January 16, 2024

Browserstack vs SauceLabs: App & Browser Testing

From smartphones to tablets, desktops, and even wearables, technological progress has transformed the testing environment, as well as the features required from testing tools. BrowserStack and Sauce Labs are two popular tools for cloud-based device testing, and in this article, we’ll provide the pros and cons of each to help you decide which tool to incorporate into your tool stack. We’ll also introduce an exciting alternative for you to consider.

What Is Cloud-Based Device Testing?

For developers, ensuring consistent software functionality across a vast array of devices, operating systems, and browsers — often termed "device diversity" — is a monumental task. But with cloud-based device testing, developers can access a virtual collection of real devices, all hosted in the cloud — and this has a number of benefits:

Unparalleled Coverage: Software is tested across a wide range of devices, browsers, and operating systems, to ensure a user experience that's consistent, irrespective of the device or platform.
Lower Costs: Cloud-based testing offers testers access to the latest devices, eliminating the need for a costly in-house device lab.
Accelerated Testing: Development teams can run cloud-based tests concurrently across multiple devices, reducing testing time and speeding up product launches.
Mimicking Reality: Either through emulation or by having real devices placed throughout the world, cloud-based tools can replicate or simulate real-world conditions.
Improved Collaboration: Given that teams might include people in different cities or or even on different continents, cloud-based testing platforms act as a central hub, allowing teams to test, share insights, and debug together.
Future-Ready Scalability: As software evolves, cloud-based testing platforms adapt, ensuring that increasing testing needs are consistently met.

The Challenges Solved by Cloud-Based Testing

When you’re developing a new application or even just a new feature, one of the main challenges is to ensure that the app's user interface remains consistent across different screen sizes and resolutions. Moreover, functionalities like push notifications and real-time messaging must work seamlessly across various OS versions. This is where cloud-based testing platforms come in. With them, you can access a range of real devices, conduct simultaneous tests, and obtain immediate feedback, guaranteeing a uniform experience for all users.

However, each approach comes with its own set of unique challenges:

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Testing Method	Challenges

| On-Premises Testing
| Significant investments required for infrastructure setup. Regular upgrades needed for equipment, machines, and software. Both virtual and physical storage areas may be required, leading to higher costs | | Cloud Testing
| Potential issues with network latency affecting response times. Concerns about data safety and security. Integration challenges with different cloud providers. Potential for increased expenses if not managed properly | | In-House Device Labs |

Limited coverage due to a restricted range of devices, browsers, or OS versions. Geographical limitations preventing testing from various locations. Time-consuming and resource-intensive setup and maintenance. High costs associated with constant device updates and lab maintenance

Cloud-based device testing is a key component of software development. It's not merely about ensuring software functionality; it's about ensuring that every user, regardless of the device they’re on, receives a consistent, premium experience.

An Overview of Browserstack

Screenshot of Browserstack’s website

BrowserStack has a clear and compelling mission: "empower developers to build amazing experiences." The company remains steadfast in its dedication to providing premier software testing tools and ensuring that developers and QA teams can consistently deliver outstanding user experiences. With a goal of becoming the "testing infrastructure of the Internet," BrowserStack is set to reshape quality assurance standards.

Browserstack Features: An Overview

Overview of Browserstack’s features

Manual Cross-Browser Testing (Live) allows developers and testers to manually assess their websites across various browsers and devices in real time, ensuring that websites render and function consistently and provide a seamless user experience.
Browser Automation Grid (Automate) provides a robust foundation for running automated browser tests across numerous browsers and operating systems, streamlining the testing process and leading to quicker feedback and releases.
Visual Testing and Review (Percy) is a tool that compares web pages across different browsers and devices, identifies visual discrepancies, and ensures a consistent visual narrative.
Manual Real Device Testing (App Live) reflects BrowserStack's dedication to authenticity — this feature facilitates hands-on testing of mobile apps on actual devices, replicating genuine user interactions.
Real Device Automation Grid (App Automate) allows automated testing of mobile apps on real devices, capturing an authentic portrayal of app performance.

In addition to specific tools, there are some traits that can be found across BrowserStack’s entire suite of features.

Extensive Coverage: One of BrowserStack's hallmark features is its comprehensive coverage. It grants instant access to more than 3,000 browsers and real iOS and Android devices, ensuring thorough testing across myriad devices, browsers, and OS versions.
Unwavering Security: In today's climate of frequent data breaches, BrowserStack's commitment to security is paramount. Being SOC 2 Type 2 compliant, it guarantees that testing processes and data are shielded from threats, alleviating concerns about cloud data security.
Integration with Leading Tools: To optimize the software development lifecycle, BrowserStack is compatible with renowned tools such as Selenium, Jenkins, Slack, and Appium, so it integrates seamlessly into existing workflows.

