Puppeteer
A mature open-source library for driving headless Chrome and Firefox from Node.js.
Puppeteer is Google's long-standing Node.js library for controlling Chrome: navigating, clicking, scraping, and generating PDFs and screenshots. It is stable, well-documented, and deeply embedded in the JavaScript ecosystem.
Playwright, from former Puppeteer contributors, has largely superseded it for new work, but Puppeteer remains a solid choice, especially where a Chrome-only, Node-only tool is all that is needed.
Where it fits
A fit for Node.js projects that need straightforward Chrome automation and value a mature, stable library.
Where it does not fit
Narrower than Playwright on cross-browser support and auto-waiting: usually not the pick for a greenfield project.
Alternatives to Puppeteer
The closest options on the map, and where each fits instead.
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Playwright Browser automation library
The dependable foundation whenever code (or an agent) has to operate a real browser, especially for sites with no API.
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Selenium Browser automation library
A fit where the widest browser and language coverage matters, or a team has deep existing Selenium investment.
Pairs with
Commonly used alongside it.
