10 Best Android Testing Tools Shortlist
Android is fast approaching iOS level of popularity. With phones such as Samsung and Google phones both supporting Android, consumers have more choice in the market, and it is imperative that your Android applications are thoroughly tested to ensure a positive user experience.
Below I talk about just some of the best Android testing tools available to help you and your team achieve thorough and complete testing of your Android applications to give you peace of mind that your applications are running smoothly for the many Android users.
How I Selected The Best Android Testing Tools
Perhaps you're wondering how I selected the best Android testing tools for this list? To build this top 10 list, I evaluated and compared a wide range of Android testing tools with positive user ratings.
After determining my long list of top choices, I further honed my list by using the selection criteria below to see how each platform stacked up against the next one. I also drew on my years of QA experience to pinpoint the features that add a lot of value.
If you have general questions about Android testing tools or how to pick the best Android testing tool for your organization, take a look at our frequently asked questions section below. Or, you can skip directly to my detailed software summaries, if that's what you need the most.
Selection Criteria
Here’s a short summary of the main selection and evaluation criteria I used to develop my list of the best Android testing tools for this article:
Usability:
Do they provide a variety of features? Do they offer automated testing and manual testing solutions for Android applications?
Programming Languages:
Does the tool support a variety of programming languages so any member of the team is able to set up testing environments and execute test runs?
Software Integrations:
Does the tool provide integrations with other software such as defect tracking platforms, and backlog management tools?
Pricing:
Does the tool provide enough features and cost effective solutions for your testing needs?
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Overviews Of The 20 Best Android Testing Tools
Here’s a brief description of each Android testing tool to showcase each one’s best use case, some noteworthy features, screenshots, and pricing information.
Tricentis Testim Mobile
Best for Android test automation
Tricentis Testim Mobile is a continuous testing platform designed to improve the speed, quality, and performance of software while simultaneously reducing costs. It's a part of the Tricentis suite of testing tools and is specifically geared towards mobile applications.
Why I picked Tricentis Testim Mobile: I selected Tricentis as an Android testing tool due to its comprehensive suite of automated software testing tools designed for flexibility, scalability, and efficiency. This selection was based on the tool's capabilities, which include Test Automation Tosca for enterprise testing, Testim for web apps, qTest for test management, and Testim Mobile for mobile testing.
Tricentis Testim Mobile Standout Features and Integrations
Features include test automation for various applications, test management, mobile testing, performance testing, and data and change intelligence. The platform can scale to provide codeless options for non-technical users, leveraging advanced machine learning and AI for efficient testing. In addition to these features, Tricentis also offers specific software testing solutions such as NeoLoad for performance testing, Data Integrity for ensuring data quality, and LiveCompare for AI-powered analytics.
Integrations include Bamboo, Azure DevOps, Circle CI, Jenkins, GitHub, Saucelabs, LambdaTest, and Bitbucket. If you cannot find the app you are looking for, you can also use its REST API to build custom integrations with your tech stack.
Pros
- Helpful support team
- Free plan available
- Offers plenty of integrations
Cons
- Increased test complexity limits no-code options
- Paid plan pricing may be high for some organizations
Testsigma
Best for AI-powered testing practices
Testsigma is an open-source testing framework that allows you and your team to automate tests for web apps, mobile apps and APIs.
Why I picked Testsigma: Testsigma uses AI and machine learning algorithms to help identify the most critical test cases and optimize testing efforts. The AI algorithms can analyze your application under test and identify the most critical test cases so you are able to prioritize testing efforts. This helps ensure that your testing efforts are focused on the most important areas of the application.
Testsigma provides a codeless automation environment, which means that testers with little to no coding experience can still create automated tests. This opens up the possibility for anyone on your team to execute test runs, and generate results for analysis.
Testsigma Standout Features and Integrations
Features include cross-browser testing, continuous testing, AI-powered testing, codeless automation, and a centralized platform for collaboration.
Integrations include BrowserStack, Sauce Labs, Slack, Microsoft Teams, JIRA, Trello, Asana, Jenkins, Bamboo, and CircleCI.
