Mobile Browser Testing:  Comprehensive Guide, Best Practices & Tools


<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In the early stages of any SDLC, it may not be feasible to run tests on real desktop and mobile devices. This is because the code is still in an immature stage, and many teams may not have the budget to access a real device cloud from the first test.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The solution? Browser emulators.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This article will define browser emulators and discuss their benefits and usability in testing websites within QA funnels.&nbsp;</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_a_browser_emulator"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> What is a browser emulator?</a></li><li><a href="#Common_features_of_the_Browser_Emulators"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Common features of the Browser Emulators</a></li><li><a href="#The_role_of_browser_emulators_in_Quality_Engineering"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> The role of browser emulators in Quality Engineering</a></li><li><a href="#Benefits_of_testing_on_browser_emulators"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Benefits of testing on browser emulators</a><ul><li><a href="#Cost-effective_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.1</span> Cost-effective testing</a></li><li><a href="#Support_for_responsive_testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.2</span> Support for responsive testing</a></li><li><a href="#Early-stage_debugging"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.3</span> Early-stage debugging</a></li><li><a href="#Easy_and_quick_scaling"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">4.4</span> Easy and quick scaling</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Drawbacks_of_browser_emulators"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Drawbacks of browser emulators</a><ul><li><a href="#Gaps_inaccuracy"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.1</span> Gaps inaccuracy</a></li><li><a href="#Incomplete_hardware_emulation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.2</span> Incomplete hardware emulation</a></li><li><a href="#Network_discrepancies"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.3</span> Network discrepancies</a></li><li><a href="#Gaps_in_browser-specific_features"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.4</span> Gaps in browser-specific features</a></li><li><a href="#Limitations_in_accessibility_and_security_features"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.5</span> Limitations in accessibility and security features</a></li><li><a href="#Limited_support_for_olderniche_browsers_dependence_on_updates"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">5.6</span> Limited support for older/niche browsers &amp; dependence on updates</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#How_to_use_a_browser_emulator_online"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> How to use a browser emulator online</a></li><li><a href="#Can_testers_depend_on_browser_emulators_for_100_accurate_test_results"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Can testers depend on browser emulators for 100% accurate test results?</a></li><li><a href="#Instead_of_browser_emulators_test_on_real_devices_on_the_cloud"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Instead of browser emulators, test on real devices on the cloud</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-is-a-browser-emulator"><span id="What_is_a_browser_emulator">What is a browser emulator?</span></h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A browser emulator is an application or environment that replicates the functions, design, and user-facing behavior of an actual web browser. For example, an online browser emulator can replicate the MacOS on a Windows machine, letting you test apps on Safari without having to get a MacBook.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Emulators are used by analysts, devs, and testers to run applications for usage, testing, and debugging. They don’t need the actual browser, just the emulator.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Testing on a browser emulator is not a replacement for testing on real browsers, devices, and OSes. But it is perfect for testing sites at the early stages of development.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="common-features-of-the-browser-emulators"><span id="Common_features_of_the_Browser_Emulators">Common features of the Browser Emulators</span></h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Replicates different browsers on different platforms (with some reduced functions).&nbsp;</li><li>Simulates web page rendering with JavaScript, CSS, and DOM manipulation support.&nbsp;</li><li>Automates user actions like clicking, form inputs, moving between pages, and so on.&nbsp;</li><li>Allows adjustments in screen dimensions, device orientation, network conditions, location, etc.&nbsp;</li><li>Emulates browser APIs for geolocation, local storage, session storage, etc.&nbsp;</li><li>Allows for programmatically crawling and scraping web pages with visible browser interaction.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="the-role-of-browser-emulators-in-quality-engineering"><span id="The_role_of_browser_emulators_in_Quality_Engineering">The role of browser emulators in Quality Engineering</span></h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">At the early stages of software development, browser emulators can take on a set of roles that help push code with some testing. Browser emulators can be used for&nbsp;</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Cross browser testing</li><li>Functional testing</li><li>Performance testing</li><li>Responsive design testing</li></ul>



