Inspera Integrity Browser vs Safe Exam Browser
Inspera Integrity Browser
inspera.com
Safe Exam Browser
safeexambrowser.orgSide by side
| Figure | Inspera Integrity Browser | Safe Exam Browser |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 1 |
| Spec score · Lockdown Browser Software | 7.5 (#12) | 7.6 (#10) |
| Founded | 1999 | 2009 |
| Platforms | The browser is compatible with Windows and macOS devices, whether institution-owned or student-owned. | The official download page lists current clients for Windows, macOS and iOS/iPadOS. |
| Purpose | Inspera Integrity Browser creates a locked-down assessment environment, ranging from complete lockdown to access to selected permitted materials. | Safe Exam Browser is a browser environment for e-assessments that temporarily turns a computer into a secure workstation and restricts access to unauthorized system functions, websites and applications. |
Plans
In their own words
Inspera Integrity Browser
Inspera Integrity Browser is a desktop lockdown application for online assessments. It controls which applications, device content and external resources candidates can access during an exam. Institutions can use strict lockdown or permit selected materials such as specified PDFs and URLs. With Inspera Assessment, the browser can block copying and pasting into or out of the assessment and prevent screenshots. Inspera Proctoring integrations can add video, audio and screen recording for invigilators. Institutions may enable up to five third-party applications, although service-desk activation and IIB 1.16.16 or newer are required on Windows, and the option is unavailable on macOS. Students download the application through their institution’s Inspera portal; it stays inactive until an assessment is configured. It runs on Windows and macOS, not Linux, Chromebooks, virtual machines, tablets or phones. IIB is a paid add-on to Inspera Assessment, with pricing on request.
Safe Exam Browser
Safe Exam Browser (SEB) is a browser environment for e-assessments that restricts a device to exam use. It runs locally and connects over the internet or a LAN to a learning management system or web-based exam system. Listed compatible systems include Moodle, ILIAS, OpenOlat, Open edX, Canvas, and Inspera Assessment. SEB supports encrypted exam configurations, URL filtering, restricted browser windows, and detection of virtual machines or jailbroken devices.
Controls vary by platform. On Windows, process monitoring can hide or terminate disallowed programs, while administrators can permit selected third-party applications. On iOS, Assessment Mode blocks app switching, unauthorized websites, notifications, calls, and screenshots; activation requires a SEB Quit Password. SEB has no central server or cloud service, though an optional open-source server can be self-hosted. Optional audio or video proctoring is disabled by default and requires candidate consent when configured. SEB is freeware for Windows, macOS, and iOS. The security module for application integrity verification is distributed only as a binary, not as open source.