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The dynamic world of software development requires solutions that provide accuracy and efficiency. Automation testing tools have positioned themselves as pillars of the software development life cycle. By streamlining the software testing process, they ensure every iteration of the software is up to industry standards, effective, and user-friendly.

This article lists the 21 best automation testing tools, their pros and cons, and their pricing structure so that you can make an informed choice based on your testing needs, team size, or project complexity.

What to Look for in an Automation Testing Tool?

When looking for an automation testing tool, organizations should consider several factors, including:

• Ease of use. The automation tool should be intuitive and user-friendly for testers with various levels of expertise.
• Compatibility and integration. The tool must integrate seamlessly with other tools and technologies used in the development process.
• Flexibility and scalability. The tool should be flexible enough to handle various types of testing and easy to scale as the project grows.
• Support for multiple programming languages and platforms. The tool should support a variety of programming languages and platforms, including web, mobile, and desktop.
• Robust reporting and analytics. Good automation testing tools have comprehensive reporting features that offer detailed insights and analytics, which are crucial for understanding test results.
• Test maintenance and management. The tool should enable easy maintenance during testing, including updates and controls.
• Community and support. The tool should have a support system that promotes best testing practices and provides updates on the latest features.
• Cost-effectiveness. Each automation testing tool comes with the cost of ownership, licensing, training, setup, and maintenance. Consider these factors for the greatest return on investment.
• Speed and performance. The tool should execute tests quickly and efficiently, with minimal to no downtime.
• Customization. The tool should be customizable to adapt to various projects and testing requirements or to integrate new functionalities.

Learn about the most important automation testing frameworks for software development.

21 Best Automation Testing Tools

Here are the best automation testing tools for software developers.

1. LambdaTest

LambdaTest is a cloud-based testing platform that allows automated and manual testing of applications in different browsers and operating systems.

LambdaTest Key Features

• Supports testing across more than 2000 browsers and operating systems.
• Integrates with Selenium for automated script execution.
• Allows real-time testing.
• Tests web applications for responsiveness across various screen resolutions.
• Supports testing of locally hosted web pages.
• Has integrated debugging tools.
• Enables CI/CD integration.
• Captures screenshots and video recordings of testing sessions.

LambdaTest Pros

• Comprehensive browser and OS coverage.
• Ease of integration with popular CI/CD tools.
• User-friendly interface.
• Allows parallel testing.
• Cloud-based, so there is no need for in-house infrastructure and maintenance.

LambdaTest Cons

• It can be costly for individuals and small teams.
• Steep learning curve.
• Limited mobile testing.

LambdaTest Pricing

LambdaTest offers a free plan with limited access and restricted testing times. Paid plans range from up to $25 a month, depending on the features included and team size. Enterprises can also choose specifically tailored plans.

2. Katalon

Katalon is a software testing solution that streamlines web, API, mobile, and desktop application testing. It is suitable for testers of all skill levels and offers robust test creation, management, and execution features.

Katalon Key Features

• Allows multiple test environments, including web, API, mobile, and desktop application testing.
• Users can create tests without much coding.
• Integrates with CI/CD tools.
• Provides detailed reports and analytics.
• Simplifies test creation by allowing user interactions to be recorded and replayed.
• Has a highly customizable framework, adaptable to various testing needs
• Integrates well with other tools.
• Supports data-driven testing.
• Enables cross-browser testing

Katalon Pros

• User-friendly for both technical and non-technical users.
• Contains versatile testing features.
• Integrates well with other tools and frameworks.
• Offers a strong community and support.

Katalon Cons

• Performance issues, especially with larger projects.
• Advanced features come with a steep learning curve despite general user-friendliness.
• Can be resource-intensive.
• Limited customization and reduced features in the free version.

Katalon Pricing

Katalon offers completely customizable payment plans and free trials for first-time buyers.

3. Selenium

Selenium is an open-source automation testing tool for web applications. It supports testing in various programming languages and multiple browsers and platforms.

