Imagine your online store’s checkout button disappears just before a major sale. Or, your company’s logo suddenly turns neon pink across the entire site. Even minor UI bugs can have disastrous consequences, leading to frustrated users, lost sales, and damaged brand reputation. Visual regression testing ensures that code changes don’t accidentally break the way your website or app looks. It focuses on catching layout issues, color problems, and other visual glitches that can disrupt the user experience.
With a wide range of visual regression testing tools available, choosing the right one is crucial. This blog will help you navigate the options and find the perfect fit for your testing needs.
What Is Visual Regression Testing?
Visual regression testing, often called visual software testing, is a quality assurance activity that verifies if all visible elements of an application’s user interface (UI) appear consistent and appropriate to the user. It’s also known as visual validation testing.
The goal of visual regression testing is two fold:
- Ensure visual fidelity: Verify that the application’s front end displays data and information as visually intended, including alignment, font styles, and overall aesthetic.
- Maintain visual consistency: Confirm that the arrangement and visual layout of all UI elements (buttons, menus, icons, text) remain consistent and unbroken after any software changes.
Regression testing ensures that new software changes don’t disrupt existing functionality. Similarly, visual regression testing ensures that no visual inconsistencies or unintended design changes arise due to software modifications. The program should maintain its established visual appearance throughout development.
Visual regression testing tools typically work by taking screenshots of the current UI and comparing them to a previously established baseline. This process identifies any discrepancies between the current UI and the approved baseline, ensuring that despite code changes, the web page still renders as visually intended across various browsers, devices, and platforms.
Also Read: Regression Testing: Complete Guide
Why Visual Regression Testing is Important?
Visual regression testing is becoming increasingly crucial in today’s continuous integration processes to ensure that new changes do not mess up the layout as the program evolves from version to version and across browsers.
Many organizations use it to record versions of certain web pages to document how they change from one iteration to the next.
Furthermore, there are so many different operating systems, web browsers, screen resolutions, and devices available, it’s critical to guarantee that the UI looks good on all of them.
Even a tiny UI flaw can result in a loss of revenue. Users can be annoyed by visual glitches, which can be both bothersome and inconvenient.
Assume you’re in the banking and your customers have access to an online mobile banking application.
Some people claim that when they wish to transfer money to someone’s account, they can’t find the ‘Submit’ button on the screen after entering all relevant information, which is an inconvenient experience for them.
When you look into the problem, you’ll discover that the submit button is hidden on a particular screen resolution for Android phones, which is why all customers using Android phones with that screen size couldn’t see it.
In this situation, the application’s functionality was good, but users could not accomplish their planned actions on the app due to the visual problem.
Visual validation testing is highly suggested in the following areas (since it will directly impact your brand), like responsive websites and mobile apps.
It is also recommended for marketing websites, content management systems, and consumer systems like travel, banking, etc.
Given its importance, businesses should devote significant time and resources to visual testing. In addition, it will assist you in spotting visual flaws in the early stages of SDLC when used in conjunction with existing developer tests.
What To Look For While Choosing Visual Regression Testing Tools?
When evaluating visual regression testing solutions, there are several key factors to consider:
#01 Coding Skills You Need
There are two types of automated testing tools available:
- Testing frameworks to assist developers in writing coded test scripts and
- no-code tools that allow anyone to generate tests using a drag-and-drop interface or a record-and-playback plugin.
if your QA team lacks programmers, you’ll want to look for a no-code solution.
#02 Filtration Of False Positive
Ideally, the tool should reliably flag visual regressions impacting user experience while intelligently filtering out acceptable UI modifications. Many open-source options are too sensitive, causing failures for any pixel-level change. Assess each tool’s capabilities in this regard.
Read also: Regression Testing: Complete Guide
#03 Does It Require Any Add-ons?
A few visual testing tools are one-stop testing solutions, which may be used to build, run, and update tests. However, they only provide visual validation; hence they should be used with another testing solution.
Other products are simply plug-ins for your existing automation framework that add visual assurance. They commonly accomplish this by inserting a snapshot into an automated test script.
On the other hand, TestGrid.io is a one-stop solution for automating both traditional and visual regression testing. (However, I’ll get to that later.)

#04 Open-Source Or Commercial
There are some free, open-source tools that you’ll never have to pay for, but they usually don’t come with customer service, require programming knowledge to operate, and are more limited in what they can do.
When it comes to commercial tools, several include pricing tiers that push you to upgrade to a far more expensive level once you’ve used up your beginner plan.
Furthermore, specific tools bind you to long-term agreements. An ideal tool will allow you to pay for only the testing you require, with the ability to scale down or scale up as your needs change.
Top Visual Regression Testing Tools
#01 TestGrid
TestGrid is among the most popular AI-powered end-to-end test automation solutions for high-velocity teams worldwide. It features a built-in automated visual testing capability that allows users to evaluate the visual elements of both mobile apps and websites. This eliminates the need to integrate any external SDK into projects or modify the functional test case code.
With TestGrid’s visual testing, you simply need to write a few lines of code, and AI takes care of the rest. As the automation tests run, you get a complete comparison of visual testing.
Moreover, TestGrid ensures complete test coverage. It validates every element of the user interface, including layouts, images, buttons, etc., without requiring you to write unreliable tests. It covers complex, end-to-end scenarios, like BFSI and eCommerce flows, giving you the confidence that your mobile app or website looks as intended.
#02 SikuliX
SikuliX is an open-source visual regression testing tool developed in Java and is compatible with Windows, macOS, and some Linux systems. It leverages image recognition powered by OpenCV to detect GUI components.
When you don’t have direct access to a GUI’s internals or an app’s/website’s source code, this tool comes in handy. You can use a mouse and keyboard to interact with the identified GUI elements.
Moreover, SikuliX is equipped with OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to look for text in images. This tool does not work on mobile devices. However, it works well with emulators on a desktop or laptop. Some major use cases of SikuliX are automating Flash objects, conducting visual testing on web pages and desktop apps, and automating certain tasks on GUI.
#03 Aye Spy
AyeSpy is an open-source visual regression testing tool that helps teams detect UI changes across different versions of their applications. It captures screenshots of web pages and UI components, then compares them against baseline images to identify visual differences.
The tool supports multiple browsers and can be easily integrated into existing CI/CD pipelines. AyeSpy offers features like customizable threshold settings for comparison sensitivity and the ability to ignore specific regions in screenshots.
One of AyeSpy’s standout features is its simple configuration using a YAML file, making it accessible for teams to set up and maintain. It also provides a clear reporting interface that highlights visual differences, making it easier for teams to review and approve changes.
AyeSpy is particularly popular among development teams who prefer a lightweight, configurable solution that can be self-hosted and customized to their specific needs. Its command-line interface makes it suitable for automation and integration with various development workflows.
#04 Hermione.js
Hermione.js is also an open-source visual regression testing tool that combines the capabilities of integration testing. However, it is ideal only for more straightforward websites. If you have prior knowledge of Mocha and WebdriverIO, it becomes easier to use Hermione.js. It facilitates parallel testing across several browsers.
You need to configure Hermione.js either using DevTools or the WebDriver Protocol that requires a Selenium grid. This tool has a user-friendly interface and offers plugins to extend its functionality. As the tool reruns failed testing events, it significantly minimizes incidental test failures.
#05 Vizregress
Colin Williamson created Vizregress, an open-source visual regression testing tool, as a research project. He created it to address an issue with Selenium WebDriver – it could not differentiate layouts if the CSS elements stayed the same and only visual representation was modified.
Vizregress compares screenshots against an approved set of screenshots to spot visual regression in an app/website. It allows you to ignore a region on an app/website that needs to be ignored. Built on the AForge.Net Framework, this tool uses the framework’s core image utilities to compare screenshots.
#06 Cypress
Cypress extends beyond functional testing to offer visual regression testing, providing an all-in-one solution for front-end test automation. It allows developers and testers to capture snapshots of their web application and compare them to baseline images to detect any unintended visual changes during code updates.
