Cheaper Applitools Alternatives for Startups (2026)
By Yang Chen • January 28, 2026 • 7 min read
Applitools is the gold standard for visual AI testing—but at $699-969/month, it's a significant investment for startups.
Applitools Alternatives
| Tool | Best For | Starting Price | Visual Testing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ai2QA | Broader coverage | $5/run | No |
| Katalon | Free tier | Free / $170+/mo | Yes |
| Chromatic | Storybook users | Free / $149+/mo | Yes |
| mabl | Full automation | $499/mo | Yes |
Ai2QA — Broader Coverage, Lower Price
Ai2QA doesn't do visual regression testing. But it offers security, compliance, and exploratory testing that Applitools doesn't.
Decision Framework
You need Applitools if: Visual consistency is your #1 priority, cross-browser visual comparison is essential.
You don't need Applitools if: Visual bugs aren't your biggest pain point, budget is under $500/month.
Ready to try AI-powered testing?
Zero setup. Three AI personas. Pay only for what you use.
Try Ai2QA FreeLast updated: January 28, 2026
Pricing verified: January 2026 — check official websites for current rates.