Playwright vs Appium: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Playwright and Appium 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:
Playwright
Reliable end-to-end testing
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • Cross-browser testing framework supporting Chrome, Firefox, and Safari
- • Auto-waiting and test isolation for reliable, fast tests
Appium
Automate mobile app testing across platforms
Best for you if:
- • Appium is an open-source test automation framework for native, hybrid, and mobile web apps
- • It uses the WebDriver protocol to automate iOS and Android apps with any programming language
| At a Glance |  Playwright |  Appium |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Testing & QA | Testing & QA |
Rating | 90/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Playwright | Appium |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 90 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Testing & QABrowser DevTools | Testing & QAAutomation |
How Playwright and Appium Compare
Playwright
Reliable end-to-end testing
Free · 90/100 score
Appium
Automate mobile app testing across platforms
Free · 80/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Playwright
Want the highest-rated option?
Playwright: 90/100. Appium: 80/100.
Go with: Playwright
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Playwright
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. 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?
Playwright scores higher: 90/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
Playwright
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 80
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Appium
The Bottom Line
Playwright (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Playwright or Appium better?
Playwright scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Playwright and Appium used for?
Playwright: Reliable end-to-end testing. Appium: Automate mobile app testing across platforms.
What does Playwright cost vs Appium?
Playwright is completely free. Appium is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.