Testing platforms assist developers in testing their applications for real-world usage. There are many platforms available, and usually, small-time developers shall go in for cost-effective platforms.
At the same time, the versatility of the platform helps to test the application in various modes. There are two sought-after testing services that the developers look for; BrowserStack and Sauce Labs.
They both have similar features, but there are a few clinical differences between them.
Key Takeaways
- BrowserStack offers a wider range of devices and platforms for testing, while Sauce Labs has a stronger focus on integrations and automation.
- BrowserStack offers a more user-friendly interface and easier setup, while Sauce Labs has more advanced testing capabilities.
- BrowserStack has more affordable pricing options, while Sauce Labs offers more extensive support and consulting services.
BrowserStack vs Sauce Labs
The difference between BrowserStack and Saucelabs is user psychology. Browser stack is known to be used widely by individual creators. At the same time, Sauce Labs is preferred mostly by Small to medium-sized enterprises. The main reason for people choosing Browser Stack over Sauce Labs is because the latter has more features that they do not require. Moreover, the price of Sauce Labs is more compared to the Browser stack.
BrowserStack is a mobile and web testing platform that is extensively used to test applications before releasing them to the real world.
This service offers 1000+ real desktop browsers for testing and uses as many mobile browsers for testing. The browser stack does not have a virtual machine, though, as it has a hardware-enabled testing process.
Sauce Labs, on the other hand, is again a testing platform that is a fully integrated automated testing platform. This is the only cloud-based testing platform that connects with more devices to test your application.
Sauce Labs has advanced and updated Operating system combinations with mobile simulators and emulators.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | BrowserStack | Sauce Labs |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | It is real-world hardware connected with the web without any virtual machines. | It is a completely integrated cloud-based service that uses virtual machines. |
| Main Feature | The application runs on Real-world machines, and it is unique in this context. | The application runs on a virtual platform and does not use any real-world machines. |
| Testing Style | BrowserStack instantly tests the application for all the necessary aspects and does not include any requirement based testing. | Sauce Labs is the master in Requirements based testing, and that is one of the reasons companies prefer them. |
| Browsers | Uses real browsers | Virtual browsers |
| Price | Less Expensive | Very Expensive |
What is BrowserStack?
BrowserStack is primarily a web and mobile testing platform. This service is used to test the applications that are developed. These applications can be websites or even mobile applications.
These applications are tested on ‘On demand’ browsers and Operating systems to check the feasibility and error factors. This, indeed, is done in real browsers and real mobile devices.
The four products that BrowserStack have are
- Products-Live
- App-Live
- Automate
- App Automate
It is a subscription-based service and is mostly preferred by individual tech geeks. The features that BrowserStack has is enough for individual developers. Moreover, the price is affordable with a free trial and free version available with them.
Founded in the year 2011 by Ritesh Arora and Nakul Aggarwal, it 2011 now has more than 25 thousand paid customers. Also, the registered developers’ count has reached two lakhs.
Initially, the developers were able to test their applications only on Internet Explorer. Now they have various options that make it conducive for the developers to test it on multiple browsers too.
BrowserStack is widely used, and users have always lauded the speed with which the applications are tested. This is an incredible factor when it comes to product release.
Though individual users prefer this platform, a few notable firms have taken their service too. They are
- Accenture
- eBay
- Razorpay
Likewise, the organization has more than 800 companies as their clients all over the world.
What is Sauce Labs?
It is an American-based Web and mobile testing platform widely accepted by organisations for its advanced features. It is the best cloud-based testing platform based out of San Francisco, California.
If you plan to run and test your application in 700 different browsers, Sauce Labs must be your choice. Incredible features and immaculate services make the clients glue onto them.
Founder of Selenium Jason Huggins found this platform along with two other techies. This is a comprehensive test infrastructure that enterprises use. The secure testing protocols provided by Sauce Labs help users to test it behind the firewalls too.
The company strongly claims to have a broad spectrum of customers across the globe. Automated testing is offered for
- Continuous Integration
- Continuous Delivery
The renowned customers of Sauce Labs are from top-class industries. A few of them are
- Salesforce.com
- Bank of America
- PayPal
It is named as the Top 100 fastest-growing companies in the world in the year 2015.
Main Differences Between BrowserStack and Sauce Labs
- The main difference between BrowserStack and SauceLabs is the secure testing protocols of BrowserStack are less effective when compared to Sauce Labs.
- BrowserStack uses real-world testing machines, while Sauce Labs provide a cloud-based automated testing platform.
- BrowserStack has limited browsers to test on, while Sauce Labs uses 500+ browsers to test any application that is developed.
- BrowserStack has a shortcoming in the testing aspect as it does not perform any requirement base testing procedures, while Sauce Labs is a master in it.
- The price for subscribing BrowserStack services is less when compared to Sauce Labs.
Last Updated : 28 June, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The involvement of Selenium’s founder Jason Huggins in Sauce Labs emphasizes its robust testing infrastructure. It’s backed by impressive expertise.
Certainly, the association with Selenium’s founder adds a layer of credibility to the capabilities of Sauce Labs.
The speed and efficiency of BrowserStack in testing applications make it a popular choice among individual developers. Its impact is noticeable.
The trust placed in it by notable firms like Accenture and eBay speaks volumes about its reliability.
Absolutely, the value brought by BrowserStack’s speed in testing cannot be overstated.
Sauce Labs indeed seems to be the go-to choice for larger enterprises given its advanced features and comprehensive test infrastructure. Its scalability is noteworthy.
Indeed, the company’s emphasis on advanced testing and scalable solutions aligns with the needs of larger organizations.
Yes, Sauce Labs’ ability to cater to secure testing needs behind firewalls also contributes to its appeal.
The proliferation of BrowserStack among individual developers is a testament to its user-friendly interface and affordability. It meets the needs of different user groups.
Absolutely, the appeal of BrowserStack’s features and pricing has led to its widespread adoption among individual developers.
It’s interesting to see the comparison table between BrowserStack and Sauce Labs. The differences in testing style and pricing are quite notable.
Yes, the pricing comparison is especially important for developers when making a decision on which platform to use.
Absolutely, the contrasting approach to testing style sets them apart. It’s a matter of choosing one over the other based on specific needs.
The evolution and expansion of BrowserStack from testing on Internet Explorer to a plethora of browsers is impressive. Their growth is commendable.
Indeed, BrowserStack’s journey showcases the demand for versatile and reliable testing platforms in the tech industry.
Both BrowserStack and Sauce Labs sound like very reliable testing platforms. I appreciate that BrowserStack is known for its user-friendly interface, while Sauce Labs seems to have more advanced testing capabilities.
I agree, BrowserStack’s wider range of devices and affordability are indeed very appealing.
Yes, I find it fascinating how the differences in user psychology lead to individual creators preferring BrowserStack, while medium-sized enterprises opt for Sauce Labs.
The contrast between BrowserStack’s real-world hardware approach and Sauce Labs’ virtual machine-based service has implications based on user preferences and testing requirements.
True, the differences in infrastructure have a direct impact on which platform best suits different developer needs.
Indeed, the user psychology and testing focus of the two platforms play an essential role in determining their respective appeal.
Both BrowserStack and Sauce Labs seem to be well-established platforms with their distinctive features catering to different user needs.
Absolutely, their unique offerings and target audience make them valuable assets in the realm of software testing.
The extensive browser support provided by Sauce Labs is a compelling aspect. Its commitment to accommodating various browser environments is valuable for organizations.
Absolutely, the broad range of browsers and environments supported by Sauce Labs showcases its readiness to cater to diverse testing needs.