Arc Browser
eM Client
| Feature | Arc Browser | eM Client |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free only | Free / from $49.95/mo |
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Best For | knowledge-workers, researchers, designers, tab-heavy-users | professionals, windows-users, outlook-alternatives, small-businesses |
| Founded | 2022 | 2007 |
| Vertical Tabs | ✓ | ✗ |
| Spaces | ✓ | ✗ |
| Split View | ✓ | ✗ |
| Boosts | ✓ | ✗ |
| Easel | ✓ | ✗ |
| Notes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ai Features | ✓ | ✗ |
| ✗ | ✓ | |
| Calendar | ✗ | ✓ |
| Contacts | ✗ | ✓ |
| Tasks | ✗ | ✓ |
| Chat | ✗ | ✓ |
| Pgp Encryption | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ 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
✓ eM Client Pros
- One-time purchase
- Feature-rich
- Good Exchange support
- Modern UI
✗ eM Client Cons
- Desktop only
- Free limited to 2 accounts
- Occasional sync issues
The Verdict
Arc Browser is built for knowledge workers and researchers, with a focus on vertical-tabs and spaces. eM Client targets professionals and windows users and leads with email and calendar.
Arc Browser uses custom enterprise pricing, while eM Client starts at $49.95/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 eM Client 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.