Selenium Key Features

• Supports testing across major browsers.
• Supports multiple programming languages.
• Selenium WebDriver allows calls to the browser for complex automation scripts.
• Selenium Grid enables simultaneous execution across multiple browsers and environments.
• Selenium IDE makes it easy to create tests via recording and playback.
• Easily integrates with tools such as TestNG, JUnit, Jenkins, and Docker.

Selenium Pros

• Flexibility and customizability to fit various testing needs.
• Has a large and active open-source community.
• Free to use as it is open source.
• Supports a wide range of programming languages.

Selenium Cons

• Requires programming skills.
• Lacks built-in reporting and test management.
• Performance and support fluctuate across browsers.
• Steep learning curve.

Selenium Pricing

Selenium is free to use since it is an open-source automation testing tool.

4. Appium

Appium is an open-source automation testing tool used primarily for mobile applications, both native and hybrid. It allows automated tests on iOS and Android using the same API.

Appium Key Features

• Allows cross-platform testing on multiple platforms (Android, iOS) via the same API.
• Supports multiple programming languages.
• Does not require app modifications.
• Easily integrates with other frameworks.
• Uses the WebDriver protocol for interactions with Android and iOS apps.

Appium Pros

• Support for different platforms and programming languages.
• Easy-to-use interface.
• Supported by a strong community.
• Does not require re-compiling applications.

Appium Cons

• Experiences performance issues on older devices.
• Requires additional tools for advanced features.
• Does not offer support for less popular platforms.
• Setup can be complex for new users.

Appium Pricing

Appium is an open-source tool, which means it is free to use.

5. Cypress

Cypress is an advanced front-end testing tool for web applications. It runs directly in the browser for real-time and highly responsive testing and debugging.

Cypress Key Features

• Runs directly in the browser, allowing for real-time interaction and feedback.
• Reduces flakiness by automatically waiting for commands and assertions before moving on.
• Allows users to travel through time to see the state of their tests at different time points.
• Provides consistent results by running in the same run-loop as the application.
• Automatically captures screenshots and video recordings for easier debugging.
• Allows users to control and monitor network traffic.
• Provides an integrated development environment (IDE).

Cypress Pros

• Has a straightforward interface for ease of use.
• Executes tests fast and reliably.
• Provides rich documentation to help with the learning process.
• Does not require external dependencies.

Cypress Cons

• Currently, it offers browser support only for Chrome, Firefox, and Electron.
• Only supports JavaScript.
• Lacks the ability to perform API or mobile app tests as it focuses on front-end testing.
• Can be resource-intensive.

Cypress Pricing

Cypress offers a variety of payment plans, from free trials to customized enterprise packages.

6. Ranorex Studio

Ranorex Studio is an automation testing tool for desktop, web, and mobile applications. It is highly user-friendly and suitable for both beginners and advanced testers.

Ranorex Studio Key Features

• Supports testing across web, desktop, and mobile applications.
• Simplifies test creation with the record-and-replay feature.
• Codeless test creation via a drag-and-drop interface.
• Supports an integrated development environment (IDE).
• Has dynamic object recognition.
• Allows data-driven testing.
• Supports integration with CI/CD pipelines and version control systems.
• Provides detailed reports and logs.

Ranorex Studio Pros

• User-friendly interface.
• Able to handle a wide range of testing scenarios.
• Robust object recognition, identifying GUI components even in complex applications.
• Easily integrates with other tools and systems.

Ranorex Studio Cons

• Can be costly for individuals or small teams.
• May require significant resources for optimal performance.
• Windows-centric design may affect its effectiveness in other environments.
• Offers limited programming language support.

Ranorex Studio Pricing

Ranorex offers a variety of payment plans and a free trial for first-time users.

7. BrowserStack

BrowserStack is a cloud-based testing platform that enables developers to test their websites and web applications across multiple browsers and devices. By facilitating real-device and browser testing, the tool ensures the optimal compatibility and performance of applications.

