Cross-Browser Testing Tools: Comprehensive Overview

Introduction

Cross-browser testing verifies that a website or application works correctly on different browsers and devices. Since different browsers and devices can interpret and render code differently, that leads to potential issues such as layout problems, broken functionality, and security vulnerabilities. Cross-browser testing tools help developers identify and fix these issues before their products go live, ensuring users have a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Many cross-browser testing tools are available, ranging from simple screenshotting tools to full-featured cloud-based platforms. This guide will introduce you to some of the best tools in the market and compare their features, drawbacks, pricing, and platforms.

Cross-Browser Testing Tools: Overview

From live testing and responsive design to performance evaluation and network simulation, these tools offer a range of features to help you deliver top-quality products.

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1. Functionize

Functionize uses AI to perform cross-browser testing at scale, and allows testers to create one test to use for any browser, eliminating the need for managing multiple test scripts. As a result, users can scale hundreds or thousands of tests rapidly and execute them in parallel from any geolocation. There is no infrastructure overhead, third-party providers requirements or Selenium Grid, which means users don’t have to worry about managing external services. Furthermore, the system eliminates failures due to conflicting tests, making it an ideal solution for testers of all skill levels looking to improve their cross-browser testing capabilities.

Drawbacks

• Might be overwhelming for some!

Platform

• Web-based

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2. BitBar

BitBar is a cloud-based cross browser testing tool that allows developers to test their websites and applications on a wide range of browsers, devices, and operating systems. It offers a simple interface and integrates with popular development tools such as Jenkins and Travis CI. BitBar is best for developers looking for a quick and easy way to test their products across different environments.

Drawbacks

• Limited feature set compared to other tools

Pricing

• Free trial available     
• Prices start at $19/month for 1 concurrent session and go up to $399/month for - unlimited concurrent sessions

Platform

• Cloud-based

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3. LambdaTest

LambdaTest is a cloud-based cross browser testing platform that allows developers to test their websites and applications on different browsers, devices, and operating systems. It offers a variety of features, including live testing, responsive testing, and integration with popular development tools. LambdaTest is best for developers looking for a comprehensive testing solution.

Drawbacks:

• More expensive than some other options

Pricing:

• Free trial available
• Prices start at $25/month for 50 concurrent minutes and go up to $499/month for unlimited concurrent minutes

Platform:

• Cloud based

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4. HeadSpin

HeadSpin is a cloud-based cross browser testing platform that allows developers to test their websites and applications on real devices in real-world conditions. It offers a variety of features, including performance testing, network simulation, and integration with popular development tools. HeadSpin is best for developers looking to test the performance and user experience of their products.

Drawbacks:

• It may be more expensive than some other options

Pricing:

• Free trial available
• Prices start at $49/month for 1 concurrent session and go up to $999/month for unlimited concurrent sessions

Platform:

• Cloud based

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5. Virtuoso

Virtuoso is a cloud-based cross-browser testing platform that allows developers to test their websites and applications on various browsers, devices, and operating systems. It offers a variety of features, including live testing, responsive testing, and integration with popular development tools. Virtuoso is best for developers looking for a comprehensive testing solution.

Drawbacks:

• More expensive than some other options

Pricing:

• Free trial available
• Prices start at $25/month for 50 concurrent minutes and go up to $499/month for unlimited concurrent minutes

Platform:

• Cloud-based

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6. TestGrid

TestGrid is a cloud-based cross-browser testing platform that allows testing their websites and applications on various browsers, devices, and operating systems. It offers a variety of features, including live testing, responsive testing, and integration with popular development tools. TestGrid is best for developers looking for a comprehensive testing solution.

Drawbacks:

• More expensive than some other options

Pricing:

• Free trial available
• Prices start at $25/month for 50 concurrent minutes and go up to $499/month for unlimited concurrent minutes

Platform:

• Cloud-based

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7. Browsershots

Browsershots is a free, open-source cross-browser testing tool that allows developers to test their websites on a wide range of browsers and operating systems. It offers a simple interface and is best for developers looking for a quick and easy way to test their products across different environments.

Drawbacks:

• Limited feature set compared to other tools

Pricing:

• Free

Platform:

• Web-based

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8. Browser-Stack

Browser-Stack is a cloud-based cross-browser testing platform that allows testing their websites and applications on a range of browsers, devices, and operating systems. It offers a variety of features, including live testing, responsive testing, and integration with popular development tools. Browser-Stack is best for developers looking for a comprehensive testing solution.

