Arc Browser
Timely
| Feature | Arc Browser | Timely |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free only | From $11/mo |
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
| Best For | knowledge-workers, researchers, designers, tab-heavy-users | consultants, agencies, freelancers, remote-teams |
| Founded | 2022 | 2014 |
| Vertical Tabs | ✓ | ✗ |
| Spaces | ✓ | ✗ |
| Split View | ✓ | ✗ |
| Boosts | ✓ | ✗ |
| Easel | ✓ | ✗ |
| Notes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ai Features | ✓ | ✗ |
| Automatic Tracking | ✗ | ✓ |
| Memory Timeline | ✗ | ✓ |
| Project Budgets | ✗ | ✓ |
| Team Dashboard | ✗ | ✓ |
| Integrations | ✗ | ✓ |
| Billable Hours | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ 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
✓ Timely Pros
- Fully automatic time capture
- Beautiful interface
- Memory timeline feature
- Privacy-focused
✗ Timely Cons
- No free plan
- AI capture needs training period
- Mobile tracking less reliable
The Verdict
Arc Browser is built for knowledge workers and researchers, with a focus on vertical-tabs and spaces. Timely targets consultants and agencies and leads with automatic-tracking and memory-timeline.
Arc Browser uses custom enterprise pricing, while Timely starts at $11/mo — a tangible advantage for teams with a fixed budget.
Arc Browser has a free plan, which gives it a meaningful edge for individuals and small teams exploring their options. Timely requires a paid subscription from day one.
Feature-wise, Arc Browser offers broader built-in capabilities (7 features vs 6), while Timely 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.