BrowserStack Key Features

• Offers comprehensive compatibility testing by giving access to a range of browsers and OSes.
• Allows testing on a variety of real mobile devices.
• Integrates with CI/CD tools, version control systems, and project management tools.
• Supports the secure testing of local and internal servers.
• Enables both automated and manual testing.
• Provides a live interactive environment for real-time testing.
• Automates the capturing of screenshots and visual regression.

BrowserStack Pros

• Covers a wide range of devices and browsers.
• Cloud-based, so it does not require an in-house infrastructure.
• Easy to use.
• Highly integrable with a variety of tools.

BrowserStack Cons

• Can be costly for individuals and small teams.
• Performance depends on network conditions and server load.
• Customization options can be limited.
• Performance depends on internet connectivity.

BrowserStack Pricing

BrowserStack plans range from $29 monthly for a single user to specific customizable testing plans for larger teams.

8. Perfecto

Perfecto is a cloud-based automation testing tool for web, mobile, and IoT software testing. It offers manual and automated testing across many devices and operating systems, with an emphasis on Agile and DevOps environments.

Perfecto Key Features

• Allows testing across mobile devices, desktop browsers, and IoT devices.
• Provides access to an array of devices and browsers in the cloud.
• Facilitates CI/CD.
• Offers advanced analytics and reporting.
• Leverages AI for test script maintenance and optimization.
• Allows parallel test execution to reduce testing time.
• Ensures high security and compliance standards required by enterprises.
• Integrates with DevOps tools.

Perfecto Pros

• Offers extensive device and OS coverage.
• Provides advanced analytics.
• Scales to meet the needs of large enterprise projects.
• Boasts strong integration capabilities.

Perfecto Cons

• Can be costly for individuals and small businesses.
• Complex to learn due to extensive features.
• Requires a consistent high-speed internet connection.
• Advanced features require high compute resources.

Perfecto Pricing

Perfecto offers several payment plans, starting at $83 a month for the basic package. Organizations with specific needs and changing workloads get a personalized quote.

9. ACCELQ

ACCELQ is an AI-powered, cloud-based testing platform that simplifies the process of web, mobile, and API automated testing. It specializes in enhancing agility and alignment with DevOps and CI/CD workflows.

ACCELQ Key Features

• Allows codeless test automation.
• Cross-platform testing supports web, mobile, and API applications.
• Integrates with CI/CD pipelines for seamless DevOps flows.
• Features a natural language interface for easier test creation.
• Leverages AI-powered maintenance.
• Easy to scale as it is cloud-based.
• Offers comprehensive reporting and analytics.

ACCELQ Pros

• Codeless interface makes it easy to use.
• Streamlines test management for increased efficiency.
• Integrates well with various development and testing tools.
• Easily scales to accommodate projects of various sizes and complexities.

ACCELQ Cons

• Dependent on internet connectivity.
• Limited customization options for advanced users.
• Steep learning curve.

ACCELQ Pricing

ACCELQ offers several payment plans that fit different automation testing needs. Most of them come with a free rest run.

10. Avo Assure

Avo Assure is a 100% codeless automation testing tool for mobile, desktop, web, and mainframe applications. It seamlessly integrates into various environments for diverse testing needs.

Avo Assure Key Features

• Enables the creation and execution of tests with zero coding required.
• Allows cross-platform compatibility testing.
• Supports a wide range of technologies and platforms.
• Provides test data management capabilities.
• Has an intuitive interface enabling easy test creation.
• Integrates easily with CI/CD.
• Allows parallel testing.
• Provides comprehensive reporting for better insights into test results.

Avo Assure Pros

• Easy to use.
• A versatile tool suitable for diverse testing requirements.
• Enables tests to be created and executed quickly.
• Zero coding is required.

Avo Assure Cons

• Limited customization restricts the implementation of complex testing scenarios.
• Dependent on the user interface.
• Mastering advanced features requires time and training.
• Experiences performance issues in complex environments.

Avo Assure Pricing

Avo Assure offers two payment plans – Starter and Enterprise. The pricing depends on the features included.

11. Postman

Postman is an API development testing tool with a user-friendly interface that facilitates API testing, documentation, and collaboration between teams.

Postman Key Features

• Enables API request building.
• Supports the automated testing of APIs with collections and test scripts.
• Enables collaboration on API development and testing.
• Allows users to manage environments and variables.
• Automatically generates and maintains API documentation.
• Provides monitoring services and the ability to create mock servers.
• Integrates with CI/CD pipelines.
• Organizes APIs into collections and workspaces.

Postman Pros

• Boasts a user-friendly interface.
• Its comprehensive set of features enables thorough API testing.
• Offers robust collaboration tools.
• Easily integrates with various development tools and systems.

Postman Cons

• Experiences performance issues when handling large responses or data sets.
• Advanced features may be challenging to implement due to a steep learning curve.
• Does not offer extensive support for non-REST APIs as it focuses on RESTful APIs.

Postman Pricing

Postman starts at $14 a month for a basic monthly plan. Packages also include specifically tailored enterprise plans, where the pricing depends on the features included.

12. SoapUI

SoapUI is an open-source API testing tool designed for testing SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) and REST (Representational State Transfer) APIs. It facilitates both functional and non-functional testing under various conditions.

SoapUI Key Features

• Offers functional testing for both SOAP and REST APIs.
• Allows users to perform load testing.
• Includes features to test APIs for common vulnerabilities.
• Enables the creation of mock services.
• Supports data-driven testing.
• Extends testing capabilities with Groovy and JavaScript scripting.
• Provides detailed reporting and analytics.
• Integrates with CI/CD pipelines.

SoapUI Pros

• Offers both functional and non-functional API testing.
• Supports a wide range of API protocols and standards.
• Enables advanced scripting and automation.
• Has a large user community and extensive learning resources available.

SoapUI Cons

• The complex interface is not suitable for beginners and non-technical users.
• Requires significant resources for load and performance testing.
• Has a steep learning curve for advanced features and scripting.
• Primarily focuses on API testing so it is unsuitable for other types of testing.

SoapUI Pricing

SoapUI is an open-source platform, which means it is free of charge.

13. Cucumber

Cucumber is an open-source software testing tool used for behavior-driven development (BDD), which allows testers to create test scenarios in a human-readable language (Gherkin).

Cucumber Key Features

• Enables behavior-driven development (BDD), integrating business requirements with technical implementation.
• Uses Gherkin to create simple, English-like syntax for writing tests.
• Compatible with multiple languages, including Java, Ruby, and JavaScript.
• Allows integration with Selenium and other automation testing tools.
• Enables tests to be parametrized with multiple inputs for broader coverage.
• Offers support for CI/CD.
• Facilitates code reuse with step definitions that can be used across scenarios.
• Provides basic reporting.

Cucumber Pros

• Enhances collaboration between technical and non-technical team members.
• Promotes software quality.
• Supports many programming languages.
• Facilitates up-to-date documentation.

Cucumber Cons

• The initial setup can be complex.
• Increases overhead for small projects due to the need to write Gherkin scenarios.
• Limits UI testing as it primarily focuses on behavior-driven, functional testing.
• Requires well-written scenarios to perform as expected.

Cucumber Pricing

Cucumber is free of charge since it is an open-source platform.

14. Playwright

Playwright is an open-source Node.js testing tool for testing web applications on Chromium, Firefox, and WebKit browsers. It is based on high-level API automation, enabling developers to create reliable end-to-end tests.

Playwright Key Features

• Offers multi-browser support, including Chromium, Firefox, and WebKit.
• Works on multiple OSes (Windows, Linux, and macOS).
• Allows browsers to run in headless mode for faster test execution.
• Provides a wide range of APIs for browser interactions.
• Automatically waits for elements before performing actions, reducing flakiness.
• Allows network interception and modification.
• Supports capturing screenshots and videos.
• Enables parallel test execution.

Playwright Pros

• Offers broad browser support.
• Optimized to be fast and reliable.
• Offers a comprehensive set of APIs.
• Easy to set up and use.

