Arc Browser
DeskTime
| Feature | Arc Browser | DeskTime |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free only | Free / from $7/mo |
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Best For | knowledge-workers, researchers, designers, tab-heavy-users | managers, remote-teams, freelancers, agencies |
| Founded | 2022 | 2011 |
| Vertical Tabs | ✓ | ✗ |
| Spaces | ✓ | ✗ |
| Split View | ✓ | ✗ |
| Boosts | ✓ | ✗ |
| Easel | ✓ | ✗ |
| Notes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ai Features | ✓ | ✗ |
| Automatic Tracking | ✗ | ✓ |
| Productivity Calculation | ✗ | ✓ |
| Screenshots | ✗ | ✓ |
| Url Tracking | ✗ | ✓ |
| Project Tracking | ✗ | ✓ |
| Absence Calendar | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ Arc Browser Pros
- Innovative sidebar with vertical tabs and spaces
- Built-in tools (notes, easel, split view) reduce extensions
- Profiles and spaces for work/personal separation
- Beautiful design with attention to detail
✗ Arc Browser Cons
- Mac and iOS focused (Windows version limited)
- Steep learning curve from traditional browsers
- Company pivoting away from Arc to new product
✓ DeskTime Pros
- Automatic productivity tracking
- Good free plan for individuals
- Screenshot monitoring option
- Detailed reports
✗ DeskTime Cons
- Can feel invasive to employees
- Limited project management features
- Desktop app required
The Verdict
Arc Browser is built for knowledge workers and researchers, with a focus on vertical-tabs and spaces. DeskTime targets managers and remote teams and leads with automatic-tracking and productivity-calculation.
Arc Browser uses custom enterprise pricing, while DeskTime starts at $7/mo — a tangible advantage for teams with a fixed budget.
Both offer free plans, so you can test each with your real workflow before committing to a subscription.
Feature-wise, Arc Browser offers broader built-in capabilities (7 features vs 6), while DeskTime takes a more focused approach — which can mean a simpler, faster onboarding experience.
This is a genuinely close comparison. If you can, sign up for both free trials (where available) and run a one-week test with your actual team tasks before deciding.