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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, it is always recommended to run security tests, accessibility tests, regression tests, and all pre-production tests on real devices.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="benefits-of-testing-on-browser-emulators"><span id="Benefits_of_testing_on_browser_emulators">Benefits of testing on browser emulators</span></h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="cost-effective-testing"><span id="Cost-effective_testing">Cost-effective testing</span></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When you test on a web browser emulator, you don’t need immediate access to real browsers, devices, and OS. A single browser emulator can replicate multiple environments, cutting down the need for real device access from the first stage of development.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Test your mobile apps and websites on real devices on the cloud &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/online-android-emulator">Try for Free</a></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="support-for-responsive-testing"><span id="Support_for_responsive_testing">Support for responsive testing</span></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Emulators are useful for checking how the site renders on browsers load on different device sizes. For example, what would your site look like on Safari mobile vs Safari desktop? What about its functionality when Safari is running on different iPhones? These are questions the browser emulators can answer.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="early-stage-debugging"><span id="Early-stage_debugging">Early-stage debugging</span></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Testing on browser emulators can help QA engineers identify JavaScript errors, layout anomalies, and console warnings. It works fairly well for DOM inspection, network monitoring, and performance profiling.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="easy-and-quick-scaling"><span id="Easy_and_quick_scaling">Easy and quick scaling</span></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The low cost and high efficiency of emulators make them a great option to scale tests quickly. For example, if you’d like to run a new feature through a preliminary set of tests, a robust browser emulator works perfectly. Set up a series of emulated browsers for the initial round of checks.&nbsp;</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="drawbacks-of-browser-emulators"><span id="Drawbacks_of_browser_emulators">Drawbacks of browser emulators<gwmw style="display:none;"></span></h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="gaps-inaccuracy"><span id="Gaps_inaccuracy">Gaps inaccuracy<gwmw style="display:none;"></span></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">No browser emulator can replace the real browser. If it could, no one would bother using or upgrading the actual browser.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Often, visual elements and animations do not render on emulators the way they do on real devices. This leads to overlooking UI bugs that tarnish end-user experience.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In particular, emulators are unsuitable for monitoring website behavior for complex scenarios and edge cases. Browser emulators leave too many real-world variables uncertain because they simply cannot replicate them. Instead, you can choose to run your tests on a cloud-based <a href="https://testsigma.com/test-lab" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test lab</a> to test your apps and websites on real devices and browsers.<gwmw style="display:none;"></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="incomplete-hardware-emulation"><span id="Incomplete_hardware_emulation">Incomplete hardware emulation</span></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Online Browser emulators cannot completely recreate hardware behaviors like CPU performance variations, multi-touch gestures, device-specific bugs, and touchscreen sensitivity. It certainly cannot support advanced features like gyroscopes, fingerprint scanners, or accelerometers.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="network-discrepancies"><span id="Network_discrepancies">Network discrepancies</span></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Conditions like high or low latency or packet loss are not always accurately simulated by browser emulators. If the emulator in question runs on high-resource developer machines, it may not work properly on lower-end devices.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="gaps-in-browser-specific-features"><span id="Gaps_in_browser-specific_features">Gaps in browser-specific features</span></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Most browser emulators cannot support plugins and extensions, leaving gaps in tests. Proprietary APIs and experimental features are also impossible to emulate for most accessible emulators.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This takes away from the accuracy of test results, leaving emulator-tested websites riddled with bugs that users will find.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="limitations-in-accessibility-and-security-features"><span id="Limitations_in_accessibility_and_security_features">Limitations in accessibility and security features</span></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Emulators can mimic a few accessibility settings but are reportedly not great at fully replicating screen readers, braille displays, and voice-to-text conversions.