Website testing is the paramount procedure that ensures a website functions as expected under different scenarios. While there are a lot of website testing tools to choose from, picking out the one that’s reliable, cheap, and scalable on different browser and device combinations can get overwhelming.
Proxy servers, such as Residential Proxies, play a pivotal role in web testing as they steamline realistic user behavior and testing from world-wide locations. Thus, support for proxies is another valuable feature to take into consideration.
Read this article for a quick overview of the 24 most effective website testing tools. You’ll learn about the main capabilities, pros and cons, and pricing of each testing framework.
Selenium homepage
Selenium is one of the most popular automation and website testing tools. It offers three distinct components that enable users to drive browsers through scripts and browser add-ons and scale by running tests on multiple devices.
Selenium can test on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Opera, and Internet Explorer browsers, as well as devices with Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, and Blackberry operating systems.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Relatively easy to use and set up | Steep learning curve and requires a skilled and proficient team |
Officially supports Java, Python, C#, Ruby, JavaScript, and Kotlin | Requires third-party solutions for a complete testing framework and reports |
Integrates well with various third-party tools | Slower test development due to a code-based approach |
Remote testing on different machines and browsers simultaneously;
Parallel testing for utmost efficiency;
Can simulate organic user behavior via mouse movements, keystrokes, etc.;
Easy element identification in the DOM by using Selenium’s locators;
Can handle JavaScript alerts and pop-ups;
Browsers can be run in headless or headful mode;
Supports proxy servers (see this Selenium proxy integration).
Selenium is a free and open-source framework for personal and commercial use.
Playwright homepage
Developed by Microsoft, Playwright is also widely used among web application testing tools for scalable, automated testing on various platforms and browsers. It works well for end-to-end, functional, and API testing.
You can test website behavior on Chromium, WebKit, and Firefox browsers while combining devices that run on Windows, Linux, macOS, and Solaris. Additionally, Playwright can test on emulated tablets and mobile devices, with an experimental option to automate real Android devices.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Extensive reporting and debugging | Steep learning curve and needs a skilled team |
Integrates well with third-party tools | Uses a desktop browser to emulate tablets and mobile devices |
Supports JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, Java, and .NET | Users have reported redundant duplication of failure data, causing unnecessary space usage |
Built-in reporters like list, line, dot, HTML, blob, JSON, JUnit, and GitHub Action annotations;
Reduced flakiness of tests;
Supports multi-tab, multi-user, and iframe test cases;
Create browser context for each test with different user agents, cookies, and caches;
Record your actions to generate tests and save them in the programming language of your preference;
Supports visual regression testing;
Headless and headful modes;
Integrates with proxy servers.
Playwright is open-source and free to use for private and commercial projects.
Take a look at this Playwright vs. Selenium blog post for a direct comparison of both website testing tools.
Puppeteer homepage
Puppeteer is one of the top website testing tools available as a Node.js library. It's maintained by Google and built on the DevTools protocol, enabling high-level control of Chrome or Chromium-based browsers.
You can run tests on Chrome, Firefox, and Chromium-based browsers while running on Windows, macOS, and Linux machines.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Intuitive and simple API | Supports only JavaScript and TypeScript languages |
Runs fast and efficiently | Runs slowly on web pages with lots of dynamic content, and multi-browser instances are resource-intensive |
Designed for testing in the latest Chrome version with up-to-date JavaScript and browser functionalities | Requires knowledge of Node.js, hence a steep learning curve |
Integrates well with other tools for added functionality | End-to-end testing requires additional third-party tools |
Simulates organic user interactions, like scrolling, clicking, and typing;
Can generate PDF files of web pages;
Performance reports, such as page load times, network requests, and other metrics;
Offers debugging tools to diagnose and troubleshoot issues;
Can test Chrome extensions;
Can intercept network activity for logging, modifying, blocking, or generating responses;
Supports offline mode testing;
Headless and headful browser;
Supports proxy servers.
Open-source and free for personal and commercial use.
For a deeper dive, see this Puppeteer vs. Selenium comparison.
Cypress homepage
Cypress is a JavaScript-based tool for front-end modern web application testing. It’s often compared to Selenium, yet Cypress is built on a different architecture and enables faster, simpler, and more reliable testing.
