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Browser Extensions · head to head

Arc vs ProWritingAid

Arc logo

Arc

Browser Extensions

Chromium-based browser organized around user workflows

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
ProWritingAid logo

ProWritingAid

Browser Extensions

AI writing assistant and grammar checker

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Arc no longer receiving active feature development as of May 2025, entering maintenance mode; ProWritingAid free plan limited to 500 word count with only 2 report runs per day
  • They diverge on capability: Arc covers Spaces and Profiles, ProWritingAid covers Grammar checking.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Arc and ProWritingAid actually diverge.

Attributes where Arc and ProWritingAid differ
AttributeArcProWritingAid
Pricing modelFreefreemium
PlatformsmacOS, Windows, iOSWeb, Windows, Mac, Chrome, Firefox, Edge
FoundedUnknown2013

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Browser Extensions).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Arc

  • Spaces and Profiles
  • Split View
  • Themes
  • Privacy-First Design
  • Chromium Updates

Only in ProWritingAid

  • Grammar checking
  • Style analysis
  • Readability reports
  • Plagiarism checker
  • Chrome support
  • Firefox support
  • Edge support
  • Safari support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Arc

  • Organizing work across multiple projects within one browsernot ProWritingAid
  • Separating personal and professional browsing with spacesnot ProWritingAid
  • Privacy-conscious web browsing without trackingnot ProWritingAid
  • Tab and window management for productivitynot ProWritingAid

ProWritingAid

  • Grammar and style checking for writers and authorsnot Arc
  • Story planning and structure analysisnot Arc
  • Character and manuscript analysis for fiction writersnot Arc
  • Integration with Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Scrivener, and Notionnot Arc

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Arc

  • No longer receiving active feature development as of May 2025, entering maintenance mode
  • Limited cross-platform availability compared to mainstream browsers
  • Smaller ecosystem of extensions compared to Chrome
  • Focused on macOS and Windows, with limited iOS support

ProWritingAid

  • Free plan limited to 500 word count with only 2 report runs per day
  • Advanced AI features (50 Sparks per day, Chapter Critiques) only in Premium Pro tier
  • Desktop apps for Mac and Windows; iOS/Android support limited to specific integrations
  • Yearly subscriptions significantly more cost-effective than monthly (67% savings)

Pricing, plan by plan

Arc

Free
  • ArcFree
    • Spaces and profiles organization
    • Split view customization
    • Themes and personalization

ProWritingAid

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Basic grammar and spelling checks
    • 500-word limit per check
    • 2 report runs daily
  • Premium$30/month
    • Unlimited word count
    • Unlimited rephrases
    • 5 Sparks daily
  • Premium Pro$36/month
    • All Premium features
    • 50 Sparks daily
    • 3 Chapter Critiques daily

Which should you pick?

Choose Arc if

  • You need spaces and profiles.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on macOS, Windows, iOS.
  • You also want split view.
Arc review

Choose ProWritingAid if

  • You need grammar checking.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Windows, Mac, Chrome, Firefox, Edge.
  • You also want style analysis.
ProWritingAid review

Questions people ask

Is Arc or ProWritingAid better?
Neither clearly leads. Arc starts at Free and ProWritingAid at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Arc or ProWritingAid?
Arc starts at Free and ProWritingAid at Free.
Does Arc or ProWritingAid run on more platforms?
Arc runs on macOS, Windows, iOS. ProWritingAid runs on Web, Windows, Mac, Chrome, Firefox, Edge.
Can I use Arc for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Arc best used for?
Arc is most often used for organizing work across multiple projects within one browser, separating personal and professional browsing with spaces, privacy-conscious web browsing without tracking, tab and window management for productivity. Of those, organizing work across multiple projects within one browser and separating personal and professional browsing with spaces are not what ProWritingAid is typically brought in for.
What can Arc do that ProWritingAid cannot?
Arc covers Spaces and Profiles, Split View, Themes, Privacy-First Design. ProWritingAid covers Grammar checking, Style analysis, Readability reports, Plagiarism checker.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Arc: Does Arc Browser cost anything to use?

Arc is completely free to download and use with no subscription required. All features are available at no cost.

Source
ProWritingAid: How much does ProWritingAid cost?

ProWritingAid is free. Premium plan costs $30/month ($120/year), and Premium Pro costs $36/month ($144/year). Both yearly plans offer significant monthly savings. Lifetime options cost $399 (Premium) or $699 (Premium Pro).

Source
Arc: What operating systems does Arc support?

Arc is available on macOS, Windows, and iOS. Windows and mobile versions are available for download.

Source
ProWritingAid: Is there a free version of ProWritingAid?

Yes. The free plan includes basic grammar and spelling checks with a 500-word limit per check, 2 report runs daily, 10 rephrases daily, and 3 Sparks daily.

Source
Arc: Will Arc continue to receive new features?

As of May 2025, Arc entered maintenance mode with no new features planned. The Browser Company's focus has shifted to Dia browser, though Arc continues to receive security updates.

Source
ProWritingAid: What is the difference between Premium and Premium Pro?

Premium ($30/month) includes 25+ analysis reports and 1 Chapter Critique daily. Premium Pro ($36/month) adds 50 Sparks daily, 3 Chapter Critiques daily, live workshops, and group critique sessions.

Source
ProWritingAid: Does ProWritingAid offer a refund guarantee?

ProWritingAid offers a 3-day money-back guarantee for yearly and lifetime subscriptions. Monthly plans have no refund option.

Source
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