Arc Browser
Around
| Feature | Arc Browser | Around |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free only | Free / from $10.99/mo |
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Best For | knowledge-workers, researchers, designers, tab-heavy-users | remote-teams, quick-standups, pair-programming, distributed-teams |
| Founded | 2022 | 2020 |
| Vertical Tabs | ✓ | ✗ |
| Spaces | ✓ | ✗ |
| Split View | ✓ | ✗ |
| Boosts | ✓ | ✗ |
| Easel | ✓ | ✗ |
| Notes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ai Features | ✓ | ✗ |
| Floating Video | ✗ | ✓ |
| Auto Leveling | ✗ | ✓ |
| Noise Cancellation | ✗ | ✓ |
| Screen Sharing | ✗ | ✓ |
| Reactions | ✗ | ✓ |
| Virtual Backgrounds | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ Arc Browser Pros
- Innovative sidebar with vertical tabs and spaces
- Built-in tools (notes, easel, split view) reduce extensions
- Profiles and spaces for work/personal separation
- Beautiful design with attention to detail
✗ Arc Browser Cons
- Mac and iOS focused (Windows version limited)
- Steep learning curve from traditional browsers
- Company pivoting away from Arc to new product
✓ Around Pros
- Lightweight and fast
- Minimal floating interface
- Good noise cancellation
- Reduces meeting fatigue
✗ Around Cons
- Limited features vs Zoom
- Smaller user base
- No recording on free
The Verdict
Arc Browser is built for knowledge workers and researchers, with a focus on vertical-tabs and spaces. Around targets remote teams and quick standups and leads with floating-video and auto-leveling.
Arc Browser uses custom enterprise pricing, while Around starts at $10.99/mo — a tangible advantage for teams with a fixed budget.
Both offer free plans, so you can test each with your real workflow before committing to a subscription.
Feature-wise, Arc Browser offers broader built-in capabilities (7 features vs 6), while Around takes a more focused approach — which can mean a simpler, faster onboarding experience.
Bottom line: Arc Browser has a slight overall edge — but if lightweight and fast matters most to you, Around may still be the right call.