Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Arc · 🛠️ dev tools
Arc vs Waterfox
Firefox-based browser with built-in ad blocking, oblivious DNS, zero telemetry, tree-style tabs, and no AI features sending your data anywhere. Here is how Waterfox ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Arc ($25/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Waterfox is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Arc. Switching from Arc ($25/mo) saves $300/yr per solo seat, or $1,500/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Local.
The catch: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Waterfox
$0.00/mo · Open Source
Arc vs Waterfox Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Arc (Paid) | Waterfox (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $25 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $300 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $300) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $1,500 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,500) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $3,000 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $3,000) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local (on your machine) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopcross-platformone-click install |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 6.4k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Arc to Waterfox
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How to deploy Waterfox
Clone https://github.com/BrowserWorks/waterfox or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
Where your data lives
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
Why fork Waterfox instead of vibe-coding a Arc clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Arc or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 8 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Ladybird.
Arc vs Waterfox FAQ
Is Waterfox a good free alternative to Arc?+
Yes. Waterfox is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Arc. Firefox-based browser with built-in ad blocking, oblivious DNS, zero telemetry, tree-style tabs, and no AI features sending your data anywhere.
What is the catch when switching from Arc to Waterfox?+
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How much do you save switching from Arc to Waterfox?+
Arc costs $25/mo ($300/yr) per seat, whereas Waterfox is $0/mo. Switching saves $300/yr for a solo user, $1,500/yr for a 5-person team, and $3,000/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Waterfox instead of Arc?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/BrowserWorks/waterfox or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
