To ensure seamless end-user experiences, testing new technologies requires a fresh approach to software quality validation. Users expect high-quality performance across devices, so organisations need a mechanism that enables developers to create web applications that function flawlessly on all platforms. This is where cross-browser testing becomes essential for businesses, as it’s no longer just an added step but a necessity in web development.

However, performing cross-browser testing can be complex, given the vast number of browsers, versions, devices, and operating systems that need to be covered. Setting up an in-house testing infrastructure is not only costly but also requires ongoing maintenance of browser and OS updates, consuming significant resources from IT or DevOps teams.

Cloud-based cross-browser testing tools offer a solution by ensuring that websites and web applications work consistently across various browsers, devices, and platforms without the need for physical infrastructure. These tools are hosted on the cloud, allowing developers to efficiently test across environments without installing multiple setups on their local machines.

This article highlights the best cross-browser testing tools for software testers to explore, helping you choose the right tool based on your project’s needs.

Overview of Cross-Browser Testing

Cross-browser testing ensures a website or mobile application is “browser-agnostic,” meaning it works seamlessly across different browsers, devices, and operating systems. Because each browser interprets the Document Object Model (DOM) differently, the appearance and functionality of an application can vary depending on the environment. Just because an app works on one PC does not mean it will work on another.

Therefore, cross-browser testing must cover:

  • Multiple browser-OS combinations: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and various operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
  • Different devices: Testing on desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
  • Assistive technologies: Ensuring compatibility with tools used by people with impairments.

Why Are Cross-Browser Testing Tools Necessary?

Users access websites via various browsers and operating systems, making compatibility a challenge. Some issues that QA teams face during cross-browser testing include:

  • Managing the extensive list of browsers, devices, and OS combinations can make building in-house infrastructure impractical. Keeping up with constant updates is a critical challenge.
  • Setting up and maintaining in-house test environments is time-consuming and often lacks scalability, especially for manual testing.
  • Popular browsers, like Chrome and Firefox, regularly roll out new versions that may introduce bugs or defects, requiring frequent re-testing.
  • Websites may display inconsistently across different screen resolutions, making manual testing for visual mismatches time-consuming.

Cross-browser testing tools ensure compatibility across different browsers, including various versions. Common features include testing across multiple browsers, operating systems, and screen resolutions. Some tools also offer debugging, automated screenshots, video recordings of sessions, bug logging, and testing on real devices or emulators. These tools save time and reduce errors by automating the testing process across different environments.

Benefits of Cross-Browser Testing Tools

Some advantages of using cross-browser testing tools include:

  • Cost-effectiveness: Pay only for the resources used, making these tools more affordable than maintaining in-house infrastructure.
  • User-friendly interfaces: Provide smooth navigation and easy access to test results.
  • Anywhere access: Teams can access resources from anywhere, eliminating location constraints and enabling real-time collaboration.
  • Scalability: Cloud-based tools scale easily to meet testing needs without the hassle of maintaining physical devices.
  • Automation: Automated testing tools help run tests across various browser versions and stay updated with browser changes.
  • Visual testing: Detect visual bugs by comparing screenshots from different browsers.
  • Disaster recovery: Cloud-based tools simplify disaster recovery through secure virtual environments.
  • Customer support: Many tools offer technical support to help users navigate issues.

How to Choose the Right Cross-Browser Testing Tool

When selecting a cross-browser testing tool, consider the following:

  • Organisation requirements: Determine the necessary features, project scope, and type of testing.
  • Browser, device, and OS coverage: Choose a tool that supports the browsers and devices most used by your customers.
  • Scalability: Opt for a cloud-based solution if you need flexible and scalable testing options.
  • Third-party integrations: Ensure the tool integrates with CI/CD pipelines, project management tools, and automation frameworks to streamline your process.

Best Cross-Browser Testing Tools

Cross-browser testing in the cloud simplifies web and mobile app testing without needing local infrastructure. Cloud-based tools provide flexibility by offering access to various resources and environments without the limitations of in-house infrastructure. In the next section, I’ll explore the best cross-browser testing tools available, helping you select the right one based on your requirements and budget.

1. LambdaTest

Lambda Test

LambdaTest is a cloud-based cross-browser testing platform that enables developers to test websites and applications across various browsers, devices, and operating systems. It supports dynamic, interactive tests on over 3,000 iOS and Android devices, covering both locally hosted and publicly accessible websites.

Key features include live testing, responsive testing, and seamless integration with popular development tools. A standout feature is the one-click bug logging, allowing users to log bugs directly to tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, GitHub, Paymo, Teamwork, Mantis, and Hive. LambdaTest is an ideal solution for developers seeking a comprehensive testing platform.

