Side by side
BackstopJS vs Diffy
Both stand on visual regression testing software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted
BackstopJS combines configurable screenshot comparisons with a reference-approval workflow and several reporting options. Keep its Docker memory warning and stated need for a maintainer in mind.
Visit BackstopJS
Free plan APILinuxMac+3
Diffy combines screenshot comparisons with review tools and integrations for visual change checks. Its permanent free tier has defined screenshot and retention limits; the Pro plan is $67 a month billed annually.
Visit DiffyThe facts
| BackstopJS | Diffy | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Pro Plan: $67 a month |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | diffy.website |
| On visual regression testing software | #1 of 26 | #2 of 26 |
BackstopJS: what it does well
- Free, MIT-licensed project.
- Supports Puppeteer and Playwright browser engines.
- Captures full documents, viewports, or selected elements.
- Provides browser, CLI, and JUnit reports.
- Integrates with Jenkins, Travis, and gulp.
What to know first
- Chrome Headless in Docker needs substantial memory.
- The README says the project needs a new maintainer or owner.
Diffy: what it does well
- Captures logged-in pages and admin pages without code
- Mocks dynamic content to reduce false positives
- Offers individual approvals and shareable diff links
- Permanent free plan includes 500 screenshots monthly
What to know first
- CI and API access require a paid plan
- Custom environments require a paid plan
- Free plan retains data for one month
Alternatives to BackstopJS Alternatives to Diffy The whole list