Updated: July 2025
What’s the key difference between AskUI and Ui.Vision RPA?
AskUI uses AI vision and natural language to automate complex multi-application workflows, while Ui.Vision RPA is an open-source tool focused on visual desktop and browser automation using image and text recognition.
Overview: AskUI vs Ui.Vision RPA
Both tools aim to reduce manual UI testing for QA teams and test automation leaders, but they differ significantly in technology, scalability, and how they handle change.
How does AskUI work?
AskUI combines AI-powered object recognition with natural language commands. Instead of writing brittle XPath or CSS selectors, you simply tell it, “click the submit button” or “type in the invoice field.” Its computer vision understands UI elements across apps and platforms.
AskUI also offers robust integration with Docker, Jenkins, Zapier, and n8n, making it easier for large QA teams to embed in existing pipelines. Because it avoids code selectors, AskUI reduces maintenance costs when UI layouts or DOM structures change frequently.
How does Ui.Vision RPA work?
Ui.Vision RPA focuses on codeless automation via computer vision and OCR. It visually scans screens and mimics human interactions based on image and text patterns, without relying on underlying window or DOM details.
This makes it well-suited for automating legacy apps, Citrix, or SAP. Being open-source under GPL, it’s budget-friendly and keeps data local, which is attractive for teams concerned about cloud dependencies.
Additional facts that matter
- Test maintenance: AskUI’s AI adapts to UI or DOM changes better, reducing time spent rewriting selectors. Ui.Vision might need manual updates if image templates or text areas shift.
- Speed and scale: Ui.Vision is extremely lightweight for simple scripts and proofs of concept, running via browser extensions. AskUI, with Docker or hybrid setups, excels in more complex multi-application workflows.
- Security options: AskUI explicitly supports secure on-premises deployments for compliance-heavy environments. Ui.Vision, while open source and local by default, may require enterprise agreements for formal SLAs.
- Developer workflow: Ui.Vision shines with its CLI for direct scripting. AskUI’s prompt-to-action lowers barriers for non-technical users, allowing manual testers or business analysts to participate in automation.
- Community & ecosystem: Ui.Vision has an active open-source community with extensive GitHub examples and user forums. AskUI focuses on enterprise partnerships and customer success to drive adoption.
FAQs
Which tool is better for multi-application UI automation?
AskUI. Its AI vision is specifically designed to automate across web, desktop, canvas, iframes, and Android environments, all driven by natural language instructions.
Is Ui.Vision really free?
Yes. It’s open source under the GPL license, with optional paid PRO and Enterprise tiers for advanced capabilities.
Can both tools integrate into CI/CD pipelines?
Absolutely. AskUI provides native Docker and Jenkins support for scalable deployments. Ui.Vision offers a robust command-line interface, ideal for shell scripts or simple CI/CD jobs.
How well does AskUI handle frequent UI changes?
Very well. Since it relies on AI visual recognition rather than static code selectors, UI changes like DOM shifts or redesigned layouts typically require fewer adjustments.
Is Ui.Vision suitable for quick proofs of concept?
Yes. Teams can install a browser extension and begin recording desktop or web tasks in minutes, making it ideal for validating automation concepts before committing to larger frameworks.
Internal Links
- See how AskUI compares to SikuliX for visual automation
- Explore why modern QA teams adopt Agentic AI for test pipelines
Choosing the right tool
Your choice comes down to priorities: