What is our primary use case?
We are using BrowserStack for several use cases. In our first use case, we have automated testing on the server. When you have automated testing, it uses your local browsers and BrowserStack provides the ability to integrate it with your code. Instead of using your local browsers for executing the code, it'll be executed remotely, and the integration is very easy.
Our second use case was for cross-browser testing for the same automation with the script that we have.
In the third use case, we were having different platforms. In some of the test cases, we were using a different browser or a combination of a different browser and the different OSs that we have. For example, we had the combination of Windows with IE, and Apple and Mac, with Safari. We did tests on many devices, such as iPhone and iPad. All the devices are available. Once we have integrated it, we were easily able to switch our testing to any of the other devices that we wanted.
How has it helped my organization?
The solution has many benefits, we are not worried about maintaining devices locally in our organization. This is one of the biggest benefits. Any device that is new in the market, or any phone or OS that is launched the new version is always available. We are never worried about having access to those. In the real world, you have to buy those new devices and you have to go through a lot of processes to maintain them.
Mmaintaining the devices is the largest task. All the devices have to be checked physically for many things, such as charging. While someone else might need a device but not be able to have access when it is a physical device, there are limitations. With virtual devices, everyone can have access right away, they can log in and start using the device.
What is most valuable?
The main core concept behind this product is, it takes the overhead of maintaining all of your devices or particular computers. It continuously adds the latest devices that are coming into the market.
You are able to can record all of your executions session. It's easy to keep track of what you have executed. The screenshots are available.
There are a lot of unique features. For example, when you want to configure the bandwidth of your internet, or if you want to test something with the low bandwidth of your internet, such as how your features are working in the low band to allow configuration of your VPN. Some websites only can be accessed from the UK and if you want to mimic the scenario where the person from the UK is accessing the site, you can do that. Geographical mimicking is also available.
What needs improvement?
While I was testing I was not 100% sure a that was properly mimicking the browsers or not. We had some issues with a browser, and the reason was the browser itself does not provide any support. If the local system does not provide any support, I think this was the problem. There should be better integration with other solutions, such as JIRA.
All the testing that I do is functional testing, such as UI testing is for mobile. I'm not sure whether it is allowing for desktop testing or not, but if it does not, they should add it for various desktop applications as well for us to have remote access.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using BrowserStack for approximately one and a half years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The performance of the solution is good. We have not faced any issues. All of the mobile devices or and different OSs have been working well.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable. You have access to all the latest devices and OSs needed. You can increase the number of users using the solution by purchasing more licenses.
We have a team of approximately 35 people, and we all are using the solution.
We do not use this solution on a daily basis but when there is a particular project our teams will use it on a daily basis for testing.
How are customer service and support?
Initially, when we were configuring the automation, we had some issues that we had to contact the technical team. The communication was through email. They do not have a large team of support agents and it would appear that they are still establishing their team.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have previously used Blisk, which is a similar solution to BrowserStack. It's a simulator for different devices you might have.
Blisk had a limited amount of devices to use. It is a simulator, it is difficult to perform tests with it. It is not a virtual system causing it to have limitations. You can have your application in different sizes and in different devices. The size of the UI will be changed according to the device, not any configuration.
When I am using BrowserStack in the VA systems and if I selected an Apple device the code and configuration will be that of an Apple device.
How was the initial setup?
There is no installation process for BrowserStack, it is a SaaS. However, the process to use the service is very straightforward. You need to choose which device and browser you want and you can start right straight away. Within two or three-step, you can start your application remotely.
What about the implementation team?
There is no maintenance required.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
There are different licenses available that can be customized. You can select the features that you want only to use which can be a cost-benefit.
We have licenses to use this solution and it is on a per-user basis. It is a bit expensive compared to other tools are the market.
What other advice do I have?
I would advise those wanting to use the solution to make sure they know their specific requirements and intended usage before purchasing a license. You do not want to purchase features you do not want to use. Use the free version first and then once you understand the solution you can purchase it.
I rate BrowserStack a seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.