Software Shortlist
Here’s the list of the best tools that I’ll cover in this article.
- 6. IBM Rational Functional Tester (RFT) — Best to simplify test virtualization & editing using screenshots
When programming is performed on existing code for fixes, updates or improvement purposes, it is important that your team has a robust regression testing process. This is so you can test the functionality to ensure the stability of the code changes, as well as the existing code. Regression testing tools can help you manage this process, log any problems you find, and prioritize fixes.
My list of regression testing tools in this article that will allow you to make an informed decision as to what tool fits best with your team and your practices.
What are Regression Testing Tools?
Regression testing tools are software applications that automate the process of regression testing, which is a type of software testing that verifies that changes made to an existing software application have not introduced any new defects or issues that were not present in the previous versions. Regression testing tools automate the execution of previously executed test cases to ensure that the application still behaves as expected after changes have been made. These tools can compare the results of the current test run with the results of the previous test run to identify any differences or issues that may have been introduced.
Regression testing tools can be used to test a wide range of software applications, from small desktop applications to complex enterprise systems. Some popular examples of regression testing tools include Selenium, TestComplete, Rational Functional Tester, and HP UFT (Unified Functional Testing).
How I Selected the Best Regression Testing Tools
If you're wondering how I selected the best regression test tools, here's where I'll break it all down for you. First of all, I started with regression testing tools that have high user review and satisfaction ratings. Then, using my experience in QA testing, I discerned what key criteria were most important for regression testing tools and compared how each of them stacked up against the rest.
I empathize with how much time it takes to source the right software for a job. I do this work so that you don't have to. I've been using and reviewing testing tools for years so you can trust me to do the heavy lifting and compile all the facts you need to make your final decision.
If you have more general questions about regression test tools, you can skip to our FAQ at the bottom of the page. Or, you can jump right to the regression test tool overviews if you're ready to start comparing.
Selection Criteria
After careful consideration, I've determined that these are the most important criteria when selecting the best regression test tool. Here's a brief list outlining the whats and whys of my selection.
User Interface (UI):
The user interface (UI) of a regression testing tool is critical to consider when selecting a tool because it affects the ease and efficiency of performing testing tasks. A well-designed UI allows testers to quickly navigate the tool, understand its features, and create and execute test cases with minimal effort. On the other hand, a poorly designed UI can lead to frustration, errors, and reduced productivity. The UI should be intuitive, visually appealing, and customizable to meet the needs of different testers and projects.
Usability:
Usability is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a regression testing tool because it directly affects the efficiency and effectiveness of the testing process. A tool that is difficult to use or requires extensive training can result in wasted time and resources, and can even lead to errors or omissions in the testing process. On the other hand, a tool that is intuitive and user-friendly can enable testers to quickly and easily create, execute, and analyze test cases, leading to more thorough and accurate regression testing.
Integrations:
Software integrations are an essential factor to consider when selecting a regression testing tool because they determine the tool's compatibility with other tools and systems in the testing environment. A regression testing tool that can integrate seamlessly with other tools such as test management, bug tracking, and automation frameworks can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the testing process. Integration capabilities enable testers to easily exchange data and information across systems, streamline workflows, and reduce the likelihood of errors or inconsistencies.
Pricing:
Pricing is an important factor to consider when selecting a regression testing tool because it directly affects the overall cost of the testing project. The cost of a regression testing tool can vary significantly depending on factors such as functionality, scalability, support, and licensing models. A tool that is too expensive may not be feasible for small or medium-sized projects, while a tool that is too cheap may not provide the required level of functionality or support.
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Overviews Of The 10 Best Regression Testing Tools
Here’s a brief description of each regression testing system to showcase each tool’s best use case, some noteworthy features, and screenshots to give a snapshot of the user interface.
Testim
Best for organizing your test cases in one visual editor
Testim Automate is an automated testing platform for fast authoring of AI-powered stable tests and tools to help you scale quality. The tool uses AI to identify and lock-in visual elements, allowing you to increase test stability of UI functional tests. Your tests can be extended with custom JavaScript that can run in or out of the browser.
Testim tests are recorded and then edited in its visual editor, allowing you to better organize your test cases. The tool offers AI-based locators that automatically lock-in elements, and test steps are discrete objects that can be configured, shared, grouped and parameterized, providing you and your team with the means to streamline your processes within your application lifecycle. Testim also helps keep tests clean by identifying duplicate test steps to be replaced by shared objects.
The cost of Testim begins at $1000 per month. The tool also offers a free version with up to 1000 test runs per month.
Testlio
Best suite of flexible and on-demand testing solutions
Testlio is an automated regression testing tool that primarily provides managed application testing. The tool provides a robust suite of flexible and on-demand testing solutions such as end-to-end testing, functional testing and localization testing. Testlio also offers a support team and expert QA resources, allowing easy implementation within your team.
Testlio offers an abundance of features, including detail oriented test plans, which allow you to review the device information, tester information and test criteria. The tool also provides exploratory testing and livestream testing, allowing you and your team to test your applications in real-time, as well as review the bugs identified on the tool’s dashboard. Finally, Testlio allows you access to all devices within your system without the need to build labs.
Testlio provides integrations with project management tools such as Aana and Jira, as well as IDE’s such as Visual studio.
Testlio offers flexible customized pricing upon request.
Katalon Studio
Best full toolkit for complete test coverage
Katalon Studio is an all-in-one regression testing platform for simplified web, mobile, API and desktop (Windows, Linux and Mac OS) test automation, and is the alternative to building traditional frameworks with open-source libraries. Katalon Studio offers built-in features such as Object Spy, Debugging UI, Test Artifact Sharing, Retry Failed Tests, Smart Wait, Self-Healing and analytics for test reporting, which provides you complete test coverage from within the toolkit alone.
Katalon Studio provides you with all critical capabilities and stability for functional and end-to-end automated testing, providing your team with a robust testing grid for your application lifecycle. The tool allows you to cycle through every step in weeks instead of months by applying low-code methods for test creation, execution, maintenance, and reporting.
Katalon offers integration with CI/CD tools such as Jenkins, BitBucket, Azure DevOps, VCS platforms such as Git, Github, Azure DevOps Repos, and DevOps tools such as Docker.
The cost of Katalon Studio starts from $69 per user per month. The tool also offers a free version, as well as a 30-day trial to test out all premium features for first-time users.
testRigor
Best to convert manual tests into automated tests
testRigor is a regression testing tool that stands out when it comes to the new era of AI-based automation tools. The tool allows you to create tests in plain English, with elements being referenced from a human perspective. testRigor analyzes all possible parameters behind the scenes to use the most useful ones, which results in ultra-reliable tests.
testRigor allows you to dramatically decrease your test maintenance, by allowing you and your team to spend 95% less time on it on average. Instead, the tool allows you to seamlessly build new tests and increase test coverage. testRigor makes the process of converting existing manual test cases into automated tests very straightforward, and users can also define and customize their own wording if they desire.
The cost of testRigor starts at $300 per month and can be tailored to your specific needs. There is a free 14-day trial with no credit card information required upfront.
Selenium
Best for developers testing UI performance and functionality
Selenium is a test automation framework that encapsulates an array of tools and libraries that enable web browser automation. The tool offers easy interaction and manipulation of HTML elements, allowing you to tweak and customize your tests the way you want to write them. Selenium also provides ease of infrastructure management by providing the test environment to your team.
Selenium interacts with your applications via desktop and mobile browsers, allowing you to execute Javascript code, making it easier to test the dynamic components of your DOM. In addition to Javascript, you can use multiple programming languages such as C#, Python, Ruby and Java with Selenium. This allows for easier implementation within development teams as any developer with expertise in any coding language can use the tool.
Selenium is fully open source and free to use.
IBM Rational Functional Tester (RFT)
Best to simplify test virtualization & editing using screenshots
IBM Rational Functional Tester is a web automation tool that is written in pure Java and provides an array of features. The tool is beneficial to teams who use .Net, Java and C# in their development lifecycle.
IBM Rational Functional Tester allows you to create and prepare test data for manual testers as well as write and run test cases for automated testing. The tool simplifies test visualization and editing using rendered screenshots. IBM Rational Functional Tester also provides intelligent script maintaining capabilities, allowing you to successfully automate functional and regression testing.
IBM Rational Functional Tester integrates with platforms such as Jenkins, Apache Maven and QuickTest.
IBM Rational Functional Tester offers customized pricing upon request.
Leapwork
Best to build processes visually for non-technical team members
Leapwork is a no-code regression testing tool that allows your team to create and execute tests across a variety of environments without the need to have coding experience. The tool is cloud-based, and offers testing in both web and desktop application environments within the same workflow. Leapwork is simple to implement within your team, and provides a growing base of written documentation, videos and articles.
Leapwork provides an array of features such as debugging, parallelization, compliance management, approval process control and recurring tests. The tool allows you to record processes and test cases in context, validate the test steps and input data. Leapwork will then build the processes in a graphical flowchart with logic, making it easy for the non-technical members of your team to review and take action.
Leapwork integrates with platforms such as Microsoft Azure DevOps, Jenkins and TeamCity.
Leapwork provides customized pricing upon request.
Micro Focus Unified Functional Testing (UFT)
Best for automating Windows applications
Micro Focus Unified Functional Testing is an intelligent testing tool that offers test automation within AI-based capabilities, allowing you to to accelerate your testing across desktop, mainframe, and mobile. The tool offers cross-browser coverage and cloud-based deployment, and provides reporting dashboards.
Micro Focus Unified Functional Testing automates your Windows applications in particular and uses VB scripting, which allows members of your team who have less development experience to work with the tool. The tool also provides a robust support system ranging from a developers’ forum to a dedicated customer support team. This allows you to ensure your team has everything they need to complete their testing within your application’s development lifecycle.
Micro Focus Unified Functional Testing integrates with platforms such as Jenkins, QC, and Postman.
Micro Focus Unified Functional Testing offers customized pricing on request.
Watir
Best for executing tests on browsers
Watir is an open source automated testing library that is based on Ruby, and supports Ruby scripting which makes it easy to learn and implement within your team. The tool interacts with your web browsers (Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox and more) by performing tests on your DOM by clicking links, filling forms and validating the text. Watir also supports multiple domains and provides a test recorder, allowing you to record the steps you have executed manually.
Watir allows you to automate any user interface no matter the technology. The tool implements OLE (Object, Linking and Embedding) protocol over COM (Component Object Model) architecture, allowing you to facilitate communication between your browsers and Ruby, eliminating the need for an external server. Watir also allows you to execute dynamic object creation and manipulation.
Watir is fully open source and free to use.
Rainforest QA
Best UI-driven testing solution for regression & functional tests
Rainforest QA is a no-code regression testing solution that provides a building block approach for creating tests and processes. The tool allows you to set up a repeatable testing environment, so you and your team are able to streamline your test process within this environment as often as you need. Rainforest QA also allows you to easily shift between parallel and sequential testing so you are able to keep pace with the development environment, and reduce time between sprints.
Rainforest QA’s intuitive and simple user interface enables you to better organize your test cases by allowing you and your team to tag cases so you can group them, as well as assign and monitor said test cases which are all managed from a single dashboard. The tool allows you to execute cross browser testing (Internet Explorer, Chrome, Edge), as well as access various systems (such as Windows and Linux), providing you extensive test coverage of your application. Rainforest QA also has the results arriving as tests within a suite are still being executed.
Rainforest QA provides integration with notification platforms such as Slack and Microsoft Teams, as well as continuous integration platforms such as Github and CircleCI.
Rainforest QA is free to use for the Professional tier, and offers customized pricing for their Enterprise tier. The tool also offers a 14-day free trial.
The 10 Best Regression Testing Tools Summary
| Tool | Free Option | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Testim Best for organizing your test cases in one visual editor | Free plan available | From $450/month | Visit Website |
| 2 | Testlio Best suite of flexible and on-demand testing solutions | Free demo | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 3 | Katalon Studio Best full toolkit for complete test coverage | Freemium plan | From $25/month | Visit Website |
| 4 | testRigor Best to convert manual tests into automated tests | 14-day free trial and free plan available | From $900/Month | Visit Website |
| 5 |  Selenium Best for developers testing UI performance and functionality | Not available | Free To Use | Visit Website |
| 6 |  IBM Rational Functional Tester (RFT) Best to simplify test virtualization & editing using screenshots | Not available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 7 |  Leapwork Best to build processes visually for non-technical team members | Not available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 8 |  Micro Focus Unified Functional Testing (UFT) Best for automating Windows applications | Not available | Customized pricing upon request | Visit Website |
| 9 |  Watir Best for executing tests on browsers | Not available | Free To Use | Visit Website |
| 10 |  Rainforest QA Best UI-driven testing solution for regression & functional tests | 14 days free trial | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
Other Options
Here are a few more that didn’t make the top list.
