01 · Magazine · Comparison
Browser Use vs. Skyvern: AI browser automation compared
In short: Browser Use is the faster start for most Python developers, with little code, free choice of model and the permissive MIT license. Skyvern is the better fit for websites with changing layouts and for complete workflows with logins, 2FA, loops and files, but is licensed under AGPL-3.0. Both offer a paid cloud with proxies and CAPTCHA handling (as of October 2026).
Multi-Agent Navigator editorial team · Reviewed
ABrowser UseQuick start in Python
Browser Use is an MIT-licensed Python library in which an LLM controls a browser step by step based on a simplified DOM, optionally with screenshots. It also offers a CLI that gives existing agents browser access and a paid cloud with hosted browsers.
View profileBSkyvernFor changing layouts and workflows
Skyvern interprets pages visually with vision models and acts via Playwright, without fixed selectors. It adds workflows with loops, file processing and 2FA handling. The core is AGPL-3.0; anti-bot features are part of the managed cloud.
View profileDetailed comparison
| Criterion | Browser Use | Skyvern |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Agent based on a simplified DOM, optional screenshots | Vision models plus Playwright, no fixed selectors |
| Languages | Python 3.11+ | Python 3.11 to 3.13, TypeScript client |
| Setup | uv add browser-use | pip install "skyvern[all]", then skyvern quickstart (local server and UI) |
| Ways to use it | Python library, CLI for existing agents, hosted cloud API | Playwright-compatible SDK, no-code workflow builder, MCP server, cloud |
| Layout changes | Usually fine, as the LLM re-reads the page | Robust thanks to visual recognition |
| Workflows | Via your own code or agent frameworks | Built in: loops, file parsing, emails, HTTP requests |
| Logins and 2FA | Reuse an existing Chrome profile with logged-in sessions | 2FA via authenticator app, email or SMS; Bitwarden integration |
| Anti-bot and CAPTCHAs | Cloud browsers with stealth, proxies and CAPTCHA handling | Cloud with anti-bot measures, proxies and CAPTCHA solving |
| Cloud pricing (October 2026) | Cloud browser $0.02 per browser hour, plus agent and model costs | Free with 5,000 credits, Hobby $29, Pro $149 per month |
| GitHub stars (October 2026) | over 110,000 | about 23,000 |
| License | MIT | AGPL-3.0 |
Which one for which situation?
- You want to try out an agent with browser access quickly
- Browser Use. A few lines of Python and a model key are enough. You can use local models via Ollama and switch to a cloud browser later.
- Your coding agent should be able to use a browser
- Browser Use with its CLI, which you register as a skill in Claude Code, Codex and other agents. Skyvern is an option if your agent works with MCP servers.
- You fill in forms on many different portals, such as supplier or authority websites
- Skyvern. Visual recognition copes with unfamiliar and changing layouts, and the built-in 2FA handling covers portals with logins.
- A process spans several steps, for example downloading all invoices and forwarding them
- Skyvern with its workflow blocks for loops, file parsing, emails and HTTP requests. With Browser Use you build the same flow in your own code or an agent framework.
- You want to sell a product that includes the browser agent
- Check the license first. Browser Use (MIT) can be embedded with few conditions. With Skyvern (AGPL-3.0), you must publish the source code of your changes if you offer a modified version over a network.
- The process is fixed and must run every time without errors
- Neither of the two alone. Classic Playwright code is more robust and cheaper here. Look at Stagehand if you want to add individual AI steps to fixed code.
Frequently asked questions
Is Browser Use or Skyvern better?
For Python developers who quickly need an agent with browser access, Browser Use is usually the better start. Skyvern fits better when layouts change often or when you need complete workflows with logins, 2FA, loops and files.
Can I use Skyvern in a commercial product?
Yes, but the AGPL-3.0 requires you to publish the source code of your changes if you offer a modified Skyvern as a service over a network. Have this reviewed before you use it, or use Skyvern Cloud. Browser Use is licensed under MIT and has no such obligation.
How much do Browser Use and Skyvern cost in the cloud?
Both libraries are free when self-hosted; you only pay for model calls. According to the vendor, Browser Use cloud browsers cost $0.02 per browser hour, plus agent and model costs. Skyvern Cloud has a free plan with 5,000 credits, Hobby at $29 and Pro at $149 per month (as of October 2026).
Can both tools handle CAPTCHAs and bot detection?
Only in their cloud offerings. Browser Use offers browsers with stealth mode, proxies and CAPTCHA solving there, and Skyvern Cloud offers anti-bot measures, a proxy network and CAPTCHA solvers. There is no guarantee, and the target site's terms of use still apply.
Can I give a coding agent such as Claude Code browser access?
Yes. Browser Use has a CLI for this that you register as a skill in Claude Code, Codex or other agents. Skyvern supports the Model Context Protocol (MCP), so agents with MCP support can call Skyvern as a tool.
Choose Browser Use if
- you work in Python and want a working agent in a few lines
- your target pages have a usable DOM
- you want to give a coding agent browser access via CLI
- a permissive license (MIT) matters to you
Choose Skyvern if
- your target sites change their layout often
- you automate forms with logins and 2FA
- you need workflows with several steps, files and emails
- AGPL-3.0 or the cloud offering fits your setup
Our verdict
Browser Use is the faster start for most Python developers: few lines of code, free model choice, MIT license and a large community.
Skyvern is the better fit when layouts change often or when you need complete workflows with logins, 2FA and file handling. Check whether AGPL-3.0 fits your use, or use the cloud.
If you want to combine fixed Playwright code with individual AI steps, also look at Stagehand.
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