Differences Between Browser RUM and Browser Synthetic Monitoring
Although Browser Synthetic Monitoring and Browser RUM report similar metrics, there are differences in:
- Hardware
- Network connections
- Different browsers
- Browser caching is not present in synthetic sessions
If you see a sudden change in any of those metrics, you should compare the results of Browser Synthetic Monitoring and Browser RUM to determine if there is an existing problem.
Performance Versus Workflows
Browser RUM excels at capturing the full breadth of performance and your real users' experience. Browser Synthetic Monitoring gives you confidence that your key workflows are always working and performing.
Synthetic Metrics and Screenshots
Browser Synthetic Monitoring can collect certain data that Browser RUM cannot. For example, Browser Synthetic Monitoring provides screenshots, which help you see per-page testing. You can also use the Visually Complete Time metric and other related metrics to understand how users experience page load time.