Pricing:

• More expensive than some other options

Pricing:

• Free trial available
• Prices start at $29/month for 1 concurrent session and go up to $999/month for unlimited concurrent sessions

Platform:

• Cloud-based

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9. Sauce Labs

Sauce Labs is a cloud-based cross-browser testing platform that helps to test their websites and applications on many browsers, devices, and operating systems. It offers a variety of features including live testing, responsive testing, and integration with popular development tools. Sauce Labs is best for developers looking for a comprehensive testing solution.

Drawbacks:

• More expensive than some other options

Pricing:

• Free

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10. CrossBrowserTesting (n/a)

CrossBrowserTesting is a cross browser testing platform that allows you to test your website or application on several browsers, devices, and operating systems. It offers live testing, responsive design testing, and integration with popular development tools. CrossBrowserTesting is ideal for developers looking for a comprehensive testing solution.

Drawbacks:

• More expensive than some other options

Pricing:

• Free trial available
• Prices start at $29/month for 1 concurrent session and go up to $499/month for unlimited concurrent sessions

Platform:

• Cloud-based

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11. Browsera

Browsera is a website testing tool that detects layout and JavaScript issues across different browsers. It also provides a report that allows developers to debug and fix the issues quickly.

Drawbacks:

• Limited to layout and JavaScript issues

Pricing:

• Free trial available
• Prices start at $19/month

Platform:

• Cloud-based

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12. Browshot

Browshot is a cross-browser testing tool that helps the developers to test their websites and applications on a wide range of browsers, devices, and operating systems. It offers features such as live testing, responsive design testing, and integration with popular development tools. Browshot is ideal for developers looking for a comprehensive testing solution.

Drawbacks:

• More expensive than some other options

Pricing:

• Free trial available
• Prices start at $5/month for 100 screenshots and go up to $1000/month for 50,000 screenshots

Platform:

• Cloud-based

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13. Sauce Lab Real Device Cloud

Sauce Labs Real Device Cloud is a cloud-based testing platform that allows developers to test their websites and applications on real devices in real-world conditions. It offers features such as live testing, responsive design testing, and integration with popular development tools. Sauce Lab Real Device Cloud is ideal for developers looking to test the performance and user experience of their products.

Drawbacks:

• More expensive than some other options

Pricing:

• Free trial available
• Prices start at $249/month for 50 device minutes and go up to $999/month for 500 device minutes

Platform:

• Cloud-based

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14. Applitools

Applitools is a cloud-based visual testing platform that allows developers to test their websites and applications on different browsers and devices simultaneously. It offers features such as visual validation, layout testing, and integration with popular development tools. Applitools is ideal for developers looking to ensure that their products have a consistent look and feel across different browsers and devices.

Features:

• Visual validation
• Layout testing
• Integration with popular development tools

Drawbacks:

• More expensive than some other options

Pricing:

• Free trial available
• Prices start at $33/month for 1 user and go up to $499/month for 20 users

Platform:

• Cloud-based

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Please note: Pricing and feature details of these tools could be changed by the time and it might vary depending on the plan you choose.

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FAQ about cross-browser testing tools

Cross-browser testing can be a complex and confusing process, especially for those new to it. In this section, we'll be answering some of the most frequently asked questions about cross-browser testing tools. From the best tool for your needs, to what exactly these tools do, and even how to do it manually. We've got you covered. Dive in and discover everything you need to know about cross-browser testing and how to ensure your website or application performs seamlessly across different environments.

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Which tool is best for cross-browser testing?

The best cross-browser testing tool depends on your specific needs and requirements. Some developers prefer a comprehensive platform like CrossBrowserTesting or Sauce Labs, while others prefer a specialized tool like Ghostlab or Applitools. It's important to evaluate your needs and budget before making a decision.

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What is cross-browser testing software?

Cross-browser testing software is a type of software that allows developers to test the functionality and compatibility of their websites and applications on different browsers, devices, and operating systems. This type of testing helps to ensure that the product works seamlessly across different environments, providing a great user experience for all users.

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Is Selenium a cross-browser?

Yes, Selenium is a cross-browser testing framework. It allows developers to create and execute automated tests on different browsers, devices, and operating systems. Selenium supports multiple languages such as Java, C#, Python, JavaScript, Ruby, and more.

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Can we do cross-browser testing manually?

Yes, it is possible to do cross-browser testing manually. This involves manually checking how the website or application functions on different browsers, devices, and operating systems. This method can be time-consuming and prone to errors, but it can be useful for small projects or quick checks. However, with the availability of automation tools this method is not recommended as they are more efficient and reliable than manual testing.

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