TestCafe vs Chromatic: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between TestCafe 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:
TestCafe
End-to-end testing without WebDriver
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need testing & qa features specifically
- • TestCafe is an end-to-end testing framework for web applications
- • It tests across browsers without WebDriver with automatic waits
Chromatic
Visual testing for Storybook
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • 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 |  TestCafe |  Chromatic |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Testing & QA | UI/UX Design |
Rating | 82/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | TestCafe | Chromatic |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 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 TestCafe and Chromatic Compare
TestCafe
End-to-end testing without WebDriver
Free · 82/100 score
Chromatic
Visual testing for Storybook
Free tier available · 85/100 score
TestCafe is a testing & qa tool. Chromatic is in ui/ux design.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
TestCafe is free. Chromatic is freemium.
Go with: TestCafe
Want the highest-rated option?
TestCafe: 82/100. Chromatic: 85/100.
Go with: Chromatic
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Chromatic
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
TestCafe is free. Chromatic is freemium. Go with TestCafe if free matters most.
What's your use case?
TestCafe is a testing & qa tool. Chromatic is in ui/ux design. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Chromatic scores higher: 85/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Chromatic
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
TestCafe
- Completely free
- Better fit for testing & qa
The Bottom Line
Chromatic (85/100) is our pick. That said, TestCafe is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TestCafe or Chromatic better?
Chromatic scores 85/100 in our evaluation. TestCafe is free and Chromatic is freemium.
What are TestCafe and Chromatic used for?
TestCafe: End-to-end testing without WebDriver. Chromatic: Visual testing for Storybook.
What does TestCafe cost vs Chromatic?
TestCafe is completely free. Chromatic is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.