for incorporating many of Arc's features and for being Firefox-based, which means it utilizes the Firefox extension store. Positive feedback includes descriptions like "very good" and "fantastic, acceptable performance, very stable." However, a notable concern was raised by one user who shared a link to another Hacker News discussion detailing potential privacy issues with Zen, urging caution for those prioritizing privacy.
Brave: Brave is another alternative, built on the Chromium codebase. It offers features like vertical tabs (since 2023) and a built-in adblocker. While some users find it works well, others, including commenters on Hacker News and users on platforms like Lobste.rs, expressed reservations about its "dodgy" commercialization and site-scraping practices. The crypto features can be turned off.
Google Chrome: Some users are considering a return to Chrome, often planning to enhance it with tab managing extensions to replicate the functionality they valued in Arc. This indicates a desire for more sophisticated tab organization than Chrome offers by default.
Other Mentions:
- Vivaldi: Suggested as a general alternative.
- SigmaOS: Mentioned by a user who found it works very similarly to Arc.
- Chromium: Used by some, occasionally in tandem with other browsers like Zen for specific tasks.

Key Considerations and Tips

Extension Compatibility: For users of Zen, it's important to note it's Firefox-based and uses Firefox extensions, not Chrome's. Popular extensions like uBlock Origin are generally available on multiple stores.
Productivity Features: The desire for Arc-like productivity features, such as efficient tab management and a clean interface, is a driving factor in the search.
Privacy Concerns: Discussions around Zen and Brave highlight the importance of vetting a browser's privacy practices before committing.
Specific Use Cases: One user mentioned using Downloadstar (a Firefox extension) with Zen for scraping lecture notes, a feature they couldn't find for Chromium.

Overall, the discussion reflects a community actively evaluating browser options based on features, performance, privacy, and the ability to maintain a productive workflow post-Arc. The sentiment towards Arc's discontinuation is one of disappointment, especially as some felt the original Arc was a product they would have willingly paid for.