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BrowserStack vs pCloudy: What are the differences?
Introduction
BrowserStack and pCloudy are both popular cloud-based testing platforms that provide developers and testers the ability to test their applications across multiple devices and browsers. However, there are several key differences between the two platforms that set them apart.
Deployment options: pCloudy offers both public cloud and private cloud options, giving users more flexibility in choosing how they want to deploy their testing environments. On the other hand, BrowserStack only provides a public cloud option, which may not be suitable for organizations with strict security requirements or those that prefer a more customized testing setup.
Device coverage: BrowserStack boasts an extensive device lab with a wide range of real devices and virtual machines for testing. They offer coverage across various operating systems, browsers, and mobile devices. pCloudy, on the other hand, also provides a decent device coverage but is known for its deep integration with various OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and their specific devices, making it an excellent choice for testing on specific device models.
Automation capabilities: While both platforms support test automation, pCloudy provides advanced automation features such as scriptless automation, AI-driven bots, and integrations with popular frameworks like Selenium and Appium. BrowserStack also offers automation capabilities, but their focus is more on providing a wide range of devices and browsers for manual testing.
Network simulation: pCloudy stands out with its network simulation capabilities, allowing users to test their applications under different network conditions like 2G, 3G, 4G, and even low bandwidth scenarios. This feature helps identify any performance issues or bottlenecks that may arise under varying network conditions. BrowserStack, on the other hand, does not offer built-in network simulation capabilities.
Collaboration and reporting: Both platforms provide collaboration features, allowing team members to share test results, notes, and insights. However, pCloudy offers additional features like real-time audio and video streaming during testing sessions, making it easier for team members to communicate and troubleshoot issues. BrowserStack, on the other hand, focuses more on providing detailed reports and analysis of test results.
Pricing plans: When it comes to pricing, BrowserStack offers a variety of plans based on usage, such as Live, Automate, and Enterprise plans. pCloudy offers flexible pricing options like pay-as-you-go, monthly, and yearly plans. This can be advantageous for organizations that have specific budget requirements or testing needs.
In summary, BrowserStack offers a public cloud-only deployment option, extensive device coverage, and a focus on manual testing and reporting. On the other hand, pCloudy provides both public and private cloud options, deep integration with specific device models, advanced automation capabilities, network simulation features, real-time collaboration, and flexible pricing plans.
I am looking to purchase one of these tools for Mobile testing for my team. It should support Native, hybrid, and responsive app testing. It should also feature debugging, parallel execution, automation testing/easy integration with automation testing tools like Selenium, and the capability to provide availability of devices specifically for us to use at any time with good speed of performing all these activities.
I have already used Perfecto mobile, and Sauce Labs in my other projects before. I want to know how different or better is AWS Device farm in usage and how advantageous it would be for us to use it over other mentioned tools
A SaaS offering like Sauce Labs (or BrowserStack or LambdaTest, etc) will provide a remote Selenium/Appium Grid including the ability to run test automation in parallel (up to the amount based your subscription level) an a wide array of browsers and mobile devices.
These tools can be expensive, but if you can afford them, the expertise and effort of maintaining the grid, browser updates, etc. is worth it.
AWS Device Farm can be significantly cheaper, but is much more work to setup and run. It will not give you as many devices, or the reporting and screen/video capture you get with the the services. And there is no support for AWS Device Farm, and very poor documentation. I have used it, but do not recommend it. Running your own grid and physical device lab is better, but I'd stick with a service like Sauce Labs or Perfecto which will save you time and give you better services despite the higher price tag.
Stability - Just works. Availability - More than 15 datacenters. Enterprise features like SSO, local testing and SOC2/GDPR compliant.
BitBar's Dedicated Devices would be a great option for you. It allows you to dedicate (reserve) devices for your use only which also having access to all of the devices in the shared cloud. BitBar has the features and integrations that you are looking for as well.
Pros of BrowserStack
- Multiple browsers134
- Ease of use75
- Real browsers64
- Ability to use it locally43
- Good price26
- Great web interface20
- IE support18
- Official mobile emulators16
- Instant access14
- Cloud-based access14
- Real mobile devices11
- Multiple Desktop OS7
- Selenium compatible7
- Screenshots7
- Can be used for Testing and E2E6
- Pre-installed developer tools5
- Video of test runs4
- Many browsers3
- Favourites3
- Webdriver compatible3
- Supports Manual, Functional and Visual Diff Testing3
- Free for Open Source2
- Unify and track test cases2
- Test automation dashboard2
- Test Management2
- Cross-browser testing2
- Cypress Compatible2
- Bi-directional Jira Sync2
- Speed is fast1
- Real devices1
- Visual testing and review0
- Test WCAG Compliance0
- Web accessibility0
Pros of pCloudy
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Cons of BrowserStack
- Very limited choice of minor versions2