Cypress can test web applications on Chromium-based, WebKit (experimental), and Firefox browsers and devices that run on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
User-friendly framework with detailed and easy-to-follow documentation | Only supports JavaScript |
Intuitive and readable scripts | Limited mobile browser testing capabilities |
Reliable tests with accurate results | No support for testing with multiple tabs or browser windows simultaneously, and cross-domain interactions |
Great customer support | Limited automation and remote execution functionality |
Executes tests directly in the browser;
Can interact with and access anything in the browser, including the window object, local storage, and network requests;
Extensive network control, enabling efficient front-end testing without requiring back-end launch;
Recorded tests can be run in parallel on multiple machines;
Cypress Cloud enables test retries for detecting and tracking flaky tests;
Debug tests visually in real time;
Automatic waiting for the loading page elements;
Robust capabilities for mocking and stubbing;
Supports proxy servers.
Cypress is open-source and offers a free plan with a limited number of tests. The paid plans start at $67/month when billed annually.
Cucumber homepage
Cucumber is a Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) web application testing framework that uses the Gherkin programming language. Hence, it offers an easy-to-understand syntax, benefiting non-technical teams and enabling easy collaboration.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Simple, business-readable syntax suitable for technical and non-technical teams | Relies on other tools for automation and different OS and browser combinations |
Allows users to build their own reports | Test execution can be slow |
Code can be reused | Feature files can become large, and the syntax can sometimes be excessively verbose |
Straightforward setup | Limited use cases and test types |
Supports multiple languages, like Java, JavaScript, Ruby, C++, C#, Python, Go, Scala, and much more;
Easily integrates with other web application testing tools;
Generate reports in various formats like HTML and JSON, or create custom reports as needed;
Automate tasks within a single process using Selenium, API calls, or direct function calls;
Living documentation that stays up-to-date with system behavior changes.
While Cucumber Open is open-source and free, the CucumberStudio has subscription plans starting from €32/user monthly.
Katalon Studio homepage
Katalon Studio is an AI-driven testing framework that covers desktop, API, mobile, and web application testing. It works well for end-to-end, functional, visual, and integration testing.
You can run web tests on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Edge Chromium, Safari, and Internet Explorer browsers. Katalon Studio also enables testing on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Easy-to-use analytics dashboard and intuitive reports | Supports only Groovy as a scripting language |
Integrated with DevOps and CI solutions, as well as other tools | Users report performance issues and bugs |
Detailed documentation and tutorials | The free version has no debugging feature |
Test analysis based on recorded scenarios. Reports can be exported as PDF, HTML, Excel, or CSV files;
Automatically fixes broken locators during execution;
You can use the same test scripts in both manual and script editor interfaces;
Automatically waits for web pages to load before running any tasks;
Can restore the Application Under Test back to how it was before the test fails;
It can handle test flakiness and has predetermined item locators.
Data-driven testing (DDT), Behavior-driven development (BDD), Keyword-driven testing (KDT);
Supports proxy servers.
Katalon Studio is open-source and has a free plan, whereas Katalon Studio Enterprise's paid plan starts at $206/month. However, if you need more features, you must buy them additionally, which increases the price significantly.
Apache JMeter homepage
The Apache JMeter is a Java-based tool for load, functional, and performance testing. While it’s not a browser, as it runs at the protocol level, websites still see JMeter as a browser.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Works on any platform that supports the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) | No support for Ajax and JavaScript and limited Flash support |
The interface is user-friendly and intuitive | Limited real-time monitoring of tests |
Has built-in plugins and supports third-party ones, such as visualization plugins | Consumes memory resources excessively |
Source code can be extended as needed | Users report that large-scale testing requires dedicated resources, and it’s not suitable for single machines |
Can record and playback tests;
Generates complete dynamic HTML reports;
Works with various protocols;
Has a multi-threading framework, enabling concurrency;
Supports distributed load testing;
Supports proxy servers.
Apache JMeter is open-source and completely free for private and commercial use.
TestComplete homepage
TestComplete says it in its title – it’s a test automation tool offering complete testing coverage on any platform, be it desktop, mobile, or web. It’s simple, easy to use, and enables efficient test creation.
Tests can be run on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, and other browsers. TestComplete also supports testing on devices that run on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Fast test development on different devices | Can only be installed on Windows |
Simple to use and can be used by non-technical teams | Steep learning curve, and users report limited community support |
Supports scripting languages like Python, JavaScript, VBScript, JScript, and others | Test scripts need regular maintenance to ensure they align with TestComplete updates |
Supports a diverse variety of integrations | The official documentation may not be detailed enough |
Can emulate organic user interactions;
Easy and reliable regression testing;
High-traffic load simulation;
Has a code editor, enabling manual scripting;
Supports visual testing with detailed reports, screenshots, and execution results.
