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Browser Extensions · head to head

Web Developer vs WhatFont

Web Developer logo

Web Developer

Browser Extensions

Web developer toolbar for browsers

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

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Web Developer and WhatFont differ
AttributeWeb DeveloperWhatFont
Pricing modelfreeUnknown
PlatformsChrome, Firefox, Edge, OperaChrome, Firefox, Arc
Founded20032011

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 Web Developer

  • CSS inspection
  • Form debugging
  • Image analysis
  • Element outlining
  • Opera support

Only in WhatFont

  • Font detection
  • Typography info
  • Service detection
  • Hover inspection
  • Safari support

Both cover

  • Chrome support
  • Firefox support
  • Edge support

What people use each for

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

Web Developer

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

WhatFont

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

Where each one falls short

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

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.

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

Web Developer

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

WhatFont

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

Which should you pick?

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

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 Web Developer or WhatFont better?
Neither clearly leads. Web Developer 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, Web Developer or WhatFont?
Web Developer starts at Free and WhatFont at Free.
Does Web Developer or WhatFont run on more platforms?
Web Developer runs on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera. WhatFont runs on Chrome, Firefox, Arc.
Can I use Web Developer for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What can Web Developer do that WhatFont cannot?
Web Developer covers CSS inspection, Form debugging, Image analysis, Element outlining. WhatFont covers Font detection, Typography info, Service detection, Hover inspection. Both handle Chrome support, Firefox support, Edge support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
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
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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