In summary, BrowserStack's offerings underscore its dedication to quality, security, and efficiency. By presenting a range of tools tailored to diverse testing requirements, BrowserStack has established itself as an invaluable partner for developers and QA teams.

Pricing & Reviews

Browserstack pricing page

BrowserStack offers a diverse range of plans tailored to specific needs. The plan you should select largely hinges on the desired feature set. For people interested in the Live feature, the following plans are available:

Plan	Price (billed annually)	Key Features

$150/month (for 5 users)

Reviews for BrowserStack on TrustRadius are predominantly positive. However, some users have pointed out areas for improvement, particularly in performance, support, and configurability.

Criteria	Rating (out of 10)

9.1

| | Performance | 7.9 | | Support Rating | 8 | | Implementation Rating | 9.1 | | Configurability | 8.2 | | Contract Terms and Pricing Model | 9.1 | | Product Scalability | 9.1 | | Professional Services | 9.1 | | Vendor post-sale | 9.1 | | Vendor pre-sale | 9.1 |

SauceLabs' Testing Capabilities

Saucelabs test toolchain

Sauce Labs has carved out a niche for itself through unwavering determination and technological innovation. Initially, it focused on testing for the Internet Explorer browser, addressing a significant challenge for developers globally. As the digital realm evolved, so did Sauce Labs. In 2013, Adobe's decision to shut down its BrowserLab testing platform and point users toward Sauce Labs underscored SauceLabs’ growing prominence in the testing arena.

The accolades didn't end there. Sauce Labs took the lead in supporting Automated Testing for Microsoft Edge and promptly extended its support to the Firebug plug-in for Mozilla Firefox. The firm experienced an uptick in investments during 2015 and 2016, and this financial boost facilitated the acquisition of TestObject, a distinguished real device mobile app testing platform, in December 2016.

Further solidifying its industry standing, Sauce Labs launched the Sauce plugin for Microsoft Visual Studio Team Services (VSTS) and unveiled the innovative Sauce Labs Test Analytics. The company's unwavering commitment to excellence garnered it multiple accolades, including a spot among the top 100 fastest-growing private companies in the Bay Area in 2015 and 2017. Additionally, Forrester Research hailed Sauce Labs as the "developers’ choice for cross-browser and mobile testing in the cloud," an endorsement that underscores its prowess.

SauceLabs Features: An Overview

Overview of Saucelabs’ Features

Comprehensive Coverage: Sauce Labs distinguishes itself with its extensive range of testing environments. It ensures that applications and websites maintain compatibility across the latest browser-OS combinations, mobile emulators, simulators, and real devices. This expansive coverage allows developers to test across diverse scenarios, mirroring a majority of user interactions.
Scalability for CI/CD: Aligned with contemporary development paradigms, Sauce Labs is crafted with continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) workflows at its core. It promotes swift feedback, empowering development teams to deftly manage multiple pull requests daily, and guaranteeing both rapid and dependable software delivery.
Enhanced Efficiency with Debugging Tools: In today's accelerated development cycles, efficiency is paramount. Sauce Labs boasts a range of debugging tools, encompassing videos, screenshots, and log files. It also provides in-depth analytics, live testing environments, and Sauce Headless for headless browser testing. These tools empower developers to swiftly pinpoint and address issues, accelerating iterations and elevating product quality.
Enterprise Security and Support: In an era when digital security is paramount, Sauce Labs delivers top-notch protection. With single-use VMs and real devices subjected to stringent post-testing cleaning, data integrity remains uncompromised. Moreover, Sauce Connect offers a secure tunneling protocol, ensuring that enterprise-level security concerns are thoroughly addressed.
History and Background: While not a concrete feature, Sauce Labs' storied history offers insights into its evolution and unwavering commitment to excellence. From its initial emphasis on Internet Explorer testing to accolades from industry stalwarts and its ongoing innovation, Sauce Labs has consistently demonstrated its dedication to redefining the limits of cloud-based testing.

Sauce Labs has become an indispensable ally for developers and QA teams worldwide. Its expansive coverage ensures optimal compatibility across a vast array of browser-OS combinations, mobile emulators, simulators, and real devices, reflecting the diverse interactions of users.

Pricing & Reviews

Saucelabs pricing page

Compared with BrowserStack’s, Sauce Labs' credit-based pricing structure is refreshingly clear.

