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Testing · head to head

Cypress vs Percy

Cypress logo

Cypress

Testing

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

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Percy logo

Percy

Testing

Visual regression testing owned by BrowserStack, with a permanent free tier for low screenshot volume

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; Percy pixel-based diffing generates more false positives from font rendering and anti-aliasing noise than Applitools' AI-based comparison, which trains some teams to start ignoring diff alerts over time.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Cypress and Percy actually diverge.

Attributes where Cypress and Percy differ
AttributeCypressPercy
Pricing modelfreemiumFreemium, paid tiers by screenshot volume
PlatformsmacOS, Windows, LinuxWeb

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

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Cypress

Nothing recorded that Percy does not also cover.

Only in Percy

  • Screenshot diffing
  • Framework integrations
  • Responsive and cross-browser snapshots
  • Review workflow
  • Build history
  • BrowserStack platform integration

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 Percy
  • Continuous integration pipelines with parallelised test executionnot Percy
  • Visual regression testing and accessibility verificationnot Percy
  • Flaky test detection and eliminationnot Percy
  • Team collaboration on test maintenance and debuggingnot Percy

Percy

  • A team already on BrowserStack for device testing that wants to add visual regression without a separate vendor relationshipnot Cypress
  • A low-traffic project that can run indefinitely on the 5,000-screenshot free tier without paying anythingnot Cypress
  • A team wanting a lower cost per screenshot than Applitools and willing to tolerate more manual false-positive triagenot Cypress
  • A Cypress or Playwright test suite adding visual checks without changing its existing test runnernot 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

Percy

  • Pixel-based diffing generates more false positives from font rendering and anti-aliasing noise than Applitools' AI-based comparison, which trains some teams to start ignoring diff alerts over time.
  • It is billed separately from core BrowserStack device testing, and stacking Percy with other BrowserStack modules such as Accessibility Testing materially increases total contract value beyond the headline device testing price.
  • Paid tier pricing above the free tier is not transparently published as a fixed number, requiring a quote to know actual cost at scale.
  • The free tier's 5,000-screenshot cap is easy to exceed for any team running visual tests across multiple browsers and viewports on every commit, pushing many active projects into a paid tier faster than the free number suggests.
  • As part of a larger acquired portfolio, Percy's roadmap priority within BrowserStack's broader product strategy is less certain than it would be as a standalone company's sole focus.

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

Percy

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 5,000 screenshots a month
    • Unlimited users and projects
    • 30-day build history
  • Percy$undefined/month
    • Priced by screenshot volume above the free tier
    • Sold separately from core BrowserStack device testing plans
    • Get a current quote before assuming bundled pricing with other BrowserStack products

Which should you pick?

Choose Cypress if

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

Choose Percy if

  • You need screenshot diffing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want framework integrations.
Percy review

Questions people ask

Is Cypress or Percy better?
Neither clearly leads. Cypress starts at Free and Percy at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Cypress or Percy?
Cypress starts at Free and Percy at Free.
Does Cypress or Percy run on more platforms?
Cypress runs on macOS, Windows, Linux. Percy runs on Web.
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 Percy is typically brought in for.
What can Cypress do that Percy cannot?
Percy covers Screenshot diffing, Framework integrations, Responsive and cross-browser snapshots, Review workflow.

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
Percy: Is Percy free?

Yes for up to 5,000 screenshots a month with unlimited users and projects; beyond that it is a paid, quote-priced module.

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
Percy: Is Percy included if I already pay for BrowserStack device testing?

No, it is billed separately by screenshot volume, not bundled into core device testing plans.

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
Percy: How does it compare to Applitools?

Percy uses pixel-based diffing, which is generally cheaper per screenshot but produces more false positives than Applitools' AI-based perceptual comparison.

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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