Yab

Chrome DevTools MCP vs Claude in Chrome

We make Yab, the third column.facts checked Oct 9 ↓

Chrome DevTools MCP is Google’s free, open-source MCP server and command line that gives a coding agent Chrome’s DevTools: the console, network, screenshots and performance traces.

Claude in Chrome is Anthropic’s Chrome extension that lets Claude read, click and type in your own signed-in Chrome, on a paid Claude plan. Claude Code can use it with claude --chrome.

The short answer

Pick Chrome DevTools MCP
  • if you debug web apps with an agent reading the console, network and traces
  • if you want your coding agent to check its own front-end changes in Chrome
  • if you do performance work with traces next to real-user data
Pick Claude in Chrome
  • if you pay for Claude and want it to work in the Chrome you already use
  • if you test web apps from Claude Code in a real, signed-in browser
  • if you want Claude to repeat browser chores on a schedule
Or Yabours
  • if you already pay for Claude or ChatGPT and want it to work in your signed-in tabs
  • if you want Claude Code, Codex or Cursor to drive a real browser over MCP

At a glance

Chrome DevTools MCP and Claude in Chrome, with Yab beside them for a Mac.

Chrome DevTools MCP vs Claude in Chrome
WhatChrome DevTools MCPClaude in ChromeYab
Made byGoogle (Chrome DevTools team)AnthropicSerafim Korablev
StatusUpdatedUpdatedUpdated
Runs onMac, Windows and LinuxMac, Windows and LinuxMac
PriceFree and open source; you pay only for your agent’s modelNeeds a paid Claude plan: Pro $20/month, Max from $100/month, Team or EnterpriseFree; its AI runs on your own Claude or ChatGPT plan
DrivesGoogle ChromeYour own ChromeYab itself, a browser on your Mac
Your sign-insChrome DevTools MCP uses a profile of its own by default, and your Chrome 144 or later once you turn on remote debugging.Claude in Chrome works in your own signed-in Chrome.Yab is the browser you sign in to, so agents work with your sign-ins.
Works withany MCP client, like Claude Code, Cursor, Copilot or Gemini CLIClaude Code (claude --chrome) and Claude’s own appsyab mcp and the yab command, for Claude Code, Codex, Cursor and any MCP client
Open sourceYesNoNo

Checked October 9, 2026 on each maker’s own pages, linked under Sources. Prices are per month, in US dollars.

Where they differ

What separates them, area by area. Where one plainly has more, it says who; where it comes down to taste, it says so.

What it drivesa matter of taste

Chrome DevTools MCP has no model of its own: it gives your agent Chrome’s DevTools plus clicks and forms, in its own Chrome profile or, with Chrome 144 and remote debugging on, in your Chrome. Claude reads pages, clicks, types and fills forms in your own Chrome, signed in as you, in tab groups it makes for each task.

Your sign-insa matter of taste

Chrome DevTools MCP uses a profile of its own by default, and your Chrome 144 or later once you turn on remote debugging. Claude in Chrome works in your own signed-in Chrome.

Which agents can use itChrome DevTools MCP leads

Chrome DevTools MCP works with any MCP client, like Claude Code, Cursor, Copilot or Gemini CLI. Claude in Chrome works with Claude Code (claude --chrome) and Claude’s own apps.

PriceChrome DevTools MCP leads

Chrome DevTools MCP: Free and open source; you pay only for your agent’s model. Claude in Chrome: Needs a paid Claude plan: Pro $20/month, Max from $100/month, Team or Enterprise.

Where it runseven

Both run on Mac, Windows and Linux.

What their pages don’t lead with

Real limits, from the makers’ own words and our own use.

Chrome DevTools MCP

  • Supports only Google Chrome and Chrome for Testing
  • Its own profile has none of your sign-ins; your Chrome needs version 144 and remote debugging
  • Sends usage statistics to Google by default
  • Brings no model: needs an MCP client and Node.js

Claude in Chrome

  • Needs a paid Claude plan, from Pro at $20 a month
  • Chrome only, by Anthropic’s help center, and no phones
  • Stops at sign-in pages and captchas for you to handle
  • Claude Code can’t use it when signed in with an API key, Bedrock, Vertex or Foundry

Yab, honestly

  • Mac only: macOS 15.4 or later, no Windows, iPhone or Android
  • New: first released in September 2026
  • Its AI needs a Claude or ChatGPT plan; ChatGPT’s free plan may work with low limits
  • WebKit, as in Safari: a site tested only in Chrome can misbehave
  • Closed source

What changed lately

  • June 2, 2026Chrome DevTools MCP: MCP server and CLI declared stable in Chrome 149
  • December 18, 2025Claude in Chrome: Beta opened to all paid plans (Pro, Max, Team, Enterprise)
  • December 11, 2025Chrome DevTools MCP: Added auto-connect to a running Chrome session (Chrome 144)
  • November 24, 2025Claude in Chrome: Beta opened to all Max subscribers, with scheduled tasks
  • September 23, 2025Chrome DevTools MCP: Released as a public preview
  • August 26, 2025Claude in Chrome: Launched as a research preview for 1,000 Max plan users

Questions

Is Chrome DevTools MCP free?

Yes. Free and open source; you pay only for your agent’s model.

Is Claude in Chrome free?

No. Needs a paid Claude plan: Pro $20/month, Max from $100/month, Team or Enterprise.

Which one works in my signed-in browser, Chrome DevTools MCP or Claude in Chrome?

Chrome DevTools MCP uses a profile of its own by default, and your Chrome 144 or later once you turn on remote debugging. Claude in Chrome works in your own signed-in Chrome.

Do Chrome DevTools MCP and Claude in Chrome run on Windows?

Yes, both. Chrome DevTools MCP runs on Mac, Windows and Linux; Claude in Chrome on Mac, Windows and Linux.

Is there a third option on a Mac?

Yab, Yet Another Browser, is a free Mac browser that Claude Code, Codex and any MCP client can drive through yab mcp, in your own signed-in profile, with Send, Pay and Delete held for your yes. It has an agent of its own too, on your Claude or ChatGPT plan. It is Mac only, and new.

More comparisons

Chrome DevTools MCP vs Playwright MCPChrome DevTools MCP vs CodexBrowser Use vs Chrome DevTools MCPChrome DevTools MCP alternativesYab vs Chrome DevTools MCPPlaywright MCP vs Claude in ChromeCodex vs Claude in ChromeBrowser Use vs Claude in ChromeClaude in Chrome alternativesYab vs Claude in Chrome
Sources, read October 9, 2026. Something out of date? Write to hello@serafimlabs.io and we fix it.

Yab, Yet Another Browser.

Free for the Mac. Arc’s sidebar, your own Claude or ChatGPT as the agent, Chrome extensions on WebKit.

it’s freeDownload