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Browser Extensions · head to head

Arc vs Ghostery

Arc logo

Arc

Browser Extensions

Chromium-based browser organized around user workflows

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Ghostery logo

Ghostery

Browser Extensions

Block ads and stop trackers

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Arc no longer receiving active feature development as of May 2025, entering maintenance mode; Ghostery database of trackers requires regular updates to remain current
  • They diverge on capability: Arc covers Spaces and Profiles, Ghostery covers Tracker blocking.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Arc and Ghostery actually diverge.

Attributes where Arc and Ghostery differ
AttributeArcGhostery
Pricing modelFreeUnknown
PlatformsmacOS, Windows, iOSFirefox, Chrome, Edge, Safari, Opera
FoundedUnknown2009

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Browser Extensions).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Arc

  • Spaces and Profiles
  • Split View
  • Themes
  • Privacy-First Design
  • Chromium Updates

Only in Ghostery

  • Tracker blocking
  • Ad blocking
  • Privacy dashboard
  • Enhanced anti-tracking
  • Chrome support
  • Firefox support
  • Edge support
  • Safari support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Arc

  • Organizing work across multiple projects within one browsernot Ghostery
  • Separating personal and professional browsing with spacesnot Ghostery
  • Privacy-conscious web browsing without trackingnot Ghostery
  • Tab and window management for productivitynot Ghostery

Ghostery

  • Blocking ads and sponsored content before they loadnot Arc
  • Preventing tracker profiling by replacing identifying data with random valuesnot Arc
  • Automatically rejecting non-essential cookie consentnot Arc
  • Seeing which companies track a given site through WhoTracks.Menot Arc

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Arc

  • No longer receiving active feature development as of May 2025, entering maintenance mode
  • Limited cross-platform availability compared to mainstream browsers
  • Smaller ecosystem of extensions compared to Chrome
  • Focused on macOS and Windows, with limited iOS support

Ghostery

  • Database of trackers requires regular updates to remain current
  • Some sites break functionality when trackers are aggressively blocked

Pricing, plan by plan

Arc

Free
  • ArcFree
    • Spaces and profiles organization
    • Split view customization
    • Themes and personalization

Ghostery

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Ghostery review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Arc if

  • You need spaces and profiles.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on macOS, Windows, iOS.
  • You also want split view.
Arc review

Choose Ghostery if

  • You need tracker blocking.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Safari, Opera.
  • You also want ad blocking.
Ghostery review

Questions people ask

Is Arc or Ghostery better?
Neither clearly leads. Arc starts at Free and Ghostery at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Arc or Ghostery?
Arc starts at Free and Ghostery at Free.
Does Arc or Ghostery run on more platforms?
Arc runs on macOS, Windows, iOS. Ghostery runs on Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Safari, Opera.
Can I use Arc for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Arc best used for?
Arc is most often used for organizing work across multiple projects within one browser, separating personal and professional browsing with spaces, privacy-conscious web browsing without tracking, tab and window management for productivity. Of those, organizing work across multiple projects within one browser and separating personal and professional browsing with spaces are not what Ghostery is typically brought in for.
What can Arc do that Ghostery cannot?
Arc covers Spaces and Profiles, Split View, Themes, Privacy-First Design. Ghostery covers Tracker blocking, Ad blocking, Privacy dashboard, Enhanced anti-tracking.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Arc: Does Arc Browser cost anything to use?

Arc is completely free to download and use with no subscription required. All features are available at no cost.

Source
Ghostery: Is Ghostery completely free?

Yes. Ghostery is a free ad blocking browser extension that you can install without paying a subscription. All of Ghostery's features are completely free to use, including ad blocking, tracker blocking, and cookie consent banner handling.

Source
Arc: What operating systems does Arc support?

Arc is available on macOS, Windows, and iOS. Windows and mobile versions are available for download.

Source
Ghostery: What browsers does Ghostery support?

Ghostery is available for Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Edge and Safari as a browser extension.

Source
Arc: Will Arc continue to receive new features?

As of May 2025, Arc entered maintenance mode with no new features planned. The Browser Company's focus has shifted to Dia browser, though Arc continues to receive security updates.

Source
Ghostery: What data does Ghostery collect?

Ghostery collects no personal information, ensuring your privacy remains protected while using the extension.

Source
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