Stedding
Open-source, Arc-style Chromium browser for Mac and Windows with one-click import from Arc.
Stedding is an open-source desktop browser built as a documented patch series on Chromium stable. It copies Arc's way of working: a vertical-tab sidebar, Spaces, essentials, pinned tabs and folders, and a command bar. Its first start offers to move Spaces, pinned tabs, folders, open tabs, history and passwords from Arc on both macOS and Windows. It needs no account, sends no usage metrics and is currently in beta, maintained by one developer.
69% Arc feature parity (yes = 1, partial = ½).
Built-in AI
No AI
No built-in AI, by decision: no bundled model, no chat or Ask on Page; Chrome's Lens, Gemini and AI Mode rows are hidden. A chatbot is an extension.
github.comNot counted in Arc parity: some people want AI, some avoid it.
Bloat check
None found
No ads, wallet, feed or account; no telemetry or crash upload. A thank-you page opens after setup and after updates (the update one can be turned off) with a link to sponsor the project.
github.comAds, crypto, paid upsells, news feeds, default-on telemetry, required accounts.
Organization
| Feature | Stedding | Arc | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical sidebarTabs live in a vertical sidebar that is the main tab UI and can be hidden. | ✓ | ✓ | Vertical tabs on by default; left or right side, folds to an icon rail or hides completely.github.com |
| SpacesSeveral workspaces per window, each with its own pinned and open tabs, switched by swipe or shortcut. | ✓ | ✓ | Each Space has its own pinned tabs, folders, colour and icon; switch by chips, shortcut or swipe (Mac).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. | ◐ | ✓ | Per-Space 'Independent session' (own cookies) in one profile; one session shared by Spaces unreleased (S-272).github.com |
| Global favoritesPinned icons at the top of the sidebar shared by every Space (Zen calls them Essentials). | ✓ | ✓ | Called Essentials; shared across Spaces, unless a Space has its own session.github.com |
| Pinned tabs & foldersPer-space pinned tabs that act like bookmarks, with nested folders. | ✓ | ✓ | Per-Space pinned tabs that remember their page; folders nest, including among pins.github.com |
| Auto-archive tabsUnpinned tabs close automatically after a set time and stay recoverable in an archive. | ✓ | ✓ | Off by default; choose 6 hours to 7 days. Archived tabs can be restored.github.com |
| Space themesPer-space colour or gradient themes. | ✓ | ✓ | Colour and icon per Space, optionally a separate colour for light and dark.github.com |
Browsing
| Feature | Stedding | Arc | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split ViewTwo or more tabs side by side in one window. | ◐ | ✓ | Drag a tab onto the page for a split; two panes only, more are post-1.0.github.com |
| Link previewOpen a link in an overlay without leaving the current page (Zen calls it Glance). | ◐ | ✓ | Opens links from pinned tabs and essentials on a card over the page; not for ordinary tabs.github.com |
| Mini windowA small, chrome-less window for links opened from other apps or a quick search. | ✓ | ✓ | Little windows open links from other apps when Stedding is default; Cmd+O keeps one as a tab.github.com |
| Command barA ⌘T palette that searches tabs, history, bookmarks and browser commands. | ✓ | ✓ | Cmd+T searches URLs, open/archived tabs in every Space, history, bookmarks and commands.github.com |
| Link routingRules that send links from other apps to a chosen space or profile. | ✓ | ✓ | 'Routes': a site always opens in a chosen Space; Settings lists every route.github.com |
| Site customizationPer-site custom CSS/JS, or zapping elements off a page. | ✕ | ✓ | Boosts and Easels are deferred by project decision (ADR 0012).github.com |
| Auto picture-in-picturePlaying video pops out into picture-in-picture automatically when you switch tabs. | ◐ | ✓ | Manual Picture in picture by key or site panel; automatic pop-out on tab switch is planned, not built.github.com |
Compatibility & migration
| Feature | Stedding | Arc | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arc importImports Arc spaces, pinned tabs and folders. | ✓ | – | Spaces, essentials, pins, folders, splits, routes, archive, history, passwords; Space profiles dropped.github.com |
| Chrome extensionsInstalls extensions from the Chrome Web Store. | ✓ | ✓ | Chrome Web Store extensions install as in Chrome; full uBlock Origin (MV2) does not.github.com |
| DRM (Widevine)Netflix, Disney+, Spotify web and other DRM video/audio play. Chromium forks need a Google Widevine licence. | ✕ | ✓ | No Widevine licence yet (S-270); Netflix, Disney+, Prime, Spotify web show an open-in-Safari/Edge notice.github.com |
| PasskeysWebAuthn passkeys, Touch ID and the system/iCloud keychain. | ◐ | ✓ | Beta 13 adds Mac Touch ID passkeys stored in the Stedding profile; Apple Passwords/iCloud not yet.github.com |
| SyncSpaces, pinned tabs and settings sync across devices. | ◐ | ✓ | Spaces, pins, folders, essentials via your own folder, WebDAV or S3; no tabs, history or passwords.github.com |
| Mobile appiPhone, iPad or Android app that shares spaces with desktop. | ✕ | ◐ | Desktop only; mobile apps are not planned.github.com |
Extras
| Feature | Stedding | Arc | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in ad blockerAd and tracker blocking without installing an extension. | ◐ | ✓ | Built-in EasyList/EasyPrivacy blocker, off until you turn it on.github.com |
Extension support
Which extension formats and stores run, beyond the Chrome Web Store row above. Not counted in Arc parity.
| Feature | Stedding | Arc | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manifest V2 extensionsThe older extension format Chrome removed in 2025. Needed for full uBlock Origin and other extensions that block requests. | ✕ | ✕ | Chromium 157 turns MV2 off and Stedding leaves it off (S-362); only uBlock Origin Lite works.github.com |
| Manifest V3 extensionsThe current extension format used by the Chrome Web Store (and supported by Firefox and Safari). | ✓ | ✓ | Extensions install from the Chrome Web Store as in Chromium 157; uBlock Origin Lite (MV3) works.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 |