pCloudy vs Perfecto : Which is Perfect for Cloud Testing?

The need for automation testing is growing rapidly, and it’s no longer just limited to functional testing. Today, organizations also require cross-browser testing, cross-platform testing, responsive testing, visual regression testing, and accessibility testing, in addition to end-to-end and API testing. While open-source tools can perform these tests, they don’t provide the infrastructure to run the automation scripts. This means companies need to spend a lot on setting up and maintaining this infrastructure, which can be costly and difficult to scale when demand increases. 

Cloud testing tools provide the environment required to develop and run automation scripts. Which reduces the cost for organizations and eliminates infrastructure maintenance. When it comes to cloud testing – pCloudy, Perfecto, BrowserStack, SauceLabs, LambdaTest, and Testsigma are widely used. pCloudy and Perfecto are primarily focused on mobile testing, with limited capability for desktop web testing. Though they have in-built test automation capability that might be limited. Testsigma is a unified platform that provides all testing requirements into one platform. Let’s make a detailed analysis of pCloudy vs Perfecto and Testsigma.

What is pCloudy?

pCloudy is a cloud execution platform built for mobile test automation execution on the cloud. It also offers no-code automation for mobile, desktop web, and API, However, these capabilities may be limited. pCloudy is built with modern technologies like AI and visual testing, which ease test automation on the cloud. Additionally, pCloudy has a good number of real devices, allowing users to perform compatibility testing with less investment.

What is Perfecto?

Perfecto is a cloud-based enterprise test automation software designed to support testing of web and mobile applications across a wide range of devices, browsers, and operating systems. It adheres to industry-standard security and compliance and ensures data privacy and secure access controls. Because of its unique features, the tool is more reliable and organization-friendly for testing needs. It also supports integration with many test automation frameworks and CI/CD tools, which allows for streamlining the test automation process.

What is Testsigma?

Testsigma is a unified testing platform. It is an AI-driven, no-code test automation platform that combines cloud testing, artificial intelligence, and test management features. Additionally, Testsigma offers API testing and visual testing for both mobile and desktop web devices. It focuses on minimal learning and encourages automation for non-technical users, which increases productivity and reduces costs. Testsigma also supports numerous integrations with many tools, including those related to CI/CD, project management, etc.

Pros and Cons of pCloudy

pCloudy provides many features such as no-code automation, AI-powered visual testing, and seamless CI/CD integrations. pCloudy offers access to a large device farm for manual and automated testing. Since pCloudy is built with mobile testing in mind, its desktop web testing capabilities might be limited. Let’s understand the pros and cons of pCloudy.

Pros of pCloudy

• Real devices: pCloudy provides a wide range of real devices for test execution. It has nearly 5000+ real devices, OS, and browser combinations.
• Test management: pCloudy also has a test management platform that allows tracking both automation and manual test cases in one place, helping make decisions on metrics and progress.
• Codeless automation: It has a codeless automation feature that helps to save time on automation and accelerates automation.
• Visual regression: It integrates visual testing with AI to provide accurate results.
• Advanced capabilities: pCloudy integrates many advanced features using AI like self-healing tests.
• Integration: pCloudy supports integration with many tools, including Appium, Jira, Android Studio, MS App Center, GitHub, Slack, TestComplete, etc.
• Browser Lab and Real Device Lab: It provides features to test applications manually on different operating systems, browsers, and devices.
• Security Certifications: It has many security certifications including SOC 2, ISO 27001, ISO 27018, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, etc

Cons of pCloudy

• Less Device Coverage: pCloudy has less device availability compared to its competitors.
• Limited Customization: pCloudy provides a limited customization option. It cannot be customized to specific testing requirements. Additionally, it is difficult to customize the test environments.
• Availability: Many users have reported device availability issues during peak hours, especially on popular devices.
• Integration with Automation Framework: Though pCloud supports integration with many automation testing frameworks integration with less popular frameworks can be challenging, or sometimes it is not even supported.
• Limited desktop testing: Though it supports desktop web testing, pCloudy is primarily built for mobile testing and has limited desktop features.
• Cost: Cost increases considerably when you perform large-scale testing. Additionally, it may be expensive for small-scale organizations and teams to run on tight budgets.
• Limited Analytics: It supports only basic analytic features. Many users opined that the analytics features can be improved.
• User Experience: Many users opined that the user experience is not smooth across the platform, and that can be improved.

