Steel
Open-source browser infrastructure that lets AI agents and automation scripts control cloud browser fleets via a simple API, with built-in CAPTCHA solving and proxy management.
Technical Profile & Specs
verified 2026-11-07
- Cost
- $0 / forever (Open Source)
- License
- Open Source
- Hosting Model
- Self-host (your server)
- Platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- Installation
- Clone https://github.com/steel-dev/steel-browser or deploy with Docker Compose
- Operational Setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- Where Your Data Lives
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- The Catch / Trade-off
- Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Anchor Browser.
Replaces 2 paid apps
up to $30/mo ($360/yr) in subscriptions
Steel FAQ
Common questions
Is Steel free and open source?+
Steel is an open-source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Open-source browser infrastructure that lets AI agents and automation scripts control cloud browser fleets via a simple API, with built-in CAPTCHA solving and proxy management.
What paid software does Steel replace?+
Steel serves as a free replacement for 2 paid SaaS applications: Anchor Browser, Browserbase, saving up to $30/month ($360/year) in subscription bills.
How do you install and set up Steel?+
Installation: Clone https://github.com/steel-dev/steel-browser or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup notes: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
What is the catch or trade-off with Steel?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Anchor Browser.