ZeroStep alternative for AI browser testing
Kane CLI is the ZeroStep alternative. No Playwright project and no per-step API metering, just natural-language flows with a managed model that drive a real browser, self-heal, verify pass or fail, and export to Playwright. Free to install.
or read the documentation
Why teams move from ZeroStep to Kane CLI
ZeroStep adds an ai() function to Playwright that resolves actions at runtime with no selectors, which is a neat way to soften brittle tests. But you still need a Playwright project, a ZeroStep account and token, and per-request billing that adds up as your suite grows.
Kane CLI is a standalone CLI with no Playwright project and a managed model with no token-metering surprises. A natural-language objective drives a real browser, self-heals, and returns a full pass or fail with video, not just a single ai() step inside a test.
Cached test.md replay keeps re-runs free of repeat LLM cost, and one-command native Playwright export gives you the code when you want it.
Kane CLI vs ZeroStep
Both run natural-language steps with no selectors. Kane CLI drops the project and the per-step metering.
| Capability | Kane CLI (TestMu AI) | ZeroStep |
|---|---|---|
| Authoring | Natural-language objective, standalone | ai() step inside a Playwright test |
| Billing | Credits plus cached replay, no per-step metering | Per-request API billing |
| Scope | Natural language, Playwright export when needed | Chromium and JS or TS only |
| Verified pass or fail | Full pass or fail with video and links | No verdict beyond the step |
| Model and account | Managed model, no token | Needs a ZeroStep token |
| Self-healing | Autoheal plus cached replay | Resolves at runtime each run |
| Native Playwright export | One command |
What you get with Kane CLI
Everything ZeroStep leaves to your Playwright project, handled by the tool.
No code, no keys
Skip the SDK wiring and the model and API key setup. Install one CLI, describe the journey in natural language, and Kane CLI drives a real browser with a managed model.
Resilient by default
When the frontend changes, Kane CLI adapts on its own, pushing through up to 50 steps until the full journey is verified instead of breaking on a moved element.
Verified pass or fail
Built-in assertions check each step, not just the final screen, and flag the exact point of failure. A real result, not raw agent output to parse.
Replay and caching
Validated flows replay from a cached test.md with no repeat LLM cost, so re-running the suite in CI does not keep burning tokens.
Cross-browser cloud and CI
Scale to cross-browser and cross-OS runs on the TestMu AI grid with one flag, and gate pipelines on clean exit codes from your terminal.
Own the Playwright code
Export any validated flow to native Playwright with one command, then modify and own it. The convenience never locks you in.
Build up confidence locally
Start in your terminal
Validate on the cloud
Release with confidence
From prototype to production, on one engine
Kane CLI and KaneAI share the same automation engine and dashboard.
Prototype to production
Open-source agents and SDKs are great for prototyping. Kane CLI is the production-grade, test-focused path: assertions, caching, evidence, and CI built in.
Built for the agent loop
Generate code, then verify it in a real browser before opening a PR. Kane CLI closes the gap between what an agent writes and what works.
Evidence you can share
Every run produces a persistent video, step trace, and replay link to drop into a PR or bug report, backed by a dashboard your team can browse.
Replace ZeroStep in three steps
Install
Run npm install -g @testmuai/kane-cli, then sign in with your TestMu AI account. No project to scaffold and no API keys to manage.
Describe the flow
Tell Kane CLI what to do in natural language, or point your AI coding agent at the agent guide and let it drive the browser.
Run and verify
Kane CLI drives a real browser, verifies each step, and returns a pass or fail with video proof. Re-runs replay from cache with no repeat LLM cost.
Get Started With Kane CLI
🎉 Launch offer: Bonus credits for the first 3 months on paid plans
Choose the right plan for you
Local test authoring via CLI
Auto-heal & vision
View test cases on UI
Test Manager
Free
$0
/month
200 Credits
Resets in every
30 days
Starter
$19
/month
2000 Credits
Launch: 4,000 Credits (+100%)
Bonus for first 3 months
Pro
$99
/month
10,000 Credits
Launch: 15,000 Credits (+50%)
Bonus for first 3 months
Enterprise
Get access to solutions built on Enterprise-Grade Security, Privacy, and Compliances.
Need more credits?
Got a bigger use case in mind?
Let’s talk
Choose the right plan for you
Free
$0
/month
200 Credits
Resets in every
30 days
Starter
$19
/month
2000 Credits
Launch: 4,000 Credits (+100%)
Bonus for first 3 months
Pro
$99
/month
10,000 Credits
Launch: 15,000 Credits (+50%)
Bonus for first 3 months
Enterprise
Get access to solutions built on Enterprise-Grade Security, Privacy, and Compliances.
Need more credits?
Got a bigger use case in mind?
Let’s talk
Get the technical rundown
Documentation
Everything you need to install, configure, and run Kane CLI in under 2 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Kane CLI by TestMu AI is the leading ZeroStep alternative. ZeroStep adds an ai() step to a Playwright test with per-request billing. Kane CLI runs a full natural-language objective from any terminal with no project, a managed model, and no per-step metering, and returns a verified pass or fail with video and clean CI exit codes.
ZeroStep is an AI add-on for Playwright. Its ai() function takes a plain-text instruction and determines the actions at runtime with no selectors. The client library is open source and the AI backend is a paid API, billed per request, with a free tier and Chromium and JavaScript or TypeScript support.
Kane CLI is standalone with no Playwright project, ships a managed model with no per-step API metering, and returns a complete pass or fail with video, not just a single ai() step. It self-heals, replays from a cached test.md with no repeat LLM cost, and exports to native Playwright with one command.
No. Kane CLI uses a managed model and validated flows replay from a cached test.md with no repeat LLM cost, so frequent CI re-runs do not meter you per step.
Teach your agent the right skills
Point your AI coding agent at the Kane CLI guide and it will install, authenticate, and run verified browser flows on its own, no SDK or API keys required.
Point your agent to: testmuai.com/kane-cli/agents.md