Mobile testing tools play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and reliability of mobile applications. With the ever-growing popularity of smartphones and the increasing demand for mobile apps, it has become essential for developers and testers to employ effective testing strategies.
Looking for Automation Testing Software? Check out SoftwareSuggest’s list of the best Automation Testing Tools.
29% of users will abandon an app if it does not benefit or offer value to them, making mobile testing more crucial.
As the mobile landscape evolves rapidly with new mobile devices, operating systems, and user expectations, mobile app testing tools also continue to evolve. New tools and frameworks are introduced to address emerging challenges and support the latest technologies.
As more and more users are accessing information through mobile phones, it becomes crucial to optimize your apps for mobile. It is important for organizations to invest in the best mobile testing tool to gain a competitive advantage. You can compare different tools and discover the one that provides you with the best features and functionalities
Keep reading to know more about mobile testing and find a complete list of top mobile application testing tools.
What Are Mobile Testing Tools?
Mobile testing tools are software applications or frameworks specifically designed to assist in testing mobile applications on various devices and operating systems. These tools provide functionalities to automate, monitor, and analyze mobile application performance, functionality, and user experience.
The below graph shows the number of smartphone users, and it’s apparent that mobile app usage will only go upward. In fact, the number of mobile users is expected to reach 7.8 billion by 2028. Therefore, every app needs to be optimized for mobile and ensure that it’s functioning seamlessly.
Mobile testing tools help developers and quality assurance teams ensure their mobile applications work as intended across different devices, screen sizes, and operating systems. These tools can simulate real-world scenarios, such as different network conditions, device orientations, and user interactions, to identify potential issues and validate the app’s behavior under various conditions.
Methodology To Select The Best Mobile Testing Tool
When selecting the best mobile testing tools, it is essential to follow a systematic methodology to ensure that the chosen tools meet the specific testing needs and requirements of the project. Here is a detailed methodology that can help in the selection process.
1. Identify Testing Requirements
Begin by understanding the specific requirements of the mobile application testing project. Consider aspects such as the target mobile platforms (iOS, Android, etc.), device types and models, supported network conditions, required test types (functional, performance, security, etc.), and any specific testing frameworks or methodologies to be followed.
2. Research Available Tools
Conduct thorough research to identify the available mobile testing tools in the market. Consider factors such as popularity, industry reputation, customer reviews, and recommendations from trusted sources. Compile a list of potential tools that align with the identified testing requirements.
3. Assess Tool Features
Evaluate the features and capabilities of shortlisted mobile automation testing tools. Look for functionalities such as automated mobile app testing, device compatibility, performance testing, user experience testing, security testing, crash reporting, and test case management. Determine how well these features meet the identified testing requirements.
4. Compatibility and Integration
Consider the compatibility of the testing tools with the target mobile platforms and devices. Ensure that the tools can seamlessly integrate with the development and testing environment, including the development frameworks, continuous integration (CI) systems, and test management tools already in use.
5. Trial and Evaluation
Whenever possible, take advantage of trial versions or free plans offered by the selected tools. Conduct a trial evaluation of each tool using the top mobile app development tips to assess its usability, ease of setup, learning curve, and overall user experience. Create sample test cases or scenarios to validate the tool’s effectiveness in addressing the identified testing requirements.
6. Consider Community Support
Evaluate the availability of documentation, tutorials, forums, and user communities associated with each tool. Strong community support can provide valuable resources, insights, and assistance when using the tools and can contribute to the overall success of the testing efforts.
7. Cost and Licensing
Consider the pricing models, licensing options, and associated costs of each tool. Assess whether the tool’s pricing aligns with the budget and long-term requirements of the testing project. Evaluate whether the tool offers scalable licensing options that can accommodate future testing needs.
8. Vendor Support
Investigate the support provided by the tool vendors. Consider factors such as responsiveness, available support channels (email, phone, chat), and documentation quality. Prompt and reliable vendor support can be crucial in resolving issues and ensuring smooth testing operations.
9. References and Case Studies
Seek references or case studies from other organizations or teams that have used the shortlisted tools. This can provide insights into real-world experiences and help validate the suitability and effectiveness of the tools.
10. Final Selection
Based on the evaluation and assessment conducted throughout the methodology, select the mobile testing tool that best aligns with the identified testing requirements, offers the desired features, fits within the budget, and provides reliable support. Make sure to communicate the chosen tool to the relevant stakeholders and incorporate it into the testing process.
Our selection of these Mobile Testing Tool is based on thorough research and analysis. We have listed these softwares based on usability and satisfaction score that include features, ease of use, customer support, ratings, and number of reviews from SoftwareSuggest. Our goal is to help businesses select the right softwares that can help them optimize their business processes.
12 Best Mobile Testing Tools In 2023
If you’re unsure which mobile testing tool is the most effective, you can check out the comprehensive list below. We have compared the top 12 mobile testing tools based on their features, pricing, and pros and cons.
Tool Name | Pricing | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Pricing | 100 free test minutes per month | |
| TestComplete Base – $1828 (For Desktop) | 30-day free trial | |
| Team – $3.67 per user per month | Free | |
| Open Source Platform | Free | |
| Open Source Platform | Free | |
| Open source – free | Free | |
| Indie – $25 per month | Free Community Edition | |
| Free | Free | |
| One time registration fee of $25 | Free | |
| Free | Free | |
| Desktop browser – $129 per parallel/month | Free | |
| Pricing starts at $3400 for a single test stream license | 14-day free trial |
1. Appium
Appium
Using the open-source Appium framework, mobile web, hybrid, and native applications may all be tested automatically across various platforms, including iOS and Android. It offers a consistent API across all platforms, making creating and running tests in well-known programming languages like Java, Python, and JavaScript simple.
Features
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Multiple programming languages and test frameworks
- Testing of native, hybrid, and mobile web applications.
- Real device testing and supports cloud-based testing platforms.
Pricing
The company provides custom pricing.
Pros and Cons
- Open-source framework with a large and active community, ensuring continuous updates and support
- Provides a unified API, making it easy to write tests that can be executed on multiple platforms
- Supports a wide range of programming languages, giving flexibility to testers and developers
- Allows testing on real devices, ensuring accurate results and compatibility checks
- Setting up and configuring Appium can be complex for beginners
- Requires a good understanding of the underlying platform and programming language
- Limited support for some advanced features and functionalities compared to commercial tools
2. TestComplete
TestComplete
A thorough automated testing solution, TestComplete covers the testing of desktop, online, and mobile apps. It provides a user-friendly and reliable testing environment, enabling testers to rapidly write, organize, and run tests.
Features
- Testing of mobile applications on iOS and Android platforms.
- Record and playback functionality for quick test creation.
- Built-in checkpoints and actions.
- Allows integration with various test management tools.
Pricing
TestComplete Base – $1828 (For Desktop)
TestComplete Pro – $2842
Pros and Cons
- User-friendly interface and intuitive test creation process
- Supports a wide range of application types, including web, desktop
- Offers extensive documentation and excellent customer support
- Provides integration capabilities with popular third-party tools
- The license cost of TestComplete can be a deterrent for small teams or projects with budget constraints
- Some advanced features may require additional configuration
- Limited support for cross-platform testing
3. Robotium
Robotium is an open-source test automation framework specifically designed for Android applications. It simplifies the process of writing powerful and robust automated UI tests for Android apps, allowing testers to validate the app’s behavior and functionality across different devices and scenarios.
Features
- Supports test automation for Android applications.
- Allows writing test scripts in Java, making it accessible for Java developers.
- Provides APIs for handling UI interactions, assertions, and test case management.
- Supports testing of both native and hybrid Android apps.
Pricing
Free – $0
Team – $3.67 per user per month.
Enterprise – $19.25 per user per month.
Pros and Cons
- Easy to set up and start writing test scripts, especially for developers familiar with Java
- Provides a rich set of APIs for interacting with UI elements and asserting test results
- Open-source framework with an active community, ensuring continuous updates and support
- Enables the testing of both native and hybrid Android applications
- Limited support for testing iOS applications or other platforms
- Requires a good understanding of Android application development and the testing framework
- The learning curve might be steeper for testers who are not proficient in Java
- Limited official documentation compared to some commercial tools
4. Espresso
Google created Espresso, an open-source testing framework that is commonly used for Android app testing. It provides strong automation features and a clear and succinct API for developing UI tests. Espresso is a well-liked option for testing Android applications since it places a strong emphasis on speed, dependability, and simplicity.
Features
- Supports testing android applications.
- Fluent and expressive API for creating UI tests.
- Synchronization with the app’s UI thread for reliable test execution.
