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<p>Anyone in the test automation industry for quite a few years now would know how Cypress and Puppeteer have changed the game. The initial tough days of installing, creating, and debugging tests using Selenium are a thing of the past, thanks to Cypress and Puppeteer. Now, among these two tools, which one is better? The Cypress vs Puppeteer conversation will help you understand the topic in detail.</p>



<p>In case, you have an extensive list of points to consider, <a href="https://testsigma.com/compare-test-automation-tools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">compare test automation tools</a> in a way to check which one among the many available in the market works for you.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Cypress_vs_Puppeteer_8211_Overview"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> Cypress vs Puppeteer &#8211; Overview</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_Cypress"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.1</span> What is Cypress?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_Puppeteer"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.2</span> What is Puppeteer?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Cypress_vs_Puppeteer_Core_Differences"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Cypress vs Puppeteer: Core Differences</a><ul><li><a href="#Installing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.1</span> Installing</a></li><li><a href="#When_Should_You_Use"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.2</span> When Should You Use</a></li><li><a href="#When_Should_You_Not_Use"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.3</span> When Should You Not Use</a></li><li><a href="#What_Companies_Use"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.4</span> What Companies Use</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Execution"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.5</span> Test Execution</a></li><li><a href="#Features"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.6</span> Features</a></li><li><a href="#Benefits"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.7</span> Benefits</a></li><li><a href="#Limitations"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.8</span> Limitations</a></li><li><a href="#Pricing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">2.9</span> Pricing</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Which_is_Better_8211_Cypress_vs_Puppeteer"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Which is Better &#8211; Cypress vs Puppeteer?</a></li><li><a href="#Alternative_Tool_for_Cypress_and_Puppeteer"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Alternative Tool for Cypress and Puppeteer</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#Is_Cypress_better_than_Puppeteer"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.1</span> Is Cypress better than Puppeteer?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_difference_between_Puppeteer_and_Cypress"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">6.2</span> What is the difference between Puppeteer and Cypress?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="cypress-vs-puppeteer-overview"><span id="Cypress_vs_Puppeteer_8211_Overview">Cypress vs Puppeteer &#8211; Overview</span></h2>



<h3 id="h-what-is-cypress"><span id="What_is_Cypress">What is Cypress?</span></h3>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/3kM8XO9N9qoI3EIJVUrpVozrKHY256kcAzqM_OB5Fd_PcDvTqv9vlZQ4m5jh4ph2rtbLmBtFpqLq9_w_cQhjcBFZaver-JypfsFavJPqHn48MMzxZztzWba2dOE0cdpt7-2dHgQ_YP-vXwDXs6ODRjw" alt="cypress" /></figure></div>



<p>Cypress is an open-source, end-to-end testing framework that allows third-party add-ons per your testing needs. It runs directly within the browser and comes equipped with distinctive features like real-time interactive testing, automatic waiting, and seamless debugging. Cypress simplifies the testing process by enabling developers and testers to observe test execution in real-time, leading to quick issue identification.</p>



<p>In terms of the brand history, Cypress was released in 2015 with the aim of empowering open-source testing communities.</p>



<h3 id="h-what-is-puppeteer"><span id="What_is_Puppeteer">What is Puppeteer?</span></h3>



<p>Puppeteer is a powerful Node.js library developed by Google. It was originally designed for web scraping and generating screenshots but has now evolved into a robust tool for browser automation. Testers benefit from <a href="https://medium.com/gdplabs/how-to-use-puppeteer-faad9acafeab" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Puppeteer’s headless mode</a>, which allows for script execution without a visible browser interface. Its versatility extends to performance monitoring, accessibility testing, and generating detailed reports.</p>



<h2 id="h-cypress-vs-puppeteer-core-differences"><span id="Cypress_vs_Puppeteer_Core_Differences">Cypress vs Puppeteer: Core Differences</span></h2>



<p>Although both of these <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-automation-frameworks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automation testing frameworks</a> bring distinctive advantages for the testers, there are a few differences that you should consider when choosing one tool that suits your needs the best.</p>



<h3 id="h-installing"><span id="Installing">Installing</span></h3>



<p><strong>Cypress:</strong> Installing Cypress is straightforward. Use npm to install Cypress globally, and then initialize the project with a simple command. Use the below command:</p>



