LibreCrawl
An unlimited browser-based crawler with JavaScript rendering; free, capable and one Docker stack away from useful.
Technical Profile & Specs
verified 2026-08-11
- Cost
- $0 / forever (Open Source)
- License
- MIT
- Hosting Model
- Self-host (your server)
- Platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- Installation
- Docker Compose, or a Python environment plus Playwright
- Operational Setup
- Docker or Python plus Playwright is required, and local mode has no authentication unless the operator adds it
- Where Your Data Lives
- Settings live in browser localStorage; each browser session has isolated crawl data that expires after one hour unless exported as CSV, JSON or XML
- The Catch / Trade-off
- It requires a Docker or Python and Playwright stack and offers less advanced crawl configuration, exports and integrations.
Replaces 2 paid apps
up to $41.55/mo ($499/yr) in subscriptions
LibreCrawl FAQ
Common questions
Is LibreCrawl free and open source?+
LibreCrawl is an open-source tool licensed under MIT that runs on self-host. An unlimited browser-based crawler with JavaScript rendering; free, capable and one Docker stack away from useful.
What paid software does LibreCrawl replace?+
LibreCrawl serves as a free replacement for 2 paid SaaS applications: Screaming Frog SEO Spider, Sitebulb, saving up to $41.55/month ($499/year) in subscription bills.
How do you install and set up LibreCrawl?+
Installation: Docker Compose, or a Python environment plus Playwright. Setup notes: Docker or Python plus Playwright is required, and local mode has no authentication unless the operator adds it
What is the catch or trade-off with LibreCrawl?+
It requires a Docker or Python and Playwright stack and offers less advanced crawl configuration, exports and integrations.