Shortcomings

  • Cost: It may be pricier than some alternatives.
  • Interface Complexity: The platform’s interface can be confusing for some users.
  • Limited App Testing: Testing apps relies on emulators rather than real devices.
  • Slow Performance: Some users report slow page load times and longer setup durations.

Features

  • Parallel execution support
  • Alerts and notification systems
  • API integration
  • Data visualisation
  • Parameterised testing
  • Real-time monitoring
  • Requirements-based testing
  • Test management capabilities

Pricing

  • Free trial available
  • Plans start at $25/month for 50 concurrent minutes, up to $499/month for unlimited concurrent minutes

Platform

  • Cloud-based

2. Katalon

Katalon

Katalon Studio is a user-friendly automated testing tool that supports cross-browser testing. While primarily cloud-based, it can also be installed locally, enabling remote teams to access it from anywhere. It comes with ready-made templates, test case libraries, keywords, and object repositories, making it an excellent code-less option for basic testing.

For more complex scenarios, Katalon offers extensive scripting and customisation features. Additionally, its AI-powered XPath technology allows for auto-healing and dynamic object location, automatically adapting to changes in the test environment.

Shortcomings

  • Complex Setup: New users may find the initial setup challenging, especially when integrating with external tools.
  • Resource Intensive: Katalon Studio can consume significant resources during test execution, potentially slowing down other tasks.
  • Customisation Limits: While beginner-friendly, the tool may lack flexibility for advanced testers who require deep custom configurations.

Features

  • Parallel execution support
  • Alerts and notification systems
  • API integration and data visualisation
  • Hierarchical view options
  • Parameterised testing
  • Requirements-based testing
  • Test management features

Pricing

  • Katalon offers free, premium, and ultimate packages, with pricing based on the number of users and products selected.

Platform

  • Web-based, with local installation options

3. HeadSpin

Headspin

HeadSpin is a cloud-based cross-browser testing platform that enables developers to test websites and applications on real devices under real-world conditions. It offers a range of features, including performance testing, network simulation, and seamless integration with popular development tools.

Developers can monitor interference-free data using the platform’s proprietary RF-compliant hardware and custom USB hub. HeadSpin integrates effortlessly with tools like Appium, Selenium, and Appium Inspector, and supports various technologies like Charles Proxy, Xcode, Android Studio, Flutter, and Cucumber. It also facilitates collaboration through integration with Jira, Slack, Jenkins, and more, making it a versatile choice for performance and user experience testing.

Shortcomings

  • Integration Challenges: Users may face difficulties when integrating HeadSpin into certain development environments, potentially limiting its usability for specific teams.
  • Cost: The pricing structure may be a concern for smaller teams or startups with limited budgets.
  • Complex Interface: The platform’s interface may have a steeper learning curve for new users.

Features

  • Parallel execution support
  • Alerts and notification systems
  • API integration
  • Parameterised testing
  • Requirements-based testing

Pricing

  • Free trial available
  • Plans start at $49/month for 1 concurrent session, with options up to $999/month for unlimited concurrent sessions

Platform

  • Cloud-based

4. BitBar

Bitbar

BitBar is a cloud-based cross-browser testing tool that enables developers to test websites and applications across a variety of browsers, devices, and operating systems.

It offers an intuitive interface and integrates with popular development tools like Jenkins and Travis CI. BitBar includes advanced enterprise features such as a dedicated VPN, single sign-on (SSO), priority support, and configured device cleanups in their private cloud services. With a focus on visual testing and bug reporting, BitBar is ideal for UI testing and offers a straightforward solution for developers seeking quick and efficient testing across diverse environments.

Shortcomings

  • Limited Feature Set: It may offer fewer features compared to other, more comprehensive tools.
  • Slow Mobile Performance: Users may experience delays when testing on various mobile devices.
  • Outdated Device List: The device list may not always be up-to-date, affecting real-time testing.

Features

  • Cross-browser testing
  • Mobile testing
  • User-friendly interface

Pricing

  • Free trial available
  • Plans start at $19/month for 1 concurrent session, with options up to $399/month for unlimited concurrent sessions

Platform

  • Cloud-based

5. BrowserStack

Browser Stack

BrowserStack is a cloud-based cross-browser testing platform that conducts over two million tests daily across 15 global data centre’s. With a vast infrastructure, it supports more than 50,000 customers in accelerating software delivery. Offering access to 3,000+ real devices and browsers, it supports both manual and automated tests for websites and apps, providing scalability and reliability.

The platform’s Real Device Cloud integrates with tools like Selenium, Cypress, Appium, and Percy, allowing developers to run a wide range of tests efficiently while meeting build-time goals. Its seamless integration with various CI/CD tools and test automation frameworks enhances testing efficiency, making it a popular choice for developers and QA teams who prioritise speed and accuracy.

