Top 10 mobile automation testing tools for mobile application

According to Markets and Markets, the global market for automated testing is expected to approach $50 billion by 2026, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.2%. This growth highlights the increasing demand for robust mobile test automation tools and mobile app automation testing tools. Modern trends emphasize the need for high-quality IT products, as even the most innovative startups risk failure if their minimum viable products (MVPs) are riddled with errors and shortcomings.

Quality Assurance (QA) as a concept has recently solidified its place within the development cycle and Agile methodology. Contemporary approaches such as DevOps, Scrum, and Agile foster a balanced collaboration between developers and testers. Regardless of how flawless the application code might seem, the final quality of a product is challenging to evaluate without thoroughly testing its functionality and interface in line with user scenarios.

Choose tools that support both Android and iOS to streamline your testing process. Tools like Appium or TestComplete offer robust cross-platform capabilities, saving time and effort by allowing you to write tests once and run them across multiple devices.
Sergey Almyashev
COO, ZappleTech Inc.

According to Statista, the number of mobile users is expected to increase by 390 million over the next five years, reaching 7.49 billion. As noted in the 2020 e-Marketer report, 88% of smartphone use cases involve mobile apps, making mobile app automation testing tools critical in this rapidly expanding market. Mobile testing tools are essential for developers and testers, enabling efficient project verification across all sprints, from initial development to final delivery to the customer. Recognizing the importance of these tools, ZappleTech experts have analyzed the mobile automation testing tools landscape and identified the top 10 popular and in-demand solutions for QA Engineers and testers alike.

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TOP 10 mobile application testing tools

Testing mobile applications is just as crucial as testing web resources or desktop software, but it comes with its unique set of challenges. Mobile app testing requires a diverse base of connected devices from various manufacturers, incorporating different processors, operating systems, and display resolutions. This diversity allows you to conduct a comprehensive verification cycle, addressing compatibility issues and minimizing the risk of unsupported devices in the final release. However, it’s nearly impossible to test every single smartphone model and variant physically, which is where mobile test automation tools and mobile app automation testing tools come into play. These tools enable emulation of the required characteristics or connect real devices from cloud-based databases, streamlining the testing process.

While many of these mobile app automation testing tools offer extensive functionality, they often come at a cost. However, there are also free versions available with limited capabilities, suitable for smaller projects or teams on a budget. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 mobile application testing tools, highlighting their key features and strengths. We’ll also evaluate whether the paid versions are worth the investment and provide tips on how to maximize value when selecting a package.

Appium

When it comes to mobile application testing tools, Appium seems to be the most versatile. This tool can perform a full range of checks for mobile and web apps, as well as hybrid ones. Appium stands out among mobile test automation tools because it supports multiple programming languages, including Java, Python, and JavaScript, making it accessible for developers with various skill sets. Additionally, it offers cross-platform testing capabilities, allowing the same scripts to be used for both Android and iOS apps, which saves time and reduces the complexity of maintaining different codebases.

One of the key features of Appium is its ability to automate mobile app testing without modifying the app’s source code. This ensures that the testing process closely mirrors how end-users will interact with the app. Furthermore, Appium is compatible with various frameworks and CI/CD tools, enhancing its integration into existing development workflows.

Beyond these functionalities, Appium provides detailed reporting and logging, helping teams quickly identify and resolve issues. The tool’s open-source nature also means it’s constantly evolving with contributions from a global community, keeping it on the cutting edge of mobile app automation testing tools. Whether testing UI elements, performance, or functionality, Appium’s extensive feature set and flexibility make it a top choice among mobile test automation tools.

Testing without project deployment.
Integration with modern methodologies: DevOps and Agile.
Scripting with native languages: Java, Python, Ruby, and PHP.
Open source and large community.
Flexibility and customization.
Working with advanced user scripts.

This cross-platform tool with a large arsenal of functions is a universal solution for any QA team. It combines easy management and detailed testing scripts. It’s a compulsory component in the arsenal of a modern tester.

Ranorex

The interface is the main element of any mobile and web app, serving as the first point of interaction between the user and the application. That’s why checking the interface for errors is an essential step in the developer roadmap, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience. Ranorex stands out as a versatile solution, meeting all modern requirements for mobile app automation testing tools. Its capabilities allow developers to efficiently test a wide range of mobile interfaces, detecting errors early and ensuring that the app performs flawlessly across different devices and platforms.

As one of the top mobile test automation tools, Ranorex offers robust features like cross-platform testing, detailed reporting, and easy integration with various development environments. These features make it a preferred choice for teams aiming to streamline their testing processes. With Ranorex, testers can automate complex tasks, reduce manual effort, and increase the accuracy of their testing, ultimately leading to a higher quality mobile application that meets user expectations. Whether you’re working on Android, iOS, or other platforms, Ranorex provides a reliable, comprehensive solution for mobile app automation testing, supporting the delivery of error-free applications.

. Its strengths:

Completely automated regression testing.
Quick editing of tests by keywords.
Support for datasets from external sources.
Cross-browser checks: one test for all platforms.
Working with Windows, Android, and iOS.
Browser support: Opera, Firefox, Chrome, IE, Safari, and Edge.

A flexible pricing model allows you to choose the best option for the requirements and budget of your team. When you purchase a package, you access parallel testing in the cloud, where thousands of different devices are emulated. It speeds up and optimizes checking your IT solution for several platforms simultaneously.

TestComplete

TestComplete is another versatile software from the list of best mobile automation testing tools. Its functionality is comprehensive, offering a wide range of features for conducting thorough user interface checks, ensuring both stability and response speed. As one of the most popular mobile test automation tools in the world of QA, TestComplete supports multiple scripting languages, including JavaScript, Python, and VBScript, making it accessible for testers with varying levels of coding expertise.

This tool is especially favored for its easy-to-use record-and-playback feature, which allows testers to create test scripts without writing code manually. Additionally, TestComplete’s robust object recognition engine ensures that even the most complex mobile app elements are identified accurately, enhancing the reliability of tests. The effectiveness of TestComplete as a mobile app automation testing tool has been proven by thousands of successfully implemented projects across various industries, cementing its reputation as a go-to solution for mobile testing needs.

LambdaTest

LambdaTest is a classic representative of mobile testing tools that provides a comprehensive suite of features designed to streamline the testing process. As one of the leading mobile test automation tools, LambdaTest offers a flexible and powerful software solution that allows QA Engineers to thoroughly test mobile applications with confidence.

The platform’s package solution includes everything needed for efficient testing, such as a robust cloud infrastructure, a variety of emulators, and a script editor tailored for testing both web and mobile apps. These features make LambdaTest an excellent choice among mobile app automation testing tools, as it supports a wide range of testing scenarios and environments, ensuring that applications perform optimally across different devices and operating systems. The versatility and reliability of LambdaTest help QA teams deliver high-quality software faster, making it an indispensable tool in the world of mobile test automation.

The advantages of the program are:

Easy and customizable interface.
Flexible custom script editor.
Base with more than 3,000 devices, both physical and virtual.
Fully automated and parallelized tests.
Integration with DevOps and Agile systems.
Support for popular development languages in syntax.

It is a professional solution for modern QA teams of experts. Its toolkit allows for comprehensive testing of the interface and functionality of apps. The complex is suitable for all development stages and can be easily integrated into the roadmap of any project.

SoapUI

SoapUI is a robust and comprehensive tool designed primarily for developers to test APIs and everything associated with them. It excels in evaluating security, speed, and handling high loads, making it an essential tool for ensuring the reliability of APIs under various conditions. While SoapUI is traditionally used for API testing, it can also serve as one of the mobile test automation tools, particularly when the focus is on the fault tolerance and reliability of the API rather than functional or interface testing. This versatility makes it a valuable asset not only for web applications but also for hybrid and native mobile apps. Its capabilities as a mobile app automation testing tool extend to testing complex scenarios where the API’s performance under stress and potential security vulnerabilities are critical factors. This makes SoapUI a versatile option in the toolkit for those looking to conduct comprehensive mobile automation testing.

What is so special about the tool?

Full testing of API at all development stages.
Using SOC2 security protocol.
Emulating bundles and individual elements.
Support for data-driven testing.
Providing comprehensive statistics and reporting.
Flexible payment model.

That’s a powerful tool that has won the trust and loyalty of developers and QA Engineers worldwide. SoapUI has proven its effectiveness, so experts use it in most projects.

Selenium

A generic tool, not just one of regular mobile application testing tools. With a built-in script editor, it is a favorite of many QA Engineers. It helps automate tests, parallelize them, or run single quick checks of particular functions. After minor edits, previously created scripts can be reused in the next sprints.

The features of the program are:

Cross-platform and multilingual.
High entry threshold and requirements for tester skills.
Support for parallel testing.
Large database of virtual and physical devices.
Reliable results and technical reporting on them.
Open source, customization, and extension base.

Selenium is one of the most popular tools on the market, proven by thousands of successfully tested apps. Despite the complex scripting syntax and high skill requirements, Selenium is a favorite among QA Engineers around the world.

SikuliX

Another top solution in the realm of mobile test automation tools is SikuliX. This versatile tool is particularly effective as a mobile app automation testing tool because it does not require access to the code, SDK, or other software elements to run tests. Instead, SikuliX relies on image recognition to interact with the graphical interface of a compiled prototype. This makes it an ideal choice for testers who need a straightforward approach without diving deep into the codebase. Additionally, SikuliX supports scripting languages like JavaScript, Python, and Ruby, providing flexibility and ease of integration for various automation needs in mobile app testing scenarios.