Playwright Cons

• Has limited language support.
• Some APIs come with a steep learning curve.
• Can be resource-intensive.

Playwright Pricing

Playwright is an open-source tool, which means it is free to use.

15. Puppeteer

Puppeteer is a Node library that enables developers to programmatically control a headless Chrome or Chromium browser. It facilitates rendering and testing web pages in a browser environment, allowing developers to automate tasks that would otherwise be performed manually in a browser.

Puppeteer Key Features

• Allows running Chrome or Chromium in headless mode.
• Generates screenshots and PDFs of web pages.
• Enables interaction with web page elements, including form submissions and UI testing.
• Offers customizable viewports.
• Enables network request interception, modification, and response.
• Automates form submission and UI navigation.
• Allows access to browser contexts for session management and isolation.

Puppeteer Pros

• Offers extensive browser automation capabilities.
• Offers a high-level API that is easy to work with.
• Suitable for various use cases, including testing, scraping, and rendering.
• Provides direct control over Chrome/Chromium.

Puppeteer Cons

• Limited to Chrome/Chromium.
• Can consume significant resources, especially when managing multiple instances.
• Requires familiarity with JavaScript/Node.js.

Puppeteer Pricing

Puppeteer is an open-source library that can be used free of charge.

16. Espresso

Espresso is an Android testing framework developed by Google. It allows developers to build and run automated UI tests via a concise API.

Espresso Key Features

• Tailored specifically for Android application UI testing.
• Synchronizes with the UI thread.
• Integrates with Android Studio.
• Provides a set of APIs for handling various UI components and interactions.
• Supports testing for intents and background services.
• Allows ViewMatchers, ViewActions, and ViewAssertations.
• Offers JUnit compatibility for structuring and running tests.

Espresso Pros

• Provides reliable and consistent test results.
• Has an easy and straightforward API.
• Executes quickly and provides rapid feedback.
• Integrates fully with the Android ecosystem.

Espresso Cons

• Limited to Android.
• Requires knowledge of the Android framework.
• Does not support testing for WebViews.
• Creates potential overhead for complex tests due to complexity and resource demand.

Espresso Pricing

Espresso is an open-source framework and can be used free of charge.

17. Taiko

Taiko is an open-source Node.js browser automation tool that simplifies writing reliable and maintainable web application tests. It provides an intuitive API that allows testers to interact with modern web applications and improve testing accuracy and efficiency.

Taiko Key Features

• The tool’s interactive recorder enables the easy creation of test scripts.
• Leverages smart selector technology to identify web page elements.
• Has built-in browser support for Chromium.
• Allows integration of JavaScript/Node.js.
• It is easy to install.
• Supports tests that run across multiple tabs and windows.
• Provides an extensive set of APIs for browser interactions.

Taiko Pros

• Easy to use.
• Requires minimal setup and configuration.
• Offers high-level abstractions for common browser interactions.
• Suitable for teams working with JavaScript/Node.js.

Taiko Cons

• Limited browser support.
• It is only suitable for those familiar with Node.js.
• As a new tool, it lacks some advanced features and broad community support.
• Experiences performance issues in complex and resource-intensive scenarios.

Taiko Pricing

Taiko is an open-source tool and can be used free of charge.

18. XCUI Test

XCUI Test is a UI testing framework developed by Apple. It tests iOS and macOS applications by simulating realistic user behavior.

XCUI Test Key Features

• Integrates seamlessly with the Xcode IDE.
• Tailored for testing for iOS and macOS applications.
• Allows the recording and playback of user interactions for easy test creation.
• Ensures applications meet Apple’s accessibility standards.
• Includes performance testing capabilities.
• Integrates with Apple’s XCTest framework.
• Compatible with Apple’s continuous integration (CI) tools.

XCUI Test Pros

• Provides full integration with the Apple ecosystem.
• Offers reliable testing for iOS and macOS user interfaces.
• Highly user-friendly for Apple developers.
• Enables direct access to application APIs and controls.

XCUI Test Cons

• Can only be used on Apple platforms.
• Challenging learning curve for developers not familiar with iOS and macOS.
• Can be resource-intensive.

