10 Best Mobile Test Automation Tools Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
With so many different mobile test automation tools available, figuring out which is right for you is tough. You know you want to automatically execute test cases against your mobile apps but need to figure out which tool is best. I've got you! In this post I'll help make your choice easy, sharing my personal experiences using dozens of different mobile test automation software with various teams and projects, with my picks of the best mobile test automation tools.
What are mobile test automation tools?
Mobile test automation tools are software that automate the testing process for mobile apps. They perform various automated tests on mobile applications to check functionality, performance, compatibility, and user interface across different devices and operating systems. These tools run pre-defined test scripts, simulating user interactions with the app and validating its behavior under various conditions.
The benefits of using mobile test automation tools include increased efficiency in testing processes, particularly for repetitive and extensive testing scenarios. They provide consistent and accurate test results, reducing the likelihood of human error. These tools enable comprehensive testing coverage across multiple platforms and devices, ensuring the app performs well for all users. By facilitating quicker feedback to developers, they help accelerate the development and improvement cycle of mobile applications. Overall, they contribute to higher quality, more reliable mobile applications, and a more streamlined development workflow.
Overviews Of The 10 Best Mobile Test Automation Tools
Here’s a brief description of each mobile test automation software that showcases each tool’s best use case, its noteworthy features, and some pros and cons. I’ve also included screenshots to give you a snapshot of their user interface too.
Best mobile test automation tool for cross-functional testing
Katalon Studio is an AI-powered platform that provides a leading mobile test automation tool that lets you plan, author, and execute automated tests. It offers click-and-run cloud environments for automating various forms of mobile testing, including cross-functional testing.
Why I picked Katalon Studio: From cross-functional testing to cross-environment execution and cloud-based mobile platform integration, Katalon offers everything you need to create and run mobile tests reliably and efficiently. It comes with components and prebuilt keywords that help streamline your mobile test automation processes.
Additionally, Katalon enables you to generate tests with a mobile recorder. You can store all UI elements to be reused in future test cases.
Katalon Studio Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features: The cross-environment execution feature allows you to implement tests locally and remotely with real devices, cloud-based devices, or simulators. It offers advanced features like object spying utility and recording utility.
Integrations are available with AppDynamics, Applitools, Atlassian Bamboo, Atlassian Bitbucket, AWS CodeCommit, AWS Device Farm, Azure DevOps, Azure Repos, BrowserStack, and CeeView.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- It supports multiple OSs (Windows, macOS, and Linux)
- Test automation for native apps, mobile web apps, and hybrid apps
- Testing on real devices and emulators
Cons:
- There is no massive community support
- Some configurations are complex
Mobot is a mobile test automation platform that leverages the use of mechanical robots to automate the mobile app testing process on 200+ physical devices simultaneously.
Why I picked Mobot: I included Mobot because it's easy to use, but also powerful enough to handle complex testing scenarios. Instead of writing out a detailed test plan you can record a short video of the tests you want to run, then upload it through Mobot's self-serve test plan tool. Next, Mobot will guide you to select the specific devices you want to test on and clarify any other relevant details. Mobot then converts these details into an automated test using their software in tandem with mechanical robots. Once finalized, Mobot will run the tests you selected and record all the results, data, and reports within their platform for you to easily digest.
Mobot Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features for Mobot include their visual testing feature that lets you see exactly what your app looks like on different devices. This is super helpful for catching layout issues that might not show up in a standard functional test. It also has a really robust reporting feature that gives you detailed insights into your test results, so you can quickly identify and fix any issues.
Another big standout feature is Mobot's ability to run tests in parallel. This means you can test your app on multiple devices and operating systems at the same time - including 200+ physical Android and iOS devices (not emulators). This essentially accomplishes what a human tester could complete within 5 days in the span of 1 full workday.
Integrations are available with Slack, Jira, and TestRail.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- No-code test plan process saves a lot of time
- Each client receives a Customer Success Manager (CSM) to assist throughout the process
- Condenses 5-days of human-powered testing into 1-day of automated testing
Cons:
- Users cannot initiate tests independently - must coordinate through your Customer Success Manager instead
- Limited software integrations
Eggplant offers AI-powered test automation features that allow you to accelerate testing with agile test automation practices across devices. The platform provides a reliable suite of features that enable you to automate your mobile app testing better and faster.