The web application testing plan for a single-user test on physical machines starts at €1,626.
Pingdom homepage
Pingdom is a website monitoring tool to test site availability worldwide and analyze various usage metrics. It offers automated tests on real browsers and simulates genuine and practical browsing situations.
Pingdom can test on browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Opera, and systems like Windows and macOS.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Quick test creation and fast testing | Multiple alerts with unclear relation make it difficult to identify root causes |
Detailed and useful metrics | Users report poor customer service |
Straightforward and quick setup | The interface may not be user-friendly |
Monitor real user interactions;
Retrieve metrics about user transactions, page speeds, and uptime;
Receive alerts via SMS, email, and in-app notifications;
Analyze the root causes and get detailed reports;
Easily integrate third-party tools via webhooks.
Pingdom offers a 30-day free trial. The paid plan starts at $10/month for Synthetic Monitoring, and if you need Real User Monitoring, then it’s an additional $10/month.
Watir homepage
Watir is a Ruby library and acts as an automated testing tool. It can simulate organic user behavior, making it one of the best web application testing tools for Ruby.
With Watir, you can run automated tests on browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Internet Explorer in combination with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Extremely easy to use and create tests | Can only be used in Ruby |
Fast and reliable test execution and debugging |
Limited debugging and no real-time debugging capability |
Web testing on mobile devices can be done on real devices, emulated devices, and desktop browsers that mimic mobile browsers | No built-in option to record tests and generate scripts automatically |
Measure site performance with built-in properties;
Test alert pop-ups;
Multiple ways to locate web elements;
Automatic waiting for pages to load;
Reuse code with classes through Page Objects;
Take screenshots during testing;
Headful and headless modes;
Supports proxies.
Watir is open-source and free to use for personal and commercial cases.
Ranorex Studio homepage
Ranorex Studio is an end-to-end solution for effortless web application testing on real devices and emulated or simulated environments.
You can test on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Internet Explorer, and operating systems such as Windows, Android, and iOS.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Quick project development and suitable for non-technical teams | Can’t be installed on macOS and Linux and relies on Selenium to test macOS and Linux devices |
A complete framework for testing desktop, mobile, and web applications | Users report unstable releases |
Relatively easy to learn and use through its user-friendly interface | A paid license significantly increases costs |
Drag and drop interface enables code-less test case development;
Automatically generated reports;
Automatic object identification that detects any user interface changes;
Ranorex Spy scans web applications under test and captures the needed elements;
Unlimited diversity of test scenarios;
Comes with an image comparison feature;
Fully customizable test reports;
Remote and parallel testing.
Ranorex Studio requires users to purchase a license. You must contact sales to obtain pricing information.
Appium homepage
Appium is a popular choice among website testing tools for cross-platform tests with an emphasis on mobile devices. Its affordability and functionality allow users to create test cases efficiently.
With Appium, you can test on browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari), mobile devices (Android, iOS, Tizen), desktop (Windows and macOS), TV (Android TV, Samsung, Roku, and tvOS), and other platforms.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Supports a wide range of programming languages | Automation and setup may require extensive programming knowledge |
Low memory consumption | Slow speeds due to its architecture |
Integrates well with other tools | In some cases, produces flaky tests |
Reusable test scripts | Faces challenges when locating web elements automatically |
Uses real devices for testing | No built-in test reporting |
Offers visual testing, enabling fast and reliable tests;
Interacts with elements like a real user;
Supports parallel testing;
Supports various languages, including Java, Python, JavaScript, Ruby, and others.
Appium is completely free and open-source software.
LambdaTest homepage
LambdaTest is one of the more popular and easy-to-use cloud-based web application testing tools, offering many cross-browser and cross-platform combinations.
LambdaTest can run tests on Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Brave, Opera, Safari, Yandex, Internet Explorer, and other browsers while running on systems like Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It also supports testing OTT applications on Apple TV, Roku TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Test on real devices and simulated or emulated environments | Slow loading of test environments, which slows down large-scale testing |
No flaky tests |
Limited desktop browser support for the free plan |
A wide range of integrations, including automation tools and CI/CD systems | The free version has limits, making it not suitable if you need advanced features |
AI-driven visual regression testing;
Integrated localized testing in more than 50 countries;
Ai-powered HyperExecute enables faster execution;
Extensive analytics of tests:
Live debugging and in-built issue tracker;
Offers LT Browser that’s designed for developers;
Headful and headless modes;
Supports proxy servers.
