Katalon vs Percy: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Katalon and Percy 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.
Bottom line: Percy wins this matchup. Our overall Testing & QA pick is Testing Library. Our free Testing & QA pick is Testing Library. Pick Katalon if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Katalon
AI-augmented test automation platform for web, mobile, desktop, and API testing.
Best for you if:
- • You want comprehensive testing across multiple platforms (web, mobile, desktop, API)
- • You want aI augmentation enhances test automation capabilities
Percy
Catch UI bugs with automated visual regression testing
Best for you if:
- • You want easy visual review
- • You want cI/CD integration
| At a Glance | Katalon | Percy |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Testing & QA | Testing & QA |
Rating | 4.4/5 | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Katalon or Percy?
Choose Katalon if
AI-augmented test automation platform for web, mobile, desktop, and API testing.
- You want comprehensive testing across multiple platforms (web, mobile, desktop, API)
- You want aI augmentation enhances test automation capabilities
Choose Percy if
Catch UI bugs with automated visual regression testing
- You want easy visual review
- You want cI/CD integration
| Feature | Katalon | Percy |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 934 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Testing & QAAI & Automation | Testing & QAScreenshot Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Katalon
AI-augmented test automation platform for web, mobile, desktop, and API testing.
Katalon's pricing is on the higher side compared to some competitors, especially with the 'Create' tier at $84/user/month.
Strengths
- +Comprehensive testing across multiple platforms (web, mobile, desktop, API)
- +AI augmentation enhances test automation capabilities
- +User-friendly with easy setup and integrations
Weaknesses
- -Test scripts are written only in Groovy, so teams already fluent in Python, C#, or JavaScript cannot use their preferred language the way Selenium, Playwright, or TestComplete allow.
- -The free Studio IDE only covers local, manual execution; running tests in CI/CD pipelines or headless via the command line requires the separately paid Katalon Runtime Engine, which is licensed per node and runs roughly 1,800 to 2,400 dollars per node per year, so parallel-execution costs scale steeply.
- -Reviewers repeatedly report the IDE becoming sluggish and prone to hangs on large test suites, with execution slower than leaner code-native frameworks.
- -It is oriented toward functional testing and has no built-in performance or load testing, so teams needing those must add a separate tool.
Key features
Percy
Catch UI bugs with automated visual regression testing
Percy's pricing is generous for open-source projects with a free tier offering 5K snapshots.
Watch out
Overage fees likely for exceeding snapshots
Strengths
- +Easy visual review
- +CI/CD integration
- +Responsive testing
Weaknesses
- -Can get expensive
- -Snapshot limits
Key features
Pricing: Katalon vs Percy
| Plan | Katalon | Percy |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free forever Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $84 per user / month with annual plan Create | $399 month Team |
| Tier 3 | $168 per user / month with annual plan Expand | N/A |
| Tier 4 | Contact us Scale | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Katalon pricing and Percy pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Katalon
Want the highest-rated option?
Katalon is rated 4.4/5. Percy has no ratings yet.
Go with: Katalon
Value user reviews?
Katalon: 934 reviews (4.4/5). Percy: no ratings yet.
Go with: Katalon
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are testing & qa tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Katalon is rated 4.4/5; Percy has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Percy
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Katalon
- Choose if you want aI-augmented test automation platform for web, mobile, desktop, and API testing
The Bottom Line
Percy wins this matchup. Our overall Testing & QA pick is Testing Library. Our free Testing & QA pick is Testing Library.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Katalon or Percy better?
Percy is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Katalon and Percy used for?
Katalon: AI-augmented test automation platform for web, mobile, desktop, and API testing.. Percy: Catch UI bugs with automated visual regression testing.
What does Katalon cost vs Percy?
Katalon is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Percy is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.