SuperTest
In-process HTTP assertions for Node.js apps, without binding a port.
API TestingOpen sourceSelf-hostable
What it is
SuperTest wraps superagent to make HTTP assertions against an Express, Koa, Fastify or plain Node server, starting it in-process on an ephemeral port. Combined with Jest or Vitest it is the standard way Node teams test their own API routes.
Best for
Node.js API projects testing their own routes in the unit/integration layer.
Where it is strong
- Fast: no network, no separate server process, no port conflicts in CI.
- Tiny API you can learn in ten minutes.
- Works with whichever runner you already use.
Where it falls short
- Node.js only, and only for services you host yourself.
- In-process testing skips the real network stack, proxies and load balancer.
- No environment management or collection concept for cross-service flows.
Pricing
Free and open source
Open sourceFree tier: Everything, self-hosted
What drives the bill: Free and open source. You pay in engineering time and CI minutes.
Check current pricing on OSS community’s siteFigures are indicative and were last reviewed August 2026. Vendors change pricing often; confirm before you commit.
Works with
JestVitestMochaExpressFastify
What people who use SuperTest say
No reviews of SuperTest yet. If you have used it in anger, yours would be the first.
Alternatives to SuperTest
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