BrowserStack vs Sauce Labs: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this Markdown code, we will discuss the key differences between BrowserStack and Sauce Labs. Both of these platforms provide cloud-based testing solutions for web and mobile applications.

1. Cross-Browser and Cross-Platform Support: BrowserStack offers a wide range of real devices along with various browsers and operating systems. They have a vast device and browser matrix to support testing on different configurations. On the other hand, Sauce Labs focuses more on virtual machines and offers a comprehensive list of browser and operating system combinations.

2. Test Automation Support: BrowserStack is more focused on testing frameworks and provides extensive support for popular frameworks like Selenium, Appium, and Espresso. They offer easy integration with CI/CD tools such as Jenkins, Travis CI, and TeamCity. In contrast, Sauce Labs provides excellent support for both popular testing frameworks and CI/CD tools, but also offers its own cloud-based testing infrastructure named Sauce Labs Testrunner Toolkit.

3. Localization and Geo Testing: BrowserStack allows users to test their applications on devices located in more than 50 countries around the globe. It offers an easy way to perform localization and geo testing by selecting the desired test location. In contrast, Sauce Labs primarily focuses on providing virtual machines and does not offer specific features for localization or geo testing.

4. Live Interactive Testing: BrowserStack offers a feature called Live, which allows users to perform real-time testing on multiple devices through their browser. It provides a seamless experience with debugging tools, network throttling, and session sharing. On the other hand, Sauce Labs does not have a dedicated interactive testing feature similar to BrowserStack Live.

5. Real-time Device Logs and Screenshots: BrowserStack provides real-time device logs and screenshots during test execution. This helps in debugging and identifying issues quickly. Additionally, BrowserStack also offers live video streaming of the test execution. Sauce Labs also provides device logs and screenshots, but they may not be in real-time.

6. Support and Documentation: Both BrowserStack and Sauce Labs offer extensive support and documentation resources. BrowserStack provides 24/7 chat and email support with dedicated account managers for enterprise customers. They also have a detailed Knowledge Base and API documentation. Sauce Labs offers multiple support options including chat, email, and phone support. Their online documentation and community forums also provide valuable resources for users.

In summary, BrowserStack offers a wider range of real devices and extensive support for popular testing frameworks, making it a preferred choice for cross-browser and cross-platform testing. On the other hand, Sauce Labs focuses more on virtual machines, offers its own cloud-based testing infrastructure, and provides good support for both testing frameworks and CI/CD tools.