Puppeteer does not use one general scan to find every browser installed on your computer. To list browsers installed in Puppeteer’s own cache, use getInstalledBrowsers() from @puppeteer/browsers. To launch system Chrome, select a supported channel or pass its exact executablePath. These mechanisms cover different locations and should not be treated as interchangeable.
What Puppeteer means by an “installed browser”
There are three relevant cases: browser builds managed in Puppeteer’s cache, Chrome installations at known system locations, and a browser binary whose path you provide. The cache API reports the first case; it is not documented as a scan of the whole operating system. Puppeteer resolves the second case by Chrome release channel, while an explicit path handles the third.
| Need | Mechanism | What it does | Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| List Puppeteer-managed browser installs | getInstalledBrowsers({cacheDir}) |
Returns cached browser entries and installation information. | Its documented scope is the specified cache directory, not every browser on the host. |
| Resolve system Chrome | channel or computeSystemExecutablePath() |
Looks for a Chrome release channel at known system locations. | Only the supported channels and locations are covered; lookup can fail if the expected executable is absent. |
| Use a particular browser binary | executablePath |
Selects the path supplied by the caller. | You are responsible for the path and for compatibility with Puppeteer. |
List browsers in Puppeteer’s cache
The @puppeteer/browsers package exposes getInstalledBrowsers(options). It returns InstalledBrowser records that document the browser, build ID, platform, executable path, and installation root. The class also documents readMetadata() and writeMetadata(metadata). Those methods concern the record’s metadata; do not assume from the method name alone that readMetadata() queries the running browser for its live version.
Use the supported listing API rather than constructing InstalledBrowser yourself; its constructor is documented as internal. For example, in an ES module using a compatible installed version of @puppeteer/browsers:
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
import {getInstalledBrowsers} from '@puppeteer/browsers';
const browsers = await getInstalledBrowsers({
cacheDir: '/home/alex/.cache/puppeteer',
});
for (const browser of browsers) {
console.log({
browser: browser.browser,
buildId: browser.buildId,
platform: browser.platform,
executablePath: browser.executablePath,
installDir: browser.installDir,
});
}Replace the example directory with the cache directory used by your application. The current API reference documents getInstalledBrowsers and the InstalledBrowser model in Puppeteer’s browsers API and its InstalledBrowser class reference.
Find the cache directory Puppeteer uses
Puppeteer documents ~/.cache/puppeteer as the default browser cache starting with v19. Its configuration exposes cacheDirectory; PUPPETEER_CACHE_DIR can override the location. Set the directory explicitly in the listing call if you need to inspect a cache other than the default, such as one shared by a build process.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Configuration and environment can change where browser files are stored or whether a download happens at installation time. Check the configuration reference and the configuration used by the process whose cache you want to inspect.
Resolve or launch system Chrome separately
For a regular Chrome installation at a known system location, provide a Chrome release channel to Puppeteer’s launch options. To resolve a path without launching, use computeSystemExecutablePath from @puppeteer/browsers with the intended browser, channel, and platform. The lookup checks known locations for that channel; it is not an arbitrary filesystem search and may throw when the expected executable is missing. See the function reference and LaunchOptions.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
import puppeteer from 'puppeteer';
const browser = await puppeteer.launch({channel: 'chrome'});
try {
console.log('Launched system Chrome');
// Use browser.newPage(), browser.pages(), and other Puppeteer APIs here.
} finally {
await browser.close();
}Use a channel supported by your installed Puppeteer version and environment. When the executable is in a nonstandard location, pass executablePath instead:
import puppeteer from 'puppeteer';
const browser = await puppeteer.launch({
executablePath: '/opt/google/chrome/chrome',
});
try {
console.log('Launched the specified executable');
} finally {
await browser.close();
}The path above is only an example; use the real path for your system. Puppeteer’s documentation does not guarantee compatibility with every external Chrome version.
Rank #4
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- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Choose the right package and browser source
The standard puppeteer package downloads Chrome for Testing by default. Puppeteer describes its downloaded browser as the best-supported pairing. puppeteer-core does not download Chrome and is intended for setups where the browser is managed elsewhere or accessed remotely. With puppeteer-core, supply either channel or executablePath when launching.
Since Puppeteer v20, its downloaded browser has been Chrome for Testing. Browser/Puppeteer compatibility changes over time; consult the current supported browsers and version mapping rather than relying on an old pairing.
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Troubleshoot missing or unexpected browser entries
- The cache listing is empty: Confirm that
cacheDirpoints to the directory where Puppeteer installed the browser. CheckcacheDirectoryandPUPPETEER_CACHE_DIR; a system Chrome installation will not appear just because it exists on the host. - “Could not find Chrome” during launch: The expected browser may not have been downloaded. Puppeteer’s installation guidance notes that package managers can block install scripts. Allow the relevant install script or install a browser using the Puppeteer browsers command, following the installation guide.
- No browser was downloaded: Check whether browser downloads were skipped through configuration or
PUPPETEER_SKIP_DOWNLOAD. A skip setting is consistent with an empty cache; it does not indicate that Puppeteer searched and failed to find system Chrome. - A channel lookup fails: Confirm that the requested Chrome channel is installed at a location Puppeteer recognizes. For a custom location, use
executablePathrather than expecting channel resolution to find it. - The browser launches but behaves incompatibly: Verify the Puppeteer/browser pairing against the current support mapping. An explicit external executable can be a valid selection without being a version Puppeteer guarantees to support.
Or skip the browser setup
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curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webpSee the ScreenshotNeo API documentation for request options. Cookie banners, newsletter popups, and chat widgets are removed before capture, and each cleanup step can be turned off. Bot checks or CAPTCHAs, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads, and cache hits are not billed; response headers identify the page verdict and billing status. Its MCP server provides take_screenshot, get_page_info, and capture_pdf for AI agents. The Free plan includes 1,000 shots a month with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 shots.
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Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