Why I picked Eggplant: This tool helps you replace time-intensive manual testing approaches with AI-driven automated testing. In my opinion, this is one of the best test automation solutions when it comes to accelerating and optimizing test processes with the help of artificial intelligence.
Eggplant’s low/no-code capabilities let you create, execute, and manage tests without writing an extensive test script. It allows you to test any platform and deploy automated testing across the entire ecosystem of devices and operating systems.
Eggplant Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features: This product offers model-based testing, which helps you predict app behavior and execute efficient user testing. It enables agile teams to adopt agile test automation best practices. Eggplant also stands out from other tools with its reusable tests and monitoring insights capabilities.
Integrations are available with 15+ tools, including Atlassian Bamboo, Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, HPE ALM, IBM RQM Adapter, IBM UrbanCode Deploy, Jenkins, Jira, and Test Modeller.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Complete visibility into test activities
- Users without advanced programming skills can run tests
- Testing across the broadest range of OSs and devices
Cons:
- Limited database testing features
- The IDE can be a bit clunky at times
Appium, an open-source project, features a set of test automation solutions designed to enable you to assess the functionality or performance of your mobile applications. It facilitates the UI automation of many application platforms.
Why I picked Appium: I selected Appium because its capabilities cover a wide variety of application platforms. In addition to mobile operating systems (iOS, Android, Tizen), it allows you to run the quality assessment of apps built to run many platforms, including browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari), desktop (macOS, Windows), and smart TVs.
Another thing I like is that the UI automation enables you to author code that mimics the user scenarios in the actual UI of your apps, making it possible to assess apps based on what happens in the real world.
Appium Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include support for multiple programming languages, such as Java, Python, JavaScript, PHP, and Ruby. There is comprehensive documentation that helps new users get started quickly. Another great feature is the support for extensive plugins, which enables you to extend the functionality of the product.
Integrations include CloudBeat, Codemagic, Genymotion, Jtest, MoQuality, NeoLoad, SOAtest, SpecFlow, Test Modeller, and Zebrunner.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- It’s open-source
- It has detailed documentation
- Seamless integrations
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- The user interface needs improvement
TestComplete Mobile provides access to mobile app testing capabilities and custom libraries required to create and execute UI tests on any mobile device.
Why I picked TestComplete: It lets users create and manage UI tests on real devices, in the cloud or locally. I added this tool to my list because it lets anyone automate tests. You can use TestComplete whether you have experience or not. It allows you to create codeless automated tests across a wide range of iOS and Android devices.
It supports many leading frameworks, such as Xamarin, Flutter, React Native, and SwiftUI. You can implement tests in parallel across multiple devices and operating systems using this tool.
TestComplete Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include keyword-driven testing, an object recognition engine, free training and support, automated test reuse, continuous testing for DevOps, test automation for BDD, and test scaling with BitBar. It features a range of advanced capabilities, including scriptless Record & Replay, AI-powered visual recognition, data-driven testing, and automated test reporting and analysis.
Integrations are available with Azure DevOps, BitBar, Git, GitLab, Jenkins, Jira, ReadyAPI, TeamCity, Zephyr Enterprise, Zephyr Squad, and others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Access to custom libraries
- Support for all major mobile frameworks
- Simple test creation process
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- The pricing is on the high side
Test IO offers a fully managed test automation service that helps you verify and validate your mobile applications. The platform’s capabilities include scoping, discovery, reporting, execution, and ongoing maintenance.
Why I picked Test IO: This software enables agility by offering a fully managed test automation solution. With a test manager, you can seamlessly create, execute, and manage automated testing activities. Test IO has an advanced test automation reporting feature that lets you keep tabs on your test cases.
I also like that Test IO partners with Sauce Labs. This partnership enables you to efficiently implement automated tests on real devices in the cloud.
Test IO Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include comprehensive assessment, 50+ accelerators, and open-source testing frameworks. This product offers an outstanding crowdtesting service. Test IO has over 400,000 crowdtesting communities, enabling users to thoroughly test apps under real conditions.
Integrations are available with Asana, Azure DevOps, Clubhouse, Gitea, GitHub, GitLab, Jira Server, Mantis, Redmine, and Trello.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Highly responsive customer success managers
- It’s easy to set up
- Great user interface
Cons:
- Some configurations are not straightforward
- Sometimes the report includes issues that are not actually bugs
Robotium is a leading Android test automation framework. It’s designed to enable you to automate UI tests for native and hybrid Android applications.
Why I picked Robotium: This solution has the industry-leading features you need to create and execute Android UI automated tests. I added Robotium to my list because it provides seamless, easy ways to write automatic black-box UI tests for Android apps. With this tool, you can write a wide range of function, system, and user acceptance test scenarios.
Another reason I like Robotium is that it lets you execute and manage multiple Android activities automatically.
Robotium Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include support for native and hybrid applications, fast test case execution, and integration with Maven, Gradle, and Ant. Unlike some alternatives with a steep learning curve, Robotium makes getting started easy with great tutorials. There are instructions and examples to help you get started with your first tests.
Integrations include Android Studio, Appium, Selendroid, TestNG, Gradle, Jenkins, Jira, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Tests both native and hybrid apps
- Improved readability of test cases
- Speedy test case execution
Cons:
- Not highly customizable
- Its capabilities are limited to Android
Digital.ai provides automated testing capabilities that empower you to improve test coverage and streamline your mobile testing processes. It helps you release high-performing products by identifying and resolving bugs using automation technologies.
Why I picked Digital.ai: Even though it has some standard automation features, Digital.ai is one of the best when it comes to speeding up mobile testing. It has a test editor, which simplifies the test creation process and enables your non-coding team members to create, edit, and manage tests. With its testing suites and debugging tools, you can easily eliminate defects to boost test velocity and release quality.
Digital.ai Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features: Digital.ai lets you assess all functionalities to ensure they work as expected and meet global usability standards. It offers end-to-end testing, which allows you to mimic real user scenarios and evaluate your app’s entire workflow, enabling you to validate features reliably. Key features include performance testing, security testing, accessibility testing, integration testing, and end-to-end testing.
Integrations: Popular integrations include Ansible, ArgoCD, Azure, Checkmarx, Delivery Insights, Docker Compose, Gitlab, Helm Plugin, JBoss Application Server, and Tomcat.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good customer support
- Faster releases
- Simple test creation
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Some settings are complex and time-consuming
UFT Mobile provides a centralized lab of real mobile devices and emulators for running automated mobile tests. It allows you to integrate with open-source testing tools, such as Appium and Selenium.
Why I picked UFT Mobile: It provides remote access, which enables you to test mobile apps and get rid of bugs from anywhere. UFT Mobile’s mobile test automation tools are powered by artificial intelligence. As a result, you can scale AI-powered functional test automation across any browser, mobile device, and operating system. I like this tool because it helps you increase test coverage and reduce test creation time and maintenance.
UFT Mobile Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include integration with the DevOps ecosystem, multi-platform testing, and mobile device management. UFT Mobile simplifies mobile device management. You can manage devices and emulators according to your preferences. This gives you the flexibility to deploy devices for tests any way you want.
Integrations are available for a wide variety of development, QA, and productivity tools. Common integrations include Appium, AWS, Azure DevOps, CrowdStrike, Eclipse, Genymotion, Google Cloud, Selenium, UFT One, Visual Studio, and others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real mobile devices and emulators
- Reduced test creation time
- Improved test coverage
Cons:
- Lengthy onboarding process with iOS devices
- The stability of the tool needs improvement
Calabash is a BDD framework for mobile operating systems (iOS and Android). This platform provides automated functional testing tools for Android and iOS native and hybrid applications using Cucumber.
Why I picked Calabash: I added Calabash to my list because it offers a simple and powerful set of features for automating mobile app functional testing. Being a BBD framework, the software uses Cucumber to streamline and optimize the testing process. The Cucumber integration gives you a good level of visibility and control of your test cases.
Calabash Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features: Calabash, being an open-source project, gives you access to industry-standard mobile testing solutions for free. It has comprehensive documentation that is split into well-organized sections. As a result, you can easily get started with Calabash by simply browsing through the documentation.