- Built-in assertion mechanisms.
Pricing
It is an open source platform.
Pros and Cons
- Framework that is quick and light
- Permits easy integration of Android Studio and the Android development
- Makes it simple to build and manage UI tests by offering a clear and understandable API
- Presents top-notch information and tools from the Android developer community
- Limited support for cross-platform testing
- Requires a good understanding of the Android platform and UI elements
- Limited built-in support for network and system-level interactions
- May not be suitable for complex test scenarios
5. UI Automator
UI Automator, developed by Google, is an open-source framework for testing Android applications at the system level. It provides APIs for interacting with and testing the user interface elements of Android apps, including cross-app interactions and device-level operations.
Features
- Enables testing of Android applications at the system level.
- Supports UI interactions and assertions across multiple apps.
- Provides APIs for device-level operations such as screen rotation, notification handling, and permission management.
- Supports test execution on multiple devices or emulators simultaneously.
Pricing
It is an open source tool.
Pros and Cons
- Provides extensive capabilities for testing Android applications beyond the app’s UI
- Supports cross-app interactions, making it suitable for scenarios involving multiple apps
- Offers flexibility in testing various device-level operations and system behaviors
- Integrates well with other Android testing frameworks like Espresso and JUnit
- Primarily focuses on testing Android applications and lacks cross-platform compatibility
- May require additional effort to set up and configure for complex test scenarios
- Requires a good understanding of the Android platform and system-level operations
- The learning curve may be steep for testers with limited experience in Android development
6. Calabash
Calabash is an open-source mobile testing framework that allows automated functional testing of Android and iOS applications. It offers a simple and human-readable syntax for writing tests and supports behavior-driven development (BDD) practices, making it accessible to both testers and developers.
Features
- Supports automated testing of Android and iOS applications.
- Provides a human-readable syntax for test script creation.
- Behavior-driven development (BDD) practices with integration of Cucumber.
- Cross-platform compatibility and shared test scripts between Android and iOS.
Pricing
Open source – free.
Pros and Cons
- Enables cross-platform testing, allowing reuse of test scripts between Android and iOS
- Supports behavior-driven development, facilitating collaboration between testers and developers
- Provides a simple and intuitive syntax for test script creation
- Offers a large and active community for support and continuous improvement
- May require additional setup and configuration for testing specific device features or scenarios
- Limited official documentation compared to some commercial tools
- May not provide advanced testing capabilities compared to more specialized frameworks
- May require familiarity with Cucumber syntax and behavior-driven development principles for optimal use
7. Xamarin
A well-liked cross-platform development framework called Xamarin enables programmers to create native iOS and Android mobile applications using C# and.NET. It offers a selection of programs and libraries that make it easier to create, test, and launch mobile applications on different operating systems. Xamarin is one of the most preferred mobile testing platforms in the market.
Features
- Cross-platform development framework for iOS and Android applications.
- Uses a single shared codebase written in C# and .NET.
- Access to native APIs and platform-specific functionality.
- Testing and debugging of apps using Xamarin Test Cloud or other testing frameworks.
Pricing
Indie – $25 per month.
Business – $999 per year.
Enterprise – $1899 per year.
Pros and Cons
- Reduces the time and effort required for development by allowing code exchange between iOS and Android apps
- Access to platform-specific features and native APIs, delivering a native-like user experience
- Has integration with well-known coding environments like Visual Studio
- Plenty of third-party libraries and frameworks available
- A little complex for developers new to C# or .NET
- App sizes are larger compared to fully native apps because the Xamarin runtime is used
- Limited support for some UI elements or platform-specific functionalities
- Need a Xamarin license for commercial use and advanced features
8. TestFlight
TestFlight is a beta testing service provided by Apple for iOS app testing. It allows developers to distribute pre-release versions of their apps to a selected group of testers for evaluation and feedback. TestFlight simplifies the process of managing and distributing test builds, collecting feedback, and monitoring app performance.
Features
- Enables distribution of iOS app builds to external testers.
- Supports over-the-air installation of test builds on registered devices.
- Allows multiple builds to be tested concurrently and provides version control.
- Provides tools for collecting feedback and crash reports from testers.
Pricing
It is a free tool.
