vs ▸ switching guide 0
Switching guide

A Bardeen alternative that runs on your own accounts.

If you're outgrowing Bardeen, here's why teams switch to Writ - and exactly how to move without losing what's working.

Writ runs on your own accounts, with your own credentials and data, on sites you are authorized to use.
Why switch · in one line

Bardeen runs on in your browser via an extension, plus a cloud for scheduled runs. Writ runs on your accounts, and makes every workflow a REST API and an MCP tool.

A no-code browser-automation tool with a library of "playbooks" that run actions in your browser, aimed at sales and operations teams.

vs ▸ why teams switch 01
01
Why teams switch

What sends people looking for a Bardeen alternative

These are the reasons teams tell us they move. We name where Bardeen is still the better tool further down - switching should be an honest decision.

  • You need every automation callable as a REST endpoint and an MCP tool for your software and AI agents.
  • You want reusable authenticated sessions with built-in 2FA, not a dependency on a live browser tab.
  • You want to run headless on your own machine with no compute charge, or sell what you build.
vs ▸ what you gain 02
02
What you gain

What Writ adds on top

The synthesis position: the four things that most often make the switch worth it.

Runs on your own accounts Workflows run on your own accounts and credentials, on sites you're authorized to use - local or cloud. In your browser via an extension, plus a cloud for scheduled runs.
The hard web, handled Login, TOTP and mailbox-OTP 2FA, and dynamic pages are first-class - on your own authorized accounts, with reusable personas.
API and MCP, every workflow Every workflow publishes as a REST endpoint and an MCP tool, so your software and your AI agents can call it the same way.
Free on your own machine Marketplace listings are free to install and free to run. Cloud time is metered by runtime from your plan’s included usage; a run on your own machine costs nothing.
vs ▸ side by side 03
03
At a glance

Writ and Bardeen, side by side

The structural differences: billing unit, where runs execute, auth, MCP, marketplace. Reviewed June 2026.

How Writ compares with Bardeen as an alternative
Criterion Writ Bardeen
Callable as an API + MCP Every workflow is a REST endpoint and an MCP tool Limited: built around in-app playbooks
Login + 2FA on the hard web Personas with built-in TOTP + mailbox OTP, reusable across runs Relies on your live browser session
Run headless on a schedule Local agent (no compute charge) or metered cloud Cloud runs on credits
Installable templates Reusable workflows that run with your credentials and data Playbook library
Billing unit Actual cloud running time; free on your own machine Seats + credits
vs ▸ how to switch 04
04
How to switch

Moving from Bardeen, step by step

Start small, prove it, then port the rest. You never have to switch everything at once.

  1. 1

    Pick one Bardeen job to move

    Start with a single workflow - the one that costs the most or breaks the most on Bardeen. A small first move de-risks the switch.

  2. 2

    Rebuild it once in Writ

    Record the flow in the browser recorder, describe it to an AI session, or discover the site's own API - whichever fits. You get a real, replayable workflow.

  3. 3

    Call it as an API and MCP tool

    Publish the workflow to get a REST endpoint at /v1/{slug}/{path} and an MCP tool, authenticated with a wt_ key.

  4. 4

    Run it your way and compare

    Run it free on your own machine or on metered cloud, watch the success rate, then port the rest of your Bardeen work at your own pace.

Keep what works. You can run Writ alongside Bardeen. Use Bardeen where it shines and add Writ for the parts it can't reach - sites with no API, authenticated in-browser actions, and any-site MCP tools. See the full comparison ▸

vs ▸ the honest part 05
05
The honest part

When Bardeen is still the right call

Bardeen is genuinely good at this.

  • A polished no-code experience with a large library of ready-made playbooks.
  • Tight integrations with common sales and CRM tools.
  • Fast to set up for browser tasks you already do by hand.

Stay on Bardeen if

  • You want a no-code playbook library focused on sales and operations workflows.
  • You mostly automate tasks inside your own live browser session and do not need a callable API.
vs ▸ questions 06
06
FAQ

Switching from Bardeen - questions

Is Writ a good Bardeen alternative?
Writ is a strong fit when you need to run on your own authenticated accounts and call every workflow as both a REST endpoint and an MCP tool. You need every automation callable as a REST endpoint and an MCP tool for your software and AI agents. It is honest about where Bardeen still leads - see "When Bardeen is still the right call" below.
How do I migrate from Bardeen to Writ?
Rebuild a Bardeen playbook as a recorded Writ workflow: record the same clicks once, then call it at /v1/{slug}/{path} or as an MCP tool, and run it on a schedule without keeping a browser tab open. Most teams move one workflow first, confirm it runs the same, then port the rest.
What does Writ cost compared to Bardeen?
Every Writ plan includes cloud usage worth its own price, and once that is spent you add funds to a prepaid balance ($5 - $1,000) at the same rates. Cloud runs are metered by running time (~$0.12 per browser-hour) and local runs on your own machine carry no compute charge. Marketplace listings add nothing: they are free to install and free to run. Per-seat monthly plans with usage credits for cloud runs. differs in unit, so compare on your real workload.
Can Writ work on sites and accounts behind a login?
Yes. Personas hold your credentials and a saved session, with built-in TOTP and mailbox-OTP 2FA, so workflows run on your own authorized accounts. Writ runs on your own accounts, with your own credentials and data, on sites you are authorized to use.
Do I have to give up Bardeen entirely?
No. Many teams keep Bardeen for what it does best and add Writ for the parts it cannot reach - sites with no API, authenticated in-browser actions, or any-site MCP tools. They cross-link cleanly through Writ's webhook and integrations.
vs ▸ start 08

Try Writ as your Bardeen alternative

Move one workflow first. Run it free on your own machine, see the success rate, then switch the rest at your own pace.

Writ runs on your own accounts, with your own credentials and data, on sites you are authorized to use.