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Browser Extensions · head to head

Arc vs Rakuten

Arc logo

Arc

Browser Extensions

Chromium-based browser organized around user workflows

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Rakuten logo

Rakuten

Browser Extensions

Get cash back on every purchase

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; Rakuten minimum withdrawal amount of $5.01 creates friction for light users
  • They diverge on capability: Arc covers Spaces and Profiles, Rakuten covers Cash back rewards.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Arc and Rakuten actually diverge.

Attributes where Arc and Rakuten differ
AttributeArcRakuten
PlatformsmacOS, Windows, iOSBrowser Extension (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
FoundedUnknown1999

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (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 Rakuten

  • Cash back rewards
  • Coupon codes
  • In-store offers
  • Price comparisons
  • 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 Rakuten
  • Separating personal and professional browsing with spacesnot Rakuten
  • Privacy-conscious web browsing without trackingnot Rakuten
  • Tab and window management for productivitynot Rakuten

Rakuten

  • Cash back on online purchases from partner retailersnot Arc
  • Cash back on in-store purchases using linked cardsnot 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

Rakuten

  • Minimum withdrawal amount of $5.01 creates friction for light users
  • Quarterly payout schedule only, with months-long delays between earning and receiving payments
  • Amazon cashback limited to specific categories at 1-3% rates
  • Must click through Rakuten link first or cashback does not register

Pricing, plan by plan

Arc

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

Rakuten

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Rakuten review.

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 Rakuten if

  • You need cash back rewards.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Browser Extension (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
  • You also want coupon codes.
Rakuten review

Questions people ask

Is Arc or Rakuten better?
Neither clearly leads. Arc starts at Free and Rakuten at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Arc or Rakuten?
Arc starts at Free and Rakuten at Free.
Does Arc or Rakuten run on more platforms?
Arc runs on macOS, Windows, iOS. Rakuten runs on Browser Extension (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, 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 Rakuten is typically brought in for.
What can Arc do that Rakuten cannot?
Arc covers Spaces and Profiles, Split View, Themes, Privacy-First Design. Rakuten covers Cash back rewards, Coupon codes, In-store offers, Price comparisons.

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
Rakuten: Does Rakuten charge membership fees?

No. Rakuten is completely free to join and use. There are no membership fees, setup fees, or any charges to members. Rakuten's revenue comes from merchant commissions, not user fees.

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
Rakuten: Is there a cost to use the Rakuten browser extension or mobile app?

No, both the browser extension and mobile app are free to download and use at no cost.

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
Rakuten: How does Rakuten make money if it's free?

Brands partner with Rakuten and pay commissions to bring them customers. Rakuten shares a portion of these commissions with members as cash back rewards.

Source
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