If you’ve been using Arc Browser on your Mac lately, chances are you’ve appreciated its clean design, sidebar setup, and creative features like Spaces and Boosts. But maybe it’s not quite working out for you. Maybe it feels bloated, crashes occasionally, or just doesn’t “click” with your workflow. If so, you’re not alone. In 2025, many Mac users are exploring better alternatives to Arc—looking for browsers that are faster, more stable, more private, or simply more familiar.
In this article, we’ll explore you’re better alternative for browser for Mac than Arc—meaning browsers that feel like an upgrade, not a step back. Whether you care about speed, customization, privacy, or compatibility with your favorite extensions, there’s a Mac browser out there that can serve you better.
Why People Are Moving Away from Arc in 2025
Before we jump into alternatives, let’s talk about why some users are leaving Arc. Arc, developed by The Browser Company, made waves with its refreshing take on how a browser should look and feel. But not every good idea works for everyone.
For example, some users find Arc’s vertical tabs and split interface confusing. Others feel it uses too much memory compared to traditional browsers. A few developers complain about incompatibility with testing tools or dev environments, while others just want a no-nonsense, minimal interface.
Arc still has its fans, but if you’ve been thinking, “There has to be something better,” you’re not alone.
First: What Makes a Browser “Better” for Mac?
When looking for a better alternative for browser for Mac than Arc, it’s helpful to define what “better” means for you. Here are a few things most Mac users care about:
- Speed and performance: Does the browser run smoothly on macOS, especially when lots of tabs are open?
- Battery efficiency: MacBooks are great, but browsers can drain battery fast.
- Privacy and tracking protection: Are you being watched online? A good browser helps protect your privacy.
- Compatibility: Do your favorite extensions work? Is it developer-friendly?
- UI and UX: Clean design that complements macOS aesthetics.
With these in mind, let’s look at some top picks for 2025 that users are calling better alternatives to Arc on a Mac.
1. Safari: Still the Native Champion
If you’re looking for speed, efficiency, and seamless macOS integration, Safari is still a top choice in 2025. It’s built by Apple for Apple devices, and that means it knows how to play nicely with your MacBook’s battery, CPU, and screen.
Safari’s energy efficiency is hard to beat. Compared to Arc, Safari uses far less RAM and CPU over time. That means longer battery life and less overheating—two huge advantages if you’re working on the go.
Also, Safari now supports progressive web apps (PWAs), has deep iCloud integration (you can sync tabs, passwords, and reading lists across Apple devices), and offers built-in privacy features like Intelligent Tracking Prevention.
2. Brave: The Privacy-Focused Powerhouse
Next on the list is Brave, which has grown into one of the most popular privacy-first browsers in 2025. It blocks ads and trackers right out of the box, meaning you don’t have to install anything extra to protect your data.
What makes Brave a better alternative to Arc for privacy-conscious users is its speed and simplicity. Since it doesn’t load unnecessary trackers or third-party scripts, it runs faster, even on heavy websites. It also has a built-in VPN and Tor window for anonymous browsing.
Plus, Brave is based on Chromium, so it supports all Chrome extensions. You won’t lose any functionality by switching, and for some users, that’s a game-changer.
Example:
If you use Arc and constantly need to install ad blockers or privacy extensions, Brave does all that for you with zero setup.
3. Vivaldi: For Power Users Who Love Customization
If Arc felt like a “creative playground,” but you still want more control, Vivaldi might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s a browser built with power users in mind.
In 2025Infographic idea:
Venn Diagram showing “Arc = Design-first,” “Vivaldi = Power-user tools,” and the overlapping features like tab grouping and split view.
, Vivaldi lets you:
- Create tab stacks (group tabs) and tile them side by side
- Use keyboard shortcuts and mouse gestures for every action
- Write notes inside the browser
- Change the interface layout completely
Where Arc tries to reimagine the browser from scratch, Vivaldi gives you tools to make it your own. And unlike Arc, Vivaldi gives you access to deep settings without hiding them behind experimental menus.
4. Firefox: The Reliable All-Rounder with Privacy Perks
Mozilla’s Firefox continues to improve year after year. In 2025, it remains one of the most balanced browsers available—offering a good mix of privacy, performance, and customization without the resource drain of something like Chrome.
Firefox is especially good if you’re looking for open-source software that isn’t owned by a massive corporation. Unlike Google Chrome or even Arc, Firefox is independent and built by a nonprofit focused on privacy and internet health.
It also offers Container Tabs, which help separate cookies for different tasks—like browsing Amazon in one container and doing banking in another. That limits tracking and enhances privacy.
Compared to Arc, Firefox is simpler, more stable, and easier to use out of the box. No learning curve. Just open it and start browsing.