<p><em>npm install cypress &#8211;save-dev</em></p>



<p><strong>Puppeteer:</strong> Puppeteer is installed via npm as well. After installing Puppeteer, it automatically downloads a compatible version of Chromium. Use the below command:</p>



<p><em>npm install puppeteer &#8211;save-dev</em></p>



<h3 id="h-when-should-you-use"><span id="When_Should_You_Use">When Should You Use</span></h3>



<p><strong>Cypress:</strong> Choose Cypress when focusing on <a href="https://testsigma.com/end-to-end-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">end-to-end testing </a>for modern web applications. Cypress is ideal for projects where real-time interactive testing and quick issue identification are priorities.</p>



<p><strong>Puppeteer:</strong> Opt for Puppeteer when browser automation, especially headless browsing, is the primary requirement. Puppeteer is suitable for scenarios involving web scraping, generating screenshots, or performing tasks without a visible browser interface.</p>



<h3 id="h-when-should-you-not-use"><span id="When_Should_You_Not_Use">When Should You Not Use</span></h3>



<p><strong>Cypress:</strong> Avoid Cypress if your project involves extensive <a href="https://testsigma.com/cross-browser-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cross-browser testing</a>, as Cypress primarily supports Chromium-based browsers.</p>



<p><strong>Puppeteer:</strong> Do not use Puppeteer if your focus is on interactive testing or if you require a testing tool that operates directly within the browser.</p>



<h3 id="h-what-companies-use"><span id="What_Companies_Use">What Companies Use</span></h3>



<p><strong>Cypress:</strong> Companies like GitLab, Shopify, and Trivago leverage Cypress for their testing needs.</p>



<p><strong>Puppeteer:</strong> Google, Netflix, and Alibaba are among the companies utilizing Puppeteer for web automation.</p>



<h3 id="h-test-execution"><span id="Test_Execution">Test Execution</span></h3>



<p><strong>Cypress:</strong> Cypress runs directly in the browser, enabling real-time interactive testing. It provides an easy-to-understand interface and quick feedback on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-execution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test execution</a>.</p>



<p><strong>Puppeteer:</strong> Puppeteer excels in headless mode, allowing for script execution without a visible browser interface. It&#8217;s suitable for automated tasks and scenarios where a visible browser is not required.</p>



<h3 id="h-features"><span id="Features">Features</span></h3>



<p><strong>Cypress:</strong> It offers features like automatic waiting, real-time reloading, and seamless debugging. It supports JavaScript-based testing and has an extensive set of commands for robust test scripts.</p>



<p><strong>Puppeteer:</strong> It provides capabilities for web scraping, taking screenshots, generating PDFs, and interacting with pages in headless mode.</p>



<h3 id="h-benefits"><span id="Benefits">Benefits</span></h3>



<p><strong>Cypress:</strong> Fast test execution, real-time observation, user-friendly interface, and interactive testing capabilities to promote collaboration between developers and testers.</p>



<p><strong>Puppeteer:</strong> Beneficial for headless browser automation, supporting web scrapping and performance reporting.</p>



<h3 id="h-limitations"><span id="Limitations">Limitations</span></h3>



<p><strong>Cypress:</strong> Limited cross-browser support and challenges in handling multiple tabs or windows. It may experience slower execution times in large test suites.</p>



<p><strong>Puppeteer:</strong> Not suitable for interactive testing scenarios, and the focus on headless browsing limit its applicability for certain use cases.</p>



<h3 id="h-pricing"><span id="Pricing">Pricing</span></h3>



<p><strong>Cypress:</strong> Both free and paid versions are available.</p>



<p><strong>Puppeteer:</strong> Free of cost.</p>



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<h2 id="h-which-is-better-cypress-vs-puppeteer"><span id="Which_is_Better_8211_Cypress_vs_Puppeteer">Which is Better &#8211; Cypress vs Puppeteer?</span></h2>



<p>The answer truly depends upon the requirements your testing team carries. Cypress brings a few advantages to the shore, whereas Puppeteer provides other benefits. If you are looking for faster test execution, interactive test capabilities, and a tool that runs directly within the browser, Cypress should be your ideal choice. Alternatively, Puppeteer is the right choice if your test focus lies in web scrapping, headlines test automation, and capturing test screenshots.</p>