- TestComplete - Functional automated testing platform that allows you to test from device cloud to packaged apps
- Sahi Pro - Low-code test automation platform that allows complex regression test automation
- Serenity - BDD (behaviour-driven development) framework that allows for creation of tailored automated tests from it’s libraries
- Silk Test - Automated testing tool that allows you automated regression tests for web, mobile and rich-client applications
- Ranorex Studio - GUI automated testing framework that allows for regression test creation with little to no coding capability
- Telerik Test Studio - Windows-based automated testing tool that supports a variety of testing suites including RESTful API testing
- TimeShiftX - Date simulation software that allows you to test all date and time sensitive functionality
- Subject7 - Codeless automation software that unifies testing solutions without the need for QA resources
- Cerberus Testing - Open source automated testing solution that is low code and allows continuous end-to-end testing
- Testimony - Automated testing tool that allows you to customize complex cases
- Digivante - IT company that offers digital performance analysis and continuous web and mobile application testing
- Appsurify TestBrain - Regression testing plugin that increases output by providing test results immediately after code changes
People Also Ask
I thought of a few basic Q&As while I was writing that might help anyone new here get their bearings. Take a look:
Does QA Do Regression Resting?
Yes, quality assurance (QA) teams typically perform regression testing as part of their software testing activities. Regression testing is a type of testing that verifies whether previously working software still works after changes or new features have been added to the software. Since software development is an iterative process, changes are often made to the software code, which can introduce new defects or cause existing functionality to break.
Regression testing helps to ensure that any changes made to the software do not have an adverse impact on the existing functionality. QA teams are responsible for designing, executing, and maintaining regression test suites to ensure that the software is functioning correctly and meets the expected quality standards.
Is Regression Testing Before or After UAT?
Regression testing is typically performed before UAT (User Acceptance Testing) in the software testing process. Regression testing is a type of testing that verifies whether previously working software still works after changes or new features have been added to the software. It is performed to ensure that any changes made to the software do not have an adverse impact on the existing functionality.
Regression testing is typically performed after a new build or version of the software is created, but before it is released to UAT or production environments. On the other hand, UAT is the final testing phase before the software is released to end-users. UAT is typically performed by end-users or stakeholders to verify that the software meets their requirements and expectations. Therefore, regression testing is performed before UAT to ensure that the software is stable and functioning correctly before it is released for UAT.
What are the Benefits of Using Regression Testing Tools?
Regression testing tools are software applications that are designed to automate the process of regression testing, which is the practice of re-testing previously tested software after changes have been made to ensure that no new errors or defects have been introduced. The benefits of using regression testing tools include:
- Increased efficiency: Regression testing tools automate the testing process, which means that tests can be executed faster and with less manual effort. This allows software development teams to test their software more frequently, which in turn can help them to identify and fix defects more quickly.
- Improved test coverage: Regression testing tools can help to ensure that a comprehensive set of tests are executed each time the software is tested, which can improve test coverage and help to identify defects that might otherwise have been missed.
- Reduced testing costs: Regression testing tools can reduce the cost of testing by eliminating the need for manual testing, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
- Consistency: Regression testing tools provide consistent and repeatable results, which can be important for ensuring that tests are executed in a consistent manner across different test runs and different environments.
- Accuracy: Regression testing tools can help to identify defects that might have been missed during manual testing, which can improve the accuracy and effectiveness of the testing process.
Regression testing tools can help to improve the quality and reliability of software by automating the testing process and ensuring that defects are identified and resolved quickly and efficiently.
What are Regression Testing Tools Key Features?
Here are the key features I look for:
- Test Recorder: Test recorders record manual testing steps of the user throughout the test case
- Cross-browser & cross platform testing: Provides testing capabilities across a variety of browsers, devices and systems
- Reporting: The tool provides data analysis and results reporting after test cases have been executed
- AI-based: The tool is intuitive and recognizes aspects of your testing parameters and utilizes the most useful ones
- Automation Testing: Execute pre-scripted tests on a software application or system, comparing the actual results with the expected outcomes.
- Visual Testing: Verifies the graphical user interface (GUI) of a software application or system to ensure that it appears and behaves as intended.
- Functional Test: Verifies the correct behavior and functionality of the application according to its requirements and specifications.
What Other Testing Resources Do I Need?
Regression testing works best as a part of a bigger testing picture. Here are some resources to complemnt your interest in regression testing tools:
- 10 Best End-to-End Tesing Tools
- 10 Best Visual Regression Testing Tools
- A Software QA’s Guide To Regression Testing
Regression Testing for Ongoing Stability
In conclusion, regression testing plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and stability of software applications. With the growing complexity and diversity of software systems, selecting the right regression testing tool can be a challenging task. I hope this list of the best regression testing tools in provides a useful starting point for you.
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