XCUI Test Pricing

XCUI Test is a part of the Apple Developer Program and is included with Xcode, available for free to all macOS users.

19. TestNG

TestNG is a testing framework primarily for Java applications. Inspired by JUnit and NUnit, it offers a wide range of test categories, such as unit, function, end-to-end, etc., to provide more testing flexibility.

TestNG Key Features

• Provides annotations for identifying test methods.
• Allows flexible configuration of tests using XML files.
• Supports data-driven testing.
• Enables the testing of multiple instances simultaneously.
• Provides dependency testing capabilities.
• Integrates with Maven, Gradle, and similar tools.
• Allows parallel execution.
• Offers extensive reporting for test outcomes.

TestNG Pros

• Provides flexibility and control.
• Supports various types of testing and complex test scenarios.
• Boasts community support and widespread usage within the Java ecosystem.
• It is easy to integrate with other tools and frameworks.

TestNG Cons

• Complex for beginners.
• XML configurations can be cumbersome.
• Its learning curve demands a thorough knowledge of Java and testing principles.
• Potentially overwhelming for simple projects.

TestNG Pricing

TestNG is an open-source testing framework available free of charge.

20. Apache JMeter

Apache JMeter is an open-source, Java-based software for measuring the performance of web and network applications. It simulates a heavy load on servers and networks to test their strength under demanding conditions.

Apache JMeter Key Features

• Specializes in load and performance testing.
• Supports multiple protocols, including web, SOAP/REST web services, FTP, databases, and more.
• Allows simulations of multiple users with concurrent threads to create heavy loads.
• Offers record and playback capabilities.
• Can be extended via custom plugins.
• Provides analysis and reporting tools.
• Supports GUI and script-based editing.
• Integrates with CI pipelines for automated performance testing.

Apache JMeter Pros

• Versatile and flexible, enabling the testing of a wide range of applications and services.
• Open-source and free to use.
• Has a large community for support.
• Highly effective in simulating large numbers of users and complex load scenarios.
• Offers comprehensive reporting.

Apache JMeter Cons

• Can be resource-intensive.
• Has a steep learning curve which can be overwhelming for beginners.
• Focuses narrowly on web-based application testing
• Cumbersome and outdated UI.

Apache JMeter Pricing

Apache JMeter is an open-source tool that can be used free of charge.

21. Robot Framework

Robot Framework is an open-source, keyword-driven automation framework for acceptance testing and acceptance test-driven development (ATDD). It is a flexible and versatile solution that can be integrated with many tools and libraries.

Robot Framework Key Features

• Using keywords, testers can create tests in a human-readable format.
• It can be extended with Python and Java libraries.
• Test data syntax is presented in easy-to-read tables.
• Supports numerous libraries for web testing and database interactions.
• Integrates with many CI tools and control systems.
• Supports multiple interfaces, including web, mobile, desktop, and API.
• Provides reporting and logging in HTML format.

Robot Framework Pros

• Keywords make it easy to use, even for those with limited technical knowledge.
• Highly flexible and customizable.
• Boasts strong community support.
• Suitable for cross-domain testing.

Robot Framework Cons

• Limited without extensions.
• Experiences performance issues in complex scenarios.
• Has a steep learning curve for customizations and extensions.
• Dependent on third-party libraries for many functionalities.

Robot Framework Pricing

Robot Framework is an open-source tool that can be used free of charge.

Concluding Thoughts on Automation Testing Tools

Test automation tools today offer an array of tailored solutions suitable for various software testing needs.

Understanding the key features of these tools will help teams select the one that aligns best with the project requirements, team experience and capabilities, and established workflows. The right choice of automation testing tool should not only enhance testing efficiency but also integrate into the existing SDLC, ensuring the delivery of high-quality software quickly.

Anastazija is an experienced content writer with knowledge and passion for cloud computing, information technology, and online security. At phoenixNAP, she focuses on answering burning questions about ensuring data robustness and security for all participants in the digital landscape.

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