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Additionally, emulators are not recommended for security testing as they cannot recreate the browser backend—browser-specific exploits, cookies, and session management. Security tests verify the mechanisms that will safeguard sensitive information, but this cannot be accomplished on a tool that can’t replicate all real-world scenarios, such as cross-origin attacks.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="limited-support-for-older-niche-browsers-dependence-on-updates"><span id="Limited_support_for_olderniche_browsers_dependence_on_updates">Limited support for older/niche browsers &amp; dependence on updates</span></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Many emulators cannot accurately recreate older browser version environments. They face similar issues when emulating browsers with unique rendering engines. You may not be able to replicate browsers for niche operating systems or device specifications.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Emulators also have to keep being updated regularly; if they aren’t, they will lag in real-world scenarios. Similarly, truly effective emulators for newer browsers take time to release, and depending on them delays your entire test pipeline.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-to-use-a-browser-emulator-online"><span id="How_to_use_a_browser_emulator_online">How to use a browser emulator online</span></h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Browser emulators do not let users mimic real-world scenarios with 100% accuracy. It is best to choose a test automation platform that supports real device testing for automating browser tests. Testsigma is a codeless GenAI-powered test automation platform that offers a real device cloud for testing on actual devices and not emulators.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With Testsigma, you can achieve maximum device coverage and ship apps that are responsive, compatible, and functional on all browser combinations. It allows QA to automate web, mobile, desktop, API, SAP, and Salesforce tests across 3000+ real devices and browsers.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="can-testers-depend-on-browser-emulators-for-100-accurate-test-results"><span id="Can_testers_depend_on_browser_emulators_for_100_accurate_test_results">Can testers depend on browser emulators for 100% accurate test results?</span></h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">No.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Browser emulators can do a great deal to verify a website’s compatibility, functionality, and performance. However, as the previous section on “Drawbacks” reveals, there are too many gaps in production-level accuracy for emulator tests to reflect real-world conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Emulators miss out on hardware-based features, cannot faithfully replicate real-world user activity loads, and don’t support many browser APIs, plugins, or experimental features. They also cannot mimic the strained network connectivity users often have to deal with in their actual lives.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">All these factors make browser emulators unsuitable for pre-release testing. Real devices must come into play, and tests must be designed to test the website in practical user scenarios.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="instead-of-browser-emulators-test-on-real-devices-on-the-cloud"><span id="Instead_of_browser_emulators_test_on_real_devices_on_the_cloud">Instead of browser emulators, test on real devices on the cloud</span></h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It is certainly not possible for every QA team to buy, maintain, and upgrade a vast repository of devices. The financial and human resources required to set up and manage such an in-house device lab would be too much for most businesses.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The solution is to run all software tests on a cloud hosting real desktop and mobile devices—a cloud very much like the one offered by Testsigma. Create, execute, and manage tests entirely on the cloud, and get rid of all your infrastructure overhead.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Here are some features that make Testsigma the ideal solution for testing teams across industries:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Testsigma Copilot is a GenAI assistant that provides automated test cases and scenario suggestions within seconds.</li><li>Build automated tests in plain English. No coding is involved, manual testers can transition faster to automation tests, and with much less effort.&nbsp;</li><li>Test multiple application types—web, mobile (Android and iOS), API, SAP, Salesforce, and desktop applications—from a single platform.&nbsp;</li><li>Tests self-heal, i.e., adjust in response to any changes in the application’s source code.&nbsp;</li><li>Create test cases by simply interacting with elements on the website. The steps are recorded and can be placed in sequence to create the test case.&nbsp;</li><li>Club test cases into test plans for easier management and execution.&nbsp;</li><li>Enhanced test data management via dynamic test data generation and integration of data from external sources (CSV, Excel, databases).&nbsp;</li><li>AI-enabled test maintenance: finds and fixes broken tests automatically to manage changes to the application.&nbsp;</li><li>Detailed and real-time analytics: pass/fail status, screenshots, logs, and other pre-determined performance metrics.&nbsp;</li><li>Create reusable tests that work across multiple test cases.</li><li>Real-time, built-in version control and shared test artifacts for easier collaboration.&nbsp;</li><li>Combine functional and UI tests and automate user actions for faster and leaner execution.</li><li>Add new users to testing projects with a couple of clicks.&nbsp;</li></ul>


