Bot Detection Overview
Modern websites employ sophisticated anti-bot systems that can detect and block automated browser sessions. Browserless provides comprehensive solutions to bypass these detection mechanisms through multiple approaches, from advanced stealth techniques to intelligent CAPTCHA solving.
Our Bot Detection Philosophy
Based on extensive benchmarking and research, we've found that IP reputation and browser fingerprinting are the two primary factors that determine whether automated sessions are detected. Combining the two is a very powerful way to bypass the most insidious detection mechanisms. Our approach prioritizes:
- IP reputation and fingerprinting - Residential proxies with high-reputation will make your sessions appear as regular users and are often more effective than complex fingerprint masking.
- Stealth-first automation - Prevent detection rather than react to it, using human-like fingerprints with our stealth routes.
- Layered defense - Combine multiple techniques for maximum effectiveness: a high-reputation IP with a human-like fingerprint yields best results.
For the absolute highest success rates with advanced bot detection, consider BrowserQL which is a REST API designed specifically for this purpose. You can integrate it with your favorite library.
Feature Overview
Browserless offers multiple layers of bot detection bypass:
1. Stealth Routes
The /stealth routes provide the most effective approach for BaaS users, especially when combined with residential proxies:
/stealth(Recommended) - Our managed stealth environment with advanced anti-detection and realistic fingerprinting for maximum effectiveness/chromium/stealth- Advanced and custom anti-detection beyond standard stealth plugins, via robust fingerprinting that makes our browsers indistinguishable from real browsers/chrome/stealth- Advanced anti-detection beyond standard stealth
Recommended approach:
- Start with
/stealth(Best results for most sites) - explore more stealth routes - If that fails, add residential proxies to your stealth route.
- For maximum effectiveness, use the
/unblockAPI with residential proxies
2. Site Unblocking API - Advanced Bypass
The Unblock API takes a minimalistic approach that works directly with the browser's native interfaces:
- No library traces - Bypasses detection of automation frameworks
- Automatic detection correction - Identifies and fixes common bot blockers
- Predefined data retrieval - Get content, cookies, screenshots, or browser endpoints
- Works with any automation library - Connect Puppeteer, Playwright, or others
3. CAPTCHA Solutions - When Detection Occurs
When bot detection systems present CAPTCHAs, our CAPTCHA solving capabilities can automatically resolve them:
- Automatic detection - Monitors for CAPTCHA challenges in real-time
- Programmatic solving - Solves reCAPTCHA and other challenge types
- Automatic solving - Solves CAPTCHAs in real-time
- Multi-library support - Works with Puppeteer, Playwright, and other automation tools
- Hybrid workflows - Combine automated solving with human intervention when needed
Recommended Implementation Strategy
For BaaS users (Puppeteer/Playwright): Start with the /stealth route - our recommended solution for BaaS integrations with advanced anti-detection and realistic fingerprinting. Explore more stealth routes for additional options. Add residential proxies if needed for enhanced effectiveness.
For new projects seeking maximum effectiveness: Consider BrowserQL - our flagship solution designed specifically for bypassing the most advanced bot detection systems.
For sites that detect CDP connections: Upgrade to the /unblock API with residential proxies for a minimalistic approach that bypasses library detection.
For maximum effectiveness: Combine all approaches - stealth routes + residential proxies + CAPTCHA solving provides a highly effective anti-bot solution.
Performance notes: Residential proxies are 3x slower than datacenter IPs but much more effective. Start with stealth routes and add proxies only when needed. CAPTCHA solving can take 30+ seconds - plan accordingly.
Next Steps
Ready to implement bot detection bypass? Choose your path: