With the rising importance of cross browser testing, QA teams have been diverting special focus on this. However, in the process, they uncover various challenges that can sometimes make this process a little daunting. The entire purpose of cross browser testing a website or web application is to ensure consistency in user experience and behavior across different browsers, browser versions, platforms, devices, and operating systems.
But considering the highly intimating number of browsers out there, manual testing is next to impossible. That’s where the best cross browser testing tools come into the picture. They help identify code validation, performance, responsiveness, inconsistencies in the user interface, and other possible strange behaviors.
Depending on your requirements, you need to shortlist some options after conducting thorough research and then narrow them down to the one that works the best for you and your enterprise. Fortunately, we have already conducted the research and shortlisted the top 10 cross browser testing platforms for 2022. That’s exactly what we are going to take a detailed look at in this post. So, let’s dig in!
1. LambdaTest
The first choice on this list of top 10 cross browser testing platforms for 2022 is LambdaTest. Thanks to the wide array of browsers and operating system combinations, this cloud-based testing platform helps test a website on more than 3000 OS and browsers. You can easily run automated Selenium scripts on its cloud grid that’s scalable. Also, use real browsers and devices to perform live interactive testing.
LambdaTest offers built-in debugging, geolocation testing, one-click bug-logging, local testing, and responsiveness testing. Testers can test privately or locally hosted sites with LambdaTest’s SSH tunnel. The 24/7 chat support and excellent customer support through other communication mediums ensure quick redressal of problems as soon as you encounter them.
You can easily integrate LambdaTest with bug tracking tools of a choice including Asana, GitHub, BitBucket, JIRA, Slack, Microsoft VSTS, Trello, Google Lighthouse, and so on. Some other features include automatic report generation, smart workflows, parallel testing, enterprise-grade privacy, security, and compliances.
Recently, LambdaTest also launched HyperTest, a blazing next-generation testing cloud with super fast speed. In other words, it enables lightning-fast execution of tests that are 70% quicker than other conventional Selenium grid clouds. Trusted by more than 600,000 users, 500 companies, and 130 countries, LambdaTest has proven that high-quality platforms with continuous innovation offer the best cross browser testing services.
2. TestComplete
TestComplete is one of the leading User Interface functional test automation tools users can use for creating and running tests on a variety of web applications. It doesn’t need any additional configuration or setup and can comfortably perform parallel testing across more than 2000 real environments.
You can easily get real-time access to the most updated browsers or operating systems, resolutions, viewports, and devices in its cloud. You also have the liberty to choose from the programming language of your choices such as Python or JavaScript. Another option is to use its record and replay functions for creating automated user interface tests. The biggest advantage of doing that is it’s script-free!
3. SauceLabs
Trusted by big companies such as Walmart and Visa, SauceLabs offers automated testing, live testing, emulators, and simulators. It promises 10 times faster speed and also provides features such as single-use virtual machines. For enhanced security, the VMs are destroyed each time someone uses them.
The platform features sophisticated debugging tools that include comprehensive analytics, log files and screenshots, videos, real-time environments for live testing, and Sauce Headless. It offers a broad selection of browsers, real devices, as well as emulated and simulated devices. However, setting up a new virtual machine every time you have to test can become a little overwhelming.
4. BrowserStack
BrowserStack offers interactive devices for testing, unlike other cross browser testing platforms that offer virtual machines or a device lab. Users can instantly start testing their real devices in its cloud without the need for any extra setup. BrowserStack covers more than 2000 desktop and mobile browsers.
Some other features include automated Selenium testing, live cross browser testing, automated visual testing, and a 30-minute free trial. Users can easily integrate BrowserStack with other tools of their choice including Visual Studio, Slack, and so on. There are plenty of pre-installed tools for developers that support quick debugging and cross browser testing.
The support for Firewalls and Proxies along with an active directory allows users to set up a rich and comprehensive environment for testing. Besides facilitating remote testing of pages, BrowserStack also supports Opera Mobile, Windows (XP, Windows 7, and Windows 8), iOS, Android, OS X snow leopard, mountain lion, and lion.
5. CrossBrowserTesting
The brainchild of SmartBear, CrossBrowserTesting is one of the leading platforms for testing browser or device compatibility. Users can easily run visual, manual, as well as Selenium tests on more than 2000 real mobile and desktop browsers. You can also record live tests and run them in parallel, thanks to the record and replay functionality.
Uses have been successfully running Appium and Selenium tests in the cloud on CrossBrowserTesting. The platform also offers visual testing where you can easily draw comparisons. Automated screenshots help in keeping a record of the test session for later reference.
6. Katalon Studio
Boasting the trust of around 850,000 developers and testers, Katalon Studio is one of the most popular alternatives for Appium and Selenium. It offers scalable mobile, API, desktop, and web testing. Katalon Studio is highly compatible with all the latest Edge, Firefox, and Chrome versions. Firefox and Chrome support Headless browser execution for quicker feedback on runs that are performance-critical.
It has a self-healing mechanism and a page object model pattern that helps in the smooth handling of code changes and UI. Katalon Studio requires very limited test maintenance. Not to mention, this platform offers flexibility in test migration from Postman, SoapUI, and Selenium. Users get access to advanced features for visualizing real-time notifications and vital metrics after executing each test. You can easily integrate it with Kobiton, BrowserStack, SauceLabs, Perfecto, LambdaTest, Jenkins, CircleCI, TeamCity, Bamboo, Azure DevOps, and Travis CI.
7. Browsera
Browsera is one of the best cross browser testing platforms for checking the entire website for JavaScript errors and layout inconsistencies. It thoroughly checks every web page behind a login screen and offers a complete cloud solution. This eliminates the need for setting up virtual machines before running tests.
In fact, there are no complicated setups involved. Browsera easily helps in identifying issues created by scripting errors. It also highlights issues as soon as you encounter them. However, the only downside is that it’s not as feature-rich as other tools mentioned on the list. However, if you are just starting out with a quick solution, you can give it a go.
8. Functionize
Functionize facilities cross browser testing across major browsers along with parallel testing. All you need to do is configure the test only once. The platform will automatically run your test against all browsers of your choice. It’s an AI-powered cloud-based testing tool to test a website or web application against a wide array of mobile as well as desktop browsers.
Due to AI, users can easily reduce the time taken for test maintenance by 85%, thanks to self-healing tests. All in all, this platform empowers teams to build scalable and smart tests that you don’t have to worry about breaking in the middle.
9. Browsershots
The best thing about this platform is that it’s entirely free of cost. It’s an open-source cross browser testing platform that allows users to test their websites and web applications in different operating systems and browsers. You can easily run cross-compatibility tests in Browsershots with ample customization options including browser type, operating system, color depth, flash enable/disable settings, and JavaScript status.
You can even take screenshots of 60+ operating systems and browsers. Some of its key features include availability on Windows, Linux, and Mac, ease of execution, and budget-friendly option for cross browser testing. But one of the major limitations is that it doesn’t offer interactivity with browsers because you only get screenshots. My point is, if you have a limited budget, Browsershots is a decent platform to start off. But it’s important to know that eventually, you are going to have to scale to a more versatile tool.
10. Ranorex Studio
Ranorex Studio helps users automate different tests for a wide array of frameworks and web technologies. This includes Flash and Flex applications, HTML5, JavaScript, Java, Salesforce, and so on. Thanks to its seamless integration with other tools, you don’t have to give up your favorites like Git, Jenkins, Jira, TestRail, and Travis CI.
It also offers support for cross-domain iframes, shadow DOM elements, open-source Chromium Embedded Framework (CEF) based hybrid desktop applications, and the JxBrowser. Some other highly useful features include Reliable object identification, reusable code modules, shareable object repository, keyword-driven, and data-driven testing, and parallel testing.
Users can easily see how a test run went down without re-running tests, thanks to video reporting and customizable test reports. Ranorex Studio also has built-in WebDriver support so that users can run automated cross browser tests on a Selenium grid.
Summing It Up
An ideal cross browser testing tool offers appropriate value for license costs. They offer high-quality customer support and have a high global trust factor. If you are trying to make an informed decision about which cross browser testing you are going to use, it’s recommended to start out by taking the free trial of LambdaTest.
The importance of cross browser testing is undeniable in 2022 and beyond. With every passing year, we are approaching a world where more and more things are going virtual. This makes the flawless rendering of websites all the more crucial for smoothly completing various tasks online. So, let’s welcome the new year with this realization that for a successful internet presence, a great cross browser testing tool is a must.
Every tool comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. But a wise move is to opt for one that offers as many features and functionalities as possible under a single umbrella. Which testing method have you been currently using for cross browser testing? If you have any questions about the above-listed cross browser testing platforms, sound them off in the comments below.
