10 Top Automation Testing Tools for 2024 – Perfect Checklist

“Fact – As of 2020, over 46% IT companies have automated 50% of their testing process using automation testing tools”

Nobody wants to launch a software or product in the market with bugs & errors in it, whether you are the developer, QA Analyst, tester, or CEO. A poorly tested product results in a bad user experience which leads to a long-term loss in revenue, loss of customers, damaged company reputation, and more. This has led to a boost in the software testing market and the rise of automation testing tools. Such tools help in running test cases automatically without any human error.

This article covers a researched list of the top 10 automation tools for testing 2024 that QA analysts and testers can use. The write-up also covers other important topics such as meaning, types of testing, how to pick a tool, etc. followed by a conclusion. Let us start with the basic definition of automation testing first.

What is Automation Testing?

Automation testing is automating the process of software testing in the development process using a script or tool. The process implies creating test cases or scripts that can test a software automatically without any human intervention. The process boosts the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the software testing process and saves time, reduces human errors, & increases test coverage.

In comparison, manual testing is also prevalent where human intervention is required. However, there are unmatched benefits of automating the process and there are automation tools for testing in the market for it. The process is useful mainly for large enterprise projects that require testing multiple times.

Types of Automation Testing

There are several types of automation testing methods in the market, namely –

1. Smoke Testing

Smoke Testing verifies if the basic, important functions of the application are working properly or not. It also checks if the application is stable or not for further testing.

2. Unit Testing

This testing method tests single, small units of the software and is one of the first tests done by QAs.

3. Integration Testing

As the name suggests, Integration Testing determines if different parts of the web application are working properly when put together.

4. Functional Testing

Functional testing ensures that the app is working fine and meeting all the required needs, under all conditions.

5. Security Testing

Security testing determines the safety of the software and is both non-functional & functional.

6. Regression Testing

This one determines whether any part of the application is regressed or not after the changes have been made to the software.

7. Data Driven Testing

Data driven testing checks the functionality of data collection by the web applications to determine if it is meeting the desired requirements

8. Acceptance Testing

This is the final test that determines how the end user will respond to the final product.

Automation Tools Testing vs Manual Testing – Top Differences

Automation Testing Tools – Stats

• According to a survey, over 26% companies reported finding the right automation testing tool as the biggest challenge
• In the USA alone, the testing industry was worth more than $6.8 billion US dollars
• Manual testing is considered the most time consuming activity within the testing phase
• The global testing market is anticipated to grow between 7% & 12% from 2021 to 2025
• According to a survey, more than 20% companies aim to automate 75% of their testing process
• 24% companies also reported a boost in the overall ROI after automating the testing process

Benefits of Automation Testing Tools

1. Preventing Bugs & Errors

QA testing tools can implement and test hundreds of conditions in a code enabling post launch risks and safeguarding brand reputation. Such testing tools are faster than manual testing facilitating early error detection. Such automated QA testing tools are also used by top mobile app development companies in India.

2. Software Safety Maintenance

Automation tools for testing run security tests consistently and ensure robust security protocols by determining underlying vulnerabilities

3. Saves Time & Cost

Automation testing tools save significant time and cost in the long term for a company. According to several studies, manual testing consumes 35% more time than automation tools in a single run. Further, the average cost to build an automation tool is $2500-$3000. The tool is reusable and can offer high ROI in the long run as compared to the manual method that costs every time we perform testing.

4. Performance Optimization

Automation tools test a code at the extreme levels, ensuring that software can handle the expected heavy load, thus improving the overall performance.

List of Top Automation Testing Tools

1. Selenium

Selenium is one of the top open-source automation tools for testing. It is free to use and compatible with almost every operating system, be it Windows or MacOS. Even an iPhone app development company can rely on this tool. Furthermore, it runs smoothly on almost every browser like Firefox, and Chrome.

It is one of the most popular Automation Test Tools because of its automated test scripts which are useful in different environments. Through this tool, one can easily create bug reproduction scripts and test them from a single control unit that too, remotely.

Various programming languages are compatible with Selenium such as Javascript, Perl, C# Python, and much more.

Pros: 

• Access to compatibility testing
• Supports regression testing
• Function testing is also available
• Selenium webDriver allows easy automation of browsers.

2. TestSigma:

The second on the list of popular automation testing tools is TestSigma. It is based on cloud computing and supports the testing of various modern software. TestSigma is easy to use for any new startup or developer. It is also suitable for mobile app testing as well as cross-browser testing because of its AI-driven automation. One can also conduct regression testing, continuous testing, and data driven testing on this software. It aligns with multiple browsers like Android, iOS, etc.

