Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) is a competing arc welding process that, like MCAW, uses a continuously fed consumable electrode and an externally supplied gas shield (sometimes, depending on whether it is a self-shielded or gas-shielded process) to protect the weld from atmospheric contamination. Both processes are often used for similar applications, though FCAW may be more suitable for outdoor or windy conditions when self-shielded.

Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), also known as MIG welding, is a widely used arc welding process where a continuous wire electrode is fed through a welding gun and into the weld pool, joining the two base materials together. Along with the wire electrode, a shielding gas is also sent through the welding gun, which protects the weld pool from contamination. This is a competing technology to MCAW, offering similar benefits and applications in many welding scenarios.

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), commonly known as stick welding, is a manual arc welding process that uses a consumable electrode covered in flux to lay the weld. An electric current, in the form of either alternating current or direct current from a welding power supply, is used to form an electric arc between the electrode and the metals to be joined. SMAW is a competing technology, although it is generally more manual and less automated than MCAW.

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), also known as TIG welding, is an arc welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld. The weld area is protected from atmospheric contamination by an inert shielding gas (argon or helium), and a filler metal is normally used, though some welds, known as autogenous welds, do not require it. GTAW is a competing technology to MCAW, although GTAW is generally more suited for precision welds and thinner materials, where precise control and high weld quality are required.

Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) is an arc welding process in which the arc is submerged under a blanket of granular flux. The process uses a continuously fed consumable electrode, and the molten weld and arc zone are protected from atmospheric contamination by being 'submerged' under the flux. SAW is a competing technology for high-deposition-rate welding, particularly in automated applications, although it is less versatile for different joint configurations compared to MCAW.