Herd vs Browserbase: No-Infrastructure Browser Automation

Browserbase provides cloud-based headless browsers for automation and AI applications. While it offers a reliable platform for running browser instances, Herd takes a fundamentally different approach by leveraging your existing browsers, eliminating infrastructure costs and complexity.

Quick Comparison

Key Differences in Depth

Infrastructure and Cost Model

Browserbase:

• Runs browsers on managed cloud infrastructure
• Costs scale with usage and session duration
• Requires networking between your code and cloud
• Additional costs for premium features like proxies

Herd:

• Uses browsers already installed on your machine
• No cloud infrastructure required
• Direct access to your local machine resources
• Supports Chrome, Edge, Brave, Arc, Opera
• Fixed, predictable pricing not tied to usage
• Local execution with minimal network overhead
• No additional infrastructure costs to manage

Setup and Integration

// Simple installation - no code required
// 1. Install the Herd browser extension in Chrome, Edge, or Brave (Firefox/Safari not supported)
// 2. Connect your browser to Herd

// Simple connection to your browser
import { HerdClient } from '@monitoro/herd';

const client = new HerdClient('your-token');
await client.initialize();
const devices = await client.listDevices();
const device = devices[0];

// Create a new page
const page = await device.newPage();
await page.goto('https://example.com');

Session Management and Performance

Browserbase:

• Cloud-based sessions with timeout limits
• Performance dependent on cloud resources and network
• Sessions isolated from local environment
• Must explicitly manage session lifecycle

Herd:

• Direct access to local browser sessions
• Local performance without network latency
• Integrated with your local environment
• Sessions persist with your browser

Authentication and User Context

Browserbase:

• Requires implementing authentication for each session
• Isolated sessions without access to existing cookies
• Must manually handle login flows
• Credentials need to be stored and managed

Herd:

• Uses your browser’s existing authenticated sessions
• Access to all cookies, local storage, and session data
• No need to implement authentication flows
• Use sites you’re already logged into

Use Case Comparisons

Web Automation for Logged-in Services

// Using Herd with pre-authenticated browser
const client = new HerdClient('your-token');
await client.initialize();
const devices = await client.listDevices();
const device = devices[0];

// Directly access authenticated service
const page = await device.newPage();
await page.goto('https://app.example.com/dashboard');  // Already logged in

// Perform actions on authenticated page
await page.click('.create-new-button');
await page.type('#item-name', 'New Item');
await page.click('.save-button');

// Verify result
const confirmationText = await page.$eval('.confirmation', el => el.textContent);
console.log(confirmationText);

Data Extraction at Scale

// Using Herd for data extraction
const client = new HerdClient('your-token');
await client.initialize();
const devices = await client.listDevices();
const device = devices[0];

// Open multiple pages for parallel extraction
const pages = await Promise.all([1, 2, 3].map(() => device.newPage()));

// Extract data from multiple sources in parallel
const results = await Promise.all(pages.map(async (page, index) => {
  await page.goto(`https://example.com/category/${index+1}`);
  
  // Use Herd's extraction API
  const data = await page.extract({
    categoryName: '.category-header h1',
    items: {
      _$r: '.product-item',
      title: '.product-title',
      price: '.product-price',
      rating: '.rating-value'
    }
  });
  
  return data;
}));

// Close pages when done
await Promise.all(pages.map(page => page.close()));
await client.close();

console.log(results);

Migration Guide: From Browserbase to Herd

Transitioning from Browserbase to Herd is straightforward. Here’s a guide to help you migrate:

Installation Steps

1. Sign up for a Herd account
2. Install the Herd browser extension in Chrome, Edge, or Brave (Firefox and Safari not supported)
3. Register your browser as a device in the Herd dashboard

2. Code Migration

3. Framework Integration

Browserbase:

// Browserbase with Playwright
const { chromium } = require('playwright');
const browser = await chromium.connectOverCDP(session.wsEndpoint);
const page = await browser.newPage();

Herd:

// Herd uses its own API directly
const page = await device.newPage();
// Direct integrations with testing frameworks available

Why Choose Herd Over Browserbase?

1. No Cloud Infrastructure Required

Herd eliminates the need for cloud infrastructure, providing:

• Zero dependency on remote browser instances
• No need to manage cloud resources
• Reduced latency with local execution
• Complete isolation from cloud service disruptions

2. Cost Predictability and Efficiency

Herd offers a more predictable and often lower cost:

• No usage-based billing surprises
• No charges based on session duration
• No additional costs for scaling automation
• Fixed costs regardless of automation volume

3. Use Existing Browser State and Auth

With Herd, you can leverage your browser’s existing state:

• Use sites you’re already logged into
• Access to all browser extensions
• Utilize stored passwords and authentication
• No need to manage credentials in code

4. Lower Latency and Higher Performance

Herd provides performance advantages with local execution:

• No network latency between code and browser
• Faster execution of automation tasks
• Direct access to local resources
• No timeout limitations on sessions

Get Started with Herd Today

Ready to try a more flexible alternative to Browserbase? Get started with Herd:

1. Create a Herd account
2. Install the browser extension
3. Connect your browser
4. Run your first automation

Discover how Herd can provide all the capabilities you need for web automation without the complexity and costs of cloud-based infrastructure.