Top Automation Testing Tools You Should Know In 2023

For today’s continuous development streams, automated testing is the optimal solution. You can choose from various automation testing tools and frameworks to create and run successful test cases. Although finding the ideal test automation solution is challenging. In this blog, we’ll examine how to select the right framework for your company and go in-depth on the best automation testing tools available on the market.

Automation Testing Tools: How to choose the right one

The development cycle no longer includes testing as a phase. Instead, testing has become more common as development becomes more continuous. Test automation is the most successful way to increase test cycle effectiveness, efficiency, and coverage. The steps listed below can help you choose the right tool:

1. Define the requirements.
2. Evaluate the tools as per the requirements
3. Estimate the Cost
4. Identify the pros and cons.
5. Check the availability of support in case of technical issues.
6. Make the final decision

Top 20 Open Source Automation Testing Tools

Even though there are many automation testing tools on the market, your business case may require a specific tool with the right features and solutions.

Some of the top automation testing tools you may check out in 2023 are listed below:

Testsigma

Testsigma is one of the most excellent testing products in the market. The feature of using plain English to automate even complex tests makes Testsigma the most likely tool. Testsigma is an AI-driven test automation platform that effectively meets the demands of continuous delivery. It offers a test automation ecosystem with every component needed for constant testing. In addition, it enables you to automate Web, mobile, and API testing, while supporting thousands of device/OS/browser combinations locally and in the cloud.

Key features:

• You can easily replace several frameworks, flawed test stacks, and challenging toolchains with Testsigma.
• Use plain English to write test cases
• Customize the platform per your needs.
• Can be deployed both locally and on the cloud.
• Get immediate automated reports.
• Advanced test management
• Support web, mobile, and API end-to-end testing
• 24×7 support

Pricing

• Open source
• Pro: $399 monthly for 50GB storage, total users, and monthly testing minutes.
• Custom pricing is available.

Selenium

Selenium is an open source automated testing tool for web applications. Because it offers configurable test automation and is accessible across a wide range of languages and browsers, it is frequently utilized by quality analysts worldwide.

Selenium is a primary option for automation testing, but we should be open to different frameworks and tools that can simplify our lives.

Key features

• Programming languages supported include Java, Python C#, JavaScript, Ruby, PHP, etc.
• Browser supported include Chrome, Safari, Firefox, IE, Microsoft Edge, Opera, etc.
• Parallel and cross-browser executions that test on local or remote machines speed up execution and expand test coverage.
• Integrations with other testing frameworks and CI/CD technologies.

Pros of using Selenium:

• Facilitates a variety of programming languages
• Enables multiple operating systems and browsers
• Parallelizes test execution with Selenium Grid

Cons of using Selenium:

• Steeper learning curve
• Inadequate technological support
• Works only with web-based programs
• No integrated reporting

Pricing

• Free

Appium

Appium is a free and open-source tool for testing mobile applications. Appium enables customers to create automated UI tests for native, web-based, Android, and iOS using the mobile JSON wire protocol. Appium offers a wealth of information, including comprehensive test data, performance data, pictures, and test movies. Additionally, it may produce detailed reports and dashboards that can aid testers in fully comprehending their applications.

Key features:

• Programming languages supported include Java, Python, C#, JavaScript, PHP, Perl, and Ruby.
• Tests across platforms using the same APIs and reusable test scripts
• Implementation of actual hardware, simulators, and emulators
• CI/CD systems and other testing framework integrations.

Pros of using Appium:

• Feature-rich and open-source
• Extensive community and thorough documentation
• Dashboard and report generating that can be customized

Cons of using Appium:

• The initial implementation may be challenging.
• Rarely reported stability issues.

Pricing

• Open-source and free

Cypress

For front-end developers, Cypress is a new test automation tool. All current browsers support Cypress tests written in JavaScript and constructed using WebDriver and Node.js. Cypress is open-source and concentrates on end-to-end testing, mainly when it uses contemporary JavaScript frameworks. Modern framework-based applications like Vue, Angular, and React function well with Cypress.

The extensive documentation, as well as the numerous libraries that supply, make this open-source solution well-known. In addition, it also permits network traffic interception and application code mocking—features that are difficult to find in other test automation solutions with an emphasis on end-to-end testing.