Pros and Cons
- Easy and streamlined distribution of beta versions to external testers
- Simplifies the process of managing multiple test builds and versions
- Integration with App Store Connect for seamless app submission and release
- Provides crash reports and tester feedback for identifying and resolving issues
- Limited to testing iOS applications and not applicable to Android or other platforms
- Requires an Apple Developer account and adherence to Apple’s guidelines
- Can only be accessed by a limited number of external testers
- Limited control over the test build installation process
9. Google Play Console
For Android app developers to publish, manage, and distribute their applications on the Google Play Store, Google offers Google Play Console, a web-based platform. It provides a range of tools and features for managing apps, such as capabilities for managing app releases, analytics, and testing.
Features
- Centralized platform for managing different apps.
- Pre-launch testing tools for testing app behavior.
- Crash reporting and performance analytics.
- App publishing, distribution, and monetization.
Pricing
One time registration fee of $25.
Pros and Cons
- Makes it easier to manage and publish Android apps to the Google Play Store
- Offers tools for doing pre-launch testing to find problems across a range of devices
- Provides thorough statistics and performance information for keeping track of app performance
- Enables in-app purchases, subscriptions, and advertising for app monetization
- Limited to managing Android apps; not relevant to managing apps on iOS or other platforms
- Requires conformity to the rules and regulations of the Google Play Store
- A developer account may be required for some advanced functionality
- Compared to self-hosted options, less control over the software distribution process
10. App Store Connect
App Store Connect is a web-based platform provided by Apple for iOS app developers to manage their app submissions, releases, and distribution on the App Store. It offers a range of tools and resources to help developers prepare, submit, and manage their apps, track app performance, and communicate with Apple’s review team.
Features
- App submission and management for iOS apps on the App Store.
- Create and manage app versions, metadata, and in-app purchases.
- Access to analytics and performance data to monitor app downloads and usage.
- Communication with Apple’s review team during the app review process.
Pricing
It is a free tool.
Pros and Cons
- Streamlines the process of submitting and managing iOS apps
- Access to comprehensive analytics and performance data
- Offers in-depth resources and guidelines for developers to ensure compliance and best practices
- Allows developers to communicate directly with Apple’s review team for app-related inquiries
- Limited to iOS app management and not applicable to other platforms
- Requires an Apple Developer account and adherence to Apple’s guidelines and policies
- Some advanced features may require a paid developer account or additional resources
- Limited control over the app review process and timeline
11. BitBar
BitBar is a cloud-based mobile testing platform that provides real device testing for mobile applications. It allows developers and testers to run automated tests on a wide range of real devices, ensuring compatibility and functionality across various platforms and device configurations.
Features
- Cloud-based real device testing for iOS and Android applications.
- Automated tests on multiple devices.
- Large device farm with a wide range of device models and configurations.
- Integrates with popular test automation frameworks and tools.
Pricing
Live testing – $39 per parallel/month
Desktop browser – $129 per parallel/month
BitBar Unlimited – $177 per parallel/month
Enterprise – custom pricing.
Pros and Cons
- Function, scalable and cost-effective solution for testing on real devices
- Offers a wide selection of devices and configurations for comprehensive testing coverage
- Enables parallel test execution on multiple devices, reducing test execution time
- Integrates well with popular test automation frameworks, making it easy to incorporate into existing workflows
- Requires a stable internet connection for cloud-based device testing
- Limited control over device hardware or environment compared to physical devices
- May have limitations in terms of accessing certain device features or peripherals
- The pricing structure may not be suitable for all testing budgets
12. Eggplant
Eggplant
Eggplant is a software testing tool that specializes in functional and user-centric testing for a variety of platforms, including mobile applications. It uses image-based testing and AI-driven automation to simulate user interactions and validate application behavior across different devices and operating systems.
Features
- Functional testing of mobile applications on iOS and Android.
- Image-based testing and AI-driven automation for accurate test execution.
- Cross-platform compatibility for testing on various devices and operating systems.
- Extensive reporting and analysis capabilities for test results.
Pricing
Pricing starts at $3400 for a single test stream license.
Pros and Cons
- Offers a unique image-based testing approach for accurate and robust test automation
- Supports testing on a wide range of mobile platforms and devices
- Provides comprehensive reporting and analysis features for in-depth test result insights
- Integrates well with other testing tools and frameworks for seamless test management
- Requires a learning curve to master the image-based testing approach
- May require additional configuration and setup for complex testing scenarios
- The licensing cost of Eggplant may be a deterrent for small teams or projects with budget constraints
- Limited support for non-functional testing aspects such as performance or security testing
Conclusion
Mobile testing plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, functionality, and user experience of mobile applications. We explored a variety of mobile testing tools in this blog, each offering unique features and capabilities.
