diff --git a/tests/frontend/specs/helper.js b/tests/frontend/specs/helper.js
index 9d0914013..409982596 100644
--- a/tests/frontend/specs/helper.js
+++ b/tests/frontend/specs/helper.js
@@ -238,8 +238,10 @@ describe("the test helper", function(){
       await helper.waitForPromise(() => { checks++; return false; }, 2000, 100)
           .catch(() => { rejected = true; });
       expect(rejected).to.be(true);
-      expect(checks).to.be.greaterThan(15);
-      expect(checks).to.be.lessThan(21);
+       // One at the beginning, and 19-20 more depending on whether it's the timeout or the final
+       // poll that wins at 2000ms.
+      expect(checks).to.be.greaterThan(19);
+      expect(checks).to.be.lessThan(22);
     });
   });