Alfred vs Arc — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Alfred and Arc to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Alfred takes the lead with a 4.7 rating and is best for mac power users who prefer one-time payment over subscriptions. Arc (3.9) is the better pick if you need power users who want a modern browser that helps organize their web experience.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Alfred | Arc |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.7(165) | ★★★★ 3.9(36) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | free |
| Starter Price | £34 one-time (Powerpack) | N/A |
| Free Tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Mac | Mac, Windows, iOS |
| Learning Curve | Medium | moderate |
| API Available | No | No |
| Best For | Mac power users who prefer one-time payment over subscriptions | Power users who want a modern browser that helps organize their web experience |
| Verdict | OG Mac Launcher | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Alfred | Arc |
|---|---|---|
| Launcher | — | |
| Workflows | — | |
| Clipboard History | — | |
| Snippets | — | |
| File Navigation | — | |
| Spaces for context separation | — | |
| Split view multitasking | — | |
| Built-in notes and easels | — | |
| AI page summaries | — | |
| Command bar | — | |
| Custom boost themes | — |
Alfred
Pros
- ✓One-time payment
- ✓Incredibly powerful workflows
- ✓Decades of community workflows
Cons
- ✕UI feels dated vs Raycast
- ✕No built-in AI
- ✕Steeper learning curve for workflows
Arc
Pros
- ✓Innovative tab management
- ✓Split views are useful
- ✓Built-in productivity tools
- ✓Beautiful design
Cons
- ✕Requires changing browser habits
- ✕Performance with many tabs
- ✕No Android version
The Bottom Line
Both Alfred and Arc are solid tools in the Other space. Alfred edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.7 vs 3.9) and is the better choice for mac power users who prefer one-time payment over subscriptions. However, if you prioritize power users who want a modern browser that helps organize their web experience, Arc is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.