Key features:

• JavaScript-supported programming language.
• Test step execution and debuggability snapshots from well-known developer tools
• Potential to regulate network traffic, server response, timers, and function behavior
• Dashboard connection service for improving and enhancing test performance
• CI/CD tool integrations with widely used tools

Pros of using Cypress:

• Outstanding documentation
• Quick formulation and execution of tests
• Incredible JavaScript tools

Cons of using Cypress:

• Uses only Chrome and other browsers built on the Chromium platform.
• Missing iframe support
• Curve for learning

Pricing

• Free plan with 500 test results and 3 users.
• Business plans start at $300 per month
• Team plans at $75—tailored business strategy.

ReadyAPI (formerly SoapUI Pro)

ReadyAPI is a REST and SOAP API functional testing tool. It allows development and testing teams to create, maintain & execute complex end-to-end API tests in their CI/CD pipeline.

Key features:

• Even with complex scenarios, develop tests using drag and drop
• Reducing the work required to create production systems for testing through service stimulation
• Rapid and straightforward test script reuse
• CI/CD integration and protocol support.

Pros of using ReadyAPI:

• User-friendly interface with possibilities for drag and drop and point and pick
• API automation testing with data.
• Uses pre-written scripts for various purposes.
• Calls to asynchronous APIs.

Cons of using ReadyAPI:

• Minimal stability
• First-time user finds the interface challenging.
• Web service testing requires WSDL.

Pricing

• Starts at $829 per license (billed annually)

Eggplant Functional

Eggplant Functional is a GUI automation testing solution for mobile, desktop, and web apps. Using an image-based methodology, a single script may automate a range of platform and technology combinations. Users can create test scenarios involving their established application codebase and test its functioning across various hardware or operating systems using one or more scripts.

It can be set up and used on Linux, macOS X, and Windows operating systems. In addition, Jenkins, HPE Quality Center, IBM Rational Quality Manager, and other application lifecycle management tools can integrate with the Eggplant automated testing tool.

Key features:

• Techniques for flexible test design include recording, assisted scripting, and manual mode.
• Using the scripting language SenseTalk to connect to the Eggplant ecosystem will boost testing and monitoring possibilities.
• Connections to well-known CI/CD tools

Pros of using Eggplant Functional:

• Utilizing simple test automation techniques
• Test any platform and technology
• End-to-end test cases can run using a single script.
• A single script can test multiple environments.
• Uses eggCloud and real devices for testing.

Cons of using Eggplant Functional:

• Sometimes it’s not user-friendly
• Limited technical assistance
• It doesn’t constantly change to suit the needs of the customer.

Pricing

• Contact Vendor

Tricentis Tosca

Tricentis Tosca is a complete automation tool for online, API, mobile, and desktop testing. You may run various tests, including exploratory and system integration tests. It uses a novel model-based testing methodology that enables users to scan an application’s UI or APIs to produce a model known to the business for the creation and upkeep of tests.

Key features:

• High reusability of test components and codeless test generation with the model-based approach
• Service virtualization helps promote and build realistic testing environments
• API scanning with strong API technology support
• Testing in parallel and across platforms
• CI/CD system and other testing framework integrations

Pros of using Tricentis Tosca:

• Numerous features in a single tool
• No scripting is necessary for various platforms
• Exceptional Vendor Support
• Easy to Use, Affordable Interface
• Suitable for activities on a wide scale

Cons of using Tricentis Tosca:

• Complex modules
• Large maintenance issue
• Integration difficulties
• Manufactured for commercial use

Pricing

• Contact Vendor

Apache JMeter

This free, open-source software is exclusively for performance testing web applications. Although JMeter is currently valid in functional testing, JDBC database connections, Web services, generic TCP connections, and OS native processes, it is primarily used for testing Web applications or FTP applications.

To obtain precise performance data for your web server, you can perform various testing activities, such as performance, load, stress, regression, and functional testing. In addition, JMeter can be used to evaluate helpful APIs as well.

Key features:

• The friendly and simple-to-use interface
• Builds a test plan with a recording feature
• Test execution in CLI and GUI modes
• Support for a variety of servers, programs, and protocol types is readily available.
• Integrations to well-known CI/CD tools

Pros of using Apache JMeter:

• Free licensing
• Testing of loads for a range of applications
• Playback capability that is independent of platforms and vendors
• Support for distributed load testing

Cons of using Apache JMeter:

• Not suitable for beginners
• No visualization options
• High configuration capacity is necessary
• Limited real-time testing options and support
• No vendor assistance
• