# Test Execution Environment

> TestOwl lets teams run automated tests locally or in the cloud, using the same automation workflow and capabilities in either environment.

Run your automated tests the way you prefer — on your own local infrastructure or through TestOwl cloud execution. Choose the execution environment that fits your workflow while keeping your testing process consistent and reliable.

## Run Tests Wherever You Want

TestOwl gives you the flexibility to execute tests in your own infrastructure or through cloud infrastructure while keeping the same automation workflow and capabilities.

### Local Execution
Run tests within your own environment for applications that are private, internal, or still under development.

- Test against localhost and internal applications
- Keep execution within your own infrastructure

### Cloud Execution
Run tests on TestOwl cloud infrastructure with scalable execution without managing testing environments yourself.

- Scalable execution infrastructure
- Run tests without maintaining local resources

## Local and Cloud Execution Compared

| Aspect | Local execution | Cloud execution |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Where tests run | On your own machine, through the TestOwl desktop app | On TestOwl cloud infrastructure |
| Good for | Localhost, staging and private environments, and running behind your firewall | Running tests in parallel without setting up your own infrastructure |
| Changes to your tests | None. The same test runs locally or in the cloud | None. The same test runs locally or in the cloud |
| Monthly allowance | A separate local run allowance on every paid plan | A separate cloud run allowance on every paid plan |

Monthly run allowances: Starter 500 cloud and 2,000 local, Pro 1,000 cloud and 4,000 local, Enterprise custom volume.

## FAQ

### Can I run TestOwl tests against localhost?
Yes. Local execution lets you test against localhost and internal applications while keeping execution within your own infrastructure.

### Do I need to manage my own servers to run tests in the cloud?
No. Cloud execution runs on TestOwl's scalable infrastructure, so you don't need to maintain local testing resources.