Introduction

Previously, I wrote an article about Arc Browser. At that time, I was primarily using Brave, but I was drawn to Arc's UI and functionality, and I now use Arc as my main browser. What I particularly like is the Space feature, which allows me to organize tabs by purpose, as well as the intuitive sidebar. Additionally, Arc introduces innovative features that were not found in previous browsers in the history (as long as I remember), such as the auto-closing tabs, providing a fresh and enjoyable browsing experience.

After using Arc as my main browser for several months, I have had no issues with its functionality (I'm very satisfied). However, there is one concern—it puts a significant load on my PC. In particular, when I have multiple tabs open for an extended period, my MacBook heats up rapidly. Upon researching, I found that this is a common issue among Arc users. I looked through forums for possible solutions, but unfortunately, I couldn’t find an effective fix for my environment. As a workaround, I frequently close the browser and wait for my PC to cool down before using it again, but this is not a fundamental solution.

While researching Arc’s overheating issue, I came across a browser called Zen Browser. Intrigued, I decided to try it, and I was surprised. Zen is just as well-designed as Arc and, more importantly, seems to offer better performance in terms of resource usage. Since I’ve only just started using it, I haven't fully explored its features yet, but my first impression is quite positive.

Therefore, in this blog post, I’d like to give a brief introduction to Zen Browser.

As I am still new to Zen, I can’t provide an in-depth analysis, but I’d like to share my initial thoughts as a personal note.

What is Zen Browser?

Zen Browser is an open-source web browser based on Mozilla Firefox. According to Wikipedia, it was initially released on July 11, 2024, making it a relatively new browser. Upon using it, I immediately noticed that it shares a similar feel to Arc Browser. In particular, the sidebar design closely resembles Arc, and while the overall operation feels slightly different, those who are accustomed to Arc’s UI should have no trouble adapting to it.

In terms of functionality, Zen Browser also shares many similarities with Arc. For example:

• Arc's "Pin" → In Zen, it's called "Essential"
• Arc's "Space" → In Zen, it's "Workspace"
• Arc's "Profile" → In Zen, it's "Container"

Although the names differ slightly, the core concepts and usability remain largely the same. Because of this, I believe the users familiar with Arc’s interface should find it easy to transition to Zen Browser, making it one of its key features.

Main Differences Between Arc and Zen Browser

Here are some key differences and points of interest I've noticed between Arc and Zen Browser so far:

• Base Engine:

  • Arc → Chromium-based
  • Zen → Firefox-based

• Development Model:

  • Arc → Closed-source
  • Zen → Open-source

• Release Date:

  • Arc is a relatively new browser, but Zen is even newer, with its initial release in July 2024.

• Performance (Personal Impression So Far):

  • Zen feels smoother and more responsive. It generates significantly less heat and runs more efficiently on my MacBook.

Heat Issues & Performance

One major concern I had with Arc was its high resource consumption and heat generation, as I mentioned above.

When using Arc, especially with multiple tabs open for extended periods, my MacBook quickly heated up, and the fan became really loud. In contrast, Zen remains much quieter and cooler, even when handling multiple tabs simultaneously.

Of course, this is just my first impression based on my limited experience so far. Things like caching and system settings might also affect the results, so I'll need to test it over a longer period. However, at this point, Zen appears to have a clear advantage in terms of performance and cooling efficiency.

Given that overheating was a major issue for me, I see this as a compelling reason to explore Zen further.

Compatibility with Chrome Extensions

Since I heavily rely on Chrome extensions, I'm unsure how well Zen will support my workflow.

That said, many popular extensions are available as Firefox add-ons, so it might be possible to find alternatives. However, being non-Chromium-based, some extensions might not work at all.

UI & Animation Differences

A small but noticeable difference is that Arc has more refined UI animations.

For example:

• Smoother swipe gestures
• More polished drag-and-drop effects

Overall, Arc provides a more visually pleasing experience. Zen is still simple and functional, but Arc's design feels more polished. That said, Zen’s UI is not bad at all, and it has room to improve further.

Long-Term Stability

Zen was only released in July 2024, so its long-term stability is still unclear and remains a potential concern as it continues to evolve.

While Arc already has a growing user base and ongoing development, Zen is still new, meaning we’ll have to wait and see how it evolves. Keeping an eye on future updates and community feedback will be important.

Summary: Zen vs. Arc Browser

These are just my personal impressions of the differences so far.

There are also many comparison articles online, so if you're curious, I recommend doing your own research as well!

Conclusion

So far, Zen Browser has left a very positive impression on me. Since its user experience is quite similar to Arc, I plan to continue using it for a while.

Even if I don’t make it my primary browser, it’s clear that Zen is well-designed and thoughtfully crafted. If you’re curious this browser, I highly recommend giving it a try!

Thank you for reading!