Software Development Updates

1. Overview

Companies are increasing their investment in the most effective QA services because of the rapid growth of digital transformation.

In addition to reducing potential threats, mobile app testing also improves user satisfaction. As a result, businesses must select appropriate mobile application testing tools to satisfy their consumers’ ever-increasing expectations. 

This post provides a comprehensive overview of the best mobile app testing tools for both Android and iOS platforms, allowing you to make an informed choice about which mobile application testing  you should choose.

2. What Are Mobile Testing Tools?

Mobile testing tools are technical software that are developed specifically for testing mobile applications. Examples of mobile testing tools consist of smartphone emulators, computerized UI testers, mobile optimizer and A/B testing tools, error recording tools, and system failure reporting tools, and many more.

3. Why is Mobile App Testing Important?

The ultimate aim of creating mobile applications is to expand a company’s global customer base. Because nobody will download and use your software if it has bugs or is tough to navigate. Naturally, no company wants users to delete their program and replace it with their competitor’s idea.

The quality of the user experience, especially for first-time users, might be negatively impacted if mobile apps are not rigorously tested. Keep in mind that each mobile app’s initial impression is crucial to its long-term success. Uninstalling a program is a viable option in the event of an unexpected breakdown or malfunction. Potential business and income are also lost as an outcome of this.

There are several benefits associated with the utilization of a mobile application testing tools:

• With such an approach of tools can lead to a decrease in costs over an extended period of time.
• The sharing of test results becomes an easy process.
• Incorporating testing tools provides the team with the ability to save time through faster and more dependable execution.
• Teams can perform accurate cross-platform or quality assurance testing for a better outcome.

4. Best Mobile App Testing Tools for Automation Testing

In order to help you manage and execute your mobile app testing strategy, we have compiled a shortlist of mobile automation testing  tools for Android and iOS devices. Listed below are both paid and open-source options for testing mobile apps.

4.1 Test Complete

Multiple UI tests run in succession on the Test Complete platform. To put it another way, you may use this mobile testing tool to test hybrid mobile apps on both Android and iOS devices. It’s also an automated mobile testing tool that works with both actual and simulated mobile devices. There are a variety of programming languages to pick from when writing automated test scripts including Visual Basic Script, JavaScript, Python, and others.

Features of Test Complete include

• To quickly construct automated UI tests, use the scriptless record and replay or keyword-driven tests. Once you’ve recorded your tests, you can replay them in a variety of desktop, web, and mobile applications.
• By correctly detecting dynamic UI elements with both property-based and AI-powered visual recognition, tests can be created and maintained more quickly. Control objects from a single source, then install them locally.
• To make maintenance activities simpler, separate data from test commands. To expand coverage, run automated desktop, web, or mobile UI tests using several sets of input data.
• From a single interface, get real-time updates on the status and progress of your desktop, online, or mobile user interface tests. Connect easily to well-known defect tracking programs like Bugzilla for feedback and consistent learning.

Pricing:

• You may choose between two tiers in TestComplete, each of which can be either Fixed or Floating. Fixed enables testing by a single user, but only on actual hardware. The Floating environment is conducive to collaborative testing of real and simulated hardware.
• With a free 14-day trial and the full version of TestComplete Base (including the mobile module)
• Price per license: $1,665 fixed; $3,695 (dynamic)
• Price per license for TestComplete Pro (includes online, desktop, and mobile modules) is $2,540 (constant) or $5,075 (dynamic).

Benefits:

• Simple and easy to use
•  Swift execution
•  Customization
•  Timely updates

Limitations:

• Remote environments are not supported for testing CEF and Electron apps.
• While TestComplete does supply such script objects for third-party web controls in traditional web tests, it does not do so in cross-platform web tests.
• Unfortunately, you can’t use the Object Spy to look for anything in the Object Browser.
• Pictures taken by Test Visualizer are never used to learn anything about the tested objects’ internal attributes.
• It’s possible that the look of your web app in testing will change when it’s deployed to a distant server.

4.2 Kobiton

Kobiton is a cloud-based framework for testing mobile apps, and it can be used to conduct tests both automatically and manually. This mobile app testing tool is compatible with both mobile and native software. The UI and UX of your app are fully validated across all devices, and it does so with no coding required.

Features of Kobiton

• Scriptless automation is scalable and simple to run in parallel across various devices when using a manual “Capture and Execute” approach. As a result, every Kobiton scriptless automation test you can run includes baked-in Compatibility Testing.
• Through the simple re-running of one manual test across your collection of actual devices, Manual Capture and Execute enables “Run once, test anywhere.”
• Kobiton’s Appium Export solution is 100% open-standard, allowing users to transition from manual testing to Appium automation without writing any code.
• Every scriptless test from Kobiton has built-in Visual, Text, Performance, Crash, and UX Design assertions. This eliminates the need for three to four separate types of testing, which is what would typically be required.

Pricing:

• There are four tiers in Kobiton.
• After a free 14-day trial, Startup costs $75/month.
• Spend money faster but at a higher rate Payment plan: $390/month or $3,960/year
• A $9,000 yearly fee is required to access Scale.
• Those curious about the business plan can schedule a demo and get an individual price quotation by submitting a request.

The Benefits of utilizing Kobiton

• Includes support for both scripted and unscripted testing.
• Offers a no-risk opportunity to try out a mobile app testing platform.
• Allows for the creation of uniform processes across all CI/CD tools for continuous testing.
• Offers a consolidated repository for past test reports and associated data.

Limitations:

• Access to Beta versions is unavailable without help, and even is restricted. When managing devices and groups, the user interface is a touch disconnected.
• Not compatible with delayed test runs. In other terms, if the gadget being tested is currently in use, the test will fail.
• Occasionally, unstable public cloud machines (no memory, no network, etc.) will randomly fail the tests.

4.3 Appium

Appium is an open-source framework and a cross platform mobile testing tool. This mobile application testing tool is useful for testing both native and hybrid apps and web applications. Automated functional testing using Appium is used to boost the quality of android and iOS apps as a whole.

Features of Appium include

• Supports multiple languages
• Does not need access to the source code
• Able to write cross-platform scripts
• Possesses broader support on the internet
• Supports both Android and iOS app testing

Pricing:

• Open-source and 100% free to use.

The benefits of utilizing Appium

• Complete end-to-end testing in several languages, including C#, Python, Ruby, Java, and Node.js.
• Approved for use with the same API on both Android and iOS apps  for testing.
• With the record and playback function, testers may quickly create test scripts in a variety of languages and thereby speed up the testing process.
• Simple Jenkins and other CI/CD tool integration.

Limitations:

• The Appium server desktop application has numerous unreliable updates.
• For the Windows desktop version of Application server, script recording is not an option.

4.4 Calabash

It’s among the best cross-platform testing tools because it supports both Android and iOS device testing. In particular, it is a Cucumber-based automated user interface testing framework developed in Ruby.

Features of Calabash

• Calabash can easily work with any test framework based on Ruby. 
• Be certain that Ruby is set up on your computer before continuing if you want to try Calabash as you read the rest of the tutorial.
• With the benefits it offers, Calabash eliminates any excuses for not developing automated UI tests for your mobile apps, whether it is the testing solution your app requires.
• Calabash may fall short if your app strongly relies on specific device functionalities (like the camera), but it still makes it considerably simpler to write tests for the bulk of apps.

Pricing: 

• Open-source and 100% free to use.

The Benefits of utilizing Calabash:

• Calabash is used to create the test cases.
• It offers instantaneous responses and approvals on both iOS and Android smartphones.

Limitations:

• If a single test fails, the rest will be missed, and it’s possible that additional, more serious product flaws will go unnoticed as a result.
• With iOS, you’ll need to know how to code.
• Inaccessible to all programming languages outside Ruby.

4.5 HeadSpin

HeadSpin works on  both manual and automated mobile app testing.

Through the HeadSpin Platform, customers may virtually test and debug apps across a wide range of smartphone, online, music, and video platforms. Put your app through its paces under a wide range of network scenarios.

Features of Headspin:

• 30+ automation frameworks supported
• Genuine SIM card-enabled gadgets
• Full compatibility with all major browsers and devices
• Integral view into the status of all related user experiences at all times
• The use of preemptive root-cause analysis
• Ideas that can be put into action thanks to AI technology
• Numerous individualized measurements
• Digital experience and audio/video quality of experience key performance indicators based on artificial vision
• Visualizations so insightful they’re almost magical

Pricing:

Available on the request. 

The Benefits of utilizing Headspin:

• Analytics based on AI and ML can help you fix problems and get goods out the door at record speed.
• Only by testing on live devices can you be guaranteed of a 100% success rate.
• The on-premises and cloud-based dedicated device models provide for more secure testing and higher performance.
• You may do automated testing on the HeadSpin Platform. It also allows companies to do “edge testing,” which is performed when a company is physically present at a certain place and wants to test its apps there.
• In order to compete in the current digital market, businesses need access to aggregation and regression data quickly and at spectrum.
• With HeadSpin’s Regression Intelligence, you can easily compare the performance of different versions of your app, operating system, features, geographies, and more to identify any trends in deterioration.

Limitations:

• Prices not affordable
• API testing not reliable
• Session-impacting vulnerabilities are sometimes severe.

4.6 Test IO

With Test IO, you can ensure that the business-specific mobile app you’ve developed functions properly across a wide range of operating systems by running it in a real-world environment. In certain cases, these automated tests even find flaws before human testers do. In addition, Test IO enforces speedier results because of its adaptable testing techniques, which take into account the varying needs and preferences of each client. To meet your high standards for the app and ensure its smooth operation, use Test IO to immediately request the QA Bottleneck be removed.

Features of Test IO:

• Expand your test pool by selecting from a wide variety of mobile devices, web browsers, OS versions, geographical locations, and more.
• Increase your QA capability by testing around the clock and doing routine tests.
• Detailed problem reports, including images, screencasts, and repeatability tests, help developers find and address issues more quickly.

Pricing:

• There are three tiers of testing in the IO test environment. Startup, Professional, and Business-Class. The firm, however, does not publish its prices. If you’re curious about the platform’s pricing structure, though, you’ll have to ask.
• Before submitting a price request, you may test out a free demo.

Benefits of utilizing Test IO:

• All your online and mobile app (iOS and Android) testing can be conducted in one place.
• You can also create mobile app testing strategies
• Run test cases either from a script or in an exploratory fashion to uncover any QA problems you may have missed.

Limitations:

• At times can become cumbersome
• Very poor integration

4.7 Robotium

Robotium is a free, open-source test automation framework for Android applications. It is well-known for its capacity to construct automated test cases and aids with simple-to-code automation test scripts. Engineers of test cases may utilize Robotium to construct functionality, system, and acceptability test scenarios covering a wide range of Android operations. This instrument may be used to check both programs with and without source code by analyzing their APK files.

Robotium includes cutting-edge features such as

• Robotium is capable of managing many Android tasks.
• Provides strong test coverage and performance.
• Simple and reliable test cases are used.
• Works seamlessly with Maven, Gradle, or Ant.
• Super accelerated test execution.
• Some understanding of the application being tested is necessary.

Pricing:

• The tool is open-source, hence, free to use.

The benefits of utilizing Robotium

• Easy-to-use and reliable test scripts.
• Hybrid and native app testing with automation testing.
• Build Android GUI test cases automatically.

Limitations:

• Not compatible with web components or flash.
• Some slower performance is to be expected on older devices.
• Does not allow iOS app automation

4.8 Frank

It’s also a free and accessible resource. In order to test the iOS application, customers may create well-structured tests (Cucumber) and run them.

Features of Frank:

• Quick and Simple Configuration;With Frank, your iOS app can be up and running in about 10 minutes.
• Make a video of your test runs so you can demonstrate how the program works.
• The best way to ensure your app is bug-free, is to test it in both the simulator and on a real device.
• Works seamlessly with CI; automatically executes tests with each commit.

Pricing:

• Free trial and free version
• Prices are provided only by vendor

The Benefits of utilizing Frank:

• With the use of the cucumber testing framework, English phrases are used to describe test scenarios.
• Symbiote, Frank’s built-in app inspector, is quite potent.
• Quickly set up

Limitations:

• The use of gestures is only partially supported.
• Testing with live hardware may be challenging.
• There is currently no automated support for Android app development.

4.9 Avo Assure

You can test mobile apps online on both Android and iOS with Avo Assure since it is a no-code, diverse test automation technology.

Features of Avo Assure

• Permissions and Access Controls for APIs
• Third-Party Integration Work Dashboard /Alerts/Notifications
• The Art of Reporting and Number Crunching
• Data Import/Export

Pricing:

• You can choose a use case of your selection to explore Avo assure during a 14-day trial without any fuss.

The Benefits of utilizing Avo Assure

• The possibility of doing application testing with zero-code input is a huge time saver.
• End-to-end test automation is made possible by the heterogeneous capabilities, which allows you to test programs all across the internet, Desktop, mobile devices (Android, IOS), non-UI (web services, batch processes), ERPs, Mainframe platforms, and related emulators with a single solution.
• With its straightforward interface, testing is a breeze.
• With Smart Scheduling and Execution function, you may run many scenarios in a single VM in either sequential order or simultaneously.

Limitations:

• Report size is large, making debugging tough.
• Multiple jumps between the design and assignment portions make updating the mindmap challenging.
• Normal time is required to personally and automatically execute scripts, which must be improved.

4.10 Xamarin.UITest

To put it simply, Xamarin.UITest is a practical framework for testing the user interface of mobile apps for iOS and Android. It works well with both mobile and native apps for Android and iOS. The tests are developed in C# and work across several platforms. One of Xamarin.UITest’s finest features is its seamless compatibility with other Visual Studio tools.

Features of Xamarin:

• With Xamarin, engineers just need to write code once before distributing it to both iOS and Android. 
• Access to native APIs and tools for Android, iOS, and Windows is provided in full via Xamarin. 
• It can produce high-performance, native-looking apps.

Pricing:

• Open-source and free.

Benefits:

• If you require to concurrently create UI Acceptance Testing for both platforms, use Xamarin.UITest, it will be quite helpful.

Limitations:

• If you have equipment in-house, it is usually more cost-effective to use. Implementing and utilizing Xamarin Test Cloud might be difficult for developers with little experience.
• It can be excruciatingly slow. 

4.11 Perfecto

To target and deploy online experience more quickly, Perfecto is the go-to cloud-based mobile app testing solution. It’s a consolidated environment for testing both web and mobile apps. In order to do comprehensive tests, you may use the cloud for end-to-end testing from any location.

Features of Perfecto include:

• Unified Test Platform is offered, covering test creation, execution, and analysis in the lab.
• High-Quality Security: Your data will be kept secure at highly dependable, globally distributed data centers.
• With smart reporting, you can test mobile applications with fewer false negatives and gain more information for quick changes.
• Tests on actual mobile devices: Tests on thousands of actual mobile devices in one location.

Pricing:

• Live (Manual Testing) pricing begins at $99 per concurrent test on a monthly basis and at $83 per simultaneous test per month on an annual basis after a free 14-day trial.
• Pricing for Automation (Manual + Automated Testing) begins at $149/month (billed monthly) or $125/month (billed yearly).
• Plans with no scripting language built in cost more for quotations.
• Price quotations for business plans are done on an individual basis.

The Benefits of utilizing Perfecto

• Comprehensive protection in a variety of cloud environments and test configurations.
• Analytical wit for servicing bugs and suggestions.
• Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and major Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) solutions are fully supported.
• Designed to withstand the rigors of a business environment.

Limitations:

• Errors on the device that are elusive and have vague explanations are tough to troubleshoot with assistance.
• Full functionality is only available on-site for Android devices; iOS devices need developer interaction and instrumentation.

4.12 Selendroid

It’s well knowledge that Selendroid is Android’s version of the popular testing framework, Selenium. Additionally, it helps with the automation of testing for both hybrid and native apps. Parallel test scenarios on many devices are possible using Selendroid.

Features of Selendroid:

• API for Complex User Interactions
• Selendroid can communicate simultaneously with a number of Android devices, including emulators and hardware.
• Automatically starting up existing emulators.
• Devices can be connected to Selendroid while in the running process.
• Full compliance with JSON Wire Protocol.
• The automated test program doesn’t need to be changed in any way.
• Here Selendroid offers various sorts of locators that you can find in UI elements.
• Selenium Grid Testing is used for scalable and concurrent testing and complete integration as a node.

Pricing: 

• Open-source and free.

The Benefits of utilizing Selendroid

• Compatibility with languages used to create web drivers, such as Java and C#.
• Guaranteed compatibility with every Android release.
• It’s compatible with both actual and simulated devices.

Limitations:

• Poor test speeds
• Need for sophisticated machinery
• Unworkable on systems with less than four gigabytes of RAM

4.13 Ranorex Studio

Ranorex Studio is a graphical user interface (GUI) test automation tool for Windows that can be used to test online, desktop, and mobile applications. Ranorex has a recording and playing back capability. Thanks to its user-friendly interface, we can automate UI testing by simply capturing user interactions.

Features of Ranorex:

• Ranorex offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
• Creating test code with Ranorex requires almost no programming. 
• The program is reliable, and its weight system makes it simple to trace objects along their paths.

Pricing:

1. Studio plan:

• Each license is perpetual and comes with 1 year of maintenance and support (M&S).
• License (+1 year M&S) $3950
• Annual M&S (year 2+) $770
• Premium support add-on available

2. Enterprise plan:

• Each license is perpetual and comes with 1 year of maintenance and support (M&S).
• License (+1 year M&S) $6590
• Annual M&S (year 2+) $1320
• Premium support add-on available

3. Runtime plan:

• Each license is perpetual and comes with 1 year of maintenance and support (M&S).
• License (+1 year M&S) $980
• Annual M&S (year 2+) $210
• Premium support add-on available

The Benefits of utilizing Ranorex Studio:

• Generate tests without writing any code
• Designed with the user in mind
• Superb assistance to customers
• Apps for both iOS and Android can be used.

Limitations:

• Paid license
• Few languages supported
• There’s no OS compatibility

4.14 Bug Hunter

In specific, Bug Hunter was developed for human UI testing of Android apps on mobile platforms. It’s not just for manual testers; Android developers and UI/UX designers may use it too to double-check the app or choose features before sending it to QA.

With Bug Hunter, you can be certain that all of the fundamentals of UI testing are covered and that the tools you need are always within easy reach without requiring you to go away from the page you’re now on.

Features of Bug Hunter:

• Offers tools for picking colors (Pixolor, Color Picker, and Color Grab) and recording as well as editing video (Super Screen Recorder, XRecorder).

Pricing:

• Android Bug Hunter is available for no cost to the user.

Benefits:

• It improves the testing process utilizing QA best practices. In the ‘Tips’ section, the users gather and discuss important mobile testing tips and methodologies.
• It’s frequently updated.
• Bug Hunter automatically records device information whenever you take a screenshot or record a video, making bug investigation and sharing speedier and easier.

Limitations:

• Bug bounty programs are known for groups in which participants presume that other testers have already examined a certain item. One of the greatest downsides of a bug bounty program is that there is no relationship between the user and the software. They are unable to adjust the outcomes to your organization’s degree of risk, security objectives, or budget since they do not work with you over time.

4.15 Espresso

Espresso is an automated testing framework built specifically for Android that facilitates the development and maintenance of user interface tests. Using this mobile app testing tool, programmers may script out a test scenario and document their actions while using a mobile device. Engineers can check the UI’s components’ performance based on the findings by taking screenshots.

Features of Espresso:

• Extremely straightforward API that doesn’t require much time to master.
• Powerful in its adaptability and scalability.
• The Android WebView component is tested as a standalone module.
• Includes a standalone component for testing and simulating Android Intents.
• Facilitates instantaneous coordination between your software and its verification processes.

Pricing:

• Open-source and 100% free to use.

The Benefits of utilizing Espresso

• Google’s automated user interface testing tool for native Android apps that is available as open source.
• Black box and unit testing are both possible.
• Testing may be done on both native Android applications and hybrid web apps.
• Java and Kotlin are two more languages that may be used to create test cases.
• Allows for quick configuration and simultaneous running of tests.
• Use the Espresso recorder to document your trials.

Limitations:

• There is a concern of becoming accustomed to the in-built test synchronization and UI, making WebDriver difficult to use.
• It demands access to the source code of the program. Without the source code, you will be unable to perform any action.
• Narrow concentration. If UI tests are needed for both Android and iOS, then they must be written twice, once for each system. If tests must interact with Android outside of the application, you will need to employ extra tools, such as UIAutomator.

5. Which Factors Should You Consider While Selecting a Mobile Testing Tool?

There are several critical factors that needs to be consider while choosing a great mobile testing tool such as:

5.1 Are Codeless Actions Required?

Almost all mobile and software testing involves some form of code, there may be times when you want to create a test without any code because codeless tests can be a blessing for users who are not familiar with any programming language. If you think this way, you may need a codeless option at some point for automated mobile testing tools that include codeless test creation and execution.

5.2 Integrations

It is not always necessary that a testing tool include third-party integrations, so integrations with popular CI/CD platforms and tools will save you time. 

5.3 Support Multiple Programming Languages

We know that today JavaScript is one of the simplest and leading programming languages across the world, software developers can still create mobile applications in various programming languages. Choosing the right programming platform depends on the cost, requirements, specific features, and target audience. So make sure to consider all those factors and then select the best automated mobile testing tool.

5.4 Record and Play

If you choose a good mobile testing tool it allows you to record and play each test scenario action and make testing a smoother, more efficient process.

5.5 Report Handling and Logs

Whether you’re using QA tools for software or mobile apps, you must make sure that you’re able to log reports of your performed tests including information about the actual test, with screenshots and other findings.

6. Conclusion

Any of the applications would be a good place to get some practice if you’re new to automating mobile tests. Creating scripts and putting them through their paces in testing is something you can learn to do well with some instruction. If you want to take control of the mobile app testing process, we advise choosing one of the aforementioned mobile performance testing solutions to ensure optimal results and enhanced user reactions. Got any doubts or feedback? Leave it in the comment section below!

7. FAQs

What is Mobile App Test Automation?

Mobile testing tools facilitate the automation of testing procedures for Android and iOS applications. Additionally, they decrease the duration required for the testing procedure and mitigate the likelihood of human mistakes during test operations.

What are the Mistakes to Avoid During Mobile Test Automation?

Ans: One of the prevalent issues encountered in the field of test automation is the presence of common challenges. These challenges provide significant obstacles to the successful implementation and execution of test automation processes. Therefore avoid:

• Inadequate communication
• The lack of documentation
• The use of a wide range of testing environments
• Inadequate testing process

Can Mobile App Testing be Automated?

Ans: Yes, it is possible to implement automation for mobile device testing through the utilization of an automation tool that possesses the capability to facilitate testing on a vast array of over 2,000 authentic devices.

What Features Should be Included in a Mobile Testing Tool?

When doing an analysis of mobile testing tools, several important features are considered significant.

• Root cause analysis: Examine data (such as system statistics, crash logs, actions, and snapshots) to conduct a retrospective investigation of past events.
• Comparisons: This feature lets you compare different test application builds in order to determine their respective performance levels and promptly return to the versions that exhibit superior performance.
• Reporting tools: The process involves documenting problems, monitoring bug occurrences, and efficiently producing reports.
• Cross browser testing: The objective of this function is to conduct non-functional testing of mobile applications on several web browsers, including Safari, Chrome, and Edge.
• Easy test creation: Effortless test generation for evaluating usability, efficiency, localization, setup, security, and other relevant aspects.

Why is It Important to Test Mobile Apps?

Ans: It takes a lot of time and money to do these tests over and over again manually by any human. When compared to manual testing, automated tests are much more efficient, save both time and money, and can be left running perpetually at no extra cost.