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Browser Extensions · head to head

Arc vs Privacy Badger

Arc logo

Arc

Browser Extensions

Chromium-based browser organized around user workflows

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Privacy Badger logo

Privacy Badger

Browser Extensions

Automatically learn to block invisible 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; Privacy Badger it is not an ad blocker; the project states its aim is to prevent non-consensual tracking rather than to block ads
  • They diverge on capability: Arc covers Spaces and Profiles, Privacy Badger covers Automatic tracker detection.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Arc and Privacy Badger actually diverge.

Attributes where Arc and Privacy Badger differ
AttributeArcPrivacy Badger
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 Privacy Badger

  • Automatic tracker detection
  • Learning algorithm
  • Do Not Track support
  • No filter lists required
  • 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 Privacy Badger
  • Separating personal and professional browsing with spacesnot Privacy Badger
  • Privacy-conscious web browsing without trackingnot Privacy Badger
  • Tab and window management for productivitynot Privacy Badger

Privacy Badger

  • Blocking third-party trackers that follow users across websitesnot Arc
  • Sending Do Not Track and Global Privacy Control signalsnot Arc
  • Disabling social media tracking widgets like Facebook Like buttonsnot Arc
  • Preventing canvas fingerprinting across websitesnot 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

Privacy Badger

  • It is not an ad blocker; the project states its aim is to prevent non-consensual tracking rather than to block ads
  • There is no Safari build, and Safari on iOS lacks extension capabilities Privacy Badger needs to work
  • Chrome on Android does not support extensions, so Android users have to switch to Firefox or Edge
  • Protection is aimed at third-party trackers and does not comprehensively cover tracking by the site you are actually visiting

Pricing, plan by plan

Arc

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

Privacy Badger

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Automatic tracker learning
    • Third-party blocking
    • Do Not Track

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 Privacy Badger if

  • You need automatic tracker detection.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera.
  • You also want learning algorithm.
Privacy Badger review

Questions people ask

Is Arc or Privacy Badger better?
Neither clearly leads. Arc starts at Free and Privacy Badger at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Arc or Privacy Badger?
Arc starts at Free and Privacy Badger at Free.
Does Arc or Privacy Badger run on more platforms?
Arc runs on macOS, Windows, iOS. Privacy Badger 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 Privacy Badger is typically brought in for.
What can Arc do that Privacy Badger cannot?
Arc covers Spaces and Profiles, Split View, Themes, Privacy-First Design. Privacy Badger covers Automatic tracker detection, Learning algorithm, Do Not Track support, No filter lists required.

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
Privacy Badger: How much does Privacy Badger cost?

Privacy Badger is free browser extension made by the Electronic Frontier Foundation. There are no pricing tiers or subscription costs. The project accepts donations to support EFF's work.

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
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
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