5. Orion Browser: A Rising Mac-Only Star
If you want something new that’s built natively for Mac, check out Orion. It’s fast, lightweight, and supports both Chrome and Firefox extensions—something almost no other browser does.
Orion looks and feels like Safari but gives you more freedom. It’s privacy-focused and doesn’t collect your data. It also uses WebKit, Apple’s own rendering engine, which means excellent performance and low battery usage.
Unlike Arc, which is still gaining traction among average users, Orion is optimized for macOS performance and minimalism. It feels like Safari with superpowers.
6. Microsoft Edge: The Productivity Power Browser
Wait—Microsoft? On a Mac?
Yes. And surprisingly, Edge has earned a good name for itself in recent years. Edge is no longer just the “default Windows browser.” On Mac, it’s one of the best Chromium-based browsers available.
Edge offers unique features like vertical tabs, sidebars, split screen, and even a read aloud feature with natural voice AI. For students and professionals, it also integrates nicely with Microsoft Office, OneNote, and Teams.
Edge might not be as cool-looking as Arc, but for users who want performance and productivity tools baked in, it’s a real contender in 2025.
Making the Switch: What to Expect
If you’re moving away from Arc, the transition depends on your habits. For example:
- If you love Arc’s clean design, try Orion or Safari.
- If you need privacy, go with Brave or Firefox.
- If you want customization, Vivaldi is your friend.
- If you want fast extension support and familiarity, Edge or Brave are solid picks.
The good news? Most browsers today let you import bookmarks, history, passwords, and more in a single click. You won’t have to start over from scratch.
Final Thoughts: you’re better alternative for browser for mac than arc
Choosing the better alternative for browser for Mac than Arc depends on your needs. Arc brought a bold new look to browsing, but if it no longer feels right, don’t settle.
In 2025, Mac users are lucky to have amazing options—whether you want privacy, power, speed, or simplicity. Your browser should feel like a helpful sidekick, not an experiment. That’s why it’s okay to move on and find the one that fits you better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)-you’re better alternative for browser for mac than arc
1. Why are people looking for alternatives to the Arc browser on Mac?
Arc is innovative and visually modern, but not everyone finds it practical. Some users report that its user interface feels too different from traditional browsers. Others find it uses more system resources or lacks compatibility with certain extensions. For people who want something faster, simpler, or more privacy-focused, alternatives might serve them better.
2. What is the best browser for Mac if I want speed and simplicity?
If speed and simplicity are your top priorities, Safari or Brave are great options. Safari is optimized for macOS, so it runs super fast and integrates perfectly with Apple services. Brave, on the other hand, cuts out ads and trackers automatically, making it extremely fast even on content-heavy sites.
3. Is Chrome still a good choice for Mac in 2025?
Yes, Google Chrome is still very popular in 2025. It’s known for being highly compatible with web apps and extensions. However, it can be demanding on system memory and battery. So while it’s a strong option, it might not be ideal for users on older MacBooks or those focused on battery life.
4. Which browser is best for privacy on Mac?
If privacy is what you care most about, Brave and Firefox are two excellent options. Brave blocks trackers by default and even has a built-in VPN option. Firefox offers strong privacy settings and is open-source, so it’s transparent and community-driven.
5. Are there browsers that use less RAM than Arc or Chrome?
Yes! Safari tends to be the most lightweight on Mac. It uses far less RAM than Chrome or Arc and is battery-efficient. Opera is another good option that manages memory usage better, especially when many tabs are open.
6. Can I import my bookmarks and passwords easily to a new browser?
Absolutely. Most modern browsers let you import bookmarks, history, and even passwords in just a few clicks. When setting up Firefox, Brave, Opera, or Chrome, you’ll be prompted to import data from your previous browser. It’s a seamless process now in 2025.
7. What’s a fun or unique browser alternative to Arc?
If you’re looking for something new and different, try Orion or Vivaldi. Orion is lightweight, privacy-focused, and supports Chrome and Firefox extensions. Vivaldi offers heavy customization — from tab stacking to keyboard shortcuts — for users who love to tinker with their tools.
8. Does using a different browser affect how websites look or behave?
Sometimes, yes. Most websites are built to work best with Chrome or Safari, but Firefox, Brave, and even Vivaldi handle most websites just fine. Occasionally, a site might load slower or display slightly differently, but it’s rarely a deal-breaker today.
9. Is there a browser that helps save battery on MacBooks?
Yes. Safari is known for being the best when it comes to saving battery on Mac. It’s built by Apple specifically for MacBooks, so it’s extremely optimized for energy use. Brave also does well in this department, especially since it blocks energy-draining ads.
10. Can I use browser extensions if I switch from Arc to something else?
Definitely. Most alternative browsers like Chrome, Brave, Vivaldi, and Firefox support the same or very similar extensions as Arc. If extensions are important to you, just make sure the browser supports the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons platform.