Another great thing about its mobile app development tools is that the user can focus on top priority tests because of the integrated reporting option. The results are generated in very less time and it can also be combined with various other tools like Bugzilla, Jenkins, CD, bug trackers, etc.

Unlike Selenium, Test Sigma is not free and after a demo of 30 days, you have to pay for a basic plan (299$) or pro plan (399$) to continue availing services.

Pros: 

• Suitable for Web application testing
• API automation testing
• Fully customizable
• Alternative to multiple frameworks and provide single source testing
• 5x faster testing
• Less maintenance
• Supports Test authoring to create scripts in English

3. Appsurify Test Brain:

If you are looking for a quick automation testing tool, Appsurify’s automation tools for testing are worth trying. It has ten times better performance than other testing tools. It is most suitable for QA and identifying bugs because of its automated tests and is also popular amongst iPhone app development companies. The software also ensures that failed codes remain separated from the main codes. This prevents any risk that could have been caused later. Furthermore, if any code undergoes any change the software will give you notification.

Appsurify comes in two price ranges: Professional and Enterprise. Professional costs only $10/month but the price of the Enterprise edition varies according to the customization.

Pros: 

• Boosts productivity by reducing time
• Identification of risk and code failures
• Suitable for all modern programming languages
• Compatible with different testing systems
• Works well with 3rd party software
• Ideal for both cloud and self hosted atmosphere

4. Lambda Test:

Lambda test is another popular choice in the category of top automation tools for testing. It allows both manual and automated testing of browsers and apps. The mobile automation testing tools support cross browser testing and are compatible with almost 3000+ browsers and operating systems. It works well with various tools like CD, bug logging, etc.

The software is free to use but there are certain features that are paid like Live Version ($15/month), web automation ($199/month), enterprise plan, etc.

Pros: 

• Detect bugs
• Geo location testing feature
• Reduces testing time by allowing simultaneous testing

5. Telerik Test Studio:

Next on the list is Telerik Test Studio which runs smoothly on both web and desktop. The quality standards are unmatchable and tests can be conducted in a speedy and organized manner. Mobile automation testing tools on Telerik are easy to understand and can be easily used by novice coders.

To test a software application on Telerik Test Studio, you have to first store a test, and then use the automated playback option to create a test case and then you can use it on multiple browsers. These tests can then be viewed on a comprehensive dashboard along with detailed results and performance reports. The tests are easy to maintain and there is no compromise on quality and costs which make it one of the best automation testing tools.

The services of Telerik can be availed either through web and desktop license which costs around $2499 or the ultimate license which costs around $3499.

Pros: 

• Supports all forms of testing
• record/playback feature
• Fast and efficient testing
• Various in-built tools like detection of pending patents, multiple search options, object repository, etc.
• Low costs and efforts
• Compatible with various programming languages like HTML, Javascript, etc.

6. WATIR

Watir or Web Application Testing in Ruby is also one of the best automation testing tools. Through its free and easy to use web driver, one can test various web and UI apps. It is also compatible with various browsers like Opera, Chrome, etc., and supports other software like Cucumber, RSpec, etc.

The best part about this testing platform is that it provides a close to real testing experience by clicking on the browser links in the same way as a human would do. Furthermore, you can click screenshots of the testing for reference and make changes accordingly.

Features: 

• Snapshots allowed
• Assesses page performance
• Open source Ruby Library
• Free to use

7. QMetry Automation Studio:

Qmetry has the best automation testing tools, for codeless testing of various mobile applications, APIs, and desktop based apps. It is a unified platform for automation testing tools for web applications and can work in tandem with other automation tools like Appium and Selenium. Besides automation tools, it also aligns with cloud testing platforms like Jenkins, Bamboo, etc., and other applications like TestNG, Cucumber, etc.

Various programming languages that can be used on Qmetry studio include Java, Typescript, Python, etc. It is free to use for the first thirty days but afterward, you have to choose a customized plan.

Pros: 

• Reusable testing
• Efficient and flexible system
• Aligns with other automation tools also
• Customized and extensible automation tools
• Allows multiple test running

8. Test Complete

Based on AI tools, Test Complete is also one of the most reliable automation testing tools for web applications. It is suitable for all types of apps be it desktop based apps, mobile apps, or web apps. From Windows 10 to WPF, this test goes well with any operating software and aligns perfectly with other testing tools like Azure, Git, Jenkins, etc.

It is also free to use for the first thirty days after which users have to pay $6095 for the basic plan.

