Cra
Free, open-source macOS browser built as a one-to-one Arc replacement, on Chromium via CEF.
Cra is a native macOS browser written in Swift (AppKit and SwiftUI) that embeds Chromium through the Chromium Embedded Framework. It keeps Arc's sidebar model, with spaces, pinned tabs, favorites, a command bar, split view and Little Windows, and imports an Arc sidebar. It has no account, server or analytics. Netflix, Spotify, Disney+ and other DRM services play in an embedded Safari (WebKit) engine rather than Chromium.
81% Arc feature parity (yes = 1, partial = ½).
Built-in AI
AI optional
Apple Intelligence only: Tidy Tabs shows once macOS Apple Intelligence is on; Tidy Titles and Downloads are off by default. No cloud AI, nothing leaves the Mac.
github.comNot counted in Arc parity: some people want AI, some avoid it.
Bloat check
None found
No ads, wallet, feed, upsell or account. CONTRIBUTING rules out telemetry, accounts and servers; the Sparkle updater sends no system profile.
github.comAds, crypto, paid upsells, news feeds, default-on telemetry, required accounts.
Organization
| Feature | Cra | Arc | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical sidebarTabs live in a vertical sidebar that is the main tab UI and can be hidden. | ✓ | ✓ | Sidebar replaces the tab strip; it can be hidden (⌘S) and slides in from the window edge.github.com |
| SpacesSeveral workspaces per window, each with its own pinned and open tabs, switched by swipe or shortcut. | ✓ | ✓ | Each space has its own favorites, pinned tabs, Today list and colour; ⌃1–9 switches.github.com |
| Profiles per Space (shareable)Each Space can use its own browser profile (separate cookies, logins, history), and one profile can be shared by several Spaces. | ✓ | ✓ | Each space picks a profile (own cookies and logins); any number of spaces can share one; unset spaces use Default.github.com |
| Global favoritesPinned icons at the top of the sidebar shared by every Space (Zen calls them Essentials). | ✓ | ✓ | Setting shares Favorites across spaces on one profile (Arc's model); off by default, so each space has its own.github.com |
| Pinned tabs & foldersPer-space pinned tabs that act like bookmarks, with nested folders. | ✓ | ✓ | Per-space pinned tabs and folders; also pinned splits and live folders.github.com |
| Auto-archive tabsUnpinned tabs close automatically after a set time and stay recoverable in an archive. | ✓ | ✓ | Today tabs archive after 12 h, 24 h, 7 d or 30 d, or never; searchable archive.github.com |
| Space themesPer-space colour or gradient themes. | ✓ | ✓ | Per-space one to three colours, auto/light/dark, grain and intensity.github.com |
Browsing
| Feature | Cra | Arc | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split ViewTwo or more tabs side by side in one window. | ✓ | ✓ | Up to four panes, horizontal or vertical, kept as one sidebar row.github.com |
| Link previewOpen a link in an overlay without leaving the current page (Zen calls it Glance). | ✓ | ✓ | Links open in an overlay card over the page; Shift-click any link.github.com |
| Mini windowA small, chrome-less window for links opened from other apps or a quick search. | ✓ | ✓ | Little Windows open for links from other apps; ⌘O moves the page into a space.github.com |
| Command barA ⌘T palette that searches tabs, history, bookmarks and browser commands. | ✓ | ✓ | ⌘T searches open tabs, archive, history, popular domains and actions.github.com |
| Link routingRules that send links from other apps to a chosen space or profile. | ✓ | ✓ | Air Traffic Control sends links from other apps to a space or Little Window; Arc routes import.github.com |
| Site customizationPer-site custom CSS/JS, or zapping elements off a page. | ✕ | ✓ | Not in v0.1.34 (README: "Not yet"); a Boosts editor was merged to main after that release.github.com |
| Auto picture-in-picturePlaying video pops out into picture-in-picture automatically when you switch tabs. | ✓ | ✓ | Video pops out on its own when you leave a tab; on by default, can be turned off in Settings.github.com |
Compatibility & migration
| Feature | Cra | Arc | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arc importImports Arc spaces, pinned tabs and folders. | ✓ | – | Imports Arc spaces, pinned tabs, folders, favorites, archive, passwords and sign-ins.github.com |
| Chrome extensionsInstalls extensions from the Chrome Web Store. | ✓ | ✓ | Chrome Web Store, unpacked folders, or imported from other Chromium browsers.github.com |
| DRM (Widevine)Netflix, Disney+, Spotify web and other DRM video/audio play. Chromium forks need a Google Widevine licence. | ◐ | ✓ | No Widevine VMP in Chromium; 20+ listed services (Netflix, Spotify, Disney+…) open in WebKit with FairPlay.github.com |
| PasskeysWebAuthn passkeys, Touch ID and the system/iCloud keychain. | ◐ | ✓ | Phone and security-key passkeys work in every build; Touch ID and iCloud Keychain need signing entitlements.github.com |
| SyncSpaces, pinned tabs and settings sync across devices. | ✕ | ✓ | No account or server; the contributing rules rule out accounts and cloud.github.com |
| Mobile appiPhone, iPad or Android app that shares spaces with desktop. | ✕ | ◐ | macOS-only Swift package (macOS 14+, Apple silicon); no mobile app in the repo.github.com |
Extras
| Feature | Cra | Arc | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in ad blockerAd and tracker blocking without installing an extension. | ✓ | ✓ | Blocks third-party requests to 22,500+ ad/tracker domains, on by default.github.com |
Extension support
Which extension formats and stores run, beyond the Chrome Web Store row above. Not counted in Arc parity.
| Feature | Cra | Arc | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manifest V2 extensionsThe older extension format Chrome removed in 2025. Needed for full uBlock Origin and other extensions that block requests. | ✕ | ✕ | Stock Chromium 156 (CEF) disables MV2; Cra's CEF patches don't restore it, so uBlock Origin won't run.chromium.googlesource.com |
| Manifest V3 extensionsThe current extension format used by the Chrome Web Store (and supported by Firefox and Safari). | ✓ | ✓ | MV3 runs on Chromium 156's extension host via CEF; docs verify an MV3 content script on a real tab.github.com |
| Firefox add-onsAdd-ons from addons.mozilla.org or .xpi files install and run. | ✕ | ✕ | Chromium only installs Chrome-format (.crx) extension downloads; Firefox .xpi add-ons don't install.chromium.googlesource.com |
| Safari extensionsSafari web extensions (the App Store extension apps Safari uses) install and run. | ✕ | ✕ | Safari web extensions ship as Safari app extensions; Chromium has no host for them.developer.apple.com |