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What is a headless browser?
A headless browser is a web browser that runs without a visible window, so programs can load and control web pages automatically.
- Category Agents & tools
- Updated 20 Oct 2026
Headless browser, explained simply
A headless browser is a normal web browser with the screen turned off. It still loads pages, runs scripts and reads content. You just don't see it.
It matters because programs can use it to visit websites at speed. Testing tools use it to check that a site works. AI tools use it to read pages.
For example, a tool might open a page, take a screenshot and save it, all in the background. No window pops up on your screen.
If a free tool guide says it needs a headless browser, the install steps usually set it up for you.
On ITG Now, our free tool guides mention headless browsers when a tool needs one to read web pages, and they list the install steps.
Related terms
Browser agentComputer useCLINode.js
Where you'll see it on ITG Now
- GuideMoli: A Free, Light Headless Browser for AI Agents
- GuideArtemis: Google's Free AI Android Automation Tool
- GuideDBX: Free Database Client for 100+ Databases, With AI (2026)
- GuideDeepSeek Harness: DeepSeek's Free Open-Source AI Agent
- GuideHermes Agent: Free Self-Improving AI Agent (2026 Guide)
- GuideKarpathy autoresearch: AI That Runs Experiments Overnight
Questions people ask about Headless browser
Is a headless browser free?
Many are free and open source. Chrome and Firefox can both run in this mode.
Headless browser vs normal browser: what is the difference?
A headless browser has no window and is driven by code. A normal browser is made for you to click and read.
How does a headless browser work?
It loads a page the same way a normal browser does. A program then tells it what to click or read.