Comparison · Browser & Computer Use
Kernel vs Steel: which AI agent is better?
A side-by-side look at Kernel and Steel on quality, price, capabilities and trust. Scores measure observable public data; prices come from each vendor's own pricing page. Every fact is sourced and dated.
| Kernel Kernel | Steel Steel | |
|---|---|---|
| Agent Score | 43 | 49 |
| Entry price | $30/mo · free plan | $250/mo · free plan |
| Trust | ✓ VERIFIED | ✓ VERIFIED |
| Capabilities documented | 3 | 4 |
| Free plan | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Public API | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| MCP support | — | — |
| Open source | — | ✓ Yes |
| Last verified | 13 Oct 2026 | 13 Oct 2026 |
Score breakdown
| Component | Kernel | Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Capabilities | 25 | 38 |
| Integrations | 25 | 25 |
| Documentation | Not measured | Not measured |
| Pricing clarity | 100 | 100 |
| Transparency | 70 | 100 |
| Freshness | 100 | 100 |
| Human oversight | Not measured | Not measured |
Choose Kernel if…
On the measured criteria, Steel leads — see opposite.
Choose Steel if…
- You want a higher Agent Score (49 vs 43).
- You want more documented capabilities (4 vs 3).
- You want an open-source option.
See the full picture: Kernel · Steel · more Browser & Computer Use agents · all comparisons.