Chrome now has a built-in vertical tab strip, which makes it a more convincing Arc alternative for people whose main reason for using Arc was seeing page titles in a readable sidebar. It does not reproduce Arc’s broader Spaces, folders, pinned-page, or Peek workflow. For me, that distinction is the point: Chrome has narrowed the gap on the feature I cared about most, not erased every difference between the browsers.
What Chrome’s vertical tabs actually do
Google’s Chrome Help documentation describes a desktop tab strip that moves to the side of the browser window. In vertical mode, you can read page titles, scroll through the list, and resize the strip. A collapsed sidebar can also expand on hover when that option is enabled. These are useful changes if a long horizontal row of tabs has become hard to scan.
The trade-off is straightforward: placing tabs beside the page uses some horizontal room. Google does not publish a quantified screen-space or productivity study for the feature, so how that feels will depend on your display, window size, and the sites you use.
How to turn on vertical tabs in Chrome
- Use the tab strip: Right-click a blank area of the tab strip or an open tab, then select Show Tabs Vertically.
- Use Settings: Open Settings > Appearance > Tab position, then choose Vertical.
- On Mac, use the menu: Open View and choose Show Tabs Vertically.
- Switch back when needed: Choose the corresponding horizontal option from the tab-strip menu, or select Horizontal under Settings > Appearance > Tab position.
Google’s Help page documents these routes but does not establish a minimum Chrome version or exact rollout availability. If you do not see the option, check Chrome’s current Help instructions rather than assuming a particular version or platform is supported.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Make the sidebar easier to scan
Resize or scroll the list
Drag the sidebar edge to change its width; scroll the list when the open tabs extend beyond the visible area. A wider strip makes longer titles easier to recognize, while a narrower one gives more room back to the page.
Expand collapsed tabs on hover
When the vertical tab sidebar is collapsed, right-click its Menu open control and choose Expand collapsed tabs by hovering. In collapsed view, hovering over a tab or page can reveal its full title; hovering over a tab group previews its tabs. This is a specific collapsed-sidebar setting, not a promise that Chrome will automatically hide or reveal the entire sidebar in every situation.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Search when you know what you want
Chrome’s Tab Search can be quicker than scanning a long list. Use Ctrl + Shift + A on Windows or Linux, or Command + Shift + A on Mac. You can also type @tabs in the address bar and search. The sidebar is useful for keeping tabs visible; search is useful when you already know which page you need.
Why this changed my Arc calculation
In a September 22, 2026 article attributed to Brady Snyder, he describes vertical tabs as a feature he could not do without and says Chrome’s addition made him consider returning. His account also identifies Arc features that go beyond the tab layout: Spaces, Folders, pinned pages, temporary tabs, and link previews called Peeks. That is one author’s comparison and workflow, not a universal ranking or an independently verified feature test.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The distinction matters because a sidebar is a presentation of tabs; it is not, by itself, the same organizational model. Chrome documents tab groups and pinned tabs, but shared labels do not prove that those features work like Arc’s Spaces, folders, or pinned-page workflow.
| What you care about | Chrome’s documented option | What the Arc account describes |
|---|---|---|
| Recognizing open pages | Vertical list with page titles, scrolling, and adjustable width (Google Chrome Help). | Vertical tabs were central to the author’s preference (Brady Snyder, September 22, 2026). |
| Grouping work | Tab groups; Google says synced group changes are saved across devices when history and tabs are synced. Ungrouping a synced group removes it on other devices using the same Google Account (Google Chrome Help). | Spaces and Folders, as described by the author (Brady Snyder, September 22, 2026). |
| Keeping a page handy | Pinned tabs are compact and show only a site icon (Google Chrome Help). | The author describes pinned pages as preserving a particular starting URL while exploring links in Peeks (Brady Snyder, September 22, 2026). |
| Previewing links | Not established in the cited Chrome Help material. | The author says Peeks can be dismissed, moved to a new tab, or opened in split view (Brady Snyder, September 22, 2026). |
So if your Arc use was mostly “show me my tabs as readable titles down the side,” Chrome now has a documented answer. If your daily routine depends on the rest of Arc’s workflow, the vertical layout alone does not establish that Chrome is a substitute.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What to know about Arc maintenance claims
A September 21, 2026 WindowsForum article reports that The Browser Company’s site described Arc as receiving “Chromium updates only” and directed readers seeking “active security patches and enterprise-grade protection” to Dia. That wording is reported second-hand here: the company’s original page was not retrieved, so it should not be treated as independently verified current policy. The report does not establish that Arc receives no updates, identify a known unpatched vulnerability in a particular installed version, or give a retirement date. Check the vendor’s current first-party information before making a security decision.
Try the layout against your real browsing habits
Turn on vertical tabs and use Chrome with the pages and tasks that normally make you reach for Arc. Notice whether titles are easier to identify, whether the sidebar leaves enough room for your page, and whether tab groups and search fit how you keep work organized. If you rely on Arc’s Peeks or its Spaces and pinned-page behavior, evaluate those separately; a similar-looking tab strip does not answer that question.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
