Brandwave

Applitools vs Playwright:Which is more popular?

In September 2026, Playwright had more branded searches than Applitools among visual regression testing tools worldwide. Playwright had about 49,100 branded searches, while Applitools had 6,600. Playwright made up 86.1% of all visual regression testing tool searches we track, and Applitools accounted for 11.6%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about visual regression testing tools, Playwright appeared in all five answers and Applitools in three. Playwright was mentioned before Applitools in three out of four answers.

Among visual regression testing tools worldwide in September 2026

Who do people search for more?

Playwright, about 7 searches for every 1 for Applitools

Playwright 49.1K searchesApplitools 6.6K searches

Who does AI mention more?

Playwright, mentioned in every answer we collected

Playwright in 5 of 5Applitools in 3 of 5

Who does AI recommend more?

Playwright, named ahead of Applitools in 3 of 4 answers

Playwright first in 3Applitools first in 1

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Top visual regression testing tools in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews

In three ChatGPT questions and two Google AI Overviews, Playwright appeared in all five answers. Applitools was mentioned in three out of five: in two of the three ChatGPT answers and in one of the two Google AI Overviews. Playwright was listed before Applitools in three out of four answers.

Most recommended by AI

Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.

  1. Playwright1st
  2. Chromatic2nd
  3. Percy3rd
  4. Applitools4th
  5. BackstopJS5th

Mentioned by AI

Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.

  • Playwright5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
  • Chromatic4 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
  • Percy4 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
  • Applitools3 of 5Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
  • BackstopJS2 of 5Named in 1 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers

See every answer about visual regression testing tools

5 answers

Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in the United States on October 21, 2026.

Is Applitools or Playwright more popular in search?

This chart shows how often people search Google for Applitools and Playwright by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all five visual regression testing tools we track, month by month, from English-language searches worldwide.

Applitools and Playwright among visual regression testing tools worldwide, by month

Share of searches by month for Playwright, Applitools. The figures are in the table below the chart.

View monthly share of searches table
MonthPlaywrightApplitoolsBackstopJSChromaticPercy
Oct 202582.9%13.1%2.6%0.87%0.52%
Nov 202583.4%12.9%2.5%0.72%0.51%
Dec 202582.9%13.8%2.1%0.63%0.55%
Jan 202674.6%22.5%2%0.59%0.39%
Feb 202682.1%14.3%2.3%0.73%0.57%
Mar 202682.3%13.6%2.7%0.77%0.65%
Apr 202683%13.7%2.2%0.63%0.44%
May 202686.2%10.5%2%0.78%0.51%
Jun 202689.4%7.8%1.8%0.59%0.37%
Jul 202688.3%8.8%1.8%0.66%0.52%
Aug 202690.8%6.8%1.4%0.58%0.49%
Sep 202686.1%11.6%1.3%0.7%0.37%

How has the Applitools and Playwright comparison changed over the last 12 months?

3 findings

How did search popularity change for visual regression testing tools worldwide in September 2026?

2 changes

  1. In September 2026, Applitools gained share of searches among visual regression testing tools worldwide, from 6.8% to 11.6%.

  2. In September 2026, Playwright lost share of searches among visual regression testing tools worldwide, from 90.8% to 86.1%.

How are branded searches counted?

4 search terms

Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Applitools’ and Playwright’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.

Applitools

1 branded search term

  • applitools

Playwright

3 branded search terms

  • playwright automation
  • playwright python
  • playwright test

How the Brand Demand Index is measured

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