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Browser Extensions · head to head

Arc vs WhatFont

Arc logo

Arc

Browser Extensions

Chromium-based browser organized around user workflows

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
WhatFont logo

WhatFont

Browser Extensions

Identify fonts on web pages

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; WhatFont can only detect web-safe fonts and fonts loaded via web font services
  • They diverge on capability: Arc covers Spaces and Profiles, WhatFont covers Font detection.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Arc and WhatFont actually diverge.

Attributes where Arc and WhatFont differ
AttributeArcWhatFont
Pricing modelFreeUnknown
PlatformsmacOS, Windows, iOSChrome, Firefox, Arc
FoundedUnknown2011

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 WhatFont

  • Font detection
  • Typography info
  • Service detection
  • Hover inspection
  • 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 WhatFont
  • Separating personal and professional browsing with spacesnot WhatFont
  • Privacy-conscious web browsing without trackingnot WhatFont
  • Tab and window management for productivitynot WhatFont

WhatFont

  • Identifying typefaces used on competitor websites for design researchnot Arc
  • Sourcing font inspiration from high-performing landing pagesnot Arc
  • Discovering web font services like Google Fonts or Typekit on sitesnot 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

WhatFont

  • Can only detect web-safe fonts and fonts loaded via web font services
  • Does not work on images with embedded text or rasterized typography
  • Limited to inspecting single text elements at a time

Pricing, plan by plan

Arc

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

WhatFont

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Font inspection on any website
    • Font family identification
    • Font size and weight detection

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 WhatFont if

  • You need font detection.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Chrome, Firefox, Arc.
  • You also want typography info.
WhatFont review

Questions people ask

Is Arc or WhatFont better?
Neither clearly leads. Arc starts at Free and WhatFont at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Arc or WhatFont?
Arc starts at Free and WhatFont at Free.
Does Arc or WhatFont run on more platforms?
Arc runs on macOS, Windows, iOS. WhatFont runs on Chrome, Firefox, Arc.
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 WhatFont is typically brought in for.
What can Arc do that WhatFont cannot?
Arc covers Spaces and Profiles, Split View, Themes, Privacy-First Design. WhatFont covers Font detection, Typography info, Service detection, Hover inspection.

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
WhatFont: How do I use WhatFont to inspect fonts?

Click the WhatFont icon in your browser toolbar to activate it, then hover over any text on a webpage to see the font name and details in a pop-up. Click the text to reveal additional information like font style, weight, color, and font samples.

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
WhatFont: What browsers does WhatFont support?

WhatFont works on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Arc browser. It is available as a free extension in each browser's extension store.

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
WhatFont: Is WhatFont free?

Yes. WhatFont is a completely free browser extension with no paid tier or premium features. It is maintained as a free tool for designers and developers.

Source
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