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Lighthouse vs WebPageTest: What are the differences?
Lighthouse and WebPageTest are two popular tools used for web performance testing and optimization. While they share similarities in their purpose, there are key differences between the two that make them distinct from each other.
Test Execution: Lighthouse is integrated into Google Chrome's Developer Tools, allowing it to be run directly from the browser. It evaluates the performance of a webpage in real-time, providing immediate feedback. WebPageTest, on the other hand, is an online tool that runs performance tests from multiple locations around the world, giving insights about performance under different network conditions.
Metrics: Lighthouse focuses on providing specific metrics related to web performance, such as performance score, time to interactive, and first meaningful paint. It also includes audits for best practices, accessibility, and SEO. WebPageTest, on the contrary, offers a broader set of metrics including load time, time to first byte, and visually complete. It allows users to customize the metrics based on their specific needs.
Network Emulation: Lighthouse only evaluates the performance of a webpage within the current network conditions. It does not provide the option to emulate different network speeds or conditions. WebPageTest, however, allows users to simulate various network environments, enabling them to test how the webpage performs under different scenarios like 3G, 4G, or even offline.
Scripting and Automation: Lighthouse is mainly used for manual testing and provides a user-friendly interface. It does not have built-in support for scripting or automation. On the other hand, WebPageTest offers scripting capabilities, allowing users to automate tests and perform more complex scenarios. This makes it suitable for regression testing and continuous integration.
Detailed Waterfall Analysis: WebPageTest provides a detailed waterfall analysis of the page load, showing the order in which resources are requested and loaded. It helps in identifying bottlenecks and understanding the loading sequence. Lighthouse does not provide a detailed waterfall analysis, focusing more on individual performance metrics and recommendations.
Third-Party Integration: Lighthouse is tightly integrated with Google Chrome and Google's ecosystem, offering seamless integration with other Google developer tools. WebPageTest, on the other hand, provides a public API that can be accessed by third-party tools or services, allowing for greater flexibility and integration possibilities with different systems.
In Summary, Lighthouse is a built-in tool in Chrome Developer Tools that provides real-time performance evaluation and focuses on specific metrics, whereas WebPageTest is an online tool that offers a wider range of metrics, network emulation options, scripting capabilities, and detailed waterfall analysis.