Shortcomings

  • Cost: BrowserStack can be expensive, particularly for small teams or individual developers.
  • Limited Customisation: Some users may find the platform restrictive in terms of adjusting the testing environment or controlling device settings.
  • Internet Dependency: Since BrowserStack is cloud-based, a stable internet connection is essential. Users in areas with poor connectivity may struggle to use the platform effectively.

Features

  • Parallel execution support
  • Data visualisation
  • Hierarchical view options
  • Requirements-based testing
  • Test management capabilities

Pricing

  • Free trial available
  • Plans start at $29/month for 1 concurrent session, with options up to $999/month for unlimited concurrent sessions

Platform

  • Cloud-based

6. Functionize

Functionize

Functionize leverages AI to perform cross-browser testing at scale, allowing testers to create a single test that works across multiple browsers, eliminating the need to manage multiple test scripts. This scalability allows users to run hundreds or thousands of tests in parallel from any geolocation, without requiring third-party providers or managing Selenium Grid.

By removing infrastructure overhead and preventing conflicting tests, Functionize offers an efficient and user-friendly solution for testers of all skill levels looking to enhance their cross-browser testing capabilities.

The platform features ML-assisted validations with self-healing properties, streamlining the testing process. Its intuitive record-and-playback function captures user interactions such as clicks, hovers, and data inputs. Integrated visual testing capabilities, like visual comparison and completion, further enhance the testing experience, ensuring simplicity and efficiency. Functionize integrates with popular tools like Jira, TestRail, Jenkins, Slack, and Xray, making it a versatile solution for cross-browser testing.

Shortcomings

  • Internet Dependency: Since Functionize is cloud-based, it requires a stable internet connection, which may not suit organisations with offline testing needs.
  • Learning Curve: For users new to AI-powered testing, mastering Functionize may take time and require some training.

Features

  • Cross-browser testing
  • API integration
  • Data visualisation
  • Alerts and notification systems
  • Parameterised testing
  • Real-time monitoring
  • Parallel execution support
  • Requirements-based testing
  • Test management

Platform

  • Web-based

7. SauceLabs

Sauce Labs

Sauce Labs is a scalable, user-friendly cloud-based testing platform designed for continuous integration. In addition to automated testing, it offers professional services, onboarding, and training in Selenium and Appium. Users can run tests in the cloud across more than 700 combinations of browsers, platforms, operating systems, and devices, supporting both automated and manual testing of desktop and mobile applications.

The platform’s straightforward interface makes it easy to configure test suites, allowing users to automate applications on cloud-based devices for efficient mobile testing. Sauce Labs integrates seamlessly with popular tools like Jenkins, Appium, and Selenium.

Shortcomings

  • Cost: Sauce Labs may be more expensive than some alternative options.
  • Confusing User Interface: Some users find the interface confusing due to its complexity during setup.
  • Stability Concerns: Users may experience disruptions and delays in the testing process.
  • Limited Reporting and Customisation: The platform may lack comprehensive reporting features and customisation options for dashboards.

Features

  • Parallel execution support
  • Requirements-based testing

Pricing

  • Free tier available

Platform

  • Cloud-based

8. Virtuoso

Virtuoso

Virtuoso is an advanced testing tool that utilises artificial intelligence to automate end-to-end (E2E) testing across any browser, operating system (OS), or device. With Virtuoso, users can easily create functional tests using natural language programming, integrated API testing, and visual regression tests, ensuring comprehensive, code-less E2E test coverage.

The tool is designed for scalability, effectively accommodating growing testing needs. It supports a wide range of browsers, including Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, and Opera, with compatibility for various versions. Its parallel execution capabilities enhance efficiency, making Virtuoso a valuable solution for achieving thorough and reliable testing results.

Shortcomings

  • Learning Curve: Users may require time to familiarise themselves with the tool and its features.
  • Limited Customisation: Some users may find it challenging to create detailed user journeys, share checkpoints across goals, or use predefined extensions for tailored testing processes.
  • UI and Reporting Improvements Needed: Feedback indicates there is room for improvement in Virtuoso’s user interface (UI) and reporting features.

Features

  • Parallel execution support
  • Alerts and notification systems
  • API integration
  • Data visualisation
  • Parameterised testing
  • Requirements-based testing
  • Test management capabilities

Pricing

  • Free trial available
  • Plans start at $25/month for 50 concurrent minutes, with options up to $499/month for unlimited concurrent minutes

Platform

  • Cloud-based
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8 Best Cross Browser Testing Tools For 2024