Ensure the tool integrates well with your existing CI/CD pipeline and other testing tools. Seamless integration with popular tools like Jenkins, Jira, or GitHub enhances your workflow efficiency and helps maintain a smooth testing process.
Mikhail Bodnarchuk
CDO, ZappleTech Inc.

The key features of the program are:

Support for virtual devices.
Working with ADB (experimental).
Integrated OCR tools and interface analysis.
Automated user scripts.
Action recording/playback.
Community support and open source.

SikuliX is a free yet powerful tool and an essential component in the arsenal of any expert tester. It’s not easy to master it, but the program’s functionality offsets it. This solution constantly develops and acquires new features, which keeps it up to date.

TestProject

TestProject stands out for its flexible testing capabilities for both web and mobile apps, making it a valuable addition to the suite of mobile test automation tools. This cloud-based platform supports over 3,000 connected devices, allowing users to test across a wide range of real-world scenarios. Additionally, TestProject offers a local virtual environment, providing further flexibility and control for testers who prefer to work offline or require specific configurations.

One of the key advantages of TestProject as a mobile app automation testing tool is its ease of use, especially when it comes to setting up and running parallel tests. This feature significantly reduces testing time, as multiple tests can be executed simultaneously without the need for complex configurations. The platform’s speed and efficiency can impress even the most seasoned testers, helping teams to quickly identify and resolve issues in their mobile applications.

Furthermore, TestProject’s robust reporting and analytics tools offer comprehensive insights, allowing teams to continuously improve their testing strategies. This makes TestProject not only a reliable tool for executing tests but also a strategic asset for optimizing the overall quality assurance process in mobile app development.

The program’s strengths are:

Virtual test environment deployed on a working device.
Cross-platform testing on thousands of different devices.
Integration with Agile and DevOps methodologies.
Free product distribution model.
Full cycle of testing: from load to interface.
Detailed reporting for each inspection cycle.

This tool is really enjoyable to use, allowing you to solve routine problems easily. Even QA beginners can master it. Access to the product is free, but the community supports it, investing in its development and modernization.

AppliTools

Applitools is widely recognized as one of the most user-friendly mobile test automation tools available. It stands out by combining simplicity with a powerful arsenal of features designed for fast and efficient parallel testing across various devices. As one of the leading mobile app automation testing tools, Applitools excels in verifying both the interface and functionality of mobile, web, and desktop applications. This makes it an excellent choice for teams looking to enhance their testing processes without compromising on accuracy or speed. Applitools’ advanced visual AI technology further ensures that the user experience remains consistent across different platforms and screen sizes, making it a top choice for comprehensive automation testing.

The main features of the product are:

Working with popular development languages.
Integration with other test environments.
Easy customization of scenarios, including multi-level ones.
Fast processing of user actions and parallel tests.
Simple and clear reporting with logs and streaming statistics.
Flexible pricing model.

This high-quality and convenient product is one of the best QA solutions on the market. Testing experts and dedicated QA engineers should have it in their arsenal. Master it and use it when testing mobile, web, and desktop apps.

SpecFlow

SpecFlow is one of the classic Agile and DevOps tools, known for its flexibility and reliability, making it a favorite among testers. It offers robust support for behavior-driven development (BDD), enabling teams to write tests in a language that is easy for everyone to understand, from developers to business stakeholders. SpecFlow is particularly effective when integrated with mobile test automation tools, allowing for comprehensive testing across various platforms.

SpecFlow supports testing for mobile apps, desktop applications, hybrid solutions, and classic web resources, making it an excellent choice for teams that need versatile mobile app automation testing tools. With SpecFlow, testers can automate testing processes, ensuring that both functionality and user experience are consistently high. This adaptability and wide range of use cases position SpecFlow as a reliable tool in the landscape of mobile app automation testing tools, enhancing overall software quality while supporting continuous integration and delivery practices.

Key features of the tool are:

Simple and user-friendly syntax Gherkin.
Joint work on scripts.
Seamless integration with other test environments.
Logical description of actions in scripts.
Clear and structured reporting.
Modular system for building test scenarios.

SpecFlow is a free tool suitable for any app. It is multi-platform, so you can emulate various devices or connect to thousands of physical ones in the cloud. Remote testing is an innovation in the QA market. It speeds up work and minimizes errors.

Let’s summarize

The QA market offers a wide array of mobile test automation tools that greatly simplify the process of testing apps when used correctly. These mobile app automation testing tools are designed to streamline the testing process, but it’s important to note that relying solely on them doesn’t guarantee 100% quality of the final product.

In today’s tech landscape, even startup owners can access the expertise of dedicated IT product testing teams. For example, at ZappleTech, our experts work daily with the leading mobile test automation tools. We meticulously eliminate bugs throughout development sprints and address minor flaws before the MVP launch, ensuring a smooth user experience from the start. By partnering with us, you gain access to top-tier QA industry experts who deliver the highest quality product on time. Choose our services to set your product apart and lead the market with confidence!

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Top 10 Mobile Test Automation Tools