Pros
- Intuitive user interface
- No coding experience required
- Cross-browser and platform capabilities
Cons
- Limited programming language support
Mobot
Best outsourcing option for tough, unautomatable mobile tests
Mobot is a feel of mobile robots designed for a wide range of applications, typically characterized by autonomous or semi-autonomous movement capabilities and the ability to perform tasks in various environments. They can point, click, drag, and eliminate the need for costly and time-consuming manual tests across different devices.
Why I Picked Mobot: Mobot is an ideal choice for teams that are spending a lot of their time doing manual testing on physical devices. It is full-service and can handle unautomatable tests with their mechanical robots, including deep linking, payment flows, two-factor authentication, and more.
Their team and robot fleet fully manage all aspects of testing from execution to documentation, reporting, and more. Mobot can automatically open JIRA tickets and send slack pings with ADB logs, screenshots, and reproducible steps for all bugs and abnormalities found during testing.
Its precision and consistency make it an excellent tool for regression testing, compatibility testing across multiple Android device models, and load testing to assess app performance under different conditions. Its ability to operate 24/7 ensures continuous testing and rapid feedback, contributing to the overall quality and reliability of Android applications.
Mobot Standout Features and Integrations
Features include a fleet of mechanical robots that use computer vision to execute your test cases, no-code setup, access to 200+ physical devices, native and cross-platform mobile app testing, replicate physical device testing, automated testing, and the ability to use video instructions to design tests.
Integrations include Slack, JIRA, and TestRail.
Pros
- Can handle multi-device interactions (messaging, push notifications)
- Can mimic physical device interactions: swipes, clicks, turns
- Record a video of the test you'd like to run to implement it
Cons
- Tests setup within 24-48 hours (their team must manually do this)
- Few native integrations currently
Waldo
Best for a no-code testing experience
Waldo is an Android testing framework that aims to accelerate the testing process for developers by eliminating the need to build tests and write code for test automation.
Why I picked Waldo: Waldo provides you and your team a no-code experience, allowing you to move through any version of your build on real devices cross-platform within minimal effort. This, in addition to the elimination of test build requirements, allows you and your team to test your application more efficiently with builds that can be shared for testing.
Due to its no-code experience, the tool is particularly good for teams that do not have dedicated developers. Waldo also provides a scalable automation infrastructure, allowing you to automate your test cases.
Waldo Standout Features and Integrations
Features include mobile test automation, test suite organization, mobile simulator testing, mobile emulator testing, test recorder, flakiness detection and debugging signals.
Integrations include App Center, Bitrise, Circle CI, Fastlane, Travis CI, Xcode Cloud, Github, Bitbucket, GitHub Actions and GitLab.
Waldo offers customized pricing upon request. Waldo offers a free trial available.
Pros
- Fast and reliable
- Easy test creation
- Dedicated support team
Cons
- Only the enterprise plan supports unlimited testing devices
Calabash
Best for use of cross-platform support when testing mobile applications
Calabash is an open source cross-platform mobile testing framework that allows developers to write and execute automated acceptance tests for native and hybrid mobile applications.
Why I picked Calabash: One of the best features of Calabash is the cross-platform support, as this allows you to write tests once and execute them on multiple mobile devices and platforms. This feature can significantly reduce the time and effort required for testing mobile applications, eliminating the need to write separate tests for each platform.
Calabash is built on the principles of BDD, allowing you to write test scenarios in natural language that can be easily understood by all stakeholders. This makes it easier for you to communicate with other team members, such as business analysts and product owners, to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goal.
Calabash Standout Features and Integrations
Features include multiple language support, comprehensive test coverage, support for both native and hybrid apps, and continuous integration.
Integrations include Cucumber, Appium, Jenkins, Sauce Labs, Xamarin Test Cloud and CircleCI
Free Calabash is free to use.
