Top Tools for Effective Cross-Browser Testing

Testing is a critical phase of every development project. Now that there are a multitude of different browsers, operating systems, and devices for users to choose from, cross-browser testing should be standard practice to ensure usability. Without it, users may encounter inconsistent functionality, layout issues, and general compatibility errors.

Cross-browser testing requires significant effort from both developers and testers. However, automation can help. With the right cross-browser testing tools , you can make testing more effective and efficient. The result is more dynamic and reliable software.

Understanding Cross-Browser Testing

Testing websites, applications and software is always important. Cross-browser testing is an essential part of a comprehensive testing process.

Why cross-browser testing is crucial

Cross-browser testing helps deliver a consistent experience regardless of the user's choice of browser or device. This process allows you to preemptively resolve compatibility issues before applications reach the hands of your target audience. To avoid pitfalls created by the way browsers and devices interpret and display content, cross-browser testing gives developers the opportunity to identify and correct discrepancies in layout, functionality, and performance.

By doing this, developers enhance the user experience. The process helps improve visitor retention rates, promotes a better sense of trust between users and the product, and encourages greater engagement. Failure to perform comprehensive cross-browser testing can fragment the user experience.

Although Google Chrome has been ranked as the number one web browser choice in 2023 with over 63% of Internet users' global market share , many users use other browsers such as Safari, Edge and Firefox. It's important to confirm that your app works as well on these browsers.

Challenges in cross-browser testing

It's not hard to see why development teams both enjoy and dread this testing process. Cross-browser testing presents complex challenges that you must address to ensure functionality and a positive user experience across browsers, devices, and operating systems.

Layout discrepancies are among the most prevalent problems in this type of testing. Visual inconsistencies frustrate users, negatively impacting usability and accessibility while detracting from their overall aesthetic appeal.

Functionality bugs are another complication in software development. Features that work perfectly on one browser or device may work poorly on others due to different interpretations of web standards across technologies. Performance variations also create a challenge, with the same website loading at slower speeds or applications responding more slowly on some browsers and devices.

Already a challenging process, this form of testing is further increased by the many different combinations of devices and operating systems. From desktops running Windows and Android devices to iOS on iPads and iPhones, each combination has the potential to present unique challenges.

Key Features of Cross-Browser Testing Tools

Fortunately, cross-browser testing is no longer just a manual process. Today, there are countless tools to choose from.

When selecting a tool, you should look for some important features to improve productivity and efficiency during testing. Automation is the most important feature of a strong cross-browser testing tool. This allows you to quickly run tests across multiple environments to save time while eliminating human error.

There should also be many options for integrations because they allow these tools to connect with other development tools to increase productivity. Support for a wide range of devices and browsers benefits developers and testers because these tools help ensure that the application works in multiple environments. Also look for real-time testing and debugging capabilities. They help you identify and resolve problems immediately, helping maintain the quality and reliability of your software.

Automation in cross-browser testing

Automation is the backbone of a cross-browser testing tool. Manual testing, on the other hand, requires considerable time, effort, and resources. It also leaves more room for human error. Automation improves the accuracy and efficiency of the cross-browser testing process while reducing the need for manual work.

Script generation is an example of an automated testing tool. It allows testers to create automatic test scripts to speed up and standardize the test preparation process while enabling easy replication between environments.

Automated regression testing, another important process, allows you to quickly identify new bugs or issues following software updates and/or changes. Agile development teams often use this. Automation is essential when you want to optimize and accelerate cross-browser testing.

Integration with development tools

Some of the most common integration use cases for cross-browser testing tools are CI/CD pipelines. By connecting these tools, developers run automatic cross-browser tests every time they push new code to the repository. Then they can test changes in real time. Developers identify bugs or issues in their code across various browsers and devices and deploy their solutions for further testing.

Connecting version control systems with cross-browser tools gives developers the ability to test each of their code commits and branch merges for usability across a variety of media. By allowing only browser-tested code to reach the production codebase, you also help speed testing of the final product because you already know that each individual piece of code works across devices and browsers. Some cross-browser testing tools even allow teams to integrate these tools with project management software to give teams and product owners greater visibility into testing progress and bug management.

Review of Best Cross-Browser Testing Tools

With a plethora of tools flooding the testing market right now, there are many cross-browser testing solutions for unique business needs and requirements.

Here are some of the top cross-browser testing tools available today.

Tool 1: TestGrid

A standout tool for cross-browser testing, Test Grid takes an innovative approach to common challenges for developers and testers. It addresses a wide range of testing needs, technologies and solutions, including web and mobile applications, API and performance testing, on a single platform. TestGrid supports scriptless on-premises and cloud-based testing on a single unified platform.

One of TestGrid's most useful features is its AI-based codeless automation abilities. This feature generates code based on Appium and Selenium. The tool allows you to run tests faster and more efficiently, without requiring in-depth programming knowledge. TestGrid integrates with popular CI/CD tools as well as project management apps like Jira and Slack.

Features and benefits

• Testing on real browsers and devices – TestGrid users benefit from its ability to perform cross-browser testing on more than 1,000 browsers and Windows and Mac operating systems. It allows testing on legacy and newer iOS and Android browsers.
• No-code, AI-based testing for browsers – Using the power of AI, this tool helps testers and development teams test with no-code automation to accelerate end-to-end cross-browser testing.
• Automated cross-browser testing – TestGrid supports web and mobile automation frameworks such as Robot, Appium, and Selenium. This allows you to run automated cross-browser tests on multiple operating systems and browsers at the same time.
• Geolocation Browser Testing – This feature allows you to utilize GPS to perform geolocation testing for more real-world test scenarios through cross-browser testing from multiple IP locations to validate compatibility.
• Native development tools – TestGrid's native developer tools enable simplified debugging across all desktop and mobile browsers for faster testing and debugging.

Prices and Plans

• Free Package – $0 per month and limits users to 200 minutes per month in 2-minute sessions.
• Manual/no-script automation package – Starting at $25 per month for 5 users and 1 parallel test.
• End-to-end automation package – Starting at $99 per month for 5 users and 1 parallel test.
• Private Dedicated Package – Starting at $30 per month for 5 users and 1 dedicated device.
• Enterprise Package – For segregated business teams, the pricing for this package is customized.

Tool 2: LambdaTest

LambdaTest enables developers and testers to effectively and efficiently run cross-browser tests across a wide range of operating systems and browsers through a specially designed cloud-based platform. Some of the key features of the tool include the ability to perform automation testing, visual regression testing, responsive testing, and real-time browser testing. Supporting more than 2,000 browsers, one of LambdaTest's key features is its ability to facilitate end-to-end testing environments without requiring companies to set up extensive infrastructure in-house.

This tool integrates seamlessly with many CI/CD and project management tools while offering instant access to many different browser environments. Combined with these integration capabilities, LambdaTest has innovative features like SmartUI Testing and HyperExecute, its next-generation orchestration platform for intelligent testing.

Features and benefits

• Real-time cross-browser testing in over 3,000 environments – Users have the ability to perform live, interactive online testing across thousands of desktop and mobile browsers through instant access to browsers, versions, screen resolutions, and systems operational.
• Testing on real mobile and desktop browsers – Testers choose between macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS versions on real devices, from the latest versions to legacy versions.
• Built-in native development tools for debugging – Each browser in LambdaTest has native development tools pre-installed for debugging assistance.
• Plugins and Extensions – LambdaTest offers a WordPress plugin and Chrom extension to facilitate cross-browser testing and screenshots.
• Geolocation Testing – Testers have the ability to use geoIPs to test software across locations.

Prices and Plans

• Free – For $0 per month forever, users can run one free side trial at a time.
• Live – This plan starts at $15 per month for a parallel test with unlimited real-time tests and the price varies depending on the number of parallel tests.
• Real Device – Starting at $25 monthly for one parallel test at a time, users gain access to testing on real mobile devices and additional benefits.
• Enterprise – The price of this level depends on the needs of the enterprise and starts at 25 parallel tests.

Tool 3: HeadSpin

An all-in-one cross-browser testing tool, HeadSpin enables teams to run cross-browser testing, debug web, mobile, audio and video applications, and perform cross-browser testing with a single tool on real devices in real user conditions across the world. Facilitating access to thousands of devices around the world, it provides developers and testers with real-time insights, performance monitoring, and AI-based analytics into the user experience, performance, and functionality of their app or website. HeadSpin further assists teams by using AI to power their analytical reports and generate more actionable insights.

Features and benefits

• Run any app on any device globally – HeadSpin gives teams access to thousands of real mobile and browser testing capabilities on remote devices with real SIM cards through a secure global cloud of devices.
• Find and fix bugs instantly – This tool provides greater visibility into performance issues to improve cross-browser automation testing and help teams resolve bugs quickly.
• Audio and video testing – HeadSpin allows teams to use cross-browser testing to verify and measure audio quality for speech-enabled and audio streaming applications.
• Integrations – HeadSpin enhances cross-browser testing with its APIs and plugins to get automatic results and track testing issues.

Prices and Plans

HeadSpin offers customized plans and pricing for a variety of needs. Potential clients should contact the HeadSpin team to receive a cost quote.

Tool 4: BitBar

BitBar helps teams safely test applications in real-world environments through a cloud for all device and browser testing needs. With an emphasis on flexibility and efficiency, BitBar provides access to a vast set of devices for real device testing, support for many frameworks, and parallel testing. The goal is to increase teams' test coverage while decreasing execution times with automated parallel testing across browsers and devices. BitBar allows developers to use their preferred testing framework and language while supporting non-tech savvy users with a direct integration through its TestComplete tool.

Features and benefits

• Live, local, and automated testing – BitBar helps development teams perform live testing on real browsers and devices with the ability to capture screenshots, videos, and logs. It also facilitates automated testing in parallel across devices, unlimited users, and unlimited devices. Teams can also choose local testing via SecureTunnel.
• Cloud-side execution – This allows users to run tests on hundreds of real devices in parallel by sending test packages to the cloud.
• Device Cloud – Users gain access to popular devices and browsers.

Prices and Plans

• Live Testing – For $42 per parallel per month, you will get unlimited testing minutes, users, and powerful testing tools.
• BitBar Unlimited – This package offers a live parallel test with each automated parallel, access to real desktop/headless browsers and mobile devices, and scripted automation or testing in TestComplete for $188 per parallel per month.
• Enterprise – This tier requires custom pricing for customizable solutions.

Tool 5: TestingBot

TestandoBot offers cross-app and browser testing services on more than 5,100 browsers with iOS and Android physical devices. With over 9 years of experience, this platform continues to provide one of the first cloud-based Selenium, Appium and Cypress Grids with continuously improving services. Using parallel testing across a cloud of real browsers and physical devices, TestingBot enhances UI test suites to enable developers to release applications faster, detect bugs earlier, and improve team productivity.

Features and benefits

• Comprehensive coverage – TestingBot allows teams to test across thousands of desktop and mobile browsers, including popular options like Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari (mobile), Firefox, and more.
• Automation and testing frameworks – This platform supports Selenium, Appium, Cypress, Puppeteer and Playwright. TestingBot integrates with CI systems with plugins for Jenkins, Travis, TeamCity and more. It also provides test examples for popular frameworks.
• Test Analysis – The tool’s advanced reporting and analysis filter provides teams with detailed test results.
• Codeless Automation – TestingBot allows users to run tests at specific intervals by submitting Selenium IDE tests.

Prices and Plans

• Live – With plans starting at $20 per month per user, teams can test on physical desktops and devices with unlimited live testing and screenshots.
• Automated – Teams gain access to 1,000 minutes of automated testing with 1 monthly parallel test starting at $50.
• Automated Professional – This package offers unlimited automation starting at $90 per month with 1 parallel test.
• Enterprise – This tier is custom pricing for a package of custom solutions.

Best practices in cross-browser testing

The most effective cross-browser testing involves teams analyzing analytics and user demographics to identify which browsers and devices are priority for testing, and then testing the rest. Automated testing tools help improve testing accuracy and efficiency rates, but testing actual devices is always important to ensure accuracy. Teams should also strive to update their testing tools and platforms to cover browser version upgrades, new devices, and new operating system releases.

Efficient Testing Strategies

1. Identify the browser, device, and operating system priorities of your project's target audience and test those first before testing the rest.
2. Use automated testing tools to simulate sessions more quickly and effectively, followed by manual testing for final verification.
3. Use cloud-based testing platforms to access a wider range of testing options while reducing infrastructure needs.
4. Prioritize testing the most critical features of the project.
5. Get real user feedback through usability testing and beta sessions.

Overcoming Common Challenges

• Automating cross-browser testing is a challenge. With the right tool or platform, however, teams can configure tests to run automatically more efficiently and effectively.
• There are many browsers, each with multiple versions, available today. The best way to resolve this issue is to establish priority browser versions for the project's unique user base and test them first. Then use automated tools to evaluate the rest of the possible combinations.
• Devices, browsers, and operating systems release updates regularly. Automated testing tools are the best way to keep a project up to date with these releases.

Case studies and success stories

• Chegg, an education technology company with millions of subscribers around the world, has leveraged BrowserStack's cross-browser testing infrastructure to ensure its Chegg Student Hubb platform is accessible across a wide range of browser-device-OS combinations.
• E-money consultant trusted SauceLabs to effectively and efficiently scale their mobile, cross-browser, and visual testing to ensure product quality.
• Airmeet, a virtual events platform, used LambdaTest to automate and improve cross-browser testing to ensure its platform works seamlessly across technologies for a better user experience.

Which cross-browser testing tool?

Development teams have many options available when it comes to choosing a cross-browser testing tool. This important decision, however, does not have a simple answer or best option. Work with your team members to decide what your priorities are in a tool that will help you test across browsers. By weighing the pros and cons of each option for each project and considering your existing technology stacks and niches, you can find the right tool to automate testing and conduct your evaluations more effectively.

Common questions

What are cross-browser testing?

Cross-browser testing involves testing websites, applications, and software across multiple browsers, operating systems, and devices to identify compatibility and usability issues.

Why is automated testing important for cross-browser testing?

Automated cross-browser testing helps you test more efficiently and effectively across a wide range of use cases while reducing the room for human error.

How do you choose the right tool for cross-browser testing?

Choosing the right cross-browser tool starts with prioritizing compatibility, test automation, cloud scaling options, and options for real device testing. Each team must find the right tool for their specific needs.

Can cross-browser testing be integrated into continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines?

Yes, cross-browser testing integrates with CI/CD pipelines, configuring trigger-based test executions on every code push or merge. This promotes continuous testing and improvements.

What are some common challenges in cross-browser testing and how can they be resolved?

There are some challenges when you run test cases in a cross-browser testing environment. They include:

• Too many technology combinations: To solve this, identify the priority browser, operating systems, and devices based on user analysis, and test the rest.
• Updates and versioning – Using an automated testing tool updates tests automatically.
• Infrastructure maintenance – An automated, cloud-based testing tool relieves teams and companies of the need for expensive infrastructure.