Should I use Arc or Microsoft Edge?

Use Arc only if you're already invested in its Spaces workflow, since development has stopped; use Microsoft Edge for active development, Windows integration, and Copilot AI.

Is Arc cheaper than Microsoft Edge?

No — both are entirely free with no paid tier.

Is Arc still being developed?

No — The Browser Company halted active feature development on Arc in May 2025 to focus on its new AI browser Dia, and Atlassian acquired the company in October 2025.

Does Arc support Linux or Android?

No — Arc runs only on Windows, macOS, and iOS, while Microsoft Edge supports Linux and Android in addition to those platforms.

Arc vs Microsoft Edge (2026)

By Noahlast updated September 14, 2026

Verdict: Choose Arc if you want its Spaces-based workspace organization and don't mind that development has stopped. Choose Microsoft Edge if you're on Windows and want deep OS and Microsoft 365 integration with active development and Copilot AI. Platform breadth and ongoing development are the deciding factors: Edge runs on five platforms including Linux and Android and continues shipping features, while Arc is frozen and limited to three.

Arc

The Browser Company's free Chromium browser with Spaces and vertical tabs, now in maintenance mode as the company focuses on Dia.

Pricing: Free
License: Free
Best for: users who already adopted Arc's Spaces workflow and want a free, stable Chromium browser, not those looking for a browser with an active development roadmap

Details arc.net

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft's free Chromium-based web browser for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, with built-in Copilot AI and performance tools.

Pricing: Free
License: Free
Best for: Windows users who want a browser tightly integrated with the OS, Microsoft 365, and Copilot AI without installing a separate browser

Details microsoft.com

Choose Arc if…

You've already adopted Arc's Spaces, Profiles, and Split View workflow
You don't use Windows or Microsoft 365 and don't need Copilot integration
You're satisfied with a browser that won't receive new features going forward

Choose Microsoft Edge if…

You're on Windows and want a browser built into the OS with no separate install
You want active development, including Copilot and Copilot Vision AI features
You need Linux or Android support, which Arc doesn't offer
You want energy-saver mode and sleeping tabs aimed at extending laptop battery life
You're inside the Microsoft 365 ecosystem and want tight integration

Arc vs Microsoft Edge: feature comparison

Feature	Arc	Microsoft Edge
Starting price	Yesfree, no paid tier	Yesfree, no paid tier
Free tier	Yesentirely free	Yesentirely free, no feature paywall
Platforms	NoWindows, macOS, iOS only	Yesweb, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Active development	Nofeature development halted since May 2025	Yesactively developed
Base engine	YesChromium-based	YesChromium-based since 2020
Default/preinstalled status	Nonot bundled with any OS	Yespreinstalled and default on Windows
Built-in AI features	No	YesCopilot and Copilot Vision for on-screen analysis
Battery/performance tools	Unknown	Yesenergy saver mode, sleeping tabs, startup boost
Microsoft 365 integration	No	Yesdeep integration with Microsoft 365
Distinguishing workspace feature	YesSpaces, Profiles, and Split View	Nostandard tab bar with AI-powered organization
Password manager	Unknown	Yesbuilt-in password management
Company/ownership status	NoAtlassian acquired The Browser Company in October 2025; engineering focus shifted to Dia	Unknown

Arc vs Microsoft Edge pricing: which costs less?

Both are entirely free with no paid tier, so price is not a differentiator between Arc and Microsoft Edge.

Which is under active development, Arc or Microsoft Edge?

Microsoft Edge is under active development with ongoing Copilot AI features, while Arc's maker halted feature development in May 2025.

The Browser Company stopped shipping new Arc features in May 2025 to focus on its AI browser Dia, and Atlassian acquired the company in October 2025. Edge continues receiving updates including Copilot and Copilot Vision integration, with no development freeze noted in the data.

Which has better Windows integration, Arc or Microsoft Edge?

Microsoft Edge, which is preinstalled and set as the default browser on Windows with deep Microsoft 365 integration that Arc's data doesn't describe having.

Can Microsoft Edge replace Arc?

Yes for most users, since Edge offers the same Chromium rendering with active development and wider platform support, though it lacks Arc's Spaces-based tab organization.

Edge runs on Linux and Android in addition to Windows, macOS, and iOS, and continues shipping features like Copilot Vision where Arc has stopped. What Edge doesn't replicate is Arc's Spaces, Profiles, and Split View system for organizing tabs into separate switchable environments.

Strengths and weaknesses

Arc

Pros

Free with no paid tier or subscription to manage.
Spaces and Split View genuinely reduce tab clutter for users juggling many contexts.
Full compatibility with Chrome extensions since it's Chromium-based.
Polished, distinctive interface that many reviewers say replaced Chrome or Safari for them.

Cons

Development is frozen: no new features since May 2025, only minimal security patches.
The Browser Company (now owned by Atlassian) has redirected its engineering effort to Dia, its separate AI-native browser.
Spaces and the non-traditional interface require a real adjustment period for users coming from Chrome or Safari.
No Linux or Android version, unlike most competing browsers.

Microsoft Edge

Pros

Built into Windows with no separate install required, and free on macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Chromium-based, so it supports most Chrome extensions and web standards.
Copilot and Copilot Vision integrate AI chat and on-screen analysis directly into the browser.
Performance features (energy saver, sleeping tabs, startup boost) are aimed at extending laptop battery life and reducing memory use.

Cons

Most standout features assume a Microsoft account and are most useful within the Windows/Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
Shares Chrome's underlying engine, so it offers few rendering or compatibility advantages over Chrome itself.
Windows repeatedly prompts users to keep Edge as their default browser, which some users find intrusive.
Smaller and less mature non-Windows install base means fewer platform-specific optimizations on macOS/Linux/mobile compared to Windows.

Which fits your use case?

Use case	Pick	Why
User who already built a workflow around Arc's Spaces	Arc	Arc's Spaces, Profiles, and Split View remain functional even though development is frozen.
Windows user who wants a browser built into the OS	Microsoft Edge	Edge is preinstalled and set as the default browser on Windows with no separate install required.
Linux or Android user	Microsoft Edge	Edge supports Linux and Android; Arc is limited to Windows, macOS, and iOS.
User who wants AI that can analyze on-screen content	Microsoft Edge	Edge's Copilot Vision scans and suggests actions based on what's on screen; Arc has no equivalent AI feature in the data.
Laptop user prioritizing battery life	Microsoft Edge	Edge includes an energy saver mode Microsoft claims adds up to 25 extra minutes of battery life, plus sleeping tabs; Arc's data reports no equivalent performance features.

Neither a match?

Both lists carry verified pricing and honest weaknesses for every option.

5 alternatives to Arc 5 alternatives to Microsoft Edge

Popular comparisons

Arc vs Microsoft Edge: migration FAQ

Should I use Arc or Microsoft Edge?: Use Arc only if you're already invested in its Spaces workflow, since development has stopped; use Microsoft Edge for active development, Windows integration, and Copilot AI.
Is Arc cheaper than Microsoft Edge?: No — both are entirely free with no paid tier.
Can Microsoft Edge replace Arc?: Yes for most users, since Edge offers the same Chromium rendering with active development and wider platform support, though it lacks Arc's Spaces-based tab organization.
Is Arc still being developed?: No — The Browser Company halted active feature development on Arc in May 2025 to focus on its new AI browser Dia, and Atlassian acquired the company in October 2025.
Does Arc support Linux or Android?: No — Arc runs only on Windows, macOS, and iOS, while Microsoft Edge supports Linux and Android in addition to those platforms.