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Browser Extensions · head to head

Arc vs React Developer Tools

Arc logo

Arc

Browser Extensions

Chromium-based browser organized around user workflows

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
React Developer Tools logo

React Developer Tools

Browser Extensions

Debug React applications in your browser

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; React Developer Tools react Developer Tools is only available as a Chrome browser extension. No support for other browsers mentioned.
  • They diverge on capability: Arc covers Spaces and Profiles, React Developer Tools covers Component inspection.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Arc and React Developer Tools actually diverge.

Attributes where Arc and React Developer Tools differ
AttributeArcReact Developer Tools
PlatformsmacOS, Windows, iOSChrome, Firefox, Edge
FoundedUnknown2004

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 React Developer Tools

  • Component inspection
  • Props/State viewing
  • Performance profiler
  • Hooks debugging
  • Chrome support
  • Firefox support
  • Edge 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 React Developer Tools
  • Separating personal and professional browsing with spacesnot React Developer Tools
  • Privacy-conscious web browsing without trackingnot React Developer Tools
  • Tab and window management for productivitynot React Developer Tools

React Developer Tools

  • Debugging React components during developmentnot Arc
  • Inspecting component state and propsnot Arc
  • Performance profiling of React applicationsnot 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

React Developer Tools

  • React Developer Tools is only available as a Chrome browser extension. No support for other browsers mentioned.

Pricing, plan by plan

Arc

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

React Developer Tools

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Component tree
    • Props inspection
    • State tracking

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 React Developer Tools if

  • You need component inspection.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Chrome, Firefox, Edge.
  • You also want props/state viewing.
React Developer Tools review

Questions people ask

Is Arc or React Developer Tools better?
Neither clearly leads. Arc starts at Free and React Developer Tools at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Arc or React Developer Tools?
Arc starts at Free and React Developer Tools at Free.
Does Arc or React Developer Tools run on more platforms?
Arc runs on macOS, Windows, iOS. React Developer Tools runs on 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 React Developer Tools is typically brought in for.
What can Arc do that React Developer Tools cannot?
Arc covers Spaces and Profiles, Split View, Themes, Privacy-First Design. React Developer Tools covers Component inspection, Props/State viewing, Performance profiler, Hooks debugging.

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
React Developer Tools: How much does React Developer Tools cost?

React Developer Tools is completely free. It is a free browser extension with no subscription fees or costs.

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
React Developer Tools: Is React Developer Tools available for download?

Yes. React Developer Tools is available as a free extension on the Chrome Web Store for download 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
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