Online Browser by Browserling

What is an online browser?

An online browser is a web browser that doesn't run on your system but instead runs online in the cloud. It's just like a regular browser, except it's separated from your system. In Browserling's case, the browser runs on Browserling's servers and you get remote access to the browser.

How do online browsers work?

Online browsers are installed on Browserling's servers and they work just like locally installed browsers, except, they are accessed through a web interface. Accessing a browser doesn't require any installs as it all works through modern JavaScript, HTML5 Canvas and WebSockets.

What online browsers are there?

At Browserling, we have installed all the most popular browsers in our online testing cloud. We have Chrome (all versions from 1 to the latest), Firefox (all versions from 1 to latest), Opera (all versions from 10 to latest), Internet Explorer (versions 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11), Edge (versions from 100 to the latest), Safari (the latest four versions), Tor browser (versions 7.5 to 13.5). We also soon plan to install Brave browser, Vivaldi browser, Yandex browser, and Beaker browser.

What can you use an online browser for?

An online browser has many uses. At Browserling, an online browser is most often used by web developers to cross-browser test websites. As we maintain installations of all the browsers and all the browser versions, it's super convenient for web developers to just go to our website and get any browser they want. As each browser and browser version is slightly different, web developers need to make sure their code and websites work exactly the same way in all browser versions, and an online browser lets them quickly do that. Second, an online browser can be used to casually browse around the Internet. It's often used as an anonymous browser because the browser runs from Browserling's servers and after each session, the browser is destroyed, together with cookies and any downloaded files. Third, it can be used as URL sandbox. What that means is you can securely open unknown URLs without the risk of leaking private information or getting infected with malware. As the browsers run online outside of your computer, you are completely safe.

Try an Online Browser Now!

Here's a quick demo! Enter the URL of your favorite website and we'll open it in Chrome 125 (latest Chrome). Chrome will be spawned on our servers and we'll stream it to you as a video:

The quick demo will let you use just one browser for a couple of minutes (to try it out) but to get access to other browsers and operating systems (such as Windows 11, Android, and macOS), you'll need to get a developer plan.

Online Browser FAQ

Are online browsers safe to use?

Online browsers can actually be safer than using a regular browser on your computer, especially if you're dealing with suspicious links or malware-prone websites. Since everything runs remotely, any viruses, trackers, or harmful scripts stay on the online browser's server, not your actual device. And once you close the online browser, everything is deleted.

Do online browsers store my browsing history?

No, online browsers don't store your browsing history. Each session is isolated, and once you close the browser, everything is wiped, including history, cookies, and cache.

What are the most popular online browsers?

The most popular online browsers are Chrome and Firefox, followed by Edge. We have the latest Chrome, Firefox, and Edge versions installed in our browser cloud and you can get access to these browsers without installing them yourself.

What are the least popular online browsers?

Internet Explorer has become the least popular online browser. This is because Microsoft has replaced it with the newer Edge browser and Internet Explorer is no longer being updated. We still have all Internet Explorer versions installed and you can get an online Internet Explorer at any time.

Which operating systems do the online browsers run on?

All online browsers run on various Microsoft Windows systems. Our cloud servers run Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows XP.

Can mobile browsers be used online, too?

Yes! We run online Android versions with the latest Chrome and Firefox pre-installed. This lets you access and test mobile browsers in the cloud without needing a physical Android device.

Do online browsers work on all devices?

Yes! Since they run in the cloud, you can access an online browser from any device with an Internet connection, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebooks, tablets, and even smartphones.

Can I install extensions in an online browser?

Yes! Online browsers are just like regular browsers, but they run remotely. You can install and use extensions the same way you would on your own device. This is also useful for testing suspicious browser extensions.

Can I download files using an online browser?

Yes! Since the online browser runs in a virtual machine, you can download files just like on a regular browser.

Why do some websites look different in an online browser?

Websites can appear slightly different because of the way the online browser streams video to your screen. Also, font rendering and GPU acceleration may not work the same as on a local browser.

How do I debug my website in an online browser?

Most online browsers come with built-in developer tools. You can press F12 to open them. With the developer tools, you can inspect HTML elements, check the console for errors, and debug JavaScript code remotely.

How can I test old browser versions for compatibility?

We provide online access to older versions of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Internet Explorer. This helps you check if your site still works on outdated browsers.

Do you have an online browser API?

Yes, we do! Take a look at the Live Browser API that we created. With the Live Browser API, you can put an online browser in your own browser and browse while you browse.

Any other questions about online browsers?

Please contact us at hello@browserling.com or use our contact form. Thank you!