# Zen offers Arc fans a customisable, AI-free browsing alternative

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/zen-browser-is-the-arc-replacement-i-was-looking-for/
- Published: 2026-10-25T19:24:50+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-25T19:38:21+00:00
- Original publisher: The Verge
- Original article: https://www.theverge.com/tech/1018275/zen-browser-arc-replacement
- Topics: Americas, Business, Companies, Software, Technology, World

## Key points

- Zen offers an Arc-like interface without built-in AI.
- It is free, open-source and based on Firefox.
- DRM video and Web MIDI limitations mean some users may still need Chrome.

## Summary

As Arc is set to be discontinued while its owner Atlassian focuses on the AI-centred Dia browser, the article recommends Zen as an alternative for people who liked Arc’s design. The writer says Zen keeps Arc’s distinctive organisation and customisation features while offering a simpler, AI-free browsing experience.

Zen is a free, open-source browser based on Firefox, with a left-side tab bar, workspaces, pinned sites, customisable mods, Firefox extensions and temporary “glance” views for links. Its main limitation is that it cannot currently play DRM-protected services such as Netflix, Spotify and Disney+, while its Web MIDI support also leads the writer to use Chrome at times; Zen’s team is seeking a Widevine licence.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.