kagi vs arc-search
Kagi vs Arc Search — features, pricing, and which to choose for your SEO workflow in 2026.
Quick Verdict
The AI search space is splitting into two distinct camps: premium search engines that prioritize quality over ads, and AI-powered browsing tools that synthesize information from multiple sources. Kagi represents the former as a paid search engine that ranks results purely by quality, while Arc Search embodies the latter with its browser-integrated AI that browses multiple sites and creates synthesized answers.
Both tools aim to improve search quality, but they take fundamentally different approaches. Kagi functions as a traditional search engine with better algorithms and zero ads, while Arc Search acts more like an AI research assistant that compiles information from various sources into coherent responses.
Feature Comparison
Kagi operates as a standalone search engine with advanced quality ranking algorithms that prioritize helpful content over SEO-optimized pages. It offers customizable search results, the ability to block or promote specific domains, and search personalization without tracking. Users get clean, ad-free results with better signal-to-noise ratio than traditional search engines. Arc Search takes a completely different approach by integrating AI directly into the browsing experience. Instead of showing a list of links, it browses multiple websites automatically and synthesizes the information into a single, coherent answer. This "Browse for Me" feature essentially acts as an AI research assistant that does the legwork of reading multiple sources and summarizing findings. The core difference is philosophical: Kagi improves traditional search by removing commercial bias, while Arc Search eliminates traditional search entirely by having AI do the research for you.
Pricing Comparison
Kagi starts at $5/month for 300 searches, with unlimited searches at $10/month. There's no free tier, reflecting their ad-free, privacy-focused model. For heavy searchers, this represents good value considering the quality improvement and time saved from cleaner results. Arc Search is completely free as part of The Browser Company's Arc browser. The AI search features don't require separate payment, making it accessible to anyone willing to switch browsers or use it alongside their primary browser.
Best For
Kagi is better for users who want improved traditional search results without changing their research workflow. It's ideal for professionals who do extensive research, value privacy, and are willing to pay for ad-free, quality-focused results. SEO professionals particularly benefit from seeing search results without commercial manipulation. Arc Search suits users who prefer having AI synthesize information rather than manually reviewing multiple sources. It's perfect for quick research tasks, general curiosity, and users who want AI assistance integrated into their browsing experience without additional cost.
The Verdict
Choose Kagi if you want better search results within the traditional search paradigm and don't mind paying for quality. Choose Arc Search if you prefer AI-synthesized answers and want to experiment with post-search workflows for free. For SEO professionals, Kagi provides more valuable insights into organic search quality, while Arc Search offers a glimpse into how AI might change search behavior entirely.