<p>The best way to gauge Testsigma’s value is to just use it. <a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" data-wplink-edit="true">Sign up for Testsigma</a> and try the tool for free. Build tests in plain English and manage them from a single dashboard. Run tests on multiple device clouds and get detailed results that break issues down to the test step. </p>


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<p>After that, if you’re ready to 10X the accuracy and efficiency of your test cycles, <a href="https://testsigma.com/contactus">let’s talk </a>about magnifying your ROI. </p>


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<ts-linktext-value>Emulate Safari</ts-linktext-value>
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<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Cross Browser Testing</ts-linktext-value>
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<ts-linktext-value>How to Test a Website on Different Browsers</ts-linktext-value>
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Browser Emulator: What It Is & How Efficient Is It to Test Website?

How to Emulate Chrome Browser Online?

How to Emulate the Latest Safari Browser for Testing Websites in 2022

How to Test Safari Browser Without a Mac: 2026 Guide


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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Browser compatibility testing checklist? Website testing checklist? Or website QA testing checklist? Although the names vary, what stays common is that the need and importance of this checklist will define your site&#8217;s veritable success.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#All_About_Cross_Browser_Testing_Checklist_You_Need_to_Know"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> All About Cross Browser Testing Checklist You Need to Know:</a></li><li><a href="#Cross_Browser_Testing_Checklist_for_General_Browser_Compatibility"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Cross Browser Testing Checklist for General Browser Compatibility </a></li><li><a href="#Cross_Browser_Testing_Checklist_for_Layout_and_Design"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Cross Browser Testing Checklist for Layout and Design:</a></li><li><a href="#Cross_Browser_Testing_Checklist_of_Functional_Compatibility"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Cross Browser Testing Checklist of Functional Compatibility:</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Decide_Which_Browsers_to_Test_on"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> How to Decide Which Browsers to Test on?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Find_the_Right_Balance_While_Choosing_Browsers"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> How to Find the Right Balance While Choosing Browsers?</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="9q7r"><span id="All_About_Cross_Browser_Testing_Checklist_You_Need_to_Know"><strong>All About Cross Browser Testing Checklist You Need to Know:</strong></span></h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There are some prerequisites for Cross Browser testing that you should review before beginning cross-browser testing.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Define the scope of testing how much testing will be done, when it will be done, and how much functionality will be covered?</li>



<li>Create a plan for cross-browser testing &#8211; Which browsers (and versions thereof) will be used, as well as which operating systems and devices? What combinations will be tested?</li>



<li>Select the appropriate tool- Choose the best automation cross-browser testing tool from the options offered. During the selection process, we may ask questions such as. </li>
</ul>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Consider the cross-browser testing checklist into parts, which will help you execute testing in the best way forward:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>By Testing General Browser Compatibility</li>



<li>Validating Layout and Design</li>



<li>Ensuring the Functional Compatibility</li>
</ul>



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  <p class="goto-para">
  Also Read:
    <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/compatibility-testing/" class="goto-link">Compatibility Testing</a>
  </p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="1qf6e"><span id="Cross_Browser_Testing_Checklist_for_General_Browser_Compatibility"><strong>Cross Browser Testing Checklist for General Browser Compatibility </strong></span></h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/web-app-testing-checklist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website Testing checklist</a> tests the critical features for the website to work correctly. Some of the most important ones are listed below:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Validate the CSS, HTML and XHTML. This will ensure that all code meets relevant standards and that there are no open tags.</li>



<li>Validate the SSL certificate. Some SSL certificates are not compatible with all browser versions, so checking this before proceeding is essential. You also need to know who owns the website domain you&#8217;re using.</li>



<li>Take care of visual elements; validate the fonts, fields, and design.</li>



<li>To ensure that web pages are displayed correctly on various screens with different size ratios and resolutions, it is crucial to verify that they work effectively on multiple screens. Browsers may apply their default styles to your website by default. Chrome, for example, will add a default margin to your website – a minor but perceptible difference if you pick a darker background color.</li>
</ul>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">To resolve this, you can use some code to reset the defaults, removing the mystery of why some styles differ in different browsers.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>It is also essential to verify the DOCTYPE instructions on every webpage. Define the language in which the code is written at the start of your HTML file(s) so that browsers can appropriately read it. This ensures that all browsers will parse the web pages similarly.</li>



<li>Since API calls can differ between browsers, you must be cautious if your application uses APIs. It would be best to ensure that the APIs used are compatible across various browsers to avoid compatibility issues.</li>



<li>Another essential thing to do is verify the HTML&#8217;s X-UA-Compatibility meta tag. This helps to overturn a user&#8217;s compatibility view setting in Internet Explorer for your website.</li>



<li>Both points are crucial for ensuring that your website is accessible and secure for all users.</li>
</ul>



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  <p class="goto-para">
  Also Read:
    <a href="https://testsigma.com/website-testing" class="goto-link">Website Testing</a>
  </p>
</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="1r4b2"><span id="Cross_Browser_Testing_Checklist_for_Layout_and_Design"><strong>Cross Browser Testing Checklist for Layout and Design:</strong></span></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="1208" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/11171252/Cross-Browser-Testing-Checklist.webp" alt="Cross Browser Testing Checklist" class="wp-image-60701" srcset="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/11171252/Cross-Browser-Testing-Checklist.webp 800w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/11171252/Cross-Browser-Testing-Checklist-768x1160.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Layout and Design checklist is essential for ensuring that your webpage is visually pleasing and consistent across all browsers.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Check that the layout, style, and design are consistent in all browsers used for Cross Browser Compatibility Testing.</li>



<li>All images present should be in standard resolution.</li>



<li>Check the correctness of Basic alignment settings on all browsers and operating systems used for Cross Browser Compatibility Testing.</li>



<li>Make sure all fonts and designs are incorporated correctly and consistent in size, colors, etc., on all browsers used.</li>



<li>Ensure that everything looks and functions correctly across all different browsers. This includes ensuring that all boxes and forms are aligned perfectly, that colors are uniform, and that headers and footers are consistent.</li>



<li>Check the site&#8217;s responsiveness on different browsers and ensure that data is aligned correctly.</li>



