Manus Browser Operator Review: Better Than Big Tech Agents? (2025)

A new browser extension from the Singapore-based AI startup Manis AI is gaining attention for its extraordinary capabilities and equally extraordinary risks. Called Manis browser operator,

risks. Called Manis browser operator, the extension acts as the local execution layer for Manis's AI agent platform, which has reportedly beaten

major labs in benchmark tests. Launched

in November 2025 for Chrome and Edge, it allows paying users to automate work inside platforms normally shielded by loginins 2FA CAPTCHAs

and anti-bot barriers. Its core pitch is simple but bold. Install the extension, grant permissions, and an AI agent will operate inside your authenticated browser sessions using your real

identity. Instead of cloud agents

identity. Instead of cloud agents slamming into security walls, Manis uses your local IP address, cookies, and active login so websites treat its

actions as your own. Researchers, sales

teams, and investors are using it to automate tasks like gathering competitor data from Crunchb, updating CRM entries, or cross-referencing premium databases.

Reviewers claim 10-fold productivity boosts on workflows involving lockdown platforms. Technically, it works by opening a dedicated tab within a tab group for each task and executing

actions step by step. Clicking links,

filling forms, downloading files, and scraping content exactly as a person would. Everything happens on your

would. Everything happens on your device, and you can halt it by closing the tab. But to function, the extension

the tab. But to function, the extension requests extremely high-risk permissions, reading and modifying all website data, managing downloads, and

even enabling debugging of other extensions. Chrome's permission warnings

extensions. Chrome's permission warnings classify these as critically sensitive, and analysts point out that the extension is so new that risk assessment tools lack enough data to evaluate it

reliably. This brings the real concern.

reliably. This brings the real concern.

You're effectively lending your digital identity to an AI agent. Manis says it doesn't store credentials, but the extension still handles your browsing history, session data, authenticated

content, and activity streams. A flawed update or compromised release could theoretically expose every sensitive platform you authorize. But let me tell you something. Let me let me tell you

you something. Let me let me tell you something.

>> Let me tell you something. LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING.

>> OKAY. SORRY. The security model here asks you to trust a young startup with access to your Gmail, your CRM, your premium data tools, and potentially your

company's proprietary information.

Security blogs have already warned that delegating control of authenticated sessions to an automated agent is inconsistent with standard enterprise practices. Manis' pricing reinforces the

practices. Manis' pricing reinforces the divide. Free users get no access to

divide. Free users get no access to browser operator. meaningful usage costs

browser operator. meaningful usage costs $199 per month. Some reviewers say the product underdelivers compared to its marketing and credit limits create

unpredictable expenses. Competitors like

unpredictable expenses. Competitors like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google are pursuing similar AI agent capabilities.

But Manis is the most aggressive in local first execution, solving authentication barriers while introducing new risks. For professionals

with heavy premium platform workflows, the tool may be transformative. For

everyone else, the permission requirements are far more invasive than a typical extension warrants.

Hey, Mark here. Okay, look, I spend a lot of time investigating these products, and I'd rather not fill this channel with sponsored content from companies whose products I might roast

next week.

That would be awkward.

If this review helped you out or saved you from wasting money, here's how you can support what we're doing. First,

I've put the link to this product in the description. If you buy through my link,

description. If you buy through my link, they toss me a few pennies without charging you extra. Win-win.

Second, there's another link down there that goes straight to Amazon's homepage.

Bookmark it and use it whenever you shop. Doesn't matter if you're buying

shop. Doesn't matter if you're buying this product or restocking on toilet paper. A tiny portion of what you're

paper. A tiny portion of what you're already spending helps fund these investigations. And trust me, Jeff Bezos

investigations. And trust me, Jeff Bezos won't even notice it's missing. It's the

easiest way to support the channel without spending extra money. All right,

that's it. Keep questioning everything and I'll see you in the next investigation where we figure out what's actually worth your money and what's just expensive garbage with good

marketing. Stay savage out

marketing. Stay savage out