<p>Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific testing goals, team expertise, and the features that align best with your project requirements. Consider evaluating both tools in a small-scale test scenario to see which one better meets your needs.</p>



<p>The comparison of these two tools in the form of a table below can help you clarify doubts regarding, which tool is right for you.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Cypress</strong></td><td><strong>Puppeteer</strong></td></tr><tr><td>End-to-end testing of web apps</td><td>Headless browser automation</td></tr><tr><td>Chromiun-based browsers</td><td>Chromium (can be extended to Chrome)</td></tr><tr><td>Real-time extensive testing</td><td>Limited real-time testing; primarily, headless operation</td></tr><tr><td>Visible browser interaction</td><td>Optional: Headless Mode Available&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Uses JavaScript</td><td>Uses JavaScript (Node.js)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>It is User-Friendly, but steeper for Beginners</td><td>Moderate learning curve, requires JavaScript Skills</td></tr><tr><td>Limited support for cross-browser testing</td><td>Requires additional configuration for cross-browser testing</td></tr><tr><td>Supports real-time debugging</td><td>Offers comprehensive debugging with screenshots</td></tr><tr><td>Open-source and paid options present</td><td>Open-source</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="h-alternative-tool-for-cypress-and-puppeteer"><span id="Alternative_Tool_for_Cypress_and_Puppeteer">Alternative Tool for Cypress and Puppeteer</span></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1600" height="804" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/23165645/unnamed-28.png" alt="Alternative Tool for Cypress and Puppeteer" class="wp-image-46715" srcset="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/23165645/unnamed-28.png 1600w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/23165645/unnamed-28-768x386.png 768w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/23165645/unnamed-28-1536x772.png 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></figure>



<p>In case you wish not to limit the testing benefits by choosing either Cypress or the Puppeteer, an alternative that brings features of both the tools together should be on your list. Testsigma comes equipped with a myriad of attributes that overcome the challenges faced due to Cypress and Puppeteer. Unlike Cypress, Testsigma offers creation of browser-agnostic tests in simple english and provides access to over 3000+ devices and browsers for testing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As a <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/puppeteer-alternatives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Puppeteer alternative</a> , Testsigma brings headless testing that supports a wide range of testing types, including web, mobile, and API testing. Not to mention that Testsigma aims to reduce the learning curve by providing a scriptless, no-code interface for test creation.</p>



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<h2 id="h-conclusion"><span id="Conclusion">Conclusion</span></h2>



<p>Determining which tool works best for you in the long run is more than just checking the price of those test automation tools. Rather it takes into account various factors, such as ease of use, integration capabilities, benefits and limitations, and use cases. Cypress vs Puppeteer comparison takes all these differences into consideration to guide you through the selection process. And if nothing else works, Testsigma is available to fill the gap of test automation tools in the present market.</p>



<p>Consider this blog a detailed guide to making the right decision when it comes to selecting either Cypress or Puppeteer.</p>



<h2 id="h-frequently-asked-questions"><span id="Frequently_Asked_Questions">Frequently Asked Questions</span></h2>



<h3 id="h-is-cypress-better-than-puppeteer"><span id="Is_Cypress_better_than_Puppeteer">Is Cypress better than Puppeteer?</span></h3>



<p>Cypress is only better than Puppeteer if it meets your testing project needs better than latter. The choice between Cypress and Puppeteer depends on the testing requirements. Cypress excels in end-to-end testing with real-time interactive capabilities, making it ideal for modern web applications. Puppeteer, developed by Google, focuses on headless browser automation, making it versatile for tasks like web scraping and generating screenshots.</p>



<h3 id="h-what-is-the-difference-between-puppeteer-and-cypress"><span id="What_is_the_difference_between_Puppeteer_and_Cypress">What is the difference between Puppeteer and Cypress?</span></h3>



<p>Again, the difference lies in the use case. Cypress is designed for end-to-end testing of modern web applications with real-time interactivity. Puppeteer, on the other hand, is more focused on headless browser automation, suitable for web scraping and tasks without a visible browser interface.</p>


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