The selection of the right tool depends on factors such as platform compatibility, testing requirements, ease of use, and budget considerations. By choosing the appropriate mobile testing tool and following best practices, developers and testers can enhance the quality and reliability of their mobile applications, ensuring a seamless user experience and driving customer satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several different types of mobile testing tools available in the market. Here are some commonly used categories:
- Tools for Manual Testing - These tools offer a platform for testing mobile applications manually. In carrying out test cases, documenting outcomes, and managing test artifacts, they support testers.
- Automated Testing Tools - Test cases can be automated using these technologies, which saves time by eliminating the need for manual labor. They are able to imitate user behavior, verify application behavior, and produce thorough test reports.
- Tools for Performance Testing - These tools are used to assess how well mobile applications function under various load circumstances. They monitor server performance, resource utilization, and response times to spot bottlenecks and other potential problems.
- Tools for security testing - These instruments are used to find security flaws and vulnerabilities in mobile applications. To make sure the software is resilient against security risks, they do static and dynamic analysis, penetration testing, and code review.
- Compatibility Testing Tools - These tools help test the compatibility of mobile applications across various devices, platforms, and operating system versions. They ensure consistent functionality and user experience across different configurations.
- Usability Testing Tools - These tools evaluate the user-friendliness and user experience of mobile applications. They analyze app design, navigation, and accessibility to provide insights for improving the app's usability.
Below are the benefits of using mobile testing tools:
- Improved Efficiency - Testing tools automate repetitive tasks, reducing the time and effort required for manual testing.
- Increased Test Coverage - Automated testing tools can execute a large number of test cases quickly and efficiently, ensuring comprehensive test coverage.
- Enhanced Accuracy - Testing tools perform tests consistently, eliminating human errors and providing accurate results.
- Early Bug Detection - Mobile app automation testing tools help identify bugs and issues early in the development cycle, allowing for timely fixes and avoiding costly rework.
- Cost and Time Savings - By automating testing processes, mobile testing tools can significantly reduce costs associated with manual testing and accelerate time-to-market.
When choosing the right mobile testing tool for your needs, consider the following factors:
- Determine the specific types of tests you need to perform, such as functional testing, performance testing, or security testing.
- Ensure that the testing tool supports the mobile platforms (iOS, Android) and devices you intend to target.
- If you require automation, evaluate the tool's scripting capabilities, ease of test script creation, and integration with test frameworks.
- Look for tools that provide comprehensive reports and analysis features to help interpret test results effectively.
- Consider the tool's ability to handle large test suites and accommodate future growth in your testing requirements.
- Evaluate the tool's cost and licensing model to ensure it fits within your budgetary constraints.
Some of the best mobile testing tools are Appium, Google Play Console, Calabash, Xamarin, and TestFlight. You need to research the features, pros, cons, and pricing of these tools to invest in the best tool for your business requirements and gain a competitive advantage.
Below are the benefits of using mobile testing tools:
- Develop a Testing Strategy - Define your testing objectives, target devices, and platforms. Plan the types of tests you will perform and identify the key areas to focus on.
- Automate Testing - Leverage automation tools to automate repetitive and time-consuming tests. This allows for faster execution and frees up resources for other critical testing activities.
- Perform Regression Testing - As you make changes or add new features, perform regular regression testing to ensure that existing functionality remains intact.
- Test on Real Devices - Use real devices for testing rather than relying solely on emulators or simulators. Real devices provide accurate insights into real-world performance and user experience.
- Use Test Analytics - Analyze test results, identify patterns, and track metrics to gain insights into the quality of your mobile app. This information can guide you in making informed decisions for improvements.
- Continuously Update Test Suites - Keep your test suites up to date with the latest devices, operating systems, and industry trends. Regularly update your test cases to cover new features and functionality.
Supriya is a highly skilled content writer with over 8 years of experience in the SaaS domain. She believes in curating engaging, informative, and user-friendly content to simplify highly technical concepts. With an expansive portfolio of long-format blogs, newsletters, whitepapers, and case studies, Supriya is dedicated to staying in touch with emerging SaaS trends to produce relevant and reliable content.