<li>Check browser compatibility for any audio or video formats you&#8217;re using.</li>



<li>Ensure the source code doesn&#8217;t contain typos or other errors.</li>



<li>Check that the zoom-in and zoom-out functions work correctly.</li>



<li>Hover over elements with the mouse to ensure they can be selected correctly.</li>



<li>Check that all drop-down menus show all the available options.</li>



<li>Test the navigation between web pages to ensure it&#8217;s fast and accurate.</li>



<li>Check that pop-up appear correctly and consistently on all browsers.</li>



<li>Make sure that any tables or grids on the website are aligned correctly.</li>
</ul>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Taking these steps can help ensure that your website looks great and works well no matter what browser someone uses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="24bjb"><span id="Cross_Browser_Testing_Checklist_of_Functional_Compatibility"><strong>Cross Browser Testing</strong> <strong>Checklist of Functional Compatibility:</strong></span></h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Use the functional checklist below to ensure that all website functions work as expected in all browsers used for Cross Browser Compatibility Testing:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Verify that all plugins integrated into the website are compatible with all browsers.</li>



<li>When downloading and uploading, verify that the formats of files (text, images, videos, etc.) are compatible.</li>



<li>Verify jQuery and AJAX functionalities.</li>



<li>Ensure that search results are accurate, navigation links work correctly, and an error page appears when the website does not respond.</li>



<li>Ensure all functions (e.g., saving data, importing and exporting, submission) are working correctly.</li>



<li>Check that flash is working properly and that any animations function correctly across browsers.</li>



<li>Ensure device interaction (keyboard, mouse) is uniform across different browsers.</li>



<li>Ensure script validation across different browsers.</li>



<li>Test the ability to handle different loads on different browsers.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-to-decide-which-browsers-to-test-on"><span id="How_to_Decide_Which_Browsers_to_Test_on"><strong>How to Decide Which Browsers to Test on?</strong></span></h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Making a decision on which browsers to test boils down primarily to two ideas: your user demographics and your testing capacity.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Here is a simplified breakdown:</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>1. Who are your users?</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Identify the browsers that your website visitors are already using.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">You need to identify your target audience: consider the people you want to reach. For a business audience, it is likely that they mostly use Chrome or Firefox. If your target users are iPhone owners, then testing on Safari is essential.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>2.</strong> <strong>So how many browsers should you be testing?</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Test on the popular browsers first such as Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge— these are among the most popular browsers used by people all over the world.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you cannot test on all browsers: prioritize those most frequently used by the people you are targeting.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Do not forget about older browsers because some users might still use them. Although in general cases this number is quite small, decide if it is important to test on them based on your audience and available resources.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Here are a few examples:</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For a news website with a worldwide audience, consider testing on Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge as these browsers collectively reach a significant user base.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When it comes to a business-oriented application, you may want to consider prioritizing Chrome and Firefox as they are widely recognized for their compatibility with office tasks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-to-find-the-right-balance-while-choosing-browsers"><span id="How_to_Find_the_Right_Balance_While_Choosing_Browsers"><strong>How to Find the Right Balance While Choosing Browsers</strong>?</span></h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Picking the right combination of browsers, devices, and operating systems to test on is vital to businesses. Hence, finding the right balance depends heavily on the financial resources the business can spare and its specific needs. Finding the right balance of testing minimum combinations is essential to ensure maximum usage and a positive user experience.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">After deciding which browsers to test, selecting an appropriate automation tool is the next step. Testsigma can assist in this regard. To learn more, sign up for a free trial of Testsigma now.</p>



<div class="cta-banner-v2">
<div class="title-with-description ">
<p class="title">Testsigma is such a tool that provides AI-enabled cross-browser testing</p>
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<a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" class="cta-btn-v1" rel="noopener">Try for free</a>
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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/migrated_images/image_effdcf1733087b9799f101cb6b089e00_800.png_1748947720.png" alt="Testsigma Cross Browser Compatibility -2"/></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With the above Cross-browser testing checklist, you can ensure that your website is at its best in the market and beyond. Testsigma is your go-to tool for performing cross-browser testing. Testsigma provides a platform to run manual and automated tests using different frameworks and languages. It is designed to be user-friendly so that everyone, including SMEs &amp; QAs, can write automated tests using simple English. The platform provides access to 2000+ real desktops, and iOS &amp; Android browsers for cross-browser tests online. In addition, it is highly scalable, so tests can be run in parallel on the cloud-based test lab.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Moreover, it can generate screen types for a wide range of devices, creating multiple possibilities to try different combinations to ensure the highest quality of your page. With the help of this platform, a tester can find bugs quickly and communicate with the team to address them. It also has a dashboard that displays the test status and progress. Hence, it is a good option for organizations looking for a simplified testing platform that supports <a href="https://testsigma.com/cross-browser-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cross-browser testing.</a></p>



