BrowserOS vs Helium Browser
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
BrowserOS is an open-source, Chromium-based desktop browser that runs AI agents natively inside the browser to automate web tasks from plain-English instructions. It supports 11+ LLM providers plus fully local inference through Ollama or LM Studio, so automation can run without sending browsing data to the cloud.
Helium is an open-source, Chromium-based desktop browser built by imput that strips out Google services and telemetry while keeping full compatibility with Chrome extensions. Ad, tracker, and cookie-banner blocking are on by default using community filter lists, so users get uBlock-style protection without any setup.
- Free and fully open source
- Works with local models for privacy-sensitive automation
- Wide range of app integrations via MCP
- Chrome extension compatible
- Ad and tracker blocking enabled out of the box
- No Google services or telemetry baked in
- Full compatibility with Chrome extensions
- Completely free, crowdfunded development
- Cloud model providers still incur usage costs
- Agent automation can be unreliable on complex sites
- No mobile version
- Still in beta with occasional rough edges
- No built-in password manager or sync yet
- No mobile version available
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A fast Chromium‑based browser that blocks trackers and protects your privacy by default.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBrowserOS adds AI‑agent automation and extensive app integrations to a Chromium base, while Helium focuses purely on privacy‑first browsing without Google services.
Key differences
- •BrowserOS runs local AI agents that can interact with pages; Helium does not have AI features.
- •BrowserOS supports 40+ app integrations via MCP; Helium only supports Chrome extensions.
- •Helium blocks ads, trackers and fingerprinting out of the box; BrowserOS provides no built‑in ad blocking.
- •BrowserOS offers an API and terminal integration; Helium has no API.
- •Both are free and open source, but only BrowserOS mentions local‑model support for privacy‑sensitive tasks.
Pricing & value
Both are free; value differs by feature set, not price.
Ease of use / learning curve
Helium is a standard Chromium browser with built‑in ad blocking, easier for typical users than configuring AI agents.
Features & depth
BrowserOS includes AI agents, task scheduling, and 53 automation tools, far beyond Helium's privacy features.
Integrations & ecosystem
BrowserOS connects to 40+ apps via MCP and supports multiple LLM providers; Helium only supports Chrome Web Store extensions.
Support
Both rely on GitHub issues and community channels (Discord for BrowserOS, generic community for Helium).
Security & privacy
BrowserOS keeps agent execution and data local; Helium blocks trackers but lacks the local‑model privacy guarantee.
Scalability
BrowserOS offers API, terminal integration, and scheduling for automated workflows; Helium is limited to manual browsing.
Choose BrowserOS if…
Developers or power users needing AI‑driven browser automation and extensive app integrations.
Choose Helium Browser if…
Privacy‑focused users who just want a clean, ad‑blocking Chromium browser without Google services.
Common questions
Is there any cost to use either product?
Both are free; BrowserOS may incur usage fees from cloud LLM providers, but the software itself costs nothing.
Can I run AI models locally with these browsers?
BrowserOS supports local models via Ollama/LM Studio; Helium has no AI capability.
Do they work on mobile devices?
Neither product offers a mobile version.