Automation Tools for Testing Mobile Applications

1. Appium

Appium is another widely used open-source app testing tool. It is a cross-platform testing framework known for its flexibility, allowing QAs to create test scripts against numerous platforms, such as iOS, Windows, and Android, using the same API.

That means QAs can use the same code for iOS and Android, saving significant time and effort. The Appium Inspector provides a unified interface for inspecting and interacting with elements across iOS and Android as well. This simplifies the testing process for apps running on multiple platforms.

Much like Selenium, Appium also allows testers to write test scripts in multiple programming languages, which include Java, JavaScript, PHP, Ruby, Python, and C#.

2. Robotium

This is an open-source automation tool that supports native and hybrid mobile apps running Android versions from 1.6 upwards. It provides an easy and quick way to write test cases and scenarios without requiring high levels of coding. Other benefits include support for several languages. Also, it is capable of automatically running multiple Android routines. The tool is ideal for small software companies with limited budgets. 

The main benefits include: 

• Robust tests
• Supports testing native and hybrid mobile apps
• Faster testing speeds
• Ability to perform simultaneous tests
• Simulate user behaviors such as clicking, touching, typing, etc.

Although powerful, it lacks the Record and Play functions and does not have screenshots. Also, it can take long before getting the tests to run.   

3. Kobiton

The Kobiton automation tool has both free and paid versions. Either of them gives the testers the ability to check the real devices. It also supports automation of actions that manual testing would require. This includes orientation, speaker and camera control, GPS simulations, multi-touch gestures, connection management and more.  The Kobiton tool will also capture all the actions by the tester hence making it easier and quicker to identify and resolve issues. 

Benefits include: 

• Ability to test using real, cloud-based mobile devices and a variety of configurations
• Centralized logs that make it easier to check the testing logs and history
• Easy to install, simple user interface
• Free trial for limited time
• Access to over 350 real devices on the cloud
• Parallel tests
• Detailed results, logs, screen captures video, as well as system metrics such as the battery, and memory performance.

Although it is free for the basic features, users can upgrade to other versions with additional functionalities at a monthly fee of between $50 and $300. 

4. Squish For Android

Squish for Android is a premium automation tool that supports native, web and hybrid mobile apps. The automation tool runs on both real and simulated devices and does not require rooting the device under test. The easy to use tool allows testers to get started with the automated GUI quickly and easily. 

The automation tool: 

• Provides support for the automation of both standard and complex gestures such as touch, tap, swipe, multi-touch, etc.
• Tests devices in the cloud
• Provides IoT testing
• End-to-end testing
• Testing web and HTML components embedded in the app

This is a paid automation tool but has a trial period so as to allow the companies to test and see if it can deliver. 

5. KMAX

KMAX is one of the best automation tools for testing how mobile apps behave under different network conditions. In particular, it establishes the effect of poor as well as normal connectivity.  The tool provides testers with several pre-defined network scenarios based on common connectivity solutions. This includes 3G, 4G, LTE, and others, and allows the testers to emulate a wide range of network conditions. For example, the tool enables the teams to establish the effect of different levels of packet loss, delays, or corruption as well as other adverse conditions such as bandwidth issues, jitter and more. In addition, testers can use the KMAX tool to recreate certain scenarios and especially those that had issues. 

Other benefits include 

• Over 22 predefined network scenarios
• Customizable, controlled and repeatable tests
• Use of real or simulated mobile network traffic
• The premium tool with flexible payment plans based on requirements  

6. Experitest

The Experitest is a powerful automation platform that allows software companies to create and execute a wide range of automated tests in parallel. It has the ability to run tests on over 1000 real Android devices in the cloud at the same time. The tool provides real-time interaction, visual test reports, and analytics. In addition, it provides the ability to debug the apps in real-time. 

The tool enables the software developers to accelerate the testing processes on native, web and hybrid mobile apps. It gives them the ability to detect bugs easily and quickly on a wide range of apps  Experitest is a paid tool but has a trial period. 

7. Moneytalk

Moneytalk is an open-source tool that supports automation of a wide range of basic to complex data-driven tests. It automates interactive functional tests for the native, web and hybrid Android apps through simple and understandable test scripts which it can also record and playback.  The tool, which does not require high levels of scripting or programming skills, supports emulators, tethered and network connected devices. It also generates HTML and XML reports as well as screenshots at failure points.  Considerations when selecting a mobile testing automation tool  Since there are so many automation tools, it is usually difficult choosing the one that will meet the project’s testing needs may be a challenge. Another problem that there is no one tool that provides a comprehensive solution and you may need to make a trade-off or combine several tools. 

To get reliable results at the fair cost and time, it is important to 

• Understand the app under test
• Determine what requires testing
• Determine all the requirements to perform the testing including hardware, software-network, and other resources
• Research for automation tools that meets the testing requirements
• If possible, try two or three of the best tools to see what works best for your budget.
• Choose the best tool that meets your requirements and budget

When there is a limited budget for automation tools, a software development company should consider open source products. Most of the best free tools have the ability to automate a wide range of testing processes. Unless looking for advanced features and support, the small development companies should consider the free options otherwise it may not be justified to purchase expensive tools to test only a few apps. 

At Srishta Technology, our mobile app development team creates highly robust and interactive mobile applications with elegant UI, amazing features, and efficient code.

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