Pros and cons of Perfecto

Perfecto supports testing across multiple devices, browsers, and operating systems. It supports industry-standard security and compliance. It also ensures a secure, scalable testing environment for enterprises. However, Perfecto might be more mobile-focused, and it may have limited features for desktop web automation. Additionally, it may limit the customization of the test environment and the availability of devices on Perfecto might be limited compared to its competitors. Let’s explore the pros and cons of Perfecto.

Pros of Perfecto

• Mobile cloud devices: Perfecto has a large number of mobile devices to test on the cloud. Which allows us to perform mobile testing at scale.
• Native mobile testing features: Perfecto supports native mobile testing features such as GPS, Sensor & Device Settings, GeoLocation, Bluetooth, etc., in the cloud environment.
• Multiple Mobile Cloud Subscription Plans: It offers several subscription plans, including a Private Cloud Plan with advanced features and control over dedicated devices, and a Public Cloud Plan with a wide selection of devices.
• Analytics & Reporting: Perfecto provides unified test reporting with root cause analysis and AI-powered insights.
• Remote Device Testing & App Debugging: Access real remote devices as if connected via USB and debug apps directly from your IDE.
• AI Capabilities: Perfecto integrates AI features like generative data and images, creating and executing tests in plain language, and root cause analysis.
• Integrations: Perfecto supports many tools integrations, including Katalon, Test Modeller, Detox, Jest, Cypress, CircleCI, and others.

Cons of Perfecto

• Scalability: Perfecto provides limited scalability options. It may demand manual setup and maintenance. Based on subscription plans it may also require device reservation.
• Advanced Features: Features like IP Geolocation, 2FA, SIM, Camera, Image & File upload, and Payment Flow are available only on the private cloud, which may incur additional costs.
• Limited Devices: Perfecto provides a limited set of real devices compared to its competitors. Often users find difficulty in finding the required devices.
• Limited Automation Framework Integration: Though it supports popular tools, integrating lesser-known frameworks may be challenging.
• Pricing: Perfecto’s pricing is expensive for smaller teams and teams that have tight budgets.
• Setup and Configuration: Perfecto requires additional configuration for iOS native apps which makes iOS testing challenging.
• Performance Issues: Some users reported inconsistent performance at times.
• Mobile Focused: Perfecto is mobile-focused and offers limited desktop web testing features.
• Steep Learning Curve: Despite its rich UI, users may need training to fully utilize its advanced features.
• Difficulty in Integration: Integration with other tools can require complex configuration.
• Limited Customization: Customization options, including reporting, are limited.

Features of Testsigma

Testsigma is an all-in-one test automation platform. It supports many features that include cloud execution as well. Unlike other tools, here there is no need to subscribe to a cloud execution platform. One can write the test automation scripts and choose the available cloud environment to execute the tests. In addition to cloud execution, it also supports many other features such as Functional Testing, API testing, Visual Testing, etc. All of these tests can be performed using a no-code test automation approach.

• Cloud-Based Tool: Testsigma is a cloud-based test automation tool that doesn’t require installation. Which helps in the easy adoption of test automation.
• User-Friendly Interface: It has a simple, modern design that makes it easy to navigate.
• No-Code Test Automation: You don’t need coding skills to use Testsigma. It allows you to create test automation without complex code.
• Works for Desktop, Web, and Mobile Apps: Testsigma end-to-end UI testing all types of applications—desktop, web, or mobile.
• Supports Various Testing Types: It supports many testing types including functional, end-to-end, visual, API, and data-driven testing.
• Plenty of Testing Environments: Testsigma provides a cloud platform with various environments, including Linux, macOS, Windows, popular browsers, and iOS and Android devices.
• Cross-Browser, Cross-Platform, and Cross-Device Testing: You can run tests across different browsers, platforms, and devices.
• AI-Driven Test Automation: Testsigma uses AI to generate test cases, speed up test cycles, and find bugs early.
• Parallel Testing: Testsigma lets you run tests on multiple platforms at the same time, speeding up the process.
• Multiple Project Management: You can manage and organize multiple projects with customizable roles and user management.
• Scheduled Test Execution: Tests can run automatically on specific days, like daily or weekly.
• Customizable Reports and Dashboards: Testsigma provides easy-to-read reports and dashboards that you can filter and customize. You can also share reports with others and export them in formats like PDF.
• Easy User and Role Management: It’s simple to manage users and assign roles within Testsigma.
• Third-Party Tool Integration: Testsigma integrates with over 30 tools, including JIRA, Jenkins, Azure DevOps, GitHub, and Bamboo.
• Low Learning Curve: Since it’s a no-code tool, it’s easy to learn, even without technical knowledge. Most features are self-explanatory.
• Advanced Salesforce Test Automation: Testsigma also supports advanced Salesforce test automation with features that simplify the process.
• Budget-Friendly: Testsigma offers flexible pricing, reducing costs for training, cloud services, and multiple testing needs.
• Options for Adoption: Testsigma offers a cloud-based version and an on-premise version to meet customer demand.
• Customer Support: Testsigma offers 24×5 customer support via chat, email, phone, and community forums.
• Comprehensive Documentation: Detailed documentation with videos and step-by-step guides makes it easier for users to understand and use all the features.

