Aside vs Tandem Browser
Aside
aside.com
Tandem Browser
tandembrowser.orgSide by side
| Figure | Aside | Tandem Browser |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $16.67/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 9 | 1 |
| Spec score · Tool Agents | 9.2 (#1) | 7.5 (#18) |
| Spec score · AI Browsers | 9.2 (#1) | 7.4 (#18) |
| Spec score · Browser Agents | 9.2 (#1) | 7.5 (#11) |
| Audience | The maker presents Enterprise as suited to teams running agents on shared company accounts. | The maker describes the product as aimed at AI power users, MCP builders, privacy-minded operators, and teams exploring browser agents. |
| Product | Aside is an AI browser that works across logged-in websites to handle complex browser tasks. | Tandem Browser is an open-source, local-first browser where AI agents share the user's browser session, tabs, cookies, and DOM. |
| Security | The maker describes local data protection, Secure Enclave, post-quantum encryption, and filesystem and network isolation. | The maker describes an eight-layer security pipeline with an 811K-plus-entry blocklist, YARA-style rules, AST fingerprinting, entropy detection, and 51 automated tests. |
Plans
Aside
- FreeFree
- FreeFree
- Pro$20 a month
- Pro$20 a month
- Max$200 a month
- Max$200 a month
- Pro$200 a year
- Max$2,000 a year
- EnterprisePriced on request
In their own words
Aside
Aside is an AI browser designed to carry out complex tasks across websites where the user is signed in. It can handle sign-ins, messages, payments, internal tools, and files on the computer. Aside works directly with websites and accounts, so separate integrations do not need to be configured. Users can use a ChatGPT or Claude subscription, or bring their own API key. The browser turns browsing history and task context into editable Markdown memory stored on the device. Its Aside Vault password manager fills website credentials without exposing them to the agent and records credential use; it can import from 1Password, Apple Passwords, Bitwarden, Dashlane, LastPass, and Chrome. The maker describes local data protection, Secure Enclave, post-quantum encryption, and filesystem and network isolation. It says sensitive actions such as payments, posts, and messages wait for user confirmation. Aside runs on macOS and Windows. The Free plan includes 500 credits per month and up to three routines. Pro costs $20 a month; Max costs $200 a month.
Tandem Browser
Tandem Browser is a free, MIT-licensed browser in developer preview for running AI agents alongside a person’s browsing session. Agents share tabs, cookies, and the DOM, and can work with the accessibility tree, rendered DOM, network requests, console output, and DevTools. If an agent reaches a CAPTCHA, unclear form, or judgment call, it pauses for user help. MCP- or HTTP-speaking agents can connect locally or through a private Tailscale network, with separate workspaces and tab locks. The documented API includes more than 280 HTTP endpoints and 257 MCP tools, protected by bearer tokens. Tandem has no cloud backend, subscription, or telemetry according to its FAQ; browsing data remains on the machine unless sent elsewhere. It can run offline with Ollama or LM Studio. Daily-driver features include extensions, bookmarks, history, a local password vault, workspaces, and sidebar apps. It uses Chromium and supports macOS Apple Silicon, Windows 11 x64, and Linux on a best-effort basis.