Automation testing tools are applications designed to verify function and/or non-functional software requirements via automated test scripts. To help accelerate release velocity, improve project quality, and strengthen outcomes. Automation testing tools allow you to effortlessly create, run, and maintain tests and support a centralized view of analytics of test results.
Select your best-fit automation testing tool
To pick the best automation testing tool for your team, don’t just blindly follow other teams’ success. Instead, look at your team’s specific needs, human resources, and future scalability to choose the best-fit option. For example, if your team’s testers are experienced developers, using Selenium or Appium for an automation framework is a good option since they allow you to build and scale from the ground up. However, if your team consists of mostly manual testers and you need a low-code solution to start, but one that can also grow and scale, ready-made frameworks like Katalon Platform can be a perfect solution.
The Katalon Platform
The Katalon Platform is a low-code and scalable automation testing tool for web, API, desktop (Windows), and mobile applications. To date, the Katalon community has surpassed one million users and is the trusted automation solution of over 100,000 businesses.
Without having to code or built a test automation framework from scratch, users can simply download the tool and focus solely on testing. Additionally, Katalon offers frequent releases to stay compatible with the latest platforms/browsers/OS.
Feature highlights:
Flexible methods for test design: record & playback, manual, and scripting modeSupported testing methodologies: BDD, DDT, keyword-driven testing, cross-browser testing (Headless, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari), and cross-platform mobile testing (iOS, Android)Automatic retry failed tests, smart wait, and self-healing mechanismsPrice: Free and flexible paid plans
Selenium
Rolled out in 2004, Selenium is one of the most, if not the most, popular open-source frameworks for web testing automation. Its suite of software consists of Selenium WebDriver, Selenium Grid, and Selenium IDE.
Feature highlights:
Supported programming languages: Java, C#, Python, JavaScript, Ruby, PHP, etc.Supported browsers: Chrome, Firefox, IE, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Safari, etc.Testing on local or remote machines via the Selenium serverParallel and cross-browser executions to reduce execution time and increase test coverageIntegrations with other testing frameworks (e.g., TestNG for reporting) and CI/CD toolsPrice: Free
Appium
Like Selenium, Appium is also an open-source automation testing tool, but for mobile applications. Using mobile JSON wire protocol, Appium allows users to write automated UI tests for native, web-based, and hybrid mobile applications on both Android and iOS.
Feature highlights:
Supported programming languages: Java, C#, Python, JavaScript, Ruby, PHP, PerlCross-platform testing with reusable test scripts and the same APIsExecution across real devices, simulators, and emulatorsIntegrations with other testing frameworks and CI/CD toolsPrice: Free
Cypress
Purely supporting JavaScript frameworks, Cypress is a developer-centric automation tool for end-to-end web testing. Built upon a new architecture, Cypress can directly operate within a browser in the same run-loop as your application, enabling native access to elements and faster executions.
Feature highlights:
Supported programming language: JavaScriptSnapshots of test step execution and debuggability from familiar developer toolsControl over function behavior, server response, timers, and network trafficConnection to Cypress Cloud for test performance and optimizationIntegrations with popular CI/CD toolsPrice: Free or from $75/month for Cypress Cloud
Ranorex Studio
Ranorex Studio can automate GUI testing for web, mobile, and desktop applications. Equipped with both low-code automation and full IDE, Ranorex’s framework is easy to start for beginners and productive to use for experienced testers.
Feature highlights:
Supported programming languages: VB.Net and C#Broad support for web, mobile, and desktop technologiesRanorex Spy tool and RanoreXPath for reliable recognition of GUI elementsFlexible methods for test design: record & playback and scripting modeDistributed or parallel testing with Selenium GridIntegrations with other testing frameworks and CI/CD toolsPrice: From €2,890/year