Nova
Open-source Electron browser with workspaces, split view, an ad blocker, local AI and a built-in MCP server.
Nova (nova-browser) is an MIT-licensed Electron browser by one developer, pitched at developers and privacy-minded users rather than at Arc users. It has an optional vertical sidebar with colour-coded workspaces, per-workspace pinned tabs and flat folders, a two-tab split view, a Cmd+K palette, a built-in ad and tracker blocker, and idle-tab hibernation. It adds on-device WebGPU AI models and a local MCP server (off by default) that lets coding agents drive tabs. Vertical tabs are off by default, there is no Arc importer, and it bundles stock Electron without Widevine as far as the source shows.
33% Arc feature parity (yes = 1, partial = ½).
AI on by default
Toolbar AI button is always shown and hover link summaries are on by default. Models run locally (WebGPU) once you download one; the MCP server is off.
github.comNot counted in Arc parity: some people want AI, some avoid it.
None found
No ads, wallet, feed or upsell; sync is an optional account. README says no analytics or error telemetry; only GitHub update checks run by default.
github.comAds, crypto, paid upsells, news feeds, default-on telemetry, required accounts.
Organization
| Feature | Nova | Arc | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical sidebarTabs live in a vertical sidebar that is the main tab UI and can be hidden. | ◐ | ✓ | Vertical tabs are a setting, off by default; the default layout is Chrome-style top tabs.github.com |
| SpacesSeveral workspaces per window, each with its own pinned and open tabs, switched by swipe or shortcut. | ✓ | ✓ | Colour/icon workspaces, each with its own tabs, pins and folders; switched by buttons at the sidebar's foot.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. | ✕ | ✓ | Workspaces share one session; only incognito tabs get their own partition.github.com |
| Global favoritesPinned icons at the top of the sidebar shared by every Space (Zen calls them Essentials). | ✕ | ✓ | No global icon row in the sidebar; pins are per workspace and speed dials live on the new-tab page.github.com |
| Pinned tabs & foldersPer-space pinned tabs that act like bookmarks, with nested folders. | ◐ | ✓ | Pinned section and folders are per workspace, but folders are flat; no nesting in the Folder type.github.com |
| Auto-archive tabsUnpinned tabs close automatically after a set time and stay recoverable in an archive. | ◐ | ✓ | Idle tabs are suspended after 10 min (configurable) but stay open; no archive and no auto-close.github.com |
| Space themesPer-space colour or gradient themes. | ◐ | ✓ | Each workspace has a colour and icon, shown as a dot; the browser theme itself is global.github.com |
Browsing
| Feature | Nova | Arc | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split ViewTwo or more tabs side by side in one window. | ◐ | ✓ | Pairs two tabs side by side with a draggable divider; no more than two panes.github.com |
| Link previewOpen a link in an overlay without leaving the current page (Zen calls it Glance). | ◐ | ✓ | Hovering an https link shows a summary card; it is not a page overlay you can browse in.github.com |
| Mini windowA small, chrome-less window for links opened from other apps or a quick search. | ✕ | ✓ | Only the nova:// protocol is registered; no mini window for links from other apps found in source.github.com |
| Command barA ⌘T palette that searches tabs, history, bookmarks and browser commands. | ◐ | ✓ | Spotlight palette (Cmd+K) lists open tabs and search suggestions; no history, bookmarks or commands.github.com |
| Link routingRules that send links from other apps to a chosen space or profile. | ✕ | ✓ | No default-browser handler or per-site routing rules in the source; only nova:// is registered.github.com |
| Site customizationPer-site custom CSS/JS, or zapping elements off a page. | ✕ | ✓ | No per-site CSS/JS or element zapper in the source or the README feature list.github.com |
| Auto picture-in-picturePlaying video pops out into picture-in-picture automatically when you switch tabs. | ◐ | ✓ | Picture-in-picture is only a right-click menu item on videos; it does not start on tab switch.github.com |
Compatibility & migration
| Feature | Nova | Arc | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arc importImports Arc spaces, pinned tabs and folders. | ✕ | – | Only imports a Google Chrome bookmarks file; no Arc import.github.com |
| Chrome extensionsInstalls extensions from the Chrome Web Store. | ◐ | ✓ | Installs from the Chrome Web Store via Electron's extension layer, which is not full Chrome compatibility.github.com |
| DRM (Widevine)Netflix, Disney+, Spotify web and other DRM video/audio play. Chromium forks need a Google Widevine licence. | ✕ | ✓ | Stock Electron dependency with no Widevine or castlabs build in package.json or source.github.com |
| PasskeysWebAuthn passkeys, Touch ID and the system/iCloud keychain. | ? | ✓ | |
| SyncSpaces, pinned tabs and settings sync across devices. | ◐ | ✓ | Optional account sync of bookmarks, passwords, history, settings, folders, workspaces; not open tabs.github.com |
| Mobile appiPhone, iPad or Android app that shares spaces with desktop. | ✕ | ◐ | README roadmap lists a mobile companion app as not done.github.com |
Extras
| Feature | Nova | Arc | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in ad blockerAd and tracker blocking without installing an extension. | ✓ | ✓ | Privacy Shield uses EasyList/EasyPrivacy lists via @cliqz/adblocker and is 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 | Nova | Arc | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manifest V2 extensionsThe older extension format Chrome removed in 2025. Needed for full uBlock Origin and other extensions that block requests. | ? | ✕ | Web Store refuses MV2 installs; loading an unpacked MV2 extension was not tested. |
| Manifest V3 extensionsThe current extension format used by the Chrome Web Store (and supported by Firefox and Safari). | ◐ | ✓ | Installs, but Electron lists no declarativeNetRequest, so MV3 content blockers cannot block.github.com |
| Firefox add-onsAdd-ons from addons.mozilla.org or .xpi files install and run. | ✕ | ✕ | Chrome-format CRX installs from the Chrome Web Store only; no Firefox add-on path in source.github.com |
| Safari extensionsSafari web extensions (the App Store extension apps Safari uses) install and run. | ✕ | ✕ | Chrome-format extensions only; Electron has no Safari extension host.github.com |