What is Open Browser Use?

Released on May 15, 2026, Open Browser Use (open-browser-use) is a browser automation layer designed specifically for AI agents. It acts as an open-source alternative to the Chrome Browser Use capability recently shipped in Codex.app, allowing agents to control and interact with web pages using real Chrome profiles [citation:3].

Key Features

  • Neutral Agent Runtime: Works across different agent frameworks — not tied to any specific provider
  • Real Chrome Profile Support: Uses your actual browser profile with saved logins, cookies, and extensions
  • Multi-Language SDKs: Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, and Go SDKs available [citation:3]
  • CLI Interface: Command-line access for scripting and automation
  • Browser Extension: Chrome extension pairs with CLI for seamless integration
  • 35+ Releases: Active development with 34 releases and version 0.1.36 as of May 15, 2026 [citation:3]

Architecture

Open Browser Use pairs a browser extension with the open-browser-use CLI. Agents can control browsers through the JavaScript, Python, or Go SDKs, maintaining session state across automation tasks.

Use Cases

  • AI agents that need to interact with web applications
  • Automated testing with real browser profiles
  • Web scraping with preserved login states
  • RPA (Robotic Process Automation) workflows
  • Building custom browser automation for agent frameworks

Pricing

Free and open source — MIT/Apache licensed.

Pros

  • Open source — no vendor lock-in
  • Works with real Chrome profiles (preserves logins)
  • Multi-language SDKs (Python, JS, Go)
  • Active development with frequent releases
  • True alternative to Codex.app proprietary solution

Cons

  • Requires technical setup
  • Browser extension + CLI architecture adds complexity
  • Still early (v0.1.x)
  • Documentation limited for advanced use cases

Who Should Use It?

Perfect for: AI agent developers needing browser automation, RPA engineers, and teams wanting an open-source alternative to proprietary browser control solutions.

Verdict

Open Browser Use fills a crucial gap in the open-source agent ecosystem. For teams building AI agents that need web interaction, this is essential infrastructure.

Rating: 4.3/5 - The open standard for agent browser automation.