Best Test Automation Software Shortlist
Here’s the shortlist of the best test automation software that I’ll cover in this article, with detailed summaries below:
Test automation software allows QA teams to simplify test development and execution work. These specialized tools can assist with everyday automation testing tasks to ensure repeatable output for every type of project. Anyone who needs a cost-effective approach to product development can deliver faster, leaner releases with functional testing throughout the process.
If you have general questions about how test automation software works or how to pick the best option for your organization, take a look at my People Also Ask section below. Or, if you’re curious how I prepared this list, see How I Selected the Best Test Automation Software below.
The QA Lead is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click through links on our site — learn more about how we aim to stay transparent.
Overviews Of The 10 Best Test Automation Software
Here’s a brief description of each test automation software that showcases each tool’s best use case, their noteworthy features, and some pros and cons. I’ve also included screenshots to give you a snapshot of their user interface too.
BrowserStack
Best for easier app and browser testing – no simulators allowed
BrowserStack is a testing tool that provides access to over 3,000 browsers and real Android and iOS devices. They’re trusted by over 50,000 customers around the world and have worked with companies like Microsoft, Twitter, Sainsbury’s, Harvard University, Expedia, WikiMedia Foundation, and GoodRX.
Agile teams can test for quality at scale to catch bugs faster without slowing down releases. With Selenium tests on their high-performance grid, users can get quick, deterministic feedback that accelerates build verification by executing parallel tests, like functional testing, regression testing, and UI testing.
BrowserStack offers solutions for individuals, small businesses, medium organizations, and enterprise-level needs. Their pricing model and custom solutions provide scalability as needed, as well as pre-built plans for desktop-only and desktop plus mobile testing with unlimited testing minutes and proprietary tools for debugging.
BrowserStack Standout Features and Integrations
Features include cross-browser testing, static analysis, mobile application testing, activity dashboard, data-driven testing, move and copy, visual testing, software testing management, visual analytics, parallel testing, real-time data, role-based permissions, and test script reviews.
Integrations include Appium, Chrome Developer Tools, Espresso, Javascript Testing, Jenkins Plugin, Travis CI Addon, GitLab, Harness, AWS CodePipeline, and TestProject.
Pros
- Simple interface and transparent design
- Regular updates evolve with business needs
- Access to a massive number of mobile devices and browsers
Cons
- Challenging to test VPN supported apps
- Lags during iOS testing
LambdaTest
Best for cloud-based testing of desktop and mobile web browsers
As a scalable, cloud-based cross-browser testing platform, LambdaTest offers website and web app testing. This test automation software ensures all web app elements, including JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS, render across every mobile and desktop web browser with the support of visual, manual, and automated testing. LambdaTest is trusted by over one million users, including Microsoft, Vimeo, Nvidia, and Rubrik.
Users of LambdaTest can access over 2,000 combinations of mobile and desktop browsers on the cloud. And with over 25 devices to choose from and a developer-oriented perspective, this platform also assesses the responsiveness of websites and makes mobile testing much easier. Test on everything from Firefox and Chrome to Opera and Yandex.
LambdaTesting can be used by small and medium businesses, as well as large organizations and enterprise-level companies. Some of the supported scripting languages and frameworks that have compatibility with this platform include Java, Ruby, PHP, Python, C#, and PHP.
LambdaTest Standout Features and Integrations
Features include automation testing, real device cloud, cross-browser testing, mobile app testing, HyperExecute, LT browser, LT debugging, local page testing, geo-location testing, automated screenshots, accessibility and responsiveness testing, and test analytics.
Integrations include Jira, Slack, CircleCI, GitHub, GitLab, BitBucket, Paymo, Azure DevOps, Teamwork, Wrike, and Asana.
Pros
- Very user friendly
- Easy to install for apps testing
- Supports testing with a variety of operating systems and devices
Cons
- Lag time when running tests across many browsers simultaneously
- Changing resolutions impacts test times
Opkey
Best for accelerating digital transformation projects without coding
Opkey is a no-code automation testing software that allows technical and non-technical users to automate application testing in just a few hours. Opkey’s customers include global enterprises that use this platform to automate ERP testing, including GAP, Aetna, Northwell Health, Sparta Systems, Path Infotech, Boston Consulting Group, and Standard Solar.
With Opkey’s mobile, web, and desktop testing, they claim users can reduce manual testing effort by over 80% with test integrations for ERPs and backend systems, codeless functional and regression testing, and tools designed specifically for desktop test automation.
Opkey is an accessible test automation software designed for businesses of all sizes across a variety of industries. Their goal was to avoid tools that are too technical or too UX focused to ensure robust automated testing with a more simplified format. Some of the industries that have benefited from Opkey services include life sciences, pharmaceuticals, retail, and banking.
Opkey Standout Features and Integrations
Features include test discovery, impact analysis, self-healing scripts, collaborations and reports, no-code test builder, one-click test creation, cloud-based application migration, ad-hoc and regression testing, update certification, and parallel testing.
Integrations include Oracle Cloud, Workday, Salesforce, SAP, Oracle EBS, Microsoft Dynamics, and Veeva.
Pros
- No coding required
- User-friendly UI
- Expedites testing timelines for patch updates
Cons
- Could use additional guides and tutorials
- Lack of documentation for some topics
TestProject
Best free test automation platform for Android, iOS, Web, and API
As the world’s first 100% free test automation framework for Android, iOS, Web, and API testing, TestProject services over 150,000 users throughout the testing community.
TestProject offers cloud and offline capabilities that allow users to benefit from a server that requires zero maintenance and delivers automatic deployment of tests, as well as the ability to save tests and local files directly on whatever device is in use without requiring a cloud footprint for a completely offline experience.
The TestProject platform offers solutions for businesses of all shapes and sizes, including retail, food and beverage, and healthcare. Because this platform is free, anyone can use it to perform testing automation on a variety of devices, including single-person operations.
TestProject Standout Features and Integrations
Features include mobile test recording, iOS testing, team collaboration, AI tools, distributed execution, executive test reports, remote execution, web test recording, BDD testing ready, open-source framework, cross-platform testing, CI/CD pipeline integrations, and Appium testing.
Integrations include GitHub, Jenkins, qTest, BrowserStack, Genymotion, TeamCity, Sauce Labs, Slack, and CircleCI.
Pros
- Codeless test scripting
- Easy to install and use
- Completely free platform
Cons
- Release notes are always late
- Transitioning to Tricentis Testim
Ranorex Studio
Best for supporting a broad selection of tech from legacy applications
Ranorex Studio offers an all-in-one test automation software with simplified tools for all types of testing, including desktop, web, and mobile.
For users who need integration with Visual Studio, Ranorax Studio is based on the Microsoft .NET framework so developers can access what they need without leaving the development environment in which they work. With this tool, developers are able to extend test automation scripts using C# and VB.NET.
Ranorex Studios has the capability to support businesses large and small. For one flat rate, users have access to all the essential tools. Plans for smaller organizations are tied to a single physical machine, while enterprise-grade plans can be used on physical and virtual devices.
Ranorex Studio Standout Features and Integrations
Features include functional testing, data-driven testing, cross-browser testing, regression testing, black box testing, keyword-driven testing, automated testing tools, robotic process automation, browser automation, automation intelligence, Selenium, and GUI testing.
Integrations include JIRA, Jenkins, Azure DevOps, TestRail, Bugzilla, Git, Windows 32, DevExpress, Oracle, and Java.
Pros
- User friendly UI
- No need for technical programming knowledge
- Free online training sessions
Cons
- Unable to connect multiple devices to a single machine
- An expensive application
Rainforest QA
Best for automating large and complex test suites
Rainforest QA offers an on-demand test automation solution that helps users execute complicated test suites with QA processes integrated directly into the development workflow.
Part of the reason Rainforest QA manages to automate such large test suites quickly and efficiently is due to the AI-powered execution engine. It offers fast, scalable results on desktop applications. All testing tools can be used scriptless — completely code-free. Product builders have complete control over UI tests and triage test results to ensure better results for end-users.
Rainforest QA has the ability to accommodate businesses of all sizes, from individuals to SMBs and enterprise companies. Professional packages are free and users only pay for the time they spend running tests. Premium packages for this test automation software are completely customizable and are priced for the needs of the organization.
Rainforest QA Standout Features and Integrations
Features include visual test writing, continuous testing, test management tools, access to virtual machines for testing, test maintenance, collaboration tools, mobile testing, browser testing, regression testing, no-code automation, virtual browsers, parallel testing, and crowdsourced testing.
Integrations include Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, GitHub, CircleCI, TestRail, and API and CLI integrations.
Pros
- No-code automation
- Reusable test options
- Easy for non-technical teams to use
Cons
- Doesn’t support built-in import functions
- Can’t run tests during website development
Qase
Best for saving time through organization and tracking
Qase bills itself as a modern TestOps platform that offers software testing for teams, provide guides for creating and executing test runs, and ensures organized test case management. Teams that use Qase report that they spend 50% less time on test management and 30% less time on test executions.
