Steel vs Playwright: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Steel and Playwright comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Steel
Open-source headless browser API for controlling cloud-based browser fleets.
Best for you if:
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Open-source headless browser API for cloud-based browser automation.
- • Enables building AI agents, web scrapers, and RPA with robust browser control.
Playwright
Reliable end-to-end testing
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need testing & qa features specifically
- • Cross-browser testing framework supporting Chrome, Firefox, and Safari
- • Auto-waiting and test isolation for reliable, fast tests
| At a Glance |  Steel |  Playwright |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | API Tools | Testing & QA |
Rating | —/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Steel | Playwright |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsAutomation | Testing & QABrowser DevTools |
How Steel and Playwright Compare
Steel
Open-source headless browser API for controlling cloud-based browser fleets.
Free tier available
Playwright
Reliable end-to-end testing
Free · 90/100 score
Steel is a api tools tool. Playwright is in testing & qa.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Playwright is free. Steel is freemium.
Go with: Playwright
Want the highest-rated option?
Playwright scores 90/100. Steel is unrated.
Go with: Playwright
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Playwright
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Steel is freemium. Playwright is free. Go with Playwright if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Steel is a api tools tool. Playwright is in testing & qa. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Playwright
- Higher score: 90/100 vs unrated
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Steel
- Better fit for api tools
The Bottom Line
Playwright (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Steel or Playwright better?
Playwright scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Steel is freemium and Playwright is free.
What are Steel and Playwright used for?
Steel: Open-source headless browser API for controlling cloud-based browser fleets.. Playwright: Reliable end-to-end testing.
What does Steel cost vs Playwright?
Steel is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Playwright is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.