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Browser Extensions · head to head

Arc vs Web Developer

Arc logo

Arc

Browser Extensions

Chromium-based browser organized around user workflows

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Web Developer logo

Web Developer

Browser Extensions

Web developer toolbar for browsers

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; Web Developer the Web Developer browser extension is licensed GPL-3.0 per its GitHub repository (github.com/chrispederick/web-developer), which states 'All files are distributed for free under the terms of the GNU General Public License,' confirming it has no vendor pricing model to compare.
  • They diverge on capability: Arc covers Spaces and Profiles, Web Developer covers CSS inspection.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Arc and Web Developer actually diverge.

Attributes where Arc and Web Developer differ
AttributeArcWeb Developer
PlatformsmacOS, Windows, iOSChrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera
FoundedUnknown2003

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 Web Developer

  • CSS inspection
  • Form debugging
  • Image analysis
  • Element outlining
  • Chrome support
  • Firefox support
  • Edge support
  • Opera 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 Web Developer
  • Separating personal and professional browsing with spacesnot Web Developer
  • Privacy-conscious web browsing without trackingnot Web Developer
  • Tab and window management for productivitynot Web Developer

Web Developer

No use cases recorded yet. See the Web Developer review.

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

Web Developer

  • The Web Developer browser extension is licensed GPL-3.0 per its GitHub repository (github.com/chrispederick/web-developer), which states 'All files are distributed for free under the terms of the GNU General Public License,' confirming it has no vendor pricing model to compare.

Pricing, plan by plan

Arc

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

Web Developer

Free
  • FreeFree
    • CSS tools
    • Form tools
    • Image tools

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 Web Developer if

  • You need css inspection.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera.
  • You also want form debugging.
Web Developer review

Questions people ask

Is Arc or Web Developer better?
Neither clearly leads. Arc starts at Free and Web Developer at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Arc or Web Developer?
Arc starts at Free and Web Developer at Free.
Does Arc or Web Developer run on more platforms?
Arc runs on macOS, Windows, iOS. Web Developer runs on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera.
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 Web Developer is typically brought in for.
What can Arc do that Web Developer cannot?
Arc covers Spaces and Profiles, Split View, Themes, Privacy-First Design. Web Developer covers CSS inspection, Form debugging, Image analysis, Element outlining.

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
Arc: What operating systems does Arc support?

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

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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Related pages

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