Top 38 Alternatives to Protractor (Deprecated) for JavaScript Testing

Introduction and Context

Protractor began as the Angular team’s answer to end-to-end testing challenges in modern single-page applications. Built on top of Selenium WebDriverJS, it introduced Angular-aware features—most notably automatic waits for Angular’s digest cycle—that removed much of the flakiness associated with testing asynchronous UI behaviors. It integrated smoothly with Jasmine by default (with options for Mocha and Cucumber), supported cross-browser testing via Selenium, and fit well into CI/CD pipelines. For years, front-end and QA teams adopted Protractor because it provided:

• A JavaScript-first approach on Node.js for testing web apps

• Angular-specific helpers and synchronization

• Broad automation capabilities across browsers

• Familiar test syntax and community knowledge

However, as the JavaScript ecosystem evolved, browser automation matured, and the Angular team officially deprecated Protractor, the community began seeking modern alternatives. New tools offer faster execution, richer debugging, better isolation, and specialized capabilities (e.g., visual, mobile, performance, security, and accessibility testing). If you are starting a new project or maintaining a legacy suite, this guide maps the landscape of top alternatives—spanning end-to-end UI, API, mobile, visual, performance, security, and unit/component testing—so you can choose the right fit.

Overview: 38 Alternatives Covered

Here are the top 38 alternatives for Protractor:

• Applitools Eyes

• Burp Suite (Enterprise)

• Citrus

• Cypress

• Detox

• Espresso

• FitNesse

• Gauge

• IBM Rational Functional Tester

• JMeter

• JUnit

• Jest

• LoadRunner

• Mabl

• Mocha

• NeoLoad

• Nightwatch.js

• OWASP ZAP

• PIT (Pitest)

• Postman + Newman

• ReadyAPI

• Repeato

• Rest Assured

• Sahi Pro

• Selenide

• Serenity BDD

• SikuliX

• SoapUI (Open Source)

• TestCafe

• TestCafe Studio

• TestComplete

• TestNG

• UI Automator

• Vitest

• Waldo

• WebdriverIO

• axe-core / axe DevTools

• k6

Why Look for Protractor Alternatives?

• Deprecation and maintenance risk: Protractor is officially deprecated, so relying on it invites future compatibility and security issues.

• Angular-specific focus: It shines with Angular but is less compelling for non-Angular frameworks and modern app patterns.

• Flakiness and synchronization overhead: Complex setups and ad hoc waits add maintenance burden and fragile tests if poorly structured.

• Execution speed and dev experience: Newer tools provide faster, more reliable execution and better debugging (e.g., time-travel UIs).

• Evolving browser automation: Ecosystem shifts toward CDP/DevTools or all-in-one platforms offer richer APIs and simpler setup.

• Reporting and visibility: Teams may want integrated dashboards, visual diffs, or rich analytics not native to Protractor.

• Expanded scope needs: Many teams also need API, security, performance, mobile, or accessibility testing in the same pipeline.

Detailed Breakdown of Alternatives

Applitools Eyes

Applitools Eyes is a visual testing platform by Applitools for web, mobile, and desktop, using AI to detect visual regressions and run at scale via the Ultrafast Grid.Strengths:

• AI-powered visual diffs and baselines

• Fast cross-browser/device rendering via Ultrafast Grid

• Easy to add to existing test suites with SDKs

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Complements or replaces pixel-sensitive UI checks; not a full E2E runner, but excels at detecting visual issues Protractor might miss.

Burp Suite (Enterprise)

Burp Suite Enterprise by PortSwigger automates DAST security scanning for web and API services at scale within CI/CD.Strengths:

• Enterprise-grade automated security scanning

• Robust reporting and issue tracking for vulnerabilities

• Integrations for CI pipelines

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Focuses on security testing rather than functional UI testing; a complementary alternative for security coverage.

Citrus

Citrus is an open-source framework for message-based integration testing across HTTP, WebSocket, and JMS.Strengths:

• Strong support for asynchronous, message-driven architectures

• Rich test DSL for integration flows

• Fits into CI and broader automation

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Targets integration and messaging rather than browser UI; a better fit for back-end validation.

Cypress

Cypress is a popular JavaScript/TypeScript E2E framework for web apps, known for developer-friendly DX and a time-travel debugger.Strengths:

• Fast, reliable execution with an interactive runner

• Excellent debugging (time-travel, snapshots, logs)

• Strong CI/CD integration and parallelization

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): A modern, Angular-agnostic replacement with superior developer experience and stability.

Detox

Detox by Wix is a gray-box mobile testing framework for iOS and Android (especially React Native), synchronizing with app state.Strengths:

• Runs on real devices or emulators with app-state sync

• Reliable for React Native flows

• Works in CI pipelines

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): For native mobile apps; fills a domain Protractor does not cover.

Espresso

Espresso is Google’s official Android UI testing framework, tightly integrated with the Android SDK and tooling.Strengths:

• Stable, performant Android-native tests

• Tightly integrated with Android Studio and Gradle

• Strong synchronization with app UI threads

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Not a web tool; ideal for Android apps where Protractor has no reach.

FitNesse

FitNesse is a wiki-based acceptance testing tool that uses fixtures to connect readable specs to executable tests.Strengths:

• Business-readable test specifications

• Facilitates collaboration across roles

• Supports web and API test automation

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Focuses on acceptance/ATDD workflows rather than browser automation mechanics alone.

Gauge

Gauge by ThoughtWorks is a lightweight, readable-spec framework for E2E testing with multi-language support.Strengths:

• Human-readable specs with parametrization

• Plugins for JS/Java/C# and popular runners

• Good CI/CD compatibility

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): A modern spec framework where you can pair with browser drivers; more flexible and readable for cross-stack teams.

IBM Rational Functional Tester

IBM Rational Functional Tester provides enterprise UI automation for desktop and web with script and object-driven approaches.Strengths:

• Broad enterprise UI automation capabilities

• Legacy systems support and enterprise reporting

• Integration with IBM toolchains

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): A commercial, enterprise-focused platform beyond modern web-only stacks; heavier but comprehensive.

JMeter

Apache JMeter is an open-source performance/load testing tool for web, APIs, and various protocols.Strengths:

• Scalable load generation, distributed testing

• Protocol-level flexibility and plugins

• Strong ecosystem and CI integration

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Addresses performance testing rather than functional UI; complements E2E tests for non-functional requirements.

JUnit

JUnit is a foundational unit/integration test framework for the JVM used widely in CI pipelines.Strengths:

• Stable, mature, and well-understood

• Extensive tooling and IDE support

• Fits API and service-layer automation

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Not a browser E2E tool; useful for Java service and integration tests underpinning UI workflows.

Jest

Jest is a JavaScript testing framework for unit, component, and lightweight E2E use, known for snapshots and great DX.Strengths:

• Fast runner with parallelism and watch mode

• Snapshot testing for React and UI components

• Rich mocking and coverage out of the box

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): A strong choice for unit/component layers; pair with a browser driver or use for E2E-lite.

LoadRunner

LoadRunner (by OpenText) is a commercial enterprise load testing solution supporting web, API, and diverse protocols.Strengths:

• Very scalable load and performance testing

• Deep protocol support, enterprise reporting

• Integrations with performance monitoring tools

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Strictly for performance testing, complementing functional UI coverage Protractor used to provide.

Mabl

Mabl is a low-code, AI-assisted SaaS platform for web and API end-to-end testing with self-healing capabilities.Strengths:

• Low-code authoring with self-healing tests

• Cloud execution and dashboards

• Integrations with CI/CD and collaboration tools

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Cloud-first, lower maintenance, and AI-assisted; a faster path to stable tests without heavy coding.

Mocha

Mocha is a flexible JavaScript test runner for Node.js, popular for unit and integration testing.Strengths:

• Minimal, extensible, and widely adopted

• Works with many assertion and mocking libs

• Great for service-level testing

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Not a built-in E2E browser tool; pair with WebDriver/DevTools libraries for UI coverage.

NeoLoad

NeoLoad (by Tricentis) is a commercial load and performance testing suite for web, APIs, and enterprise protocols.Strengths:

• Enterprise performance testing at scale

• Integrated performance analytics

• CI/CD-friendly workflows

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Non-functional performance focus; complements rather than replaces UI test automation.

Nightwatch.js

Nightwatch.js is a Node.js framework for E2E testing with support for Selenium WebDriver and the WebDriver protocol.Strengths:

• Simple configuration with integrated test runner

• Works with Selenium and modern browsers

• Helpful assertions and page objects

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): A close replacement using WebDriver, without Angular-specific coupling.

OWASP ZAP

OWASP ZAP is an open-source DAST tool for automated web and API security scanning.Strengths:

• Free and community-driven security scanner

• Automation-friendly with APIs and CI support

• Good baseline vulnerability detection

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Targets security rather than functional UI; adds essential security checks to pipelines.

PIT (Pitest)

Pitest is a mutation testing tool for JVM projects, injecting faults to evaluate test suite effectiveness.Strengths:

• Measures real test quality, not just coverage

• Highlights weak assertions and blind spots

• Integrates with CI for continuous feedback

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Strengthens back-end test rigor; outside UI E2E, but valuable for overall quality.

Postman + Newman

Postman with Newman enables API testing via collections and a CLI runner ideal for CI/CD.Strengths:

• Strong API testing and documentation workflow

• Easy scripting and data-driven tests

• Seamless CI execution via Newman

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Focuses on API layers; pairs well with UI E2E to cover end-to-end.

ReadyAPI

ReadyAPI (by SmartBear) is a commercial API testing suite with advanced features for REST, SOAP, and GraphQL.Strengths:

• Robust API functional, security, and performance testing

• Data-driven and environment-aware testing

• Comprehensive reporting and CI integration

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): API-centric suite rather than UI; complements UI automation for full coverage.

Repeato

Repeato is a codeless, computer-vision-based mobile UI testing tool for iOS and Android.Strengths:

• Visual, resilient tests tolerant to UI changes

• Codeless authoring for faster creation

• Cloud execution and CI support

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Tailored for mobile apps using CV; covers platforms Protractor does not.

Rest Assured

Rest Assured is a Java DSL for REST API testing with fluent syntax and strong HTTP feature support.Strengths:

• Readable Java DSL for API tests

• Works well with JUnit/TestNG

• Great fit for CI pipelines

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): API-only; strengthens back-end validation behind your web UI.

Sahi Pro

Sahi Pro is a commercial automation tool for complex enterprise web and desktop applications.Strengths:

• Robust object identification in complex UIs

• Scripted and codeless options

• Enterprise reporting and CI integrations

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Covers broader enterprise scenarios with lower flakiness in legacy apps.

Selenide

Selenide is a Java library wrapping Selenium with built-in waits and a fluent API.Strengths:

• Automatic waits reduce flakiness

• Concise, readable API over Selenium

• Easy integration with JUnit/TestNG and CI

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Similar WebDriver model but with better ergonomics, especially for Java teams.

Serenity BDD

Serenity BDD provides reporting and the Screenplay pattern on top of Selenium and other drivers for readable E2E tests.Strengths:

• Rich, living documentation and reports

• Screenplay pattern promotes maintainability

• Works with Selenium and REST libraries

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): More structured test design and reporting; not Angular-specific.

SikuliX

SikuliX automates desktop applications using image recognition across Windows, macOS, and Linux.Strengths:

• Computer-vision-based automation

• Cross-platform desktop coverage

• Useful for apps without accessible locators

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Not web-centric; ideal when traditional locators are unavailable.

SoapUI (Open Source)

SoapUI OS is a classic open-source tool for SOAP/REST API functional testing with a GUI.Strengths:

• Quick API test authoring via GUI

• Data-driven testing support

• Extendable with scripts and CI tools

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): API testing only; complements UI automation in end-to-end validation.

TestCafe

TestCafe by DevExpress is a Node.js E2E framework that runs tests without WebDriver, isolating the browser context.Strengths:

• No WebDriver/Selenium required

• Stable execution and easy setup

• Strong TypeScript support and parallel runs

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): A modern, JavaScript-native choice with simpler configuration and fewer sync issues.

TestCafe Studio

TestCafe Studio is a commercial, codeless IDE version of TestCafe for faster test creation.Strengths:

• Codeless authoring with visual tools

• Built-in debugging and maintenance features

• Runs on the TestCafe engine

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Low-code experience with modern stability; reduces the need for deep scripting.

