Jest vs Chromatic: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Jest and Chromatic comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Jest
Delightful JavaScript testing
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.9/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need testing & qa features specifically
- • Comprehensive JavaScript testing framework
- • Built-in test runner, assertions, mocking, and coverage
Chromatic
Visual testing for Storybook
Best for you if:
- • You need ui/ux design features specifically
- • Chromatic is a visual testing platform that catches UI bugs by comparing component screenshots
- • It integrates with Storybook to automate visual regression testing across browsers and viewports
| At a Glance |  Jest |  Chromatic |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Testing & QA | UI/UX Design |
Rating | 89/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Jest | Chromatic |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 89 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Testing & QABrowser DevTools | UI/UX DesignTesting & QA |
How Jest and Chromatic Compare
Jest
Delightful JavaScript testing
Free · 89/100 score
Chromatic
Visual testing for Storybook
Free tier available · 85/100 score
Jest is a testing & qa tool. Chromatic is in ui/ux design.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Jest is free. Chromatic is freemium.
Go with: Jest
Want the highest-rated option?
Jest: 89/100. Chromatic: 85/100.
Go with: Jest
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Jest
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Jest is free. Chromatic is freemium. Go with Jest if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Jest is a testing & qa tool. Chromatic is in ui/ux design. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Jest scores higher: 89/100 vs 85/100.
Key Takeaways
Jest
- Higher score: 89/100 vs 85
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Chromatic
- Better fit for ui/ux design
The Bottom Line
Jest (89/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jest or Chromatic better?
Jest scores 89/100 in our evaluation. Jest is free and Chromatic is freemium.
What are Jest and Chromatic used for?
Jest: Delightful JavaScript testing. Chromatic: Visual testing for Storybook.
What does Jest cost vs Chromatic?
Jest is completely free. Chromatic is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.