It offers free plans with limits. Manual testing paid subscription starts at $15/month.
LoadRunner homepage
LoadRunner is one of the more powerful website testing tools that simulates real users and pinpoints performance issues. You can ensure your web applications are scalable, reliable, and can handle heavy user loads with a wide range of automated web testing options.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Provides detailed reports and analysis features | Mainly supports Windows, with limited Linux compatibility |
Accurate problem identification within the system, code, and end-users | Huge memory consumption |
Realistic user simulation | Users report compatibility problems with other tools |
Integrates with open-source CI/CD solutions | Steep learning curve |
Ability to share and reuse assets for continuous performance testing;
Real-time performance monitoring;
Flexible licensing and scaling;
High-scale virtual user emulation;
IDE integration for development;
Highly scalable with minimal hardware;
Integrates with proxy servers.
LoadRunner offers a 30-day free trial. For pricing options, you must contact sales.
Micro Focus Unified Functional Testing homepage
Micro Focus UFT, also known as QTP, is an AI-powered and Windows-based software testing tool for functional and regression testing of web, desktop, mobile, and even API.
You can test web apps on browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Internet Explorer and combine systems like Windows, Android, and iOS.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Enhances manual and automated testing | VB Script is the only fully supported scripting language |
Significantly faster functional test creation and reduced maintenance | AI recognition is slow on computers without NVIDIA GPU |
Great test coverage, which makes them more resistant to failures | Requires powerful hardware and dedicated storage |
Integrates with various third-party tools, including CI solutions like Jenkins, TeamCity, and others | No support for macOS and Linux |
Record test steps and generate a testing script;
Object recognition through AI-based machine learning and OCR;
Compares result screen during execution with an intended result;
Integrated DevOps tools;
Records user interactions on the system under test;
Visual testing;
Headless and headful modes;
Supports proxy servers.
Micro Focus UFT has a 30-day free trial, but you need to contact sales for pricing options.
WebLOAD homepage
WebLOAD is an AI-based load testing tool well-suited for enterprises. Through the power of AI, it enables simplicity and analyzes your website’s performance to provide you with comprehensive and actionable insights.
WebLOAD can test on desktops, Android, iOS, Blackberry, and Windows Phone devices and use real browsers through third-party integrations like Selenium.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
A high degree of customization |
Requires users to know JavaScript |
Visually record, edit, and debug test scripts | Users report limited cross-platform testing capabilities |
Quickly find the root cause with robust analysis tools and in-depth reports | Best suited only for load and performance testing |
Integrates with a wide range of third-party tools like Selenium, Jenkins, and APM solutions, as well as CI/CD tools | Users report outdated and limited documentation |
Simulate virtual users;
Write protocol and browser-based scripts;
Test in worldwide locations;
Simplified reports via AI-driven analysis and ChatGPT integration;
Comes with an integrated development environment (IDE);
Correlation engine Identifies changing values on both the server and client sides;
Record tests with browser-based and native mobile recording capabilities.
WebLOAD offers a 30-day free trial, and paid plans are quote-based.
Test Studio homepage
Telerik Test Studio is a complete Windows testing solution for desktop and web applications. It covers functionality, performance, and load testing, enabling simplicity with reliable results.
With Test Studio, you can test on browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge (Chromium), and Internet Explorer 11.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
User-friendly framework with code-less and code-based automation capabilities | Can only run on Windows |
Minimal test maintenance supported by patented features | Has performance issues when the DOM has many elements |
Integrates with CI/CD tools | Records steps and turns them to code, but can’t reverse it back |
Codeless automation tests on real or emulated devices | No easy way to copy elements from one project to another |
Simulates real-life conditions;
Extensive load testing capabilities with multiple load sources;
Quick test development with record and playback functionality;
Smart issue diagnosis with suggestions;
Sophisticated element detection;
Scheduling and distributed runs;
Headless or headful modes.
Test Studio Web & Desktop starts at $2,499 for a perpetual license. Additional features, such as Runtime and Virtual User Packs for Load Testing, cost extra.
Testsigma Software Technologies homepage
Testsigma is a complete framework for web, mobile, and API testing. It streamlines end-to-end testing with smart features and enables codeless automation for teams that lack programming knowledge.