TestComplete

TestComplete by SmartBear is a commercial platform for codeless and scripted UI testing across desktop, web, and mobile.Strengths:

• Record/playback plus multiple scripting languages

• Broad platform coverage and object recognition

• Enterprise reporting and CI integrations

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Broader scope and codeless options for enterprises needing multi-platform coverage.

TestNG

TestNG is a flexible Java testing framework for unit and integration tests with rich annotations and parallelism.Strengths:

• Advanced test configuration and grouping

• Parallel execution and data providers

• Strong CI and IDE support

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Not a browser automation tool by itself; used underneath Java-based UI or API tests.

UI Automator

UI Automator is a Google framework for Android system-level UI automation across apps and system UI.Strengths:

• System-level automation on Android

• Good for cross-app and device interactions

• Integrates with Android tooling and CI

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Targets Android devices; extends beyond web pages into native/system UI.

Vitest

Vitest is a Vite-native JavaScript/TypeScript test runner for fast unit and component tests.Strengths:

• Lightning-fast execution with Vite integration

• Great DX for front-end frameworks

• Snapshot and mocking support

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Best for unit/component levels; pair with an E2E framework for full UI coverage.

Waldo

Waldo is a no-code mobile testing platform for iOS and Android with cloud-based runs.Strengths:

• No-code authoring and maintenance

• Scalable cloud execution

• CI/CD integration and reporting

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Focuses on mobile automation; a domain Protractor does not serve.

WebdriverIO

WebdriverIO is a modern JavaScript/TypeScript test framework supporting WebDriver and DevTools, plus mobile via Appium.Strengths:

• Flexible runner with rich plugin ecosystem

• Supports WebDriver and DevTools protocols

• First-class TypeScript and CI support

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): A versatile, actively maintained E2E runner well-suited to replace Protractor.

axe-core / axe DevTools

axe-core by Deque is an accessibility engine, with DevTools offerings for integrations and reporting.Strengths:

• Automated WCAG rule checks

• Integrations into CI and test suites

• Helpful developer guidance for fixes

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Adds automated a11y checks rather than functional UI automation; essential for quality gates.

k6

k6 is an open-source JavaScript-based load testing tool with a developer-friendly workflow and optional cloud service.Strengths:

• JS scripting for performance tests

• Integrations with Grafana and observability

• Efficient, scalable load generation

Compared to Protractor (deprecated): Focuses on performance testing; complements functional UI strategies.

Things to Consider Before Choosing a Protractor Alternative

• Project scope and platforms: Do you need web-only, or also mobile, desktop, API, security, or accessibility testing?

• Language and skill set: JavaScript/TypeScript vs. Java/Kotlin vs. mixed stacks; low-code vs. code-first preferences.

• Ease of setup and maintenance: How quickly can you get stable tests running, and how much upkeep is required?

• Execution speed and reliability: Does the tool avoid flakiness, handle waits well, and support parallel/remote execution?

• CI/CD integration: Are there native plugins, Docker images, CLI tools, and dashboards suited to your pipeline?

• Debugging and developer experience: Time-travel UIs, screenshots/videos, traces, and actionable error messages matter.

• Reporting and analytics: Do you need visual baselines, rich reports, flaky test analytics, or traceability?

• Community and support: Active communities, documentation, and commercial support can reduce risk and time-to-value.

• Scalability: Can the tool handle your test volume, environments, and data sets without becoming a bottleneck?

• Cost and licensing: Balance open-source flexibility with the support and features of commercial platforms.

Conclusion

Protractor played a pivotal role in making Angular E2E testing approachable, offering JavaScript-based automation with Angular-aware synchronization. While it remains present in legacy codebases, its deprecation and the evolution of modern tooling mean you have better options today.

If you need a JavaScript-first, developer-friendly E2E framework with modern ergonomics, tools like Cypress, TestCafe, Nightwatch.js, and WebdriverIO stand out. For mobile, consider Detox, Espresso, UI Automator, Waldo, or Repeato. To cover broader quality needs, pair an E2E runner with Applitools Eyes for visual checks, axe-core for accessibility, Postman or ReadyAPI for APIs, and k6 or JMeter for performance. Security scanning with OWASP ZAP or Burp Suite Enterprise adds another vital layer.

The best choice depends on your stack, team skills, and quality goals. Aim for a combination that balances stability, speed, coverage, and maintainability—so your tests help you ship confidently, not slow you down.