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Legba vs Steel

A Steel alternative for Chrome.

Steel is browser infrastructure for developers. It offers managed cloud sessions. It also publishes an open-source runtime.

Legba serves a different job. Ghost gives your browser a private route. Shield opens a page in an isolated browser off your device.

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Side by side.

A Chrome extension against programmable browser infrastructure.

Compare
Legba
Steel
Primary product
Chrome extension with Ghost and Shield
Browser API with cloud and local runtimes
Start point
Install the extension in Chrome
Use APIs, SDKs, CLI, Playwright, or Puppeteer
Browser sessions
Shield opens a page in an isolated browser off your device.
Headful cloud sessions by default
Network options
Ghost gives your browser a private route.
Datacenter by default, with managed residential proxies or BYOP
State model
Shield ends when the tab closes.
Sessions release or time out. Profiles can persist state.
Deployment
Installed Chrome extension
Managed cloud or an Apache-licensed local runtime
Pricing
$10 a month, or $100 a year.
Launch is $0 plus usage. Scale is $250 plus usage.

Last verified 2026-09-01 · official sources linked below

When Steel is the better pick

Choose Steel when browser infrastructure is the requirement. Its managed cloud covers sessions, profiles, recordings, and integrations. Its Apache-licensed runtime also supports local operation. That control is Steel's strongest advantage.

How this comparison was made.

Disclosure

Legba publishes this comparison. Legba offers the Chrome extension described here. Steel and Legba serve different browser jobs.

Method

We reviewed Steel's official documentation, pricing, and open-source repository. We compared documented product surfaces only. Steel facts were verified on September 1, 2026.

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Questions people ask.

Is Legba a drop-in replacement for Steel?
No. Legba does not publish a tested drop-in migration path. Treat compatibility as unverified.
Does Steel only run headless browsers?
No. Steel says new sessions run headful by default. Legacy headless recordings remain available.
Does Steel require self-hosting?
No. Steel offers managed cloud sessions. Its Apache-licensed runtime also supports local operation. Local and cloud features differ.
Does Steel support residential proxies?
Yes. Steel uses datacenter IPs by default. Managed residential proxies and BYOP are optional. Usage pricing varies by plan.
Can Steel preserve browser state?
Yes. Steel profiles can persist cookies and settings. Profile persistence is configurable. It is not the default session behavior.

Try it on the next page you do not trust

Legba is a Chrome extension with two modes. Ghost gives you a private browser route. Shield opens a page in an isolated browser off your device.

Add to Chrome

Free for 30 days. No card required.

Ghost. A private route for your browser. Shield. An isolated browser, off your device. Choose the mode. Close when finished.