Pros
- Strong community support
- Easy to use
- Comprehensive test coverage
Cons
- Maintenance required for test scripts
MonkeyRunner
Best for multiple device control and extensible automation
MonkeyRunner is an Android testing tool that provides an API for writing Android programs and emulators from outside of Android code.
Why I picked MonkeyRunner: MonkeyRunner allows you to develop a system of Python based modules for controlling Android devices due to the tool being an API kit. The tool also allows you to use standard Python subprocess modules to call Android tools. MonkeyRunner also provides multiple device control, allowing you to test across multiple devices and emulators.
MonkeyRunner provides capabilities for regression and functional testing purposes. The tool allows you to automate your test cases, with output screenshots and the ability to provide input values with key strokes and touch events.
MonkeyRunner Standout Features and Integrations
Features include Mobile Forms Automation, Localization, Web Accessibility and Configurable Test Suite.
Integrations include none mentioned, and Zapier doesn’t mention any.
MonkeyRunner is open source and free to use.
Pros
- Provides cross device capabilities
- Source code available on website
- Emulators available for testing
Cons
- Features limited to regression and functional testing
Android Studio
Best for a comprehensive integrated environment
Android Studio is a powerful android testing application that incorporates its code editing and developer tools.
Why I picked Android Studio: Android Studio provides a complete integrated environment for app development, including a code editor, code analyzer, compiler, debugger, and emulator. This allows you to take advantage of a one-stop-shop in your team’s development process, eliminating the need for other tools.
Android Studio is geared towards developers who are responsible for seeing their delivery pieces through to production, and allows for easy debugging at the test stage of the life cycle. The tool is also supported by a large developer community, allowing you and your team to find help and resources when required.
Android Studio Standout Features and Integrations
Features include an intelligent Code Editor, Gradle Build System, Emulator, Layout Editor, Performance Analysis and Code Templates
Integrations include Google Cloud Platform, GitHub:, Jenkins, Jira and Docker
Android Studio is free to use.
Pros
- Provides advanced code completion and refactoring capabilities
- Has the Gradle build system to manage dependencies, build variants, and multiple APKs.
- Provides a built-in code analysis tool that provides real-time feedback on coding errors
Cons
- Android Studio requires a high-end computer with plenty of memory and processing power
Appium
Best for automating testing practices for mobile applications
Appium is an open-source test automation framework that allows developers and testers to automate testing of mobile applications, and is one of the strongest mobile app testing tools available.
Why I picked Appium: Appium supports testing on multiple platforms, including iOS apps and Android apps, which allows you to write tests once and run them on different platforms without making any changes to the test code. This is particularly useful for the development of mobile applications. Appium also allows developers to write tests in their preferred programming languages and test frameworks, which makes it easy to integrate with existing development workflows and tools.
Appium proves to be a very malleable tool by supporting a variety of automation frameworks, including Selenium and XCUITest, which allows you to choose the framework that best suits your needs. Appium also supports a wide range of programming languages, including Java, Python, Ruby, and JavaScript, allowing you and your team to code in your preferred language.
Appium Standout Features and Integrations
Features include access to native APIs, support for both real devices and emulators, support for visual testing and real-time logs and reporting
Integrations include Selenium, TestNG, Cucumber, Jenkins, Sauce Labs, Allure Reports:
Appium is free to use.
Pros
- No need for source code modification
- Can be used to test applications on real devices or emulators/simulators
- Open-source and has an active developer community
Cons
- Limited support for testing web apps
Robotium
Best for black box and white box testing practices
Robotium is an open-source test automation framework designed specifically for Android app testing.
Why I picked Robotium: One of Robotium’s strongest features is its support for both black-box and white-box testing. Black-box testing involves testing an application without any knowledge of its internal workings, while white-box testing involves testing an application with full knowledge of its internal workings. Robotium allows you to choose the type of testing you want to perform, depending on your needs and expertise.
Robotium is one of the more simple Android testing tools to configure, and is known for it’s ease of use, making it a good choice for beginners. It provides simple and intuitive APIs that allow testers to write test cases quickly and easily.