pCloudy vs Perfecto vs Testsigma

Features	pCloudy	Perfecto	Testsigma
What is	pCloudy is a mobile-focused cloud execution platform. It supports desktop, mobile, and API no-code automation on the cloud.	Perfecto is a cloud execution platform built with a focus on mobile testing. It offers many integration features.	A Unified testing and automation platform built with a focus on mobile, web, and desktop applications. It offers AI capabilities and integration features.
AI features	Yes, auto-healing and assistant features	AI for Root Cause Analysis, Test Creation	AI-Driven Test Automation, Test Generation, and AI assistant features
No code automation	Yes, Limited support	Yes, Limited support	Yes, As a no-code test automation platform offers extensive features
Integration	Supports integration with automation frameworks, CI/CD tools, and other tools	Supports integration with automation frameworks, CI/CD tools, and other tools	Supports integration with CI/CD tools, Project management, and other tools. Offers 30+ tools integration with ease.
Customization	Limited customization	Restricted customization	High Customizability, Custom Reports & Dashboards
Learning curve	Moderate, might require technical expertise while integrating.	Moderate, but might require technical expertise while integrating.	Low, minimal learning curve.
Cost	may be expensive for Large Scale Testing	Pricing may be a concern for small teams	Budget-Friendly, Flexible Pricing
Supported testing types	API, Visual Testing, Functional Testing	API, Visual Testing, Functional Testing	API, Visual Testing, and Functional Testing for both web and mobile
Focus	It is focused on mobile test automation. Web & Desktop test automation features may be limited.	It is focused on mobile test automation. Web & Desktop test automation features may be limited.	It is a unified test automation platform. Focused on mobile, desktop, and desktop web applications.
Security Certifications	SOC 2, ISO 27001, ISO 27018, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS	PCI, SOC II, ISO 27001, and GDPR	SOC2, GDPR, ISO, HIPAA

pCloudy vs Perfecto vs Testsigma: Which one to choose?

The cloud execution platform is evolving day by day. Many cloud testing platforms were providing only cloud execution features earlier. However, with the recent developments they started providing test automation features too. 

pCloudy and Perfecto both are cloud execution platforms that support many features, and they are focused on mobile application testing. There might be restrictions or limitations for desktop and desktop web testing. Additionally, considering desktop web testing, you may not find all the required operating system and browser combinations compared to its competitors. Though they provide no-code automation platforms, they are still evolving, and you may not find all features, such as edge case scenario automation. 

Testsigma is a unified platform, built with equal importance for both mobile and web testing. Hence, you find various features that are supported for mobile, desktop and desktop web testing. Additionally, Testsigma is a mature no-code automation platform; it can handle scenarios of any type. Testsigma has evolved and adjusted based on user feedback, which is why many complex scenarios are now supported in Testsigma. The AI feature can be handy for test creation and reducing maintenance effort. Testsigma stands out when it comes to cloud execution tools. However, choosing the right tool depends on the organization’s requirements and factors that affect the organization.

Conclusion

Cloud execution tool is crucial for testing, whether it is a web application or mobile application cloud execution is required to ensure the quality and smooth experience across the device and browser combinations. Though there are many cloud testing tools in the market, either they are not evolved or they might be focused on one aspect like mobile or web.  Many organizations are looking for a unified platform, as such tools make maintenance easier and they are also cost-effective. Testsigma is one such platform that offers all required testing capabilities in one platform and it is built with ease of use without requiring technical knowledge.