Mobile testing processes and techniques involve more complexity compared to web testing procedures. It involves various versions of Android and iOS testing as well as mobile screen resolutions. Apart from that, the quality engineers need to check with the custom UIs. That is what sets apart a mobile application to attract users’ attention, and it can be achieved through mobile application testing services.
Although the manual testing procedures are still effective, they consume too much time and resources. With the rising number of operating systems and mobile devices, using automation tools for mobile application testing has become a lifesaver. So, how to do automation testing for mobile applications? The procedure entails utilizing specialized software instruments to carry out tests and assess different features of the application, and identify errors.
The tools help with improving testing accuracy across various operating systems, devices, and scenarios to free up engineers’ time to work more on complicated quality assurance processes. Engineers can eliminate the repeatability of the processes. So dive into this guide to explore the capabilities of mobile app testing automation and explore the top tools available to streamline the complete process.
Why are Automation Tools Used for Mobile Application Testing?
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Cost-Effectiveness
Using automation tools for mobile application testing is undeniably cost-effective. The traditional manual testing process requires too much time and manpower. However, the automation process promptly executes various test cases using automated test scripts for various operating systems and devices. It increases the efficiency of the mobile application development process with cost-cutting and reduces the project lifecycle.
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Speed
The primary reason for implementing automation tools is that they can run automated tests around the clock without requiring human intervention. It accelerates the evaluation process and delivers precise test outcomes. It can conduct parallel testing across various mobile devices and operating system configurations swiftly, saving a lot of time.
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Accuracy
The consistent outcomes and testing accuracy are what make automation tools reliable for many mobile application service providers. There would be fewer errors in writing test scripts without manual processes. The automated tests would use the same steps every time and get you a detailed process. Testers don’t have to repeat manual processes.
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Reusability
Another key benefit of automation tools used for mobile application testing is that the test scripts can be reused for various stages of the mobile application process. The tester can reuse the script saved in the library of the automation tool for future usage by creating the function just once.
Top Mobile Application Automation Testing Tools List
The manual testing process can take up too much time, and your business can lose profit, delaying the marketing of the application. The automation testing tool can streamline the lengthy technical manual procedure. Now that you understand the cruciality of mobile app testing for any app-building process, let’s take a look at the mobile application automation testing tools listed below.
1. Appium (200)
Appium is one of the leading free automation testing tools for mobile applications as an open-source tool that is specifically designed for mobile application testing. It supports both Android and iOS platforms that allow testers to write test scripts using various mainstream programming languages. Its resources support almost all languages that are compatible with WebDriver. When you do testing in it, the Appium server receives test requests as JSON files. These files convert into commands which native testing frameworks can understand.
Important features:
- Appium server can streamline the process of interaction with mobile apps to provide complete information on various elements inside the app.
- The Tool can integrate with Selenium WebDriver to simplify the web and mobile testing process by using the same API.
- Since it supports platforms and cross-platform mobile apps, it can work seamlessly for various native, web, and even hybrid mobile apps.
- A lot of testers frequently use it because of its ability to employ actual devices and emulators that can increase testing variety.
- Due to cloud testing features, the tester can get remote testing capability and also produce customizable test reporting.
- Developers can easily run multiple application tests at the same time, thanks to its parallel testing capabilities.
Pricing:
Since it’s an open-source solution, Appium is one of the free automation testing tools for mobile applications that won’t cost you anything whether you want to license for it or any other use. Hence, the pricing of Appium is fine without requiring licensing.
Website: appium.io
2. Selenium
Selenium is another open-source automation tool you can easily master if you know how to use Appium. A portable framework of selenium automation for mobile application testing can be used for web browsers and web applications suitable for shopping carts and email programs like Yahoo, Gmail, etc. Selenium involves a range of software to form the Tool, which can be used for different cases and testing. The testing tool covers functional and performance test cases for web applications. The GUI tests of Selenium are more popular among QA engineers.
Important Features:
- Selenium is compatible with various web browsers, including Google Chrome, Opera, Firefox, Safari, and more. So, you can simply launch any web browser using simple commands.
- It supports almost all programming languages for writing test scripts, such as Python, C#, Java, etc.
- Since there is no intermediate selenium server required, the testing execution speed is high with the browser. Webdriver locators further make it faster to locate web components in web applications by interacting. Hence, it makes it easier for testers to simply implement them.
Pricing:
Compared to other options in this automation testing tools list for mobile applications, Selenium can offer a greater advantage in its pricing factor. Users don’t have to pay any license fees as it’s an open-source technology.
