Open-source browser automates web tasks with local AI agents while keeping user data private
BrowserOS, a new open-source web browser, is gaining attention as a privacy-first alternative to Chrome that lets users automate complex web tasks through natural language commands. Unlike mainstream browsers owned by advertising companies, this AI-powered tool processes everything locally on users’ devices, addressing growing concerns about data privacy and surveillance.
How BrowserOS Works
The browser operates by running AI agents directly on users’ computers rather than in the cloud, enabling task automation without sending data to external servers. Users can issue commands like “find software engineers from my LinkedIn requests and add them to a Google sheet,” and the browser executes the entire workflow automatically. This approach combines the convenience of AI assistance with the security of local processing.
Built on Chromium, BrowserOS maintains full compatibility with Chrome extensions and allows users to import existing bookmarks, passwords, and extensions seamlessly. The familiar interface requires no learning curve for current Chrome users while offering enhanced automation capabilities.
Multiple AI Models Without Vendor Lock-In
BrowserOS supports OpenAI GPT models, Anthropic Claude, Google Gemini, and local models through Ollama and LMStudio. Users bring their own API keys and can switch between providers freely, avoiding subscription fees and maintaining control over their AI infrastructure. This flexibility allows users to choose between cloud-based models for performance or local models for maximum privacy.
The browser also includes productivity features like a native highlighter, ChatGPT-powered bookmarking system, and semantic search across browsing history. Developers are working on a built-in AI ad blocker and integration capabilities that allow BrowserOS to function as an MCP server for tools like Claude Code or Gemini CLI.
Open Source and Cross-Platform
Released under the AGPL-3.0 license, BrowserOS is completely free with no hidden costs or subscription models. The project accepts community contributions through its GitHub repository, where developers can help shape the browser’s evolution. Currently available for macOS, Windows, and Linux (AppImage and Debian packages), the browser runs on the same system requirements as Google Chrome or Safari.
Backed by Y Combinator, BrowserOS represents a growing movement toward user-controlled, privacy-respecting alternatives to mainstream browsers. As concerns about data collection and AI privacy intensify, tools that process sensitive information locally while maintaining powerful automation capabilities may reshape how users approach web browsing and productivity tasks.
