Arc Search vs Aside

Arc Search is a free browser centered on Browse for Me, which searches multiple pages and produces an answer on a custom webpage. Its built-in blocker is described as stopping ads, trackers, pop-ups, and cookie banners. Other features include reader mode, incognito mode, website translation, and voice search. Inactive tabs are archived automatically, with help documentation listing intervals from 12 hours to 30 days. Browse for Me is the default search option; alternatives include Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia, Perplexity, and Kagi. Arc Sync can share desktop Spaces, pinned tabs, and Today tabs with Arc Search on iOS, but is unavailable on Android, and tabs created in Arc Search do not sync back to desktop. The maker says Browse for Me sends command-bar and search-result content to OpenAI to generate summaries. Arc Search supports iOS 16 or later and Android 10 or later. The maker also says Sync sidebar data uses end-to-end encryption, but the product is not currently SOC 2 or ISO 27001 certified and does not offer account MFA.

Aside is an AI browser designed to carry out complex tasks across websites where the user is signed in. It can handle sign-ins, messages, payments, internal tools, and files on the computer. Aside works directly with websites and accounts, so separate integrations do not need to be configured. Users can use a ChatGPT or Claude subscription, or bring their own API key. The browser turns browsing history and task context into editable Markdown memory stored on the device. Its Aside Vault password manager fills website credentials without exposing them to the agent and records credential use; it can import from 1Password, Apple Passwords, Bitwarden, Dashlane, LastPass, and Chrome. The maker describes local data protection, Secure Enclave, post-quantum encryption, and filesystem and network isolation. It says sensitive actions such as payments, posts, and messages wait for user confirmation. Aside runs on macOS and Windows. The Free plan includes 500 credits per month and up to three routines. Pro costs $20 a month; Max costs $200 a month.