Tests can be run on popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and others, in combination with Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as real or emulated Android and iOS devices.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Easy and quick setup without needing integrations for reliable and quick automation tests | Users report flaky tests due to failed element identification and heavy DOMs |
Powerful step-by-step analysis capabilities and detailed reports in real-time | Reports may be unclear and lack better filtering options |
Completely customizable through SDKs and APIs | No ability to link test suites for sequential execution |
Integrates with CI/CD setups | Step creation can be slow due to sluggish web page loading |
Record test steps or write them in plain English;
Ai-driven functionality fixes faulty scripts and dynamic elements and offers suggestions for failed tests;
Interactive debugging and visual test logs;
A marketplace where Testsigma’s community can create and share their custom add-ons;
Fully supports data-driven testing;
Can run tests on a local browser and device combination or on cloud-hosted browsers and devices.
Testsigma is open-source and offers a free trial. The pro plan with one parallel test starts at $349/month.
NeoLoad homepage
NeoLoad is popular amongst performance testing tools, bringing versatility, reliability, and efficiency to your automated testing process. It measures various performance metrics of your application, website, or service and scales load tests as needed to bring accurate and actionable insights.
You can test your web applications via Chromium-based, WebKit, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers and run them on operating systems like Windows, Ubuntu, macOS, Android, iOS, and Windows Phone.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Codeless testing through a GUI and enhanced collaboration with different teams | Certain functions may be faulty or limited, requiring user input and effort |
Easy to use and has a user-friendly interface | Steep learning curve |
Detailed analysis of real-time tests, results, and root causes with custom graphs and visual reports | Users report that elements within the user interface sometimes aren’t displayed as they should |
Easy and fast script maintenance via recorded steps;
More accurate traffic capture and replay through HTTP/2, WebSocket, and other technologies;
Can compare two different tests side by side;
Multiple integration options, including legacy systems and DevOps solutions;
Ability to reserve load testing infrastructure for planned tests.
NeoLoad is available commercially with a free trial. Starting at $20,000 per year, you can get up to 300 virtual users.
GTmetrix homepage
GTmetrix is primarily a web application testing tool that analyzes the performance of your website in multiple geo-locations and on different devices to give you precise results on how your website loads for regular users.
With a free plan, you can test web applications on a desktop with a Chrome or Firefox browser and on real Android devices. In contrast, a paid plan gives you access to more mobile devices (real Android and simulated iOS and Android), screen resolutions, and monitoring capabilities.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Extremely easy to use and setup | The free plan only allows testing of a single web page per session |
7 testing locations for free, and PRO plans enable 22 total locations | Users report flaky tests |
Multiple analysis options | Limited list of devices and browsers |
Uses the waterfall analysis method to visually show how your website behaves with each request;
Can turn advertisements on and off to see their impact on loading speeds;
Has the option to change the mobile connection to 4G/3G/2G/LTE;
Can monitor different pages each hour and send you notifications about issues;
Access the history of tests for specified URLs;
Comparison of up to 4 reports;
Aligns with modern web standards by using modified PageSpeed and YSlow rule sets;
Integrates with proxies.
GTmetrix offers a free plan with limits. Paid plans start at $10.67/month.
Sauce Labs homepage
Sauce Labs is a cloud-based platform that enables you to scale web application testing efforts as needed on one of the largest selections of desktops and mobile devices.
You can run tests on Windows, Linux, macOS, and both real and emulated/simulated Android and iOS devices. Sauce Labs also covers popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Electron.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
End-to-end test reports that are easy to generate and share | Cloud-based parallel tests can be significantly slower when compared to tests run locally or using other tools |
Provides screenshots, videos, and logs of tests under execution | Sauce Labs servers sometimes have outages |
Integrates with various tools like Selenium, Playwright, and Cypress, as well as CI tools like TeamCity, Jenkins, and others | Some tests can return flaky results |
Over 700 combinations of browsers, operating systems, and devices;
Works with existing tests written in common programming languages and testing frameworks;
Has enterprise-grade security mechanisms and hosts on its own data centers;
Integrates with proxy servers;
Offers Selenium and Appium online training.
Sauce Labs offers a 28-day free trial, whereas the manual testing plan starts at 39/month.
testRigor homepage
testRigor eases the end-to-end testing process with its AI-powered test automation framework for web, mobile, and API tests. It facilitates accurate tests by automatically analyzing possible parameters and selecting the most appropriate ones.