This test automation software includes features that provide better organization, tracking, and reporting for automated and manual testing, such as test planning tools that allow users to organize test cases by properties like severity or priority.
Qase strives to provide plans for every type and size of business. Whether it’s free plans for individuals or custom plans for large organizations, every option includes unlimited read-only users. They also allow businesses to change their team size at any point during their subscription, ensuring simple scalability.
Qase Standout Features and Integrations
Features include test runs, test case management, file storage, defect management, requirements management, metrics and real-time insights, custom domain, custom fields, webhooks, test repository, version control, scaling, test diversity, and role-based access control.
Integrations include Jira, monday.com, Slack, YouTrack, ClickUp, Trello, GitHub, BitBucket, Asana, and Redmine.
Pros
- An affordable option at every step
- Easy to use tools and templates
- Intuitive user interface ideal for novices
Cons
- Missing a few nuanced functionalities
- No AI-driven tools or learning
Endtest
Best for developers who need end-to-end testing for mobile and web applications
Endtest is an automated testing framework that helps testers and developers build better tests for web and mobile applications. With the ability to write automated tests in their preferred language, users can execute parallel tests across multiple machines.
Endtest allows administrators to create custom test scripts without coding using a drag-and-drop feature that blends CI systems and bug management in one. It also ensures users can track test outcomes and record videos of any automated tests. Administrators don’t need to be engineers or QA automation specialists to build, maintain, or execute tests.
No matter the size or industry, Endtest provides solutions for all, including single-person operations and global enterprises. Endtest bills itself as a company that simplifies test execution and software development to ensure accessibility for anyone within the organization. They claim their software can reduce bugs by 50% and increase test coverage by 90%.
Endtest Standout Features and Integrations
Features include web tests, computer vision, email and SMS testing, test scheduler, API testing, mobile app testing, cross-browser testing, self-healing tests, low-code and no-code capabilities, test creation, test result history, video playback, and test executions.
Integrations include Jenkins, GitLab, SauceLabs, BrowserStack, Bamboo, Heroku, Travis CI, BitBucket, TeamCity, Azure DevOps, and MatterMost.
Pros
- Low-code and no-code options
- Robust documentation and support
- Friendly user-interface
Cons
- Doesn’t own the mobile devices for testing
- Some restrictions on using JavaScript code
Leapwork
Best for continuous automation testing across your entire tech stack
Leapwork is an accessible automation platform that operates with a no-coding, visual approach. This platform helps to automate repetitive processes so large businesses can adopt and scale their operations at a faster pace.
The testing tools of this test automation solution have been evaluated by The Forrester Wave™ for continuous automation testing to vet its leading capabilities in visual testing, RPA testing, and testing of SaaS enterprise business applications. Leapwork strives to ensure businesses can maintain automated functional, business, and API tests.
Leapwork’s technology is designed for enterprise-grade organizations and comes with dedicated automation specialists for 24-hour support. They specialize in telecoms, manufacturing, logistics and transportation, and healthcare.
Leapwork Standout Features and Integrations
Features include reusable sub-flows, bug tracking, issue management, monitoring, quality assurance, data extraction, data visualization, collaboration tools, performance management, real-time analytics, compliance management, performance testing, and parameterized testing.
Integrations include Jenkins, Atlassian Bamboo, Jira, HP Quality Center, Azure DevOps Server, TeamCity, Confluence, Tableau, ServiceNow, and TestRail.
Pros
- Premium customer service
- Completely code-free test building
- Reusable subflows and tasks
Cons
- Remote agent slows down test execution
- No mobile automation built-in
UiPath Business Automation Platform
Best for streamlining front-office activities
UiPath Business Automation Platform is a cloud-based system designed to manage unattended automation tasks to enhance workflows for front-office activities. This automation testing tool is used by companies like ThermoFisher Scientific, Generali, Royal Mail, Heineken, Uber, Xerox, and Takeda.
The UiPath Business Automation Platform bills itself as a solution that helps businesses achieve more with robot frameworks that work with humans to automate tasks using AI through API and UI. Some of the key features UiPath provides include code-free development, AI/machine learning, a process builder, and optical character recognition. The studio model also allows teams to design workflows through programming languages like Java, Python, C#, and VB.Net.
This platform offers solutions by industry, department, and technology so organizations can more easily find the appropriate solution to their needs. Some of their most popular industry solutions target banking, healthcare, and insurance, while the departments they support range from IT and accounting to supply chain and HR. They offer services for SMBs and enterprise-level businesses.
