Software Alternatives & Startups

iTerm2 VS Arc

Compare iTerm2 VS Arc and see what are their differences

iTerm2

A terminal emulator for macOS that does amazing things.

Rating
4.0 · 1 review
Pricing
Open source
Arc

This new web browser is going to kill Chrome

Rating
0 reviews
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, iTerm2 should be more popular than Arc. It has been mentioned 119 times since March 2021.

social mentions
119 vs 77
Developer Tools popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 149

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

iTerm2
Arc
Website iterm2.com arc.net
Pricing
Open source
—
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

iTerm2 6 features
Arc 5 features
  • Versatility
    iTerm2 supports a wide range of features such as split panes, multiple tab management, and hotkey-activated terminal windows, making it highly versatile for different workflows.
  • Customization
    Offers extensive customization options, including themes, color schemes, and key bindings, allowing users to tailor the terminal to their preferences.
  • Advanced Features
    Includes advanced functionality like instant replay, which allows users to rewind their terminal session, and integration with automation tools like AppleScript.
  • Performance
    Designed to be efficient and responsive, ensuring it performs well even with multiple sessions and tabs open simultaneously.
  • Integrations
    Seamless integration with macOS features such as native notifications, fullscreen mode, and support for external editors.
  • Community Support
    Active community and comprehensive documentation, which can be very helpful for troubleshooting and learning advanced configurations.

Possible disadvantages

  • Mac-Only
    iTerm2 is exclusive to macOS, which means users on other operating systems cannot utilize its features.
  • Complexity
    The sheer number of features and customization options can be overwhelming for beginners, requiring a learning curve to utilize efficiently.
  • System Resource Usage
    iTerm2 may consume more system resources compared to simpler terminal emulators, which could be a concern on lower-end hardware.
  • Update Frequency
    Occasional updates can introduce bugs or unexpected behavior, requiring users to adjust settings or find workarounds.
  • Innovative Design
    Arc offers a sleek and modern interface that is different from traditional web browsers, prioritizing accessibility and user experience.
  • Enhanced Privacy
    The browser comes with strong privacy features, including tracker blocking and advanced security settings to protect users' data and browsing habits.
  • Performance Optimization
    Arc is built on a performance-optimized engine that ensures fast browsing speeds and efficient resource management.
  • Customizability
    Users can personalize their browsing experience with a variety of themes, extensions, and settings that cater to individual preferences.
  • Cross-Platform Synchronization
    Arc supports the synchronization of tabs, bookmarks, and preferences across multiple devices, providing a seamless experience for users who switch between desktop and mobile.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Extension Support
    Compared to more established browsers, Arc has a smaller library of compatible extensions, which might limit functionality for some users.
  • Learning Curve
    The unique design and features of Arc may require users to spend some time learning how to navigate and utilize the browser effectively.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Some websites and web applications may not be fully compatible with Arc, potentially leading to rendering issues or functionality limitations.
  • Resource Intensive
    Despite its optimizations, Arc can be more resource-intensive compared to some other browsers, possibly impacting system performance on older or less powerful devices.
  • Maturity
    As a relatively new entrant in the browser market, Arc may lack the robustness and refinement that come with years of development and user feedback seen in more established browsers.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

iTerm2
Arc

Overall verdict

  • iTerm2 is regarded as an excellent terminal emulator for macOS due to its robust feature set and usability, making it a top choice for power users.

Why this product is good

  • iTerm2 is often praised for its advanced features, customization options, and efficiency that enhance productivity for users who work with the command line frequently. It offers split panes, hotkey window, undo close, instant replay, and a highly configurable interface that caters to power users, making it a versatile tool for developers and system administrators.

Recommended for

  • Developers and programmers who need a highly customizable terminal.
  • System administrators who require powerful scripting and automation capabilities.
  • Users who frequently work with command-line interfaces and require multiple sessions handled efficiently.
  • Anyone seeking an enhanced, feature-rich alternative to the default macOS terminal.

Overall verdict

  • Arc is a solid and innovative web browser that has quickly gained positive traction among both casual users and professionals, particularly those looking for a feature-rich and privacy-focused browsing experience.

Why this product is good

  • Arc (arc.net) is considered a good choice by many users and tech reviewers because it offers modern features, a sleek and user-friendly design, and improved performance compared to some other browsers. Its focus on privacy, security, and customization, along with effective integration with various web services, makes it appealing to a broad audience. Regular updates and community feedback incorporation further enhance its reputation.

Recommended for

  • Users who prioritize privacy and security.
  • Individuals seeking a modern and customizable browser interface.
  • Professionals and tech-savvy users who value integration with web services.
  • People searching for an alternative to mainstream browsers with unique capabilities.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

iTerm2 1 video + Add
Arc 3 videos + Add

Customizing iterm2 with ZSH and PowerLevel9k | Z shell Tutorial

Arc Browser Review: 10 Reason Why YOU Should Switch!

More videos

  • - Intel Arc 2023 Revisit & Benchmarks: A770 & A750 GPU Updated Tests
  • - Please Buy Intel GPUs. - Arc A750 & A770 Review

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
iTerm2
Arc
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
SSH
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using iTerm2 and Arc. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

iTerm2 4.0 · 1 review
Arc no reviews yet
  • The 7 best web browsers in 2025
    zapier.com · Oct 2024

    Arc comes equipped with plenty more productivity-focused tools, too. Its built-in universal search function allows you to instantly jump to a tab or find and execute a shortcut. Plus, you can have up to four tabs in a...

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

iTerm2 119 mentions
Arc 77 mentions

View more

  • Nook Browser
    Because both are trying to be response to the death of Browser Company's Arc. (https://arc.net). - Source: Hacker News / 11 months ago
  • I tried 6 next-gen browsers - here's what I found
    Arc was first recommended to me by a fellow dev. It felt like the browser I was looking for but never quite found. The Browser Company released this trendsetter in 2023, and among the frontend and tech community it quickly became the new... - Source: dev.to / 12 months ago
  • Arc vs. Dia: A Developer’s Take on Two Browsers from The Browser Company (Plus: How to Get Access to Both)
    Arc was first recommended to me by a fellow developer, and it immediately felt like the browser I’d always wanted but never quite found. I’m a sucker for clean interfaces, and as both a frontend developer and a designer, I notice the... - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago

View more

Alternatives to iTerm2 and Arc

When comparing iTerm2 and Arc, you can also consider the following products.