Head-to-head · Writing Apps
Arc Studio Pro vs Beat
Arc Studio Pro leads on 0 checks, Beat on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreArc Studio Pro · 5.6/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly Arc Studio Pro
- Most featuresArc Studio Pro · 5 of 5
Arc Studio Pro scores higher on our rubric for writing apps: 5.6 against 3.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #39 and #87.
Arc Studio Pro is the better fit for collaborative screenplay beginners. Beat is the better fit for mac and iPad screenwriters wanting a free desktop app.
- Arc Studio Pro fits best
Collaborative screenplay beginners
- Beat fits best
Mac and iPad screenwriters wanting a free desktop app
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | Arc Studio Pro 5.6/10 Visit ↗ | Beat 3.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 5.6 | 3.0 |
| Ranking | #39 in Writing Apps | #87 in Writing Apps |
| Best for | Collaborative screenplay beginners | Mac and iPad screenwriters wanting a free desktop app |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $69/user/yr | €12.99 one-time |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 7 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS | macOS, iOS |
| Features Arc Studio Pro 5/5 · Beat 4/5 | ||
| Publishing tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real-time collaboration | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Version history | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile apps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Export formats | Standard | Standard |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | Arc Studio Pro is screenwriting software for solo writers, writing partners, writers’ rooms, educators, and filmmakers. It combines industry-standard screenplay formatting with visual outlining, notes, real-time co-writing, comments, draft… Read the review → |
Beat is a screenwriting app for macOS and iOS, aimed at writers who want screenplay-specific formatting and outlining tools rather than a general-purpose word processor. On Mac, it automatically formats screenplay elements, offers… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Arc Studio Pro — where it wins
- Industry-standard screenplay formatting is available on the Free plan.
- Visual beat cards support drag-and-drop story outlining.
- Offline writing, backups, and standard export formats support a flexible workflow.
Where it doesn't
- The Free plan limits writers to two scripts and watermarks PDF exports.
- Paid plans start at $69 per user per year with annual billing.
- There is no Android app; Android users can access the web app in Chrome.
Beat — where it wins
- Free, open-source macOS app supports offline writing.
- Outlining combines scene cards, a timeline and an outline view.
- Exports to PDF and Final Draft; tracks revisions and versions on macOS.
Where it doesn't
- The iOS companion app costs €12.99 one time.
- Version control is available on macOS only.
- The app is limited to macOS and iOS.
- Arc Studio Pro5.6/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial
A focused screenplay workspace with free essentials and paid outlining and revision tools.
Visit Arc Studio ProFull verdict → - Beat3.0/10 · Free plan
A capable free Mac screenwriting app, with a one-time purchase for iPhone and iPad.
Visit BeatFull verdict →
All writing apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update