Website: Selenium.dev
Also Read: Best API Integration Tools to Streamline Your Workflow in 2023
3. TestComplete
Another major versatile automation UI mobile testing tool is TestComplete, which offers both coded and codeless testing opportunities. With codeless testing, you can just save the test record and play it on all devices to run the test. It mostly supports languages like JavaScript, C++, C#, Python, DelphiScript, etc. for coded testing. These tool components include desktop modules, web modules, mobile modules, and the TestComplete Platform. So it can streamline your software or application testing process across web, desktop, and mobile platforms.
Important Features:
- TestComplete can help run multiple automated tests simultaneously using various workstations.
The Tool saves all the crucial steps to repeat the test without unnecessary manual actions. - Testers can automatically take screenshots while running and watch the tests for future reference. It will enable you to quickly compare the expected and practical test screens.
- There is a built-in code editor in TestComplete that helps testers manually write scripts or create a script from scratch. They can also edit the recorded version of the testing script.
- This automation tool for mobile application testing can give access to various internal elements and their testing methods and properties that include visual basic applications, .NET, Delphi, Java, etc.
Pricing:
- The pricing for TestComplete defers for Node-locked users and floating users.
- For Node locked users: TestComplete license support and maintenance cover for 12 months pricing is different for each component, i.e., for the Platform, it is 988 USD, Mobile Module license is 1295 USD, Web Module license is 995 USD, and Desktop Module is 995 USD.
- For Floating users: TestComplete license users for Platform have to pay 2498 USD. The Mobile Module license users have to pay 2595 USD. The Web Module and Desktop Module license users have to pay the same price, i.e., 1995 USD.
Website: smartbear.com
4. Xamarin.UITest
As the name suggests, Xamarin.UITest is a great automation tool to use for creating and executing UI acceptance tests across all mobile applications regardless of their operating systems. Testers can run testing of both native and Xamarin apps. While many developers think that Java and Objective-C do a great job for native frameworks, they can deny that Xamarin can be a great tool for simultaneously writing UI Acceptance Testing for both operating systems. Moreover, Xamarin Test Cloud native support is available. Although it can be pricey, its support is incredibly useful.
Important Features:
- Xamarin includes binding for almost all SDK platforms for iOS and Android.
- It enables the tester to use a range of third-party code directly using Java, C, Objective-C, etc. libraries.
Developers can use this Platform to implement C# and other features that Java and Objective-C can’t offer to develop Xamarin apps. - Xamarin applications use extensive functionalities of .NET BCL in a simplified way. Its classes can include XML, IO, networking, database, serialization, etc., that enhance cross-platform testing.
Pricing:
Since Xamarin is an open-source platform, you can use its free community license, which is sufficient for testing and developing high-quality apps. But for more production-level and enterprise licenses, you can use Xamarin.Profiler. Its first paid tier is $25 per month.
Website: Xamarin.UITest
5. Espresso
If you are a developer who has worked on a native Android mobile application project, Espresso would be a familiar name for you. It offers an Android test automation framework, which Google created. The Platform offers a versatile yet simple API to develop solutions according to platform specifications. This is among the best automation tools for mobile application testing that runs Android UI tests and facilitates the expansion of functionality.
Important Features:
- This Tool can support JUnit and Java programming languages for developing native applications.
- Developers will find it easier to maintain the app using its lightweight APIs.
- Espresso enables you to automatically synchronize testing actions with UI elements of the mobile application.
- This open-source Platform can also help with making APKs out of Android UI test scripts.
- Espresso is an excellent automation testing tool for application unit testing and software black-box testing.
Pricing:
As an open-source automation testing tool, Espresso is free to use.
Website: Espresso Android Developers
6. Katalon Studio
If you are looking for a comprehensive solution in this mobile application automation testing tools list, Katalon is a popular choice. It is the best counterpart for Appium, which removes the need for building a test automation framework that you manually have to develop from scratch. Developers will require less programming language use with low-code methods for testing as it is an AI-augmented platform. Its extensive resources enable you to offer cross-environment execution, and it is compatible with various operating systems. It can support testing both Android and iOS platforms.
Important Features:
- Katalon can offer features like recording and playback and even offer built-in keywords to use during application programming. If you want to make test scripts fast, pre-made templates are available to make the task easier and complete the project cycle faster.
- Developers can use simulators, cloud-based devices, or real devices to run testing on local, cross-platform, and remote environments through Katalon.
