Co-browsing vs screen sharing: what’s the difference?
By the BrowseWithMe team · Updated 25 September 2026
Short answer
Co-browsing shares one web page, your website, and lets the agent point, draw and (with permission) fill in forms. Screen sharing shows a window or the whole screen as video, and the agent can only watch. Use co-browsing for help on your site. Use screen sharing when the problem is somewhere else on the customer’s computer.
Side by side
| Co-browsing | Screen sharing | |
|---|---|---|
| What the agent sees | Only your web page | A window or the whole screen |
| Agent can point and draw | Yes | Usually no |
| Agent can fill in a form | Yes, if the customer allows it | No |
| Privacy | Agent sees nothing outside your site | Agent may see other apps, tabs or messages |
| Best for | Forms, checkouts, sign-ups, account help | Problems outside your website |
When should I use co-browsing?
Use co-browsing when the customer is on your website and stuck. The agent sees exactly what they see, points to the right field and can even fill a form for them once the customer agrees. It is the more private option, because the agent sees nothing beyond your site.
When should I use screen sharing?
Use screen sharing when the problem is not on your website. For example, a file on their desktop, a browser setting or another program. Ask the customer to share just one window when you can. It shows less.
Can I use both?
Yes. With BrowseWithMe, the agent starts with co-browsing. If they need to see more, they ask to screen share a window or the desktop. The customer accepts first, every time. Both are included in the $5 per agent price.