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Testing · head to head

Cypress vs ESLint

Cypress logo

Cypress

Testing

JavaScript end-to-end testing framework with browser-based runner and cloud service

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
ESLint logo

ESLint

Developer Tools

Find and fix problems in JavaScript code

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Cypress limited to web applications; mobile and desktop app testing not supported; ESLint slow performance on large codebases compared to newer tools like Oxlint and Biome

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Cypress and ESLint actually diverge.

Attributes where Cypress and ESLint differ
AttributeCypressESLint
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsmacOS, Windows, LinuxBrowser-based JavaScript, Node.js, Any JavaScript environment
CategoryTestingDeveloper Tools
FoundedUnknown2019

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Cypress

  • End-to-end testing for modern JavaScript web applicationsnot ESLint
  • Continuous integration pipelines with parallelised test executionnot ESLint
  • Visual regression testing and accessibility verificationnot ESLint
  • Flaky test detection and eliminationnot ESLint
  • Team collaboration on test maintenance and debuggingnot ESLint

ESLint

  • Statically analysing JavaScript and JSX to find problems before runtimenot Cypress
  • Automatically fixing issues with syntax-aware rewritesnot Cypress
  • Enforcing a consistent code style across a teamnot Cypress
  • Running as a CI step to block non-conforming codenot Cypress
  • Writing custom rules for project-specific conventionsnot Cypress

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Cypress

  • Limited to web applications; mobile and desktop app testing not supported
  • Free tier capped at 500 test results/month; insufficient for most development teams
  • Paid features (flake detection, analytics) not included in free tier
  • JavaScript/TypeScript focused; less suitable for polyglot organisations

ESLint

  • Slow performance on large codebases compared to newer tools like Oxlint and Biome
  • Complexity in configuration from scratch, particularly for TypeScript support
  • Limited built-in TypeScript support, requiring separate parsers and coordination with new TypeScript features

Pricing, plan by plan

Cypress

Free
  • Starter (Free)Free
    • 500 test results/month
    • 100 prompt executions/month
    • Parallelisation
  • Team$67/month
    • 120k test results/year
    • 9k prompt executions/year
    • Flake detection
  • Business$267/month
    • 120k test results/year
    • 24k prompt executions/year
    • Spec prioritisation
  • Enterprise$undefined/custom
    • 1.8M test results/year
    • 60k prompt executions/year
    • Unlimited users

ESLint

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the ESLint review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Cypress if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on macOS, Windows, Linux.
Cypress review

Choose ESLint if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Browser-based JavaScript, Node.js, Any JavaScript environment.
ESLint review

Questions people ask

Is Cypress or ESLint better?
Neither clearly leads. Cypress starts at Free and ESLint at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Cypress or ESLint?
Cypress starts at Free and ESLint at Free.
Does Cypress or ESLint run on more platforms?
Cypress runs on macOS, Windows, Linux. ESLint runs on Browser-based JavaScript, Node.js, Any JavaScript environment.
Can I use Cypress for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Cypress best used for?
Cypress is most often used for end-to-end testing for modern javascript web applications, continuous integration pipelines with parallelised test execution, visual regression testing and accessibility verification, flaky test detection and elimination. Of those, end-to-end testing for modern javascript web applications and continuous integration pipelines with parallelised test execution are not what ESLint is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Cypress: Is Cypress free?

Yes, Cypress offers a free Starter plan with 500 test results per month, 100 prompt executions monthly, 50 users, and 30-day data retention. No credit card is required.

Source
ESLint: Does ESLint automatically fix code issues?

Many problems ESLint finds can be automatically fixed via the --fix flag. ESLint fixes are syntax-aware so you won't experience errors introduced by traditional find-and-replace algorithms.

Source
Cypress: How much does Cypress Team cost?

Cypress Team costs $67 per month when billed monthly or $799 per year for annual billing (11% savings). It includes 120,000 annual test results, 9,000 yearly prompt executions, 50 users, 90-day data retention, flake detection, Jira integration, and email support.

Source
ESLint: How much does ESLint cost?

ESLint is completely free and open-source software maintained by the OpenJS Foundation. The project accepts voluntary donations from sponsors.

Source
Cypress: What is the difference between Cypress Team and Business?

Cypress Business costs $267 per month (or $3,199 annually) compared to Team's $67/month ($799/year). Business provides twice the prompt executions (24,000 vs. 9,000 yearly), spec prioritization, auto-cancellation, and enterprise GitHub/GitLab support.

Source
ESLint: Can I write custom ESLint rules?

Yes. You can develop custom rules that work alongside built-in functionality through ESLint's plugin system, allowing complete customization for your project needs.

Source
Cypress: Can I purchase additional test results on Cypress?

Yes, Cypress allows purchasing bundled on-demand test results. Team costs $6 per 1,000 results, Business costs $5 per 1,000, and Enterprise pricing is custom. Open-source projects qualify for complimentary cloud services.

Source
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