Side by side
Karma vs Mocha
Both stand on javascript testing frameworks. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+4
Karma offers browser-based test runs, file watching, and a plugin model for frameworks and launchers. Its deprecated status and limited support for new development are central considerations.
Visit Karma
Free plan LinuxWeb
Mocha provides a free testing framework for Node.js and browser projects, with asynchronous and parallel execution options. Check its runtime requirements and browser parallel-mode limitation before adopting it.
Visit MochaThe facts
| Karma | Mocha | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Linux, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | karma-runner.github.io | mochajs.org |
| On javascript testing frameworks | #3 of 23 | #7 of 23 |
Karma: what it does well
- Runs tests in configured browsers and reports results
- Watches files and reruns tests after changes
- Plugins support multiple frameworks and browser launchers
- Includes CI integration guides
- Free and MIT-licensed
What to know first
- Deprecated; no new features or general bug fixes
- Primarily designed for low-level unit testing
- Requires Node.js
Mocha: what it does well
- Free and open source.
- Supports callbacks and promises for asynchronous tests.
- Parallel execution is available in Node.js.
- Supports JavaScript and TypeScript.
- Reporter and interface options are configurable.
What to know first
- Parallel mode is not supported in browsers.
- Mocha 12 requires specified Node.js versions.
- No built-in mocks.