Safe Exam Browser

Overview

Safe Exam Browser (SEB) is a free browser environment for online exams, best suited to schools and exam administrators who need to restrict what candidates can access on their own or institution-managed devices. Its strongest case is broad compatibility with web-based exam systems; its main trade-off is that exam controls vary by platform and its integrity-verification module is closed-source.

SEB runs on the candidate’s device and connects over the internet or a local network to an LMS or web-based examination system. It is not a replacement for an exam platform: administrators configure restrictions and connect it to the system delivering the assessment. That local model avoids a required SEB cloud service, while still giving institutions a way to constrain the exam environment.

The browser is designed to work with Moodle, ILIAS, OpenOlat, Open edX, Canvas and Inspera Assessment, as well as essentially any web-based examination system. LMS integration is provided through a plugin. This breadth makes SEB useful to institutions that do not want to change exam platforms just to add lockdown controls.

Key features

• Configurable exam boundaries: Encrypted configuration files, URL filtering and fullscreen or restricted browser windows let administrators set the permitted environment. Blocking app switching, copying, printing and screen capture addresses common ways candidates might leave or reproduce exam content, though exact controls depend on the device.
• Device checks: Detection of virtual machines and jailbroken devices can help enforce device requirements. It is a useful screening measure, not a substitute for an institution’s broader exam policies.
• Windows process management: Administrators can hide or terminate disallowed processes and permit selected third-party applications. That flexibility is valuable for exams requiring approved tools, but the process-control feature is specific to Windows.
• iOS Assessment Mode: SEB uses Apple’s Assessment Mode to block app switching, unauthorized websites, notifications, calls and screenshots. A SEB Quit Password is required to activate the mode, so administrators need to account for that setup step.
• Optional server and proctoring: SEB itself does not require a central server or cloud service. Institutions can install the open-source SEB Server on their own server if needed. Video or audio proctoring through a conferencing service is optional, off by default and requires candidate consent when configured.
• Privacy and integrity: SEB says it does not send personal information to a centralized server and does not use web analytics, tracking or clickstream analytics; local logs may still record device and usage details. Current versions also include an application-integrity verification module distributed only as a binary, a meaningful transparency limitation for institutions that require every security component to be open source.

Pricing

Safe Exam Browser — free. The freeware release includes Windows, macOS and iOS clients, with no free-trial period because the product is free. There are no paid tiers or seat quotas stated. This is a strong fit for schools and exam administrators seeking lockdown software without a per-seat purchase price, though they still need to configure the exam system and, if desired, operate their own server.

SEB’s support is generally aimed at exam-system administrators. Students who need help are directed to their school or exam-system provider, so institutions should be prepared to handle candidate support rather than expect it from SEB directly.

Platforms

SEB supports Windows, macOS and iOS. The listed platform controls are not interchangeable: Windows offers process monitoring and selected third-party app allowances, while iOS relies on Assessment Mode and its required Quit Password. Institutions using mixed device fleets should plan exam settings around those differences. SEB is intended for both unmanaged student computers and institution-managed devices.

Who it's for

SEB is best for schools, universities and exam providers that already use a web-based assessment system and want local controls across student-owned or managed computers. Its broad LMS compatibility and free client software suit institutions that need to add exam restrictions without adopting a new assessment platform.

It is a weaker fit for teams seeking a turnkey, centrally hosted service or uniform controls across all devices. SEB has no required cloud service, and key enforcement options differ between Windows and iOS; the closed-source integrity module may also rule it out for organizations requiring fully open-source security components.

Pros and cons

• Pro — Free clients: Windows, macOS and iOS software is released as freeware, removing a direct software charge for institutions deploying it.
• Pro — Broad exam-system reach: Compatibility with several named LMS and assessment systems, plus web-based exams generally, makes it adaptable to existing exam delivery.
• Pro — Local operation: No central SEB cloud service is required, and an optional open-source server can be self-operated.
• Con — Platform-specific enforcement: Windows process controls and iOS Assessment Mode are distinct approaches, so administrators cannot assume identical behavior across devices.
• Con — Closed-source security component: The integrity-verification module is distributed only as a binary, limiting transparency for security reviews.
• Con — Student support is indirect: Candidates are directed to their institution or exam provider for help, placing support responsibility on the organization running the exam.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, browse Lockdown Browser Software.

• Eklavvya is worth considering when Android or web access matters; its free plan allows 25 exams and 1 GB of storage, while Standard covers 500 exams and 5 GB at custom pricing.
• ThinkExam may suit teams wanting an exam platform with quizzes and candidate and admin panels: its Standard plan is $3,125 a month billed annually for 100 users, unlimited quizzes, two admin panels, a candidate panel and email/ticket support. It also has a free plan and free trial.
• ExamOnline is an option for buyers seeking paid plans tailored to volume, proctoring type, features and contract term, or occasional-use pay-as-you-go pricing.
• Prometric Secure Proprietary Browser is another paid browser option for macOS, web and Windows.
• PSI Secure Browser is another paid option, with Linux support as well as macOS and Windows.
• Digiexam may fit institutions seeking a paid lockdown package for 50 to 3K+ students and teachers, with unlimited exams; Digiexam Lockdown is $1,496 a year, billed with 25% off Year One, and regular pricing is $1,995/yr at $2.99 per student.
• OpenLock is another free lockdown-browser option.
• Respondus LockDown Browser is a paid alternative for iOS, macOS and Windows with pricing organized by LMS student bands.

Verdict

Choose Safe Exam Browser if your institution needs free, locally run exam restrictions that can connect to an existing web-based assessment system across Windows, macOS and iOS. Its broad compatibility and configurable controls are compelling, but platform differences, institution-led student support and the binary-only integrity module are real reasons to look elsewhere.