- QA engineers will find this Platform quite helpful for its image-based testing features. They can share test artifacts, find page object models, and customize reporting.
- Users can enjoy more advanced features by integrating CI/CD systems.
- Using Katalon also gives access to free learning resources in its library, known as Katalon Academy, and technical samples and videos of the projects.
Pricing:
Users can rely on its free license offerings for standard testing during app development. Moreover, many flexible paid plans are available for premium use, ranging from $69 to $1529.
Website: katalon.com
7. XCUI Test
XCUI Test, an open-source testing platform, is for iOS developers to write scripts and run tests for Apple mobile applications with Xcode IDE. Hence, it does not support Android systems. It offers a seamless testing experience as it can easily integrate with a comprehensive tech stack solution of CI/CD. The Platform can help you complete the testing process early for accurate debugging to launch the applications faster.
Important Features
- You can run the XCUI Test automation testing on the cloud using real iOS devices to find errors.
- This is one of the reliable free automation testing tools for mobile applications where you don’t have to invest much more than configuring an Apple device lab for testing. They can run the tests remotely from anywhere.
- When testing on LambdaTest Cloud, parallel testing can be run across a number of iOS devices simultaneously, making it a much faster process than manual testing.
- QA engineers can easily run tests on native iOS applications, writing test cases with Swift and Objective-C, which are compatible with handheld devices like iPads, iPhones, etc.
Pricing:
XCUI Test is an open-source platform for mobile application automation testing. So you can use it for free.
Website: ECTest Apple Developer
8. Robot Framework
Nokia Networks rapidly created Robot Framework, a test automation platform that is open-source. But now, it is maintained by the Robot Framework Foundation. All the test cases the user writes here use the keywords, making it easier to learn. Since the keywords are written in tabular form, programmers don’t need to write large codes to replace the test scripts. Testers can use it for testing an extensive range of test cases for testing levels and also cover robotic process automation.
Important Features:
- Robot Framework is widely popular for supporting cross-platform testing.
- It also supports the use of keyword-driven testing.
- Users can get assistance from its large support community and third-party test libraries.
- Testers can easily modify, build, and run the tests, integrating with various support tools.
Pricing:
Robot Framework is free to use without paying any licensing costs.
Website: Robot Framework
9. Robotium
Robotium is a popular option for Android mobile app developers for automation testing. Its testing framework is specially designed for hybrid and native Android application processes. Users can run the Robotium test cases through an Android emulator or real device. The tool setup will require an Android development kit, Android SDK, JDK ready, and Eclipse. Since a Java associative library backs it, it is quite flexible for integrating various testing frameworks. Robotium can promptly align with application user’s actions when they tap, slide, swipe, etc., and verify every testing element for the application interface.
Also Read: Guide Mobile App Performance Testing
Important Features:
- It supports Java programming language for test case scripting.
- It is super-efficient for testing Android applications from v1.6 onwards.
- Testers can simply use its very reliable API to prepare automation testing scripts for UI functionality and detecting errors.
- Rotobium also supports CI/CD integration using Maven, ANT, or Gradle.
Pricing:
Robotium can be used for free as it is an open-source platform.
Website: Robotium Tech
10. BrowserStack
BrowserStack is another automation tool for mobile application testing that offers high-quality error detection suitable for SMEs and enterprise-grade mobile application testing. It can test the application’s functionality and performance across a wide range of devices in real time. Testers can see the results remotely in real-time while conducting device testing and improving UI and visual testing. It can be used for both Android and iOS mobile platforms.
Important Features:
- BrowserStack can offer cross-platform testing and can access over 3000 real browsers and devices simultaneously.
- The Live interaction testing enables testers to do real-time debugging and scale automated testing speed and efficiency.
- Enables local testing with secure tunneling for privacy.
The Tool supports seamless operation integration with all the mainstream CI/CD tools.
Pricing:
The App Automate Plan from BrowserStack costs $199 per month for parallel testing and $249 for the annual licensing plan. Testers can use its free Trials for 30 minutes Live and 100 minutes for Automate. There is also a free trial for 100 Screenshots and 30 minutes of App Live.
Website: BrowserStack
Explore Best Tools & Elevate Your Mobile App Testing Today!
Using automation tools can significantly enhance your mobile application testing experience and speed up your application development phases at a lower price. So, if you want to bring more accuracy to your testing cycles without much human intervention, it’s smart to use the automation testing free as well as paid tools mentioned above. Hire a professional mobile application testing company to make the testing phase seamless to deliver high-quality mobile apps to reduce time-to-market.