browser-use

browser-use is an open-source AI agent that drives a web browser the way a person does. It clicks, types, and reads pages to finish tasks like booking, form filling, and research. You can run it as a Python library on your own machine, through a command-line tool, or as a hosted cloud API. The cloud adds stealth browsers, CAPTCHA solving, and residential proxies. The repo is MIT-licensed with over 117,000 stars. A small free credit grant lets you try the cloud.

Key Features

1. Human-like browsing

The agent finds page elements visually instead of relying on brittle selectors. It keeps working when sites change their layout.

2. Three ways to run

Use the Python library locally, the CLI inside coding assistants, or the hosted cloud API. Pick the path that fits your stack.

3. Stealth cloud browsers

Cloud runs use anti-detection browsers with residential proxies. This helps agents work on sites that block bots.

4. CAPTCHA handling

The agent can work through CAPTCHAs during a run. This removes one of the biggest blockers in web automation.

5. Session recordings

Every cloud run saves profiles and recordings of what happened. You can replay a session to debug failures.

6. MCP integration

It ships as an MCP server, so coding assistants like Claude can drive browsers through it. Maintained toolsets keep the setup current.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does the cloud cost?

New users get $1 in free credits. After that, browsers cost $0.02 per hour, agents add model cost plus 20 percent, and top-ups start at $5.

What do I need to run it locally?

Python 3.11 or newer and an LLM API key such as OPENAI_API_KEY. Install with uv add browser-use and add a cloud key only for hosted features.

Is browser-use really open source?

Yes. The core library is MIT-licensed on GitHub. The paid cloud is a separate hosted service built on the same code.

Can it handle logins and 2FA?

Yes. It supports authenticated sessions, profiles, and two-factor flows. Saved profiles let agents log in without repeating setup.

Conclusion

browser-use stands out by treating the browser as the agent's hands, not just a data source. Local runs are free and open, while the cloud removes the pain of proxies and bot detection. With 117,000 stars, it is the most trusted open browser agent. Try one real task locally before spending on cloud credits.