With testRigor, you can perform various types of web tests on Windows, Ubuntu, macOS, Android, and iOS devices, combined with popular browsers like Chrome, Edge, Safari, and others.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Codeless test development in plain English with the help of AI | Lacks proper test management tools to track and organize tests |
Unlimited users and tests | Mobile test execution can be slower when compared to other tools |
Seamless integration with CI/CD via bash and PowerShell and other tools and infrastructures | Users report poor documentation and educational materials |
Simulates real user behavior through machine learning;
Can execute tests in parallel;
Locates dynamic elements automatically;
Supports data-driven testing;
Can produce unique data according to a specified format and RegEx commands;
Offers visual testing functionality;
Simulates geo-locations through coordinates;
Supports proxy servers.
testRigor has an open-source and free but limited option. The paid plan can be tried freely for 14 days with the price starting from $900/month.
Perfecto homepage
Perfecto is yet another effective mobile and web testing tool with powerful features and large cross-platform coverage.
Perfecto supports cross-browser testing on popular browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari, which you can run on Windows and macOS devices. There’s also a huge selection of real and emulated/simulated Android and iOS devices available on demand.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
No-code and low-code automation also supports popular languages for scripting, including Python, Java, and JavaScript | Private cloud management has a higher license cost |
Extensive analytics, real-time reports, and test logs | Latency issues and unreliable tests on cloud devices when compared to real devices |
Wide integration options with automation tools, IDEs, CI, and others | Sometimes, devices can be unavailable |
Automated tests with a drag-and-drop functionality without writing any code;
Parallel test execution;
Can perform the same test with different parameters;
Easy bug tracking;
Can mock locations by simulating GPS coordinates;
Supports SIM services on mobile devices;
Supports proxy servers.
Perfecto has a 14-day free trial for all plans and offers a demo for the Enterprise plan. The manual testing plan starts at $83/month, whereas the automated testing plan starts at $125/month.
WebPageTest homepage
WebPageTest is one of the better free and open-source website testing tools that provides in-depth metrics and runs automated tests through different devices and browsers located around the world.
You can run tests on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave browsers and emulated Chrome on Android and iOS devices.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
In-depth analysis and reporting with metrics from DNS, TCP, TLS, and other components | The device and browser selection is relatively limited |
Provides detailed and actionable suggestions for website improvements | Requires deep technical understanding to crack the metrics and get the most out of the tool |
Highly customizable test cases | Limited automation when compared to other tools with integrated automation capabilities |
Easy no-code customization of various settings, like screen resolution and connection speed;
Can run JavaScript to monitor and collect custom metrics during the test;
Provides metrics like speed index, time to first byte, as well as first contentful paint;
Analyze page rendering and loading processes;
Can run Google’s Lighthouse independently or together with a standard test;
Offers its own scripting language.
WebPageTest is available freely with some limits, while the paid plan starts at $180/year.
Since website testing is a continuous process, it’s recommended to choose the tool that best fits your business needs, teams, and allocated budget. Constantly switching from one testing framework to another can add unnecessary expenses; thus, in such situations, it’s best to go with a tool that can be easily replaced with another.
We suggest reading additional resources about no code scraper tools, best antidetect browser solutions, and how residential proxies can help in load testing.
Website testing is the process of checking various usage and performance metrics to ensure that a website has no bugs or other issues that may negatively impact user experience. It encompasses testing web applications on different browsers, operating systems, and devices, altogether from different geographic locations, to see how web pages appear and perform for most users.
Web testing is a continuous process of:
Planning tests according to requirements and scope;
Creating test cases for different testing aspects;
Running the tests;
Finding and logging any issues and errors;
Regression testing to make sure code updates don’t introduce new issues;
Analyzing test reports;
Retesting to ensure issues have been fixed.
Some of the most common challenges that any website tester faces include:
Cross-browser and cross-platform compatibility;
Accurate performance and scalability testing;
Failure to test dynamic content;
Proficient technical requirements;
Limited integration options with other tools;
Comprehensive security testing tool capabilities;
Limited collaboration with other teams.
When choosing the best option from a list of website testing tools, you must take into account several questions:
Does the tool align with your project requirements and budget?
Will your team have sufficient technical skills to use the tool?
Does the tool cover enough devices and browsers?
How easy is it to create, maintain, and reuse tests?
Does the tool have the needed reporting capabilities?
Does the tool integrate with other third-party solutions for your needs?
About the author
Vytenis Kaubre
Copywriter
Vytenis Kaubre is a Copywriter at Oxylabs. As his passion lay in creative writing and curiosity in anything tech kept growing, he joined the army of copywriters. After work, you might find Vytenis watching TV shows, playing a guitar, or learning something new.
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