<div class="cta-banner-v2">
<div class="title-with-description ">
<p class="title">Access to 2000+ real desktops, and iOS &amp; Android browsers for cross-browser tests online</p>
</div>
<a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-cross-browser-testing-tool" target="_blank" class="cta-btn-v1" rel="noopener">Explore Testsigma</a>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="5p49o"><span id="Conclusion"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/9-tips-to-avoid-cross-browser-compatibility-issues-from-the-start/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cross Browser compatibility testing</a> is essential to ensure your website functions correctly across different browsers, operating systems, and devices. The browser compatibility testing checklist can be used to ensure you don&#8217;t miss any critical details that could cause problems later on. By following this checklist, you can be sure that your website will work correctly for everyone.</p>



<customlinks>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Compatibility Testing</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/guides/compatibility-testing/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Multi-Channel Testing</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/multi-channel-testing/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Cross Browser Compatibility Testing Issues</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/9-tips-to-avoid-cross-browser-compatibility-issues-from-the-start/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
</customlinks>


Cross Browser Compatibility Testing Checklist: The Do's and Dont's cover

Cross Browser Testing Checklist: The Do’s and Dont’s


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<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><span data-offset-key="dhb19-0-0">When you build a web application, it must work well across various OS platforms and browsers. In simple terms, verifying the web application&#8217;s performance and compatibility is necessary. In recent trends,  automation testing is a top-notch framework that automates the effort of manual testing. Selenium is one such tool that fits well in this scenario. In this blog post, let&#8217;s understand how to perform cross browser testing using Selenium WebDriver.</span></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It&#8217;s not fair to ask users to access your application with a specific browser. To reach out to the maximum number of users, you need to cater to all the devices and platforms they use. Since there are various web browsers in the market, the choice of usage should be left to the user. Different users use different browsers based on their comfort. It’s the job of the test engineer to ensure that the application works well on all the widely used browsers. This urges the need for testing the application code on different platforms. This is where <a href="https://testsigma.com/cross-browser-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cross browser testing</a> comes into the picture, the type of testing which verifies that a website works accurately in all browsers<strong>. </strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The main goal is to verify that the website you’re developing runs perfectly on all targeted browsers and operating systems. Testers can either run manual tests or use automated tools like Selenium WebDriver. It helps save you time, as you need not reinstall your browsers multiple times.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Cross_Browser_Testing_using_Selenium"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> Cross Browser Testing using Selenium</a></li><li><a href="#How_Does_Selenium_Help_With_Cross-Browser_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> How Does Selenium Help With Cross-Browser Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Step-by-Step_Guide_On_How_To_Perform_Cross_Browser_Testing_In_Selenium"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Step-by-Step Guide On How To Perform Cross Browser Testing In Selenium</a><ul><li><a href="#Step_1_Set_Up_Your_Environment"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.1</span> Step 1: Set Up Your Environment</a></li><li><a href="#Step_2_Choose_a_Test_Framework"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.2</span> Step 2: Choose a Test Framework</a></li><li><a href="#Step_3_Write_Browser-Specific_Code"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.3</span> Step 3: Write Browser-Specific Code</a></li><li><a href="#Step_4_Write_Your_Test_Case"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.4</span> Step 4: Write Your Test Case</a></li><li><a href="#Step_5_Run_Tests_for_Multiple_Browsers"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.5</span> Step 5: Run Tests for Multiple Browsers</a></li><li><a href="#Step_6_Analyze_Results"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">3.6</span> Step 6: Analyze Results</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Best_Practices_to_do_Cross_Browser_Testing_in_Selenium"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Best Practices to do Cross Browser Testing in Selenium</a></li><li><a href="#Cross_Browser_Testing_in_Selenium_8211_How_Testsigma_can_help"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Cross Browser Testing in Selenium &#8211; How Testsigma can help?</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="9o12o"><span id="Cross_Browser_Testing_using_Selenium"><strong>Cross Browser Testing using Selenium</strong></span></h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As mentioned earlier, Selenium is the most popular automated testing tool for various functions. Browser testing is one of the many features supported by Selenium.</p>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Selenium WebDriver enables you to automate test cases on Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari browsers.</li>



<li>You can integrate the TestNG framework with Selenium WebDriver to run your test cases on different browsers.</li>