Integrations include Cucumber, Appium, Sauce Labs, CircleCI, Xamarin Test Cloud, Jenkins, Slack, and Travis CI.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Open-source project
- Easy to understand
- Improved collaboration
Cons:
- Limited customization
- Writing test cases can be challenging at times
The Best Mobile Test Automation Tools Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Katalon Studio | From $25/month | Website |
| Mobot | $1,500/month/action (tap, swipe, click, etc.) | Website |
| Eggplant | Starts at $3,400 for a single test stream | Website |
| Appium | Free to use | Website |
| TestComplete Mobile | From $1,974 per license | Website |
| Test.io | From $2,000/month | Website |
| Robotium | Free to use | Website |
| Digital.ai | Pricing information is available upon request | Website |
| UFT Mobile | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Calabash | Free to use | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareOther Options
Here are a few more worthwhile options that didn’t make the best mobile test automation tools list:
- Ranorex Studio
Best low-code/no-code test automation platform for mobile apps and mobile web
- Selendroid
Best for native or hybrid Android apps and the mobile web
- LambdaTest
Best for cross-browser testing automation
- Tricentis Testim Mobile
Best for efficient, AI-powered automation of mobile application testing processes
- Kobiton
Best scriptless mobile test automation platform
- TestGrid
Best for executing parallel testing
- Avo Assure
Best for providing testing teams with production-like, compliant test data
- TestRail
Best for testing efficiently and getting real-time visibility at scale
- Headspin
Best for integrating advanced data science capabilities into mobile test automation
- testRigor
Best for creating stable tests in plain English
Selection Criteria For Mobile Test Automation Tools
Here’s a summary of the main selection and evaluation criteria I used to develop my list of the best mobile test automation tools for this article:
Core Functionality
I researched and thoroughly evaluated many mobile test automation solutions. I only included tools with the following core functionalities on my list:
- Intelligent automation
- Streamlined test creation, execution, and management
- Real device testing
- Test management and monitoring capabilities
Key Features
I thoroughly evaluated the tools to ensure they come with key features that testers need to properly assess their mobile products. The major features of a good mobile test automation tool include:
- Functional testing: This is a quality assurance process that is designed to assess the specifications or functions of your mobile application.
- Parallel testing: This feature allows you to use automation to execute the same tests simultaneously in multiple environments — devices and browser configurations.
- Test management: Test management functionalities help you to organize test cases and keep tabs on activities from the tool’s dashboard or control center.
- Usability testing: Also known as user experience testing, usability testing enables you to assess how easy a feature or design is to use by making the product available to a group of users.
- Regression testing: It involves re-doing functional and non-functional tests to re-validate the features of a product after some code changes have been made to it.
- Reporting & analytics: As the name implies, testers use this feature to report and analyze test cases, document activities, and gain insights into operations.
Usability
This is a measure of how easy a mobile product is to use. When considering this factor, I looked out for tools with simple UI, comprehensive documentation, an active user community, responsive customer service, and streamlined workflow. As a result, all the tools on my list are easy to get started with. And when you get stuck with any, each tool has tutorials, user communities, or customer service agents to help you trash your challenges.
Customizability
I prioritized solutions that are easily customizable. Customizable tools enable you to tweak their features to suit your team’s needs and preferences. They provide the flexibility required to perform tests according to your needs and your team’s unique ways of getting things done.
Software Integration
Your team already relies on a range of software development, QA, or productivity tools. Being able to integrate the mobile automation software with your other tools enables you to streamline the QA process and save your team members the stress of jumping from one tool to another. Consequently, I selected solutions that integrate with other tools - so you can run tests speedily and cost-effectively.
Multi-Platform Testing
One of the essential capabilities of good test automation software is multi-platform testing. This is the ability to run tests across major operating systems, devices, browsers, and networks. I shortlisted solutions that can enable you to run tests on any mobile platform or device. This removes the need to use several tools since one or two all-in-one software can get the job done.
People Also Ask
Here are answers to some questions that are frequently asked about mobile test automation tools:
What are the benefits of mobile test automation tools?
The benefits of mobile test automation software include faster deployment of apps, improved efficiency, streamlined tests, real-time feedback, and a reduction in the cost of QA.
What are the key features of mobile test automation tools?
The key features of mobile test automation solutions include test management, functional testing, parallel testing, usability testing, security testing, reporting and analytics, and regression testing.
How do you select the best mobile app automation tool?
To select the best mobile automation software for your project, identify the tests that you want to automate, go through the list above to find the tools that meet your needs, try out one or two tools, and select one based on your requirements and budget.
Other Best Mobile Test Automation Tools Reviews
Final Thoughts
Mobile automation testing tools help you get rid of the problems that come with relying solely on manual testing. Manual testing is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to human error. Automated testing solves these problems and enables you to test applications faster, reliably, and cost-effectively.
Check out my recommendations to find what suits your needs, project, and budget. If you want to learn more about automated testing and quality assurance, subscribe to The QA Lead newsletter to get the latest articles and podcasts from industry experts.