Pros –

• No compromise on quality.
• Excellent script
• AI-based tools
• Storehouse of GUI (Graphical User interface) tests.
• Fast, efficient, and easy to use.
• Reusable tests
• Object recognition tool to detect and fix bugs in the program

9. Micro Focus UFT:

Another robust mobile automation testing tool is Micro Focus UFT. It is suitable for all types of apps, including web based, mobile apps, or desktop apps. The best part about this platform is that the tests can be easily created in a short duration. These tests are highly reliable and maintenance costs are low. It is also compatible with DevOps tools.

The mobile automation testing tools are free to use for the first sixty days after which customizable plans can be opted.

Pros of using this platform: 

• Resilient testing.
• Powered by Artificial intelligence
• Supports functional and regression test automation.
• Rapid and simultaneous testing

10. Katalon Studio:

Last but not least; Katalon Studio is a comprehensive automated QA testing tool for all kinds of apps. With a client base of almost 65000 institutions, its popularity amongst mobile app development company in India is undeniable. It functions smoothly on almost every operating system, be it Windows or Mac, and can be used with other testing tools like Bamboo, Jira, Azure, etc.

The basic plan is free to use and the premium features come in two forms: Floating license ($1689/yr) and Node-locked License ($839/yr).

Top Features: 

• Early error detection
• Accurate and reliable performance
• Preferable for lengthy tests
• No compromise on quality
• Low cost and maintenance

Things to Consider While Choosing an Automation Testing Tool

1. Budget

There are several automation testing tools available in the market, each coming with its own business model. Some charge licensing fees while some charge based on the tests you run on the script. You need to determine your requirements in advance to get an accurate cost and compare it with your budget. You can contact the support team of the tool to understand the prices.

2. Integration Options

An ideal automation tool easily integrates with your current workflow. Developing, maintaining, and checking tests within your existing workflow speeds up the agile cycle and the whole testing phase. Further, if you have a task management platform setup already, then check if the tool integrates easily.

3. Insight & Reporting Features

Make sure to check the top analysis and reporting features of the automation testing tool. You can check if the tool suggests test cases for testing or not. Further, results from each test and task should be easy to share and categorizable.

4. Support & Resources

Bad customer support can lead to nightmares for you in times of need. You might not have a tech-savvy resource available and thus, the support should be able to train you or your employees. Further, you can check the resources & educational material available to learn the tool.

Final Words – Choosing the Best Automation Testing Tools

So, this was the list of 10 top automated QA testing tools available in the market for software testing. These tools help accelerate release velocity, produce better outcomes, and improve the overall project quality. Also, one needs to assess their team’s needs and requirements to choose the best tool for them instead of blindly following other teams’ success.

Simultaneously, you can also choose to outsource your testing and QA work to a mobile app development company in India, like Konstant Infosolutions. We have been offering top notch web development and quality assurance services to clients globally for more than two decades now. Note that we use best automation testing tools available in the market to test client products and deliver error-free final software to them.

Top FAQs – Best Automation Testing Tools

1. What is Automation Testing?

Automation testing is the process of software or code testing done by an automated tool or script without any human intervention.

2. How many types of automation testing tools?

There are many types of automation testing tools including performance testing tools, load testing tools, functional testing tools, Mobile Automation Testing tools, and API testing tools.

3. Why choosing the correct automation tool is important?

An automation tool is used to prevent future errors & bugs, improve UI/UX, optimize performance, and maintain the security & safety of the software, thus saving a lot of time & cost in the long term.

4. Which factors should you consider while selecting a Test Automation Tool?

Some of the factors to consider before choosing an automation testing tool are –

• Subscription or Licensing Cost
• Training Cost involved
• Software and hardware requirements
• Support & Maintenance Policy
• Operating System and Platform Support

5. What software is used for automation testing?

There are many tools available in the market for automation testing. You need to analyze your requirements and then choose your needs. Some of the top automation tools for testing are –

• Selenium
• Test Sigma
• Appsurify
• Lamba Test
• WATIR

6. Is manual testing easier than automation?

Manual testing takes care of complex test cases while automation testing tools test repetitive simpler tasks. Thus, manual testing is not easier than automation and both of the methods are required to generate better, efficient results.

7. Which testing is more in demand- automated testing or manual testing?

Automated testing tools are in high demand in the market currently among SMEs, enterprises, as well as MNCs. The method is highly cost effective, time efficient, and provides accurate results.

8. Does manual testing require coding?

Although it is not mandatory to understand coding in manual testing, it is suggested to have the basic knowledge of programming languages to be better at testing skills.