To use Selenium with JavaScript, install the selenium-webdriver npm package, create a WebDriver session with Builder, and await each browser command. The current Selenium JavaScript API documentation requires Node.js 22 or newer. For a local Chrome session, Selenium Manager normally finds or downloads a compatible driver for you.
What you need before you start
- Node.js: The current Selenium JavaScript API documentation lists Node.js 22 or newer and supports actively maintained Node.js versions. At the time reflected by those docs, supported lines are Node 22, 24 and 26; their listed support end dates are April 30, 2027, April 30, 2028 and April 30, 2029, respectively. Check the live API documentation because these compatibility details change.
- A browser: For a local run, install the browser you intend to automate, such as Chrome or Firefox.
- A Node project: Create a project directory and initialize npm if you do not already have a
package.json.
Install Selenium and run a first script
- In your project directory, initialize a package if needed:
npm init -y. - Install Selenium’s JavaScript binding:
npm install selenium-webdriver. - Create
index.jswith the following CommonJS example:
const { Builder, Browser } = require('selenium-webdriver');
(async function example() {
const driver = await new Builder().forBrowser(Browser.CHROME).build();
try {
await driver.get('https://www.selenium.dev');
console.log(await driver.getTitle());
} finally {
await driver.quit();
}
})();- Run it with
node index.js. Selenium opens Chrome, navigates to Selenium’s website, prints the page title and closes the session.
The JavaScript binding is asynchronous: use await for session creation, navigation, element operations and returned values. Keeping driver.quit() in a finally block closes the browser even if navigation or another operation throws an error.
Write a small interaction test
This example follows Selenium’s documented getting-started flow: open a form, enter text, submit it, read the response and assert the expected result. It uses Node’s built-in assertion library, so it does not require a separate test framework.
const { By, Builder } = require('selenium-webdriver');
const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
(async function run() {
const driver = await new Builder().forBrowser('chrome').build();
try {
await driver.get('https://www.selenium.dev/selenium/web/web-form.html');
const input = await driver.findElement(By.name('my-text'));
const submit = await driver.findElement(By.css('button'));
await input.sendKeys('Selenium');
await submit.click();
const message = await driver.findElement(By.id('message'));
assert.equal(await message.getText(), 'Received!');
} finally {
await driver.quit();
}
})();Save it as test.js and run node test.js. A successful run completes without an assertion error. If the assertion fails, the test ends with an error but still attempts to close the browser.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 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.
Choose reliable element locators and waits
Selenium’s By locators identify elements. The examples use a name, CSS selector and ID. Prefer stable page semantics or attributes specifically provided for tests; selectors based on incidental layout or styling are more likely to break when a page changes.
Web pages often update after navigation or a user action. Locate elements and read results only when the relevant page state is ready. Selenium’s JavaScript operations return promises, so await each one. Avoid arbitrary sleeps as a default synchronization strategy; choose waits that match the behavior under test. Selenium’s JavaScript example and test-runner guidance also demonstrates setup, teardown and timeout configuration.
How browser drivers work
WebDriver is a language-neutral protocol for controlling browsers; a browser-specific driver handles communication between Selenium and the browser. Selenium Manager is Selenium’s official driver manager and ships with Selenium releases. If you have not supplied a driver yourself, Selenium can use it as a fallback to discover the installed browser version, resolve and download a compatible driver, and cache it locally.
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.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Start with the default Builder configuration. Manual driver management remains an option when your environment requires explicit control. Selenium Manager’s automated management of browser releases in addition to drivers was added in Selenium 4.11.0; that detail does not mean every default local session downloads a browser.
Recommended Free Tools
Use Firefox or a remote Selenium server
Target Firefox locally
Choose the browser on the Builder. For Firefox, import Browser and use Browser.FIREFOX:
const { Builder, Browser } = require('selenium-webdriver');
const driver = await new Builder().forBrowser(Browser.FIREFOX).build();Use this in an async function and close the session with await driver.quit(), as in the earlier examples. The selected browser must be available in the environment.
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.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Connect to Selenium Grid or a standalone server
For remote execution, point the Builder at the server rather than assuming the browser runs on the Node machine:
const { Builder, Browser } = require('selenium-webdriver');
const driver = await new Builder()
.forBrowser(Browser.CHROME)
.usingServer('http://localhost:4444')
.build();The JavaScript API documentation also describes using the SELENIUM_REMOTE_URL setting. In a remote setup, the server or Grid provides the browser session and its browser/driver environment; use the URL and configuration appropriate to that service.
Local and remote execution: what changes
| Consideration | Local session | Remote session |
|---|---|---|
| Builder setup | Select the browser with forBrowser(). |
Also configure the server URL with usingServer(), or use the documented SELENIUM_REMOTE_URL setting. |
| Where the browser runs | On the machine running the Node script. | On the Grid or server addressed by the configured URL. |
| Dependency responsibility | The local environment needs the target browser; Selenium Manager can resolve a missing driver. | The remote environment provisions the browser and driver for its sessions. |
| Control and versioning | You manage the local browser installation and its version. | Browser availability and version depend on the remote server’s configuration. |
The Selenium documentation establishes both configuration routes, but does not provide a general cost or speed comparison; those depend on the infrastructure and workload.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- 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
Troubleshooting common startup and test failures
- Node version is too old: Check
node --versionand compare it with the current JavaScript API requirements. Upgrade to a supported Node.js line if it is below the documented minimum. - Browser session fails to start: Confirm the selected browser is installed for a local run and that the environment can reach Selenium Manager’s metadata and download endpoints. If the environment intentionally manages drivers itself, configure that setup explicitly.
- Remote connection is refused or times out: Check that the Grid or standalone server is running and reachable at the exact URL passed to
usingServer(). For remote execution, installing a browser only on the Node machine does not provision the server’s browser. - Element lookup fails: Verify the locator matches the current page and that the element exists in the page state reached by the test. Await navigation and use a wait suited to the page’s behavior rather than relying on a fixed delay.
- Assertion fails or the browser stays open: Check the text or state the page actually produced. Put cleanup in
finally(or a test-runner teardown hook) so errors do not skipdriver.quit().
Or skip the browser setup
If you need a website image or PDF rather than an interactive browser test, ScreenshotNeo can return a capture with one API request. It accepts cookie or consent banners before capturing and removes 60+ known consent platforms, newsletter popups and chat widgets; each cleanup step can be turned off. Bot checks or CAPTCHAs, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads and cache hits are not billed, and responses include X-Page-Verdict and X-Billed headers. Its MCP server offers take_screenshot, get_page_info and capture_pdf for AI agents and MCP clients.
For a screenshot of a page, make a GET request with the page URL and your API key. See the ScreenshotNeo API documentation for parameters and response details.
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://www.selenium.dev -o shot.webpScreenshotNeo includes 1,000 screenshots per month on its free plan with no card required; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 shots. Sign up for free and get 1,000 screenshots a month with no card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Selenium with JavaScript without Mocha?
Yes. The examples here use Node’s built-in assertion module and run directly with Node; Mocha is optional.
Best Value
- 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.
Does Selenium Manager require a separate npm install?
No. It ships with Selenium releases and is used as a fallback when a driver has not been provided.
Can Selenium automate a website screenshot workflow?
Yes, Selenium can drive a browser as part of a test or automation script. For a direct screenshot or PDF capture without setting up a browser session, ScreenshotNeo is another option.
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.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems
