Cypress vs Playwright: A Detailed Comparison
Two of the most popular choices for testing frameworks are Cypress and Playwright and people often find it challenging to pick between these two. In this blog, we're helping you differentiate their features and capabilities so you can make the right decision.
Cypress
It's a modern, simple, fast, open-source tool with reliable testing results. Cypress works directly within the browser, running tests in the same loop as the application. This architecture ensures that tests will be faster and more consistent without needing external drivers. Furthermore, Cypress reduces execution time and eliminates network latency because it runs tests in-browser.
Architecture
As mentioned, Cypress runs directly in the browser, offering several advantages, such as:
- Faster: -There are no delays since it shares the same environment as the app
- Reliable: It waits for elements to lead, reducing test failures.
- Easy to debug: Users can use browser development tools to fix it themselves
Main Parts of Cypress Architecture
- Test Runner: A server that manages and runs your tests
- Browser: Where tests are executed, which gives Cypress full control
- Developer Tools: Used to inspect and debug the application
- Node.js Server: Works in the background to test and communicate with the browser.
Why Use Cypress
- All-in-One Testing: Supports end-to-end, unit, and integration testing in one tool.
- Automatic Waiting: Commands wait for elements automatically—no manual waits needed.
- Debugging Made Easy: Step through tests and check app state with a time travel feature.
- Real Browser Testing: Runs tests in real browsers for accurate results.
- Fast Testing: Supports parallel tests to speed up workflows.
- Reliable Results: Reduces flaky, inconsistent tests.
- Cross-Browser Support: Works with Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and more.
Why Not Use Cypress
- JavaScript Only: Limited to JavaScript/TypeScript.
- Multi-Tab Limitations: Testing multi-tab workflows or frames can be tricky.
- Setup Challenges: CI setup and parallel execution require extra work.
- No Mobile App Testing: Designed for web apps, not native mobile apps.
- Learning Curve: Beginners might need time to adjust, especially if new to JavaScript.
Playwright
It's a test automation tool developed by Microsoft. Its purpose is to work across multiple websites, such as Chromium, Firefox, and WebKit. Moreover, it follows the requests made by clients.
Architecture
Playwright architecture follows a client-server design. The client, which is your test code, sends commands to the Playwright server. The server manages browser engines like Chromium, Firefox, and WebKit to perform the tests.
To communicate with browsers, Playwright uses specific protocols: Chrome DevTools Protocol (CDP) for Chromium and custom protocols for Firefox and WebKit. It uses a WebSocket connection between the client and server, allowing fast and real-time communication.
Why Use Playwright
- Cross-Browser Support: Automates Chromium, Firefox, and WebKit browsers with minimal code changes.
- Auto-Waiting & Smart Selectors: Automatically waits for elements to load and adapts to changes in attributes or positions.
- Parallel Testing: Run tests in parallel across browsers or split tests across machines for faster execution.
- Codegen & Trace Viewer: Record user actions to generate test scripts and debug easily with the trace viewer.
- Multiple Language Support: Works with JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, .NET, and Java.
Comprehensive API: Handles file uploads, mobile emulation, screenshots, videos, and more.
- Built-in Assertions: Includes built-in tools for common testing needs, reducing external dependencies.
- Docker Support: Simplifies testing environments with Docker container compatibility.
- Debugging Tools: Pause tests, capture screenshots, and inspect network activity during execution.
- Active Development: Backed by Microsoft with frequent updates and a growing community.
Why Not Use Playwright
- Limited Mobile App Support: While great for mobile browsers, it lacks robust tools for mobile app testing.
- Smaller Community: Growing fast but still has fewer resources compared to older tools like Selenium.