# Steel: Free Open Source Alternative to Anchor Browser, Browserbase

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/steel
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Steel (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Anchor Browser, Browserbase. 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.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Steel
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://steel.dev/
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/steel-dev/steel-browser
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 7.9k
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/steel-dev/steel-browser or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Anchor Browser.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (2)
Replacing these paid tools with Steel saves up to $30/mo ($360/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Anchor Browser](https://caniforkit.com/anchor-browser) | [automation](https://caniforkit.com/category/automation) | $15/mo | [Compare Anchor Browser vs Steel](https://caniforkit.com/vs/anchor-browser-vs-steel) |
| [Browserbase](https://caniforkit.com/browserbase) | [automation](https://caniforkit.com/category/automation) | $15/mo | [Compare Browserbase vs Steel](https://caniforkit.com/vs/browserbase-vs-steel) |

## Frequently Asked 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 is the trade-off or limitation of using Steel?
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Anchor Browser.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)