12 Best Mobile Testing Tools & Apps in 2023

Mobile testing tools play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and reliability of mobile applications. With the ever-growing popularity of smartphones and the increasing demand for mobile apps, it has become essential for developers and testers to employ effective testing strategies.

29% of users will abandon an app if it does not benefit or offer value to them, making mobile testing more crucial. 

As the mobile landscape evolves rapidly with new mobile devices, operating systems, and user expectations, mobile app testing tools also continue to evolve. New tools and frameworks are introduced to address emerging challenges and support the latest technologies.

 

Keep reading to know more about mobile testing and find a complete list of top mobile application testing tools.

What Are Mobile Testing Tools?

Mobile testing tools are software applications or frameworks specifically designed to assist in testing mobile applications on various devices and operating systems. These tools provide functionalities to automate, monitor, and analyze mobile application performance, functionality, and user experience.

The below graph shows the number of smartphone users, and it’s apparent that mobile app usage will only go upward. In fact, the number of mobile users is expected to reach 7.8 billion by 2028. Therefore, every app needs to be optimized for mobile and ensure that it’s functioning seamlessly.

 

Mobile testing tools help developers and quality assurance teams ensure their mobile applications work as intended across different devices, screen sizes, and operating systems. These tools can simulate real-world scenarios, such as different network conditions, device orientations, and user interactions, to identify potential issues and validate the app’s behavior under various conditions.

Methodology To Select The Best Mobile Testing Tool

When selecting the best mobile testing tools, it is essential to follow a systematic methodology to ensure that the chosen tools meet the specific testing needs and requirements of the project. Here is a detailed methodology that can help in the selection process.

1. Identify Testing Requirements

Begin by understanding the specific requirements of the mobile application testing project. Consider aspects such as the target mobile platforms (iOS, Android, etc.), device types and models, supported network conditions, required test types (functional, performance, security, etc.), and any specific testing frameworks or methodologies to be followed.

2. Research Available Tools

Conduct thorough research to identify the available mobile testing tools in the market. Consider factors such as popularity, industry reputation, customer reviews, and recommendations from trusted sources. Compile a list of potential tools that align with the identified testing requirements.

3. Assess Tool Features

Evaluate the features and capabilities of shortlisted mobile automation testing tools. Look for functionalities such as automated mobile app testing, device compatibility, performance testing, user experience testing, security testing, crash reporting, and test case management. Determine how well these features meet the identified testing requirements.

4. Compatibility and Integration

Consider the compatibility of the testing tools with the target mobile platforms and devices. Ensure that the tools can seamlessly integrate with the development and testing environment, including the development frameworks, continuous integration (CI) systems, and test management tools already in use.

5. Trial and Evaluation

Whenever possible, take advantage of trial versions or free plans offered by the selected tools. Conduct a trial evaluation of each tool using the top mobile app development tips to assess its usability, ease of setup, learning curve, and overall user experience. Create sample test cases or scenarios to validate the tool’s effectiveness in addressing the identified testing requirements.

Evaluate the availability of documentation, tutorials, forums, and user communities associated with each tool. Strong community support can provide valuable resources, insights, and assistance when using the tools and can contribute to the overall success of the testing efforts.

7. Cost and Licensing

Consider the pricing models, licensing options, and associated costs of each tool. Assess whether the tool’s pricing aligns with the budget and long-term requirements of the testing project. Evaluate whether the tool offers scalable licensing options that can accommodate future testing needs.

8. Vendor Support

Investigate the support provided by the tool vendors. Consider factors such as responsiveness, available support channels (email, phone, chat), and documentation quality. Prompt and reliable vendor support can be crucial in resolving issues and ensuring smooth testing operations.

9. References and Case Studies

Seek references or case studies from other organizations or teams that have used the shortlisted tools. This can provide insights into real-world experiences and help validate the suitability and effectiveness of the tools.

10. Final Selection

Based on the evaluation and assessment conducted throughout the methodology, select the mobile testing tool that best aligns with the identified testing requirements, offers the desired features, fits within the budget, and provides reliable support. Make sure to communicate the chosen tool to the relevant stakeholders and incorporate it into the testing process.

12 Best Mobile Testing Tools In 2023

If you’re unsure which mobile testing tool is the most effective, you can check out the comprehensive list below. We have compared the top 12 mobile testing tools based on their features, pricing, and pros and cons.

1. Appium

 

Using the open-source Appium framework, mobile web, hybrid, and native applications may all be tested automatically across various platforms, including iOS and Android. It offers a consistent API across all platforms, making creating and running tests in well-known programming languages like Java, Python, and JavaScript simple.

Features

• Cross-platform compatibility 
• Multiple programming languages and test frameworks
• Testing of native, hybrid, and mobile web applications.
• Real device testing and supports cloud-based testing platforms.

Pricing

The company provides custom pricing.

Pros and Cons

2. TestComplete

 

A thorough automated testing solution, TestComplete covers the testing of desktop, online, and mobile apps. It provides a user-friendly and reliable testing environment, enabling testers to rapidly write, organize, and run tests.

Features

• Testing of mobile applications on iOS and Android platforms.
• Record and playback functionality for quick test creation.
• Built-in checkpoints and actions.
• Allows integration with various test management tools.

Pricing

TestComplete Base – $1828 (For Desktop)

TestComplete Pro – $2842

Pros and Cons

3. Robotium

Robotium is an open-source test automation framework specifically designed for Android applications. It simplifies the process of writing powerful and robust automated UI tests for Android apps, allowing testers to validate the app’s behavior and functionality across different devices and scenarios.

