Browserbase vs Steel

Browserbase and Steel are closely matched on cold start and headline price. The decision comes down to isolation, session limits and ecosystem. Below: every spec that moves the decision, verified 2026-08-09.

	BRBrowserbase	STSteel
Isolation	Cloud browser (isolated)	Cloud browser (isolated)
Cold start	n/a	n/a
Price / vCPU-hr	n/a	n/a
GPU	No	No
Session limit	Session-scoped	15 min (Launch) to 24h (Enterprise)
Persistence	Session replay + recording	Session-scoped
MCP support	Yes	n/a
Free tier	Free (3 concurrent, 1 browser-hour, $5 model tokens)	Launch: $0 + usage, $30 one-time credits (~300 browser-hrs)
Best for	Teams building browser agents that need reliable cloud browsers with stealth and captcha handling.	Developers who want an open-source, self-hostable browser API for agents.

The verdict

Choose Browserbase for teams building browser agents that need reliable cloud browsers with stealth and captcha handling. Choose Steel for developers who want an open-source, self-hostable browser API for agents.

Headline rates rarely equal your bill. Idle time, session length, creation fees and GPU minutes dominate. Model your actual workload in the cost calculator.

FAQ

Browserbase vs Steel: which is better?

It depends on your priority. Browserbase is best for teams building browser agents that need reliable cloud browsers with stealth and captcha handling. Steel is best for developers who want an open-source, self-hostable browser API for agents.

Is Browserbase or Steel cheaper?

Pricing models differ; see each provider's page for current rates.

Still choosing between Browserbase and Steel?

Tell us your workload and we'll point you to the better fit, then connect you with real pricing from the one you pick. No spam.