<li>You can analyze performance for cross-browser compatibility.</li>
</ol>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Read on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/selenium-based-automated-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Selenium Based Automation Testing</a> to gain deeper insights into the various components of Selenium.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-selenium-help-with-cross-browser-testing"><span id="How_Does_Selenium_Help_With_Cross-Browser_Testing"><strong>How Does Selenium Help With Cross-Browser Testing?</strong></span></h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Selenium WebDriver works with Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Internet Explorer, ensuring your application behaves consistently across all major browsers.</li>



<li>Simulates real user actions like clicks, form entries, and navigation to detect browser-specific functionality or layout issues.</li>



<li>Enables testing on different operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and Linux, supporting a broader user base.</li>



<li>Allows writing tests in various programming languages (like Java, Python, C#, etc.), making it easy to integrate into existing workflows.</li>



<li>Allows running tests in parallel across multiple browsers and environments, speeding up test execution and improving coverage.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-step-by-step-guide-on-how-to-perform-cross-browser-testing-in-selenium"><span id="Step-by-Step_Guide_On_How_To_Perform_Cross_Browser_Testing_In_Selenium"><strong>Step-by-Step Guide On How To Perform Cross Browser Testing In Selenium</strong></span></h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Here, we will discuss how to do cross browser testing in Selenium, the setup required, etc.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="step-1-set-up-your-environment"><span id="Step_1_Set_Up_Your_Environment"><strong>Step 1: Set Up Your Environment</strong></span></h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Install Java/Python (based on your preferred language). Download and configure Selenium WebDriver.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="step-2-choose-a-test-framework"><span id="Step_2_Choose_a_Test_Framework"><strong>Step 2: Choose a Test Framework</strong></span></h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>For Java, use TestNG or JUnit; for Python, use PyTest or unittest. These frameworks allow parameterization for different browsers</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="step-3-write-browser-specific-code"><span id="Step_3_Write_Browser-Specific_Code"><strong>Step 3: Write Browser-Specific Code</strong></span></h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Example in Java (TestNG):</p>



<styled-code>

WebDriver driver;

@BeforeMethod
@Parameters(&#8220;browser&#8221;)
public void setUp(String browser) {
    if (browser.equalsIgnoreCase(&#8220;chrome&#8221;)) {
        System.setProperty(&#8220;webdriver.chrome.driver&#8221;, &#8220;path/to/chromedriver&#8221;);
        driver = new ChromeDriver();
    } else if (browser.equalsIgnoreCase(&#8220;firefox&#8221;)) {
        System.setProperty(&#8220;webdriver.gecko.driver&#8221;, &#8220;path/to/geckodriver&#8221;);
        driver = new FirefoxDriver();
    } else if (browser.equalsIgnoreCase(&#8220;edge&#8221;)) {
        System.setProperty(&#8220;webdriver.edge.driver&#8221;, &#8220;path/to/edgedriver&#8221;);
        driver = new EdgeDriver();
    }
    driver.manage().window().maximize();
}

</styled-code>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-step-4-write-your-test-case"><span id="Step_4_Write_Your_Test_Case"><strong>Step 4: Write Your Test Case</strong></span></h3>



<styled-code>

@Test
public void openGoogle() {
    driver.get(&#8220;https://www.google.com&#8221;);
    Assert.assertEquals(driver.getTitle(), &#8220;Google&#8221;);
}

