Virtual Browser by Browserling

What is a virtual browser?

A virtual browser is a web browser that runs in a virtual machine (VM). Compared to a browser that's installed on your own system, a virtual browser is physically separated from your system. The biggest advantage of a virtual browser is that it's not linked to your usual browsing activities and all cookies, files, local storage, browser history, and extensions stay in the virtual machine. This way, your virtual browsing profile is isolated from your primary browsing profile.

What can you do with virtual browsers?

Primarily, virtual browsers are used by web developers and security professionals. Web developers use virtual browsers to access multiple versions of the same browser for cross-browser testing purposes. For example, a website that works in Chrome 130 and uses the latest browser features may not work in earlier Chrome versions that don't have these features, so it has to be tested in multiple browser versions. Security professionals use virtual browsers to keep their data safe from browser-based attacks. As a virtual browser runs in a virtual environment, they are protected from cyber-attacks and data leaks. A new use case for a virtual browser is to bypass content firewalls. Often, employees and students who are behind a corporate firewall can't watch YouTube videos or access their private emails, so by combining a virtual browser with an online browser, they get an online virtual browser that can access web pages that are blocked by network administrators.

Try a Virtual Browser Now!

Below, you can try a virtual browser. We have pre-selected the latest Firefox version 125, but you can select any other browser and browser version. Click the test button to start a virtual browser test.

The free test allows you to use one virtual browser for three minutes, but to get unlimited access to all browsers without a time limit, you'll have to buy a developer or team plan.

Virtual Browser FAQ

What virtual browsers do you support?

We support all the browsers! We have:

All browsers are regularly updated, so you always have access to the latest versions.

What virtual operating systems do you support?

Besides multiple virtual browsers (listed above), we also run all the most popular virtual operating systems, including:

  • Virtual Windows – XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11.
  • Virtual Android – All versions from 4.4 to 15 (kitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow, Nougat, etc).
  • Virtual macOS – The last four versions 12-15 (Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia).

For example, you can run virtual Chrome on Windows 10 or virtual Safari on macOS Monterey – whatever setup you need.

Do you offer virtual Android browsers?

Yes, we run Androids in virtual machines and you can access the built-in Android browser (WebView) as well as browsers listed above.

Do you offer virtual macOS browsers?

Yes, we provide virtual versions of Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Vivaldi, and Tor running on macOS. You can also choose different macOS versions, including macOS Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia.

Is a virtual browser the same as a virtual machine?

No, but they are related! A virtual machine (VM) is a whole separate computer that's running isolated from your real computer. A virtual browser is just the web browser program that runs inside a virtual machine. When you use a virtual browser, you're actually using a browser inside a VM that keeps everything separate from your actual device.

Can I use a virtual machine in a browser?

Yes! Our service let you access a full virtual machine directly in your web browser. This means you can access a full operating system, like Windows and macOS, inside your browser without installing anything. A virtual browser works similarly, but instead of a full OS, it only loads a web browser inside the VM.

How does a virtual machine browser work?

A virtual machine browser is a web browser that runs inside a virtual machine, so it's completely separate from your main computer. Nothing gets saved to your actual device, making it suitable for safe browsing, web development, and testing different browser versions.

Is a virtual machine browser good for privacy?

Absolutely! Since a virtual browser runs inside a virtual machine, nothing gets saved on your real computer. Once you close the session, all your history, cookies, and any temporary files get deleted. This makes it a great choice for private browsing and avoiding tracking.

Do virtual browsers save my browsing history?

Nope! Everything you do in a virtual browser stays in that session. Once you close it, all history, cookies, and settings disappear. Nothing is saved.

Can I use a virtual browser on mobile?

Yes! You can access a virtual browser from any device, including phones and tablets, as long as you have an Internet connection. We stream the virtual browser's display updates directly to your device, just like a remote desktop. This means you're not actually running the browser on your phone – it's running on our cloud servers, and you're just seeing the live feed. Your taps, swipes, and keyboard inputs are sent back in real time, so it feels like you're using a normal browser. This way, even if your device is slow or outdated, you can still access a modern and high-performance browser.

Can I watch videos in a virtual browser?

Yes, but performance may depend on your connection. Some streaming services might also block virtual environments. If video playback is slow, try lowering the resolution for a smoother experience.

Will a virtual browser protect me from viruses?

Yes! Since it runs in a separate virtual machine, any malware or viruses stay contained and won't affect your actual device. Even if a site tries to install something harmful, it won't reach your real system.

Can I download files in a virtual browser?

You can, but they will stay inside the virtual session and be erased when you close it. You won't be able to transfer them to your real computer. If you need to save a file, consider downloading it on your main device directly instead.

Is a virtual browser the same as a VPN?

No, a VPN only hides your IP address, but you still use your regular browser. A virtual browser runs completely separately from your local device and network. With a VPN, your browser still saves history, cookies, and downloaded files on your local system. A virtual browser, on the other hand, is fully isolated. Once you close it, everything resets, leaving no files behind.

Can I log into my accounts using a virtual browser?

Yes, but keep in mind that all login sessions will be erased when you close the browser. So, you'll need to log in again next time.

How do I pick the right virtual browser version?

It depends on what you need. If you're testing websites, use different versions to see compatibility. If you just need privacy, the latest version works best since it includes the most recent updates.

Is there an API for virtual browsers?

Yes, there's the Live API that you can use to access a virtual browser from your own webapp.

Any other questions about virtual browsers?

Please contact us at hello@browserling.com or use our contact form. Thank you!