UiPath Business Automation Platform Standout Features and Integrations
Features include codeless automation, AI/machine learning, CRM, business process automation, compliance management, graphical workflow editor, unattended automation, test script reviews, mobile access, parameterized testing, model-based testing, and data extraction.
Integrations include Salesforce, Oracle Netsuite, Workday, Bamboo HR, Microsoft, Office 365, SAP®, Jira Software, ServiceNow, and Adobe Document Services.
Pros
- Many customization options
- High functionality from performance robots
- Simple data extraction and report creation
Cons
- Constant updates require learning new features and tools
- A more expensive option for SMBs
The Best Test Automation Software Summary
Tool | Free Option | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | BrowserStack Best for easier app and browser testing – no simulators allowed | Free trial available | Starts at $29/month | Visit Website |
2 | LambdaTest Best for cloud-based testing of desktop and mobile web browsers | Free trial available | Paid plans start at $15/month | Visit Website |
3 | Opkey Best for accelerating digital transformation projects without coding | Free trial available | No pricing information available | Visit Website |
4 | TestProject Best free test automation platform for Android, iOS, Web, and API | Not available | Free forever plan available | Visit Website |
5 | Ranorex Studio Best for supporting a broad selection of tech from legacy applications | 30-day free trial available | Plans start at $3950 for a single-machine, perpetual license | Visit Website |
6 | Rainforest QA Best for automating large and complex test suites | 14-day free trial available | Pricing available upon request | Visit Website |
7 | Qase Best for saving time through organization and tracking | Free forever plan available | Paid plans start at $20/month | Visit Website |
8 | Endtest Best for developers who need end-to-end testing for mobile and web applications | Free trial is available | Plans start at $175/month | Visit Website |
9 | Leapwork Best for continuous automation testing across your entire tech stack | 14-day free trial available | Pricing available upon request | Visit Website |
10 | UiPath Business Automation Platform Best for streamlining front-office activities | Free forever plan is available for personal use | Plans start at $420/month | Visit Website |
Other Options
Here are a few more worthwhile options that didn’t make the best test automation software list:
- Semaphore
Best CI/CD platform for fast continuous integration and delivery
- Loadmill
Best for deviceless mobile testing
- Testlio
Best for remote teams who need web-based and mobile testing solutions
- pCloudy
Best for multi-device mobile app testing platform
- Mabl
Best for intelligent test automation for agile teams
- Provar
Best for integrated, code-free automation testing for Salesforce
- Perfecto
Best for web and mobile app testing
- Subject7
Best for enterprise-level organizations who need top security management
- ServiceNow Now Platform
Best for large organizations
- Applitools
Best for AI-assisted computer vision technology
How I Selected The Best Test Automation Software
Are you wondering how I chose the best test automation software for this list? First, I searched out those software options with the highest user ratings. I then compared their features and capabilities to narrow down the selection even further.
When I had my top choices, I honed the list a little bit more using my years of QA experience to identify the features that added the most value. I also had to make sure that each test automation software stood up to the selection criteria below.
Selection Criteria
Here’s a short summary of the main selection and evaluation criteria I used to develop my list of the best test automation software for this article.
Usability
I looked for an easy-to-use, responsive UI that made test automation easy for the entire development team.
Standout Features
The ideal software ensures non-technical users and other QAs can easily learn all the necessary automation tools.
Software Integrations
You already have tools integrated into your workflow, so I looked for automation software that would easily connect to what your team currently uses.
Pricing
You want to secure returns on your investment above the price tag of your product. These are the tools with value-added features that make a big difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re just getting into test automation, there are some basics you need to know. Check out these commonly asked questions to learn more.
What is test automation?
When it comes to software testing, test automation uses separate software to control and manage tests to compare actual outcomes and predicted outcomes. Test automation can also automate some necessary, repetitive tasks or perform other tests that may be difficult to complete manually.
What are the benefits of test automation software?
Some of the benefits of test automation software include improved software accuracy, increased test coverage, and debugging. Additionally, automation software also saves time and money, as it can simulate testing on thousands of virtual users that would take too long to do manually.
What are the key features of test automation software?
You want to ensure a top-quality QA process. To get the results you need, you should look for these essential features to ensure the optimal solution for your organization.
- Cross-platform support
- Real device testing
- Reusable test steps
- Dynamic element locators
What Do You Think?
Test automation software can help your team streamline the testing process, but you need to find the right software first. If you didn’t find the right option on this list, you can explore additional test automation tools here. And don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to get the latest insights from our top experts.