The visual regression testing feature can be used with the cypress-image-snapshot plugin, which automates the process of capturing screenshots during test runs. By comparing the current state of the application with previously saved baseline images, it helps catch subtle visual issues like layout shifts, color mismatches, or missing elements. This capability is especially valuable for fast-paced development cycles, where even small visual discrepancies can impact user experience.
Also Read: Cypress Visual Testing: A Step-by-Step Guide
#07 Percy Visual Testing
Percy is one of the most sophisticated visual testing tools available. You can use it to integrate, run, and review visual tests. Integration can be accomplished using test automation frameworks, continuous integration, delivery services, or directly through your application.
We can begin performing the required visual tests on the apps and components following integration.
The Percy tool extracts UI screenshots across many browsers and responsive widths when a visual test is started. It then compares your UI against a baseline pixel by pixel and finds any relevant visible changes.
You can check the screenshots for any visual concerns once they’ve been produced.
This tool’s pixel-by-pixel and responsive diffs provide excellent visual coverage. The snapshot stabilization option also helps to reduce false positives.
#08 BackstopJS
BackstopJS is a powerful open-source visual regression testing tool that automates visual testing for web applications. Created by Garris Shipon and maintained by a active community, it’s particularly popular among frontend developers and UI/UX teams who need a flexible, config-driven approach to visual testing.
By taking screenshots of your web application during various stages of development, BackstopJS helps you quickly detect and resolve any visual inconsistencies that may occur due to code changes or updates.
A key feature of BackstopJS is its ability to produce detailed reports that clearly show the visual differences between baseline images and current test results. These reports offer useful insights into the discrepancies, making it easier to identify the source of the issue and apply the appropriate fixes. Additionally, BackstopJS provides flexible customization options, enabling you to adjust the testing process to suit your specific requirements.
#09 Applitools
It’s one of the most widely used commercial frameworks for visual regression testing and automated visual testing. This tool gives you a cognitive vision driven by AI. It employs artificial intelligence to help you with visual testing and monitoring from start to finish.
You can test hundreds of UI components across all platforms and configurations with Applitools without writing any code or with very little code. In addition, it supports over 40 different testing frameworks and languages.
It also helps with DevOps by allowing you to easily integrate visual test cases into the CI/CD workflow. You may also use this tool to build bespoke graphic reports.
Some of the world’s most well-known organizations, like Sony, SAP, MasterCard, and PayPal, use this framework. It also has a lot of great feedback from customers.
Starter, Enterprise Public Cloud, and Enterprise Dedicated Cloud are the three versions of this framework offered by the manufacturer.
#10 Screener.io
This cloud-based automated testing solution allows you to record and run tests in real-time. Test flows can be readily automated without the need for coding. It detects UI discrepancies across multiple platforms automatically. It also aids in the testing of storytelling components.
Combining visual and functional testing in the same test run allows you to increase total test coverage. For example, Microsoft, Yammer, Uber, and more companies use screener.io.
#11 Crossbrowsertesting Visual Testing
You may easily filter your test results to determine which ones have aesthetic flaws. You can also go straight to a live test and debug or fix the visual flaws. This software includes a local connection tool to test local and development environments.
Once you’ve completed a screenshot test for visual regression testing, you can schedule it on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Notifications of test results will also be sent out by the tool.
This program contains an automated comparison engine that allows you to take automatic screenshots of the same page in different configurations. You can then choose a baseline browser and compare the highlighted layout variations.
It also has sophisticated features to help you make your exam more effective. Basic authentication, Login profile, Selenium script, Screenshot delay, Send emails, Hide fixed items, and so on are some available choices.
#12 Endtest
This UI testing platform uses machine learning to allow codeless automated testing. It enables you to develop automated tests quickly, save them, and run them in the cloud. In addition, they provide a Chrome addon that allows you to record the tests.
Generate random test data, advanced assertion, automatic backups, geolocation, live videos, screenshot comparison, and more capabilities are included in this program.
Conclusion
Visual regression testing is as vital as functional testing if you want a pleasant user experience. However, a range of tests can be covered when visual and functional testing is coupled.
This testing can be done with various open-source and commercial tools and frameworks. We have also discussed the most valuable tools. Those visual regression testing tools can help you completely automate your testing efforts.