Stagehand vs 
LaVague
Stagehand vs LaVague compared for 2026 — features, license, ease of use, performance and which one to choose. AI browser automation on top of Playwright vs Turn objectives into browser automation.
Updated regularly · curated by OpenSourceAI.tech
Stagehand vs LaVague at a glance
| Spec | Stagehand | LaVague |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Browser & computer-use agents | Browser & computer-use agents |
| Type | Browser automation framework | Web agent framework |
| License | MIT | Apache-2.0 |
| Runs locally | Cloud-optional | Yes |
| Primary language | TypeScript | Python |
| Ease of use | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Best for | devs blending code and AI browsing | generating reusable automation scripts |
| GitHub stars | 23.5k | 6.4k |
How Stagehand and LaVague score
| Criterion | Stagehand | LaVague |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity | 3.5 | 2.5 |
| Maintenance | 5.0 | 2.0 |
| Ease of use | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Privacy | 3.5 | 5.0 |
| License freedom | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Scores are computed automatically from public signals — GitHub stars (popularity), recent commit activity (maintenance), license type (freedom), local-first design (privacy) and onboarding complexity (ease of use). Indicative, not a verdict.
What each one is
Stagehand
Stagehand is an AI browser-automation framework that lets you mix precise Playwright code with natural-language actions, for reliable and flexible web agents.
- Combine code with natural-language steps
- Built on Playwright for reliability
- Great developer experience
LaVague
LaVague compiles a natural-language objective into Selenium or Playwright code that carries it out in a real browser.
- Outputs real Selenium/Playwright code
- Scripts are reusable and auditable
- Works with local models
Key differences
Stagehand is browser automation framework, while LaVague is web agent framework. Their licenses differ (MIT vs Apache-2.0), which matters if you ship a commercial product. They also differ in how they run (Cloud-optional vs Yes). In short, Stagehand fits devs blending code and AI browsing, and LaVague fits generating reusable automation scripts.
Which should you choose?
Choose Stagehand for devs blending code and AI browsing. Choose LaVague for generating reusable automation scripts.
There is rarely one winner — many setups use both. The right pick depends on your hardware, your team's skills, and whether you value simplicity or control.
Frequently asked questions
Is Stagehand or LaVague easier to use?
Both sit at a similar level (Intermediate). Your choice should come down to fit rather than difficulty.
Are Stagehand and LaVague free?
Stagehand is free and open source (MIT), and LaVague is free and open source (Apache-2.0). Neither charges for the core software.
Can I run Stagehand and LaVague locally?
Stagehand: cloud-optional · LaVague: yes. Both can be used without sending your data to a third-party cloud where their setup allows.
Stagehand vs LaVague — which should I pick in 2026?
Choose Stagehand for devs blending code and AI browsing. Choose LaVague for generating reusable automation scripts.
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