Safe Exam Browser

Overview

Safe Exam Browser (SEB) is a free, locally run browser environment that restricts a candidate’s computer during web-based exams. It suits schools and exam administrators who need to lock down exams on students’ own devices or institution-managed computers without adopting a particular exam platform.

Its broad compatibility and configurable restrictions make it a practical choice for institutions already delivering assessments online. The trade-off is that controls differ across operating systems, and the application-integrity module is binary-only rather than open source.

Key features

Administrators can configure encrypted exam files, filter permitted URLs, and use fullscreen or restricted browser windows. SEB also blocks app switching, copying, printing and screen capture, and can detect virtual machines or jailbroken devices. These controls help limit common routes out of an assessment, but the resulting restrictions depend on the candidate’s operating system.

On Windows, process monitoring can hide or terminate disallowed programs, while administrators can permit selected third-party applications. That flexibility can accommodate exams requiring approved software, though it also means administrators must decide which processes are acceptable.

On iOS, Apple’s Assessment Mode blocks app switching, unauthorized websites, notifications, calls and screenshots. Activating the mode requires a SEB Quit Password, so exam administrators must manage that setup. SEB also supports macOS, but the specific controls described differ by platform.

SEB runs on the candidate’s device and connects to an LMS or web-based exam system over the internet or a local network. It requires neither a central SEB server nor a cloud service. Institutions that want a server component can install the optional open-source SEB Server on infrastructure they operate themselves.

Compatibility includes Moodle, ILIAS, OpenOlat, Open edX, Canvas and Inspera Assessment, as well as other web-based examination systems. LMS integration is through a plugin, making SEB a lockdown layer for existing assessment workflows rather than an exam platform in its own right.

SEB says it does not send personal information to a centralized server and does not use web analytics, user tracking or clickstream analytics. Local log files may contain device and usage details. Video or audio proctoring through a conferencing service is optional, off by default and requires candidate consent when configured. One security caveat is that the integrity-verification module in current versions is distributed only as a binary, not as open-source code.

Pricing

Safe Exam Browser — free. The freeware plan includes Windows, macOS and iOS clients, with no free trial required. There are no paid tiers or published seat quotas to weigh against the free option. For schools seeking local exam restrictions without a software fee, that makes SEB an accessible choice; the cost is administrative setup and support, not a subscription.

Platforms

SEB supports Windows, macOS and iOS, including unmanaged student devices and institution-managed computers. Its controls are not uniform across those systems: process monitoring and third-party app allowances are described for Windows, while iOS relies on Assessment Mode. Schools should choose exam settings with their candidates’ devices in mind.

Who it's for

SEB is best suited to exam administrators and schools that already use a web-based assessment system and want configurable restrictions on candidate devices. Its local operation and optional self-hosted server suit institutions that do not want a required central SEB cloud service. It is less suitable for students seeking direct product support: SEB directs them to their school or exam-system provider, and administrator-focused support may leave institutions responsible for resolving exam setup issues.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Broad exam-system compatibility. Support for named LMS and assessment systems, plus other web-based exams, lets institutions add restrictions without switching platforms.
• Pro: No software charge. Windows, macOS and iOS clients are freeware, which avoids per-seat software pricing.
• Pro: Local-first deployment. SEB needs no central server or cloud service; institutions can add the optional self-operated server if needed.
• Con: Platform-specific controls. Windows process monitoring and iOS Assessment Mode offer different mechanisms, so one exam configuration may not translate uniformly across devices.
• Con: Closed-source integrity module. The binary-only verification component may be a concern for institutions that require every security component to be auditable.
• Con: Students are not the support audience. Candidates must turn to their school or exam provider for help, which places responsibility on the institution.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, start with the Lockdown Browser Software category. Choose Eklavvya instead if its free allowance of 25 exams and 1 GB storage, or its paid tiers with larger stated quotas, better fits the assessment volume and platform needs. ThinkExam is another freemium option, with a free plan and trial; its annual-billed Standard plan is $3,125 a month and includes 100 users and unlimited quizzes.

Aiseptor Secure Browser may suit a Windows or macOS deployment that wants a trial and up to three-hour free sessions with enforcement layers, agents and API access. Fully Exam Kiosk is an Android option, free of charge at least until the end of 2027. ExamOnline offers tailored or pay-as-you-go plans for readers considering a paid exam service. Prometric Secure Proprietary Browser, PSI Secure Browser and Surpass SecureClient are other paid secure-browser options to compare; Surpass supports iOS, macOS and Windows.

Verdict

Schools that need free, configurable restrictions for web-based exams across Windows, macOS and iOS should put SEB on their shortlist, especially when they want to keep exam delivery on their existing LMS. Its local-first design and broad compatibility are the strongest reasons to choose it. Look elsewhere if students need direct product support or if a binary-only integrity module is unacceptable for your security requirements.