Features

• Supports test automation for Android applications.
• Allows writing test scripts in Java, making it accessible for Java developers.
• Provides APIs for handling UI interactions, assertions, and test case management.
• Supports testing of both native and hybrid Android apps.

Pricing 

Free – $0

Team – $3.67 per user per month.

Enterprise – $19.25 per user per month.

Pros and Cons

4. Espresso

 

Google created Espresso, an open-source testing framework that is commonly used for Android app testing. It provides strong automation features and a clear and succinct API for developing UI tests. Espresso is a well-liked option for testing Android applications since it places a strong emphasis on speed, dependability, and simplicity.

Features

• Supports testing android applications.
• Fluent and expressive API for creating UI tests.
• Synchronization with the app’s UI thread for reliable test execution.
• Built-in assertion mechanisms.

Pricing 

It is an open source platform.

Pros and Cons

5. UI Automator

UI Automator, developed by Google, is an open-source framework for testing Android applications at the system level. It provides APIs for interacting with and testing the user interface elements of Android apps, including cross-app interactions and device-level operations.

Features

• Enables testing of Android applications at the system level.
• Supports UI interactions and assertions across multiple apps.
• Provides APIs for device-level operations such as screen rotation, notification handling, and permission management.
• Supports test execution on multiple devices or emulators simultaneously.

Pricing

It is an open source tool.

Pros and Cons

6. Calabash

 

 

Calabash is an open-source mobile testing framework that allows automated functional testing of Android and iOS applications. It offers a simple and human-readable syntax for writing tests and supports behavior-driven development (BDD) practices, making it accessible to both testers and developers.

Features

• Supports automated testing of Android and iOS applications.
• Provides a human-readable syntax for test script creation.
• Behavior-driven development (BDD) practices with integration of Cucumber.
• Cross-platform compatibility and shared test scripts between Android and iOS.

Pricing 

Open source – free. 

Pros and Cons

7. Xamarin

 

A well-liked cross-platform development framework called Xamarin enables programmers to create native iOS and Android mobile applications using C# and.NET. It offers a selection of programs and libraries that make it easier to create, test, and launch mobile applications on different operating systems. Xamarin is one of the most preferred mobile testing platforms in the market.

Features

• Cross-platform development framework for iOS and Android applications.
• Uses a single shared codebase written in C# and .NET.
• Access to native APIs and platform-specific functionality.
• Testing and debugging of apps using Xamarin Test Cloud or other testing frameworks.

Pricing

Indie – $25 per month.

Business – $999 per year.

Enterprise – $1899 per year.

Pros and Cons

8. TestFlight

TestFlight is a beta testing service provided by Apple for iOS app testing. It allows developers to distribute pre-release versions of their apps to a selected group of testers for evaluation and feedback. TestFlight simplifies the process of managing and distributing test builds, collecting feedback, and monitoring app performance.

Features

• Enables distribution of iOS app builds to external testers.
• Supports over-the-air installation of test builds on registered devices.
• Allows multiple builds to be tested concurrently and provides version control.
• Provides tools for collecting feedback and crash reports from testers.

Pricing 

It is a free tool. 

Pros and Cons

9. Google Play Console

 

For Android app developers to publish, manage, and distribute their applications on the Google Play Store, Google offers Google Play Console, a web-based platform. It provides a range of tools and features for managing apps, such as capabilities for managing app releases, analytics, and testing.

Features

• Centralized platform for managing different apps.
• Pre-launch testing tools for testing app behavior.
• Crash reporting and performance analytics.
• App publishing, distribution, and monetization.

Pricing 

One time registration fee of $25.

Pros and Cons

10. App Store Connect

 App Store Connect is a web-based platform provided by Apple for iOS app developers to manage their app submissions, releases, and distribution on the App Store. It offers a range of tools and resources to help developers prepare, submit, and manage their apps, track app performance, and communicate with Apple’s review team.

Features

• App submission and management for iOS apps on the App Store.
• Create and manage app versions, metadata, and in-app purchases.
• Access to analytics and performance data to monitor app downloads and usage.
• Communication with Apple’s review team during the app review process.

Pricing

It is a free tool.

Pros and Cons

11. BitBar

 

BitBar is a cloud-based mobile testing platform that provides real device testing for mobile applications. It allows developers and testers to run automated tests on a wide range of real devices, ensuring compatibility and functionality across various platforms and device configurations.

Features

• Cloud-based real device testing for iOS and Android applications.
• Automated tests on multiple devices.
• Large device farm with a wide range of device models and configurations.
• Integrates with popular test automation frameworks and tools.

Pricing 

Live testing – $39 per parallel/month 

Desktop browser – $129 per parallel/month

BitBar Unlimited – $177 per parallel/month

Enterprise – custom pricing.

Pros and Cons

12. Eggplant

 

Eggplant is a software testing tool that specializes in functional and user-centric testing for a variety of platforms, including mobile applications. It uses image-based testing and AI-driven automation to simulate user interactions and validate application behavior across different devices and operating systems.

Features

• Functional testing of mobile applications on iOS and Android.
• Image-based testing and AI-driven automation for accurate test execution.
• Cross-platform compatibility for testing on various devices and operating systems.
• Extensive reporting and analysis capabilities for test results.

Pricing 

Pricing starts at $3400 for a single test stream license.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion 

Mobile testing plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, functionality, and user experience of mobile applications. We explored a variety of mobile testing tools in this blog, each offering unique features and capabilities.

The selection of the right tool depends on factors such as platform compatibility, testing requirements, ease of use, and budget considerations. By choosing the appropriate mobile testing tool and following best practices, developers and testers can enhance the quality and reliability of their mobile applications, ensuring a seamless user experience and driving customer satisfaction.