SaaS Comparison

Applitools vs Percy: Which is Better in 2026?

SaaS Battle

Applitools vs Percy: The Ultimate Comparison

In the fast-paced world of software development, ensuring the visual integrity of applications is paramount. This is where visual testing tools like Applitools and Percy come into play. Each offers unique features tailored to different needs in the realm of visual testing, making it essential for developers and QA teams to weigh their options before making a selection. In this article, we will dissect the strengths and weaknesses of both platforms to help you determine which one aligns best with your project’s requirements.

As visual AI testing continues to transform how we approach software validation, both Applitools and Percy stand distinctively in the SaaS landscape. While Applitools boasts advanced visual AI testing capabilities, Percy emphasizes a streamlined visual review process. Exploring their offerings will illuminate the paths they pave in improving software quality and accelerating development timelines.

Main Features Compared

Applitools

  • Visual AI Testing: Applitools utilizes advanced machine learning algorithms to recognize visual patterns. This capability allows it to detect visual bugs with high accuracy, ensuring that your users never encounter issues related to UI changes.
  • Cross-Browser Testing: Applitools supports multiple browsers and devices, providing extensive coverage for teams looking to maintain consistent user experiences across platforms.
  • Integrations: Seamless integration with popular CI/CD tools and frameworks, enabling teams to incorporate visual testing into their existing workflows effortlessly.

Percy

  • Visual Review Platform: Percy specializes in providing a collaborative visual review process, allowing teams to work together on spotting visual discrepancies during development.
  • Snapshot Comparison: Offers detailed side-by-side comparisons for developers and designers, fostering better communication and quicker resolutions of visual issues.
  • Integration-Friendly: Percy easily integrates with various version control and CI/CD tools, making it a convenient option for teams already using existing development ecosystems.

Pricing Comparison

When it comes to pricing, there is a significant difference between Applitools and Percy that aligns with their varying target audiences and offerings. Applitools offers its visual AI testing capabilities for free, allowing teams to get started without any initial financial commitment. On the other hand, Percy provides a more structured visual review platform starting at $29 per month, which may be seen as a barrier for small teams or startups.

FeatureApplitoolsPercy
Visual Testing TypeVisual AI TestingVisual Review
Starting Price$0$29/month
Key Use CaseDetecting visual bugsCollaborative reviews
Integration AvailabilityExtensiveExtensive

The Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between Applitools and Percy largely depends on your specific needs. If your team requires robust visual AI testing to detect subtle visual changes with high accuracy, Applitools is the clear winner. It’s especially suitable for larger teams and enterprises focused on maintaining a flawless user interface across multiple platforms. Conversely, if you’re part of a smaller team that prioritizes collaboration and ease of use in visual reviews, Percy at its affordable starting price may be the better option. Both tools have their unique strengths, making the choice ultimately a matter of aligning features with your operational objectives.