Add to Chrome
Start with one task and its required output. A source-linked research file, a completed form, and a recurring extraction pipeline place different demands on a browser tool.
These products have changed since our original comparison. Browser Use has a Cloud SDK; Firecrawl now lists Interact and an Agent preview. Treating one as only a library and the other as static extraction would give you the wrong shortlist.
Match the tool to the job
| Starting point | What to evaluate |
|---|---|
| Use the sites already open in your Chrome | Retriever AI's extension, with supported AI in Free Mode |
| Run browser tasks from Python or TypeScript | Browser Use Cloud's SDK and task setup |
| Define a repeatable browser workflow | Skyvern's workflow builder and developer tools |
| Feed website content into an application | Firecrawl's scrape, crawl, map, and search endpoints; evaluate Interact when actions are needed |
Checked September 22, 2026 against Browser Use's Cloud quickstart, Skyvern's product page, and Firecrawl's current endpoints and pricing. The rows identify useful starting points; they are not exclusive capabilities.
Compare costs using the same finished output
A page credit, a browser minute, and a model token measure different things. Do not compare their sticker prices as if each buys the same result. Include failed attempts, retries, proxies, model usage, and the time spent correcting the output.
Retriever's interactive Free Mode is a way to evaluate a task without buying a model subscription. API calls and unattended schedules have separate billing and plan requirements. A free interactive result does not mean your production pipeline will cost zero.
Keep the trial small and inspectable
For extraction, use 20 known records with four fields and a source URL. For forms, use a practice form and facts from a supplied document; ask the agent to stop before submission. For monitoring, save a baseline before testing a change.
Our collection, form-filling, and monitoring pages provide prompts and clearly labeled reference examples. Record correctness, missing fields, interventions, and consumed resources for each tool.
We have not run a new controlled comparison of these current versions. The old article's benchmark numbers do not establish today's winner on your task.
Watch the original comparison
From the archive: browser-agent showdown.
The original recorded comparison with Browser Use and Firecrawl. Results describe the versions and tasks shown, not the current products or a new benchmark.
What Retriever's free plan covers
Free Mode includes supported AI models and Cloud browser time for tasks you start in the extension or Cloud dashboard. No AI API key or paid AI subscription is required. Sponsored cards and a daily fair-use allowance apply. Your account shows the current allowance and reset time. When you reach it, wait for the reset, use your own AI provider, or choose a paid plan. Your provider may charge for its usage.
Schedules, triggers, cookie sync, and Chrome control through API or MCP require a paid plan. Data enrichment and managed proxies can use credits separately. API and WhatsApp runs use credits for the resources they consume. Chrome control through API or MCP requires a subscription. Free Mode applies to interactive tasks in the extension and Cloud dashboard.
Free Mode in the Chrome extension involves sponsored content. In Cloud, it also includes a license to use anonymized task records and derived products, as described in the Terms and Privacy Notice. Compare plans, read the terms, or check the privacy notice.