Plan	Price	Key Features

$600/year

While the TrustRadius page for Sauce Labs doesn't offer scores as detailed as BrowserStack’s, it indicates general user satisfaction with the product. However, it's noteworthy that there's a slight discrepancy between the modest 7.4 rating and the "key insights."

Attribute	Insight

91% of users would repurchase

Comparing Browserstack and SauceLabs

Both platforms offer robust testing capabilities, but selecting the right one requires careful consideration of specific needs and constraints.

Budgetary Constraints

For many organizations, the cost of services significantly influences decisions. At first glance, BrowserStack's Freelancer plan, priced at $12.50 per month, seems reasonable. However, its scope may not fully address the comprehensive testing demands of an expanding startup. The Desktop & Mobile plan, at $39 per month, offers a more encompassing testing environment, spanning both desktop and mobile platforms.

And while Sauce Labs’ Free plan’s 2,000 credits per week are enticing, the plan may prove inadequate for startups with rigorous testing needs. Their Monthly plan, priced slightly higher at $50 per month, grants a substantial 25,000 credits, potentially aligning more closely with the expected testing frequency of a growing company.

Specific Testing Needs

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution; choosing a tool requires careful consideration of a given tool’s feature set and whether it can meet your needs. For companies grappling with the following issues, the decision may involve answering these questions:

Geolocation Testing: Does the application deliver content tailored to the user's location?

BrowserStack offers geolocation testing in its Team plan and higher tiers.

Sauce Labs doesn't provide clear information about geolocation testing in its listed plans.

Mobile App Testing: Is there a need to develop a mobile version of the application?

BrowserStack supports testing on real iOS & Android devices within its Desktop & Mobile plan.

Sauce Labs includes mobile testing, but further investigation would be needed to understand the specific devices and configurations available.

Collaborative Debugging: Is team collaboration on debugging sessions a common practice?

BrowserStack includes this feature in its Team package.

Sauce Labs doesn't say whether collaborative debugging is part of its offerings.

The Verdict

In the startup realm, decisions are seldom easily cut-and-dried. Theoretically, BrowserStack's Desktop & Mobile plan, priced at $39 per month, aligns seamlessly with the prerequisites of geolocation and mobile app testing. The prospect of upgrading to the Team plan for enhanced collaborative debugging makes it even more appealing.

However, it’s wise to proceed with caution. Both platforms offer trial periods, and you should take advantage of that. Hands-on experience often reveals nuances that mere specifications can’t provide.

The Visual Testing Wildcard: Meticulous

Meticulous for visual regression testing

Although BrowserStack and Sauce Labs may be among the best options for cloud-based device testing, there are many other aspects of visual testing to consider. For instance, nearly all tools on the market — even no-code tools — require some amount of maintenance. As long as your test suite requires you to configure tests in some capacity, maintenance is inevitable.

The only way of solving this is by having instrumentation be the only aspect of configuration — enter Meticulous. This tool requires only that you install a simple Javascript snippet, after which Meticulous will record real user sessions. Then it analyzes screenshots with pixel depth, to catch any and all visual discrepancies.

All of this — combined with additional features found within Meticulous — lays the foundation for an efficient visual regression testing tool.

What’s the Right Choice for You?

Both BrowserStack and Sauce Labs present a suite of tools tailored to streamline and elevate the testing experience for developers and QA professionals. However, picking one over the other requires a thorough understanding of their features, similarities, and distinctions.

Feature	BrowserStack	SauceLabs

Compatible with renowned CI/CD tools

Different platforms resonate with different user segments. Startups might gravitate toward BrowserStack's Desktop & Mobile package, given its balance of cost-effectiveness and exhaustive testing features. In contrast, larger corporations might favor SauceLabs for its adaptability, focus on visual testing, and seamless integrations. Solo developers or independent contractors may be inclined toward BrowserStack for its intuitive interface and the Freelancer package catering to fundamental testing requirements.

Meticulous

Meticulous creates and maintains an exhaustive suite of e2e ui tests with zero developer effort.

This quote from the CTO of Traba sums the product up best: "Meticulous has fundamentally changed the way we approach frontend testing in our web applications, fully eliminating the need to write any frontend tests. The software gives us confidence that every change will be completely regression tested, allowing us to ship more quickly with significantly fewer bugs in our code. The platform is easy to use and reduces the barrier to entry for backend-focused devs to contribute to our frontend codebase."

This post from our CTO (formerly lead of Palantir's main engineering group) sets out the context of why exhaustive testing can double engineering velocity. Learn more about the product here.