</styled-code>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-step-5-run-tests-for-multiple-browsers"><span id="Step_5_Run_Tests_for_Multiple_Browsers"><strong>Step 5: Run Tests for Multiple Browsers</strong></span></h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Use a testng.xml file or command-line parameters to execute the same test across multiple browsers.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-step-6-analyze-results"><span id="Step_6_Analyze_Results"><strong>Step 6: Analyze Results</strong></span></h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>You can check the output in the console or use test reports (TestNG, Allure, Extent Reports) to verify which browsers passed/failed.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="best-practices-to-do-cross-browser-testing-in-selenium"><span id="Best_Practices_to_do_Cross_Browser_Testing_in_Selenium"><strong>Best Practices to do Cross Browser Testing in Selenium</strong></span></h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Some of the best practices to consider while performing cross browser testing in Selenium:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Best practices</strong></td><td><strong>Reasons</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Selecting the right libraries and frameworks</td><td>The most recent CSS or JS frameworks might not be compatible with all browsers. This is important to remember while creating web apps because browsers have various rendering engines. Before using these libraries or frameworks, check browser recommendations to discover if they support them.</td></tr><tr><td>Employ relevant JavaScript libraries and task runners</td><td>Because JavaScript is a crucial component of web app development, it is critical to employ the appropriate JavaScript resources that fulfill site needs and provide consistent browser compatibility.</td></tr><tr><td>Identify and analyze your browser&#8217;s OS configuration</td><td>To effectively perform cross-browser testing with Selenium, you must know the required browser versions and operating systems. We recommend prioritizing combinations likely to be used by the largest segments of your audience.</td></tr><tr><td>Optimize for Internet Explorer</td><td>Internet Explorer does not support advanced CSS styles and frameworks, which can distort design elements. To solve this problem, create a separate style sheet for IE and add some hacks to the doctype.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cross-browser-testing-in-selenium-how-testsigma-can-help"><span id="Cross_Browser_Testing_in_Selenium_8211_How_Testsigma_can_help"><strong>Cross Browser Testing in Selenium &#8211; How Testsigma can help?</strong></span></h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Modern teams need automation testing to build and deploy bug free applications efficiently. Achieving test automation is complicated due to multiple framework setups, complex coding, etc.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Testsigma, a unified test automation platform on a cloud, simplifies and accelerates automation testing for web applications, mobile applications, and APIs. With Testsigma, test engineers, QA team, and business users can create, run and maintain automated tests easily. Simply put, anyone can test high-quality software with <strong>zero coding skills</strong>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Using simple English commands powered by NLP (Natural Language Processing) engine, you can write tests in minutes. With NLP and Integrated <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/api-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">API testing</a> capabilities, teams can achieve in-sprint test automation with minimum effort. With Testsigma, maintaining different servers, operating systems, and mobile devices is no longer a problem.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It comes in two versions. One is free for a lifetime and meant for basic apps. The second one is the pro version which is free for 21 days and later charges a monthly fee.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One can run tests in parallel on different operating systems, browsers, and browser versions. Testsigma offers more than <strong>200 Android</strong> and <strong>iOS </strong>operating systems to run tests. This is how the platform replaces the effort of coding with simple English instructions and built-in functionality.</p>



<div class="cta-banner-v2">
<div class="title-with-description ">
<p class="title">Automate your cross-browser tests, 10x faster, with Testsigma</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="conclusion"><span id="Conclusion"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Cross browser testing lets you check for website compatibility. Selenium is one such automated testing tool, which serves this purpose. It’s up to the developers to deliver an end-user experience that’s consistently delightful across a multitude of browsers and devices.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Testsigma is a fully-managed test automation platform that includes all the core features of the open-source platform, without any infra-requirements. It offers enhanced security, extensive test lab, project and review management, powerful reporting capabilities, etc. Organizations can therefore consider using Testsigma to have a hassle-free and extensive testing process, especially as a <a href="https://testsigma.com/cross-browser-testing-tools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cross browser testing tool</a>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Thus, this brings us to the end of our post on Cross Browser Testing using Selenium WebDriver. If you have any questions or suggestions, drop them in the comment section below.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frequently-asked-questions"><span id="Frequently_Asked_Questions"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></h2>



<div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1754547105040"><strong class="schema-faq-question"><strong>How Does Selenium Help With Cross-Browser Testing?</strong></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Selenium helps test web applications across browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari to ensure consistent behavior. It uses browser-specific drivers to mimic real user interactions and detect browser-specific issues.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1754547117295"><strong class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Why Run Selenium WebDriver Tests On Real Devices?</strong></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Running Selenium tests on real devices provides more accurate results by simulating real-world conditions like screen sizes, touch inputs, and hardware limitations. It helps uncover issues that may not appear in emulators or simulators, ensuring the application works well.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1754547137301"><strong class="schema-faq-question">What Are The Different <strong>Types Of Browser Testing In Selenium</strong>?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Selenium supports different types of browser testing, including cross-browser testing, parallel testing, regression testing, and UI testing. These help ensure the app&#8217;s quality, speed, and consistency.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1754547194408"><strong class="schema-faq-question">How do you test cross-browser compatibility using Selenium?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">To test cross-browser compatibility with Selenium, you must write a test script using Selenium WebDriver, which supports multiple browsers. You can write test cases for each browser individually or use a testing framework such as TestNG to run tests on multiple browsers simultaneously. It&#8217;s crucial to ensure that your application&#8217;s functionality and user interface are consistent across all tested browsers and their versions. You can also use Selenium Grid to run your tests in parallel on multiple machines to speed up your tests. The best option would be going for an end-to-end automation platform like Testsigma.</p> </div> </div>


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