Robotium Standout Features and Integrations
Features include testing suite that supports multiple types of testing practices and scenarios, playback and reporting features, synchronization features and cross-device testing capabilities.
Integrations include Android Studio, Jenkins, Appium, Selendroid, TestNG and Gradle
Robotium is free to use.
Pros
- Supports complex user interfaces
- Supports multiple programming languages
- Supports all Android versions
Cons
- Limited documentation and tutorials
Ranorex
Best for test automation across multiple operating systems and platforms
Ranorex is a test automation tool used for testing desktop, web, and mobile applications.
Why I picked Ranorex: Ranorex provides the ability to automate testing across different platforms and technologies, including web applications, desktop applications, and mobile applications, and it supports a wide range of technologies and platforms, including Java, .NET, HTML5, and Android apps and iOS apps. This allows you to improve your test execution practices, and allows you to carry out continuous testing to improve the efficiency of your team and application lifecycle.
Ranorex provides a powerful object repository that allows testers to easily create and manage test objects. This makes it easy to create reusable tests and automate repetitive tasks. The tool offers a seamless app automation experience, whether you are working with Windows, Apple or Linux.
Ranorex Standout Features and Integrations
Features include a record-and-replay feature, full development environment, machine-trained object detection, test healing, video reporting of test execution, and customizable test results reporting.
Integrations include HP ALM, Microsoft TFS, JIRA, Git, SVN, Jenkins, Bamboo, and TeamCity
Ranorex provides customized pricing upon request and offers a free trial.
Pros
- Codeless test creation
- Comprehensive customer support
- Intuitive user interface
Cons
- Limited open-source support
The 10 Best Android Testing Tools Summary
Tool | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tricentis Testim Mobile Best for Android test automation | Free version available | From $450/month | Website |
2 | Testsigma Best for AI-powered testing practices | 30-Day free trial and free plan available | From $399/Monthly | Website |
3 | Mobot Best outsourcing option for tough, unautomatable mobile tests | 30-day free trial | $1,500/month/action (tap, swipe, click, etc.) | Website |
4 | Waldo Best for a no-code testing experience | Free trial available | Pricing upon request | Website |
5 | Calabash Best for use of cross-platform support when testing mobile applications | Not available | Free to use | Website |
6 | MonkeyRunner Best for multiple device control and extensible automation | Not available | Open source and free | Website |
7 | Android Studio Best for a comprehensive integrated environment | Free to Use | Website | |
8 | Appium Best for automating testing practices for mobile applications | Not available | Free to use | Website |
9 | Robotium Best for black box and white box testing practices | Not available | Free to use | Website |
10 | Ranorex Best for test automation across multiple operating systems and platforms | 30-day free trial | $3590/year | Website |
Other Options
Here are a few more options that didn’t make the best android testing tools list:
- Espresso
Best comprehensive test suite and APIs for testing in a native app
- Detox
Best for performing mobile app tests in both Android and iOS
- Selendroid
Best for identifying UI elements when testing an application
- Kobiton
Best for development team collaboration
- BrowserStack
Cloud-based testing platform that allows developers to perform live interactive testing
- Katalon Studio
Comprehensive automation testing tool that simplifies the process of creating and executing automated tests for web and mobile applications
- testRigor
AI-powered test automation tool that uses machine learning algorithms to generate and execute test cases automatically
- Mocha
Feature-rich JavaScript test framework running on Node.js and in your browser
- Selenium WebDriver
Popular open-source automated testing tool that enables developers to automate web browser interactions and test web applications
- TestComplete
Supports testing for a range of platforms, including web, desktop, and mobile applications
People Also Ask
Does The Tool Support All Versions Of Android?
What are the Key Features of Android Testing Tools?
What Other Application Testing Tools Should I Use?
Put Your Android App Through the Wringer!
Android testing tools are crucial for ensuring the quality and usability of Android applications, and developers, testers and mission teams should choose the tool that best suits their needs based on the type of testing they want to perform. In addition, using a combination of different testing tools can help ensure comprehensive testing and improve the overall quality of an Android application.
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