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Browser Extensions · head to head

Arc vs HTTPS Everywhere

Arc logo

Arc

Browser Extensions

Chromium-based browser organized around user workflows

From
Free
Rated
-
HTTPS Everywhere logo

HTTPS Everywhere

Browser Extensions

Encrypt the web automatically

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Arc no longer receiving active feature development as of May 2025, entering maintenance mode; HTTPS Everywhere product discontinued as of January 2023
  • They diverge on capability: Arc covers Spaces and Profiles, HTTPS Everywhere covers Automatic HTTPS.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Arc and HTTPS Everywhere actually diverge.

Attributes where Arc and HTTPS Everywhere differ
AttributeArcHTTPS Everywhere
PlatformsmacOS, Windows, iOSChrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera
FoundedUnknown1990

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (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 HTTPS Everywhere

  • Automatic HTTPS
  • Encryption enforcement
  • Rule-based upgrading
  • Observatory integration
  • Chrome support
  • Firefox support
  • Edge support
  • Opera 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 HTTPS Everywhere
  • Separating personal and professional browsing with spacesnot HTTPS Everywhere
  • Privacy-conscious web browsing without trackingnot HTTPS Everywhere
  • Tab and window management for productivitynot HTTPS Everywhere

HTTPS Everywhere

  • Forcing encrypted HTTPS connections on websites that support itnot Arc
  • Preventing eavesdropping and content hijacking on unsecured networksnot 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

HTTPS Everywhere

  • Product discontinued as of January 2023
  • Functionality now built into all modern browsers natively
  • No longer receives security updates or maintenance

Pricing, plan by plan

Arc

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

HTTPS Everywhere

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Automatic HTTPS upgrade
    • Rule sets
    • Custom rules

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.

Choose HTTPS Everywhere if

  • You need automatic https.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera.
  • You also want encryption enforcement.

Questions people ask

Is Arc or HTTPS Everywhere better?
Neither clearly leads. Arc starts at Free and HTTPS Everywhere at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Arc or HTTPS Everywhere?
Arc starts at Free and HTTPS Everywhere at Free.
Does Arc or HTTPS Everywhere run on more platforms?
Arc runs on macOS, Windows, iOS. HTTPS Everywhere runs on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, 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 HTTPS Everywhere is typically brought in for.
What can Arc do that HTTPS Everywhere cannot?
Arc covers Spaces and Profiles, Split View, Themes, Privacy-First Design. HTTPS Everywhere covers Automatic HTTPS, Encryption enforcement, Rule-based upgrading, Observatory integration.

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
HTTPS Everywhere: Is HTTPS Everywhere still maintained?

No. HTTPS Everywhere was retired in January 2023 because major browsers added native HTTPS upgrade features, making the extension obsolete.

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
HTTPS Everywhere: What functionality did HTTPS Everywhere provide?

The extension automatically redirected HTTP connections to HTTPS when available, improving encryption and privacy on unencrypted websites.

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
HTTPS Everywhere: What is the recommended replacement?

Modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari now include built-in HTTPS upgrade features that automatically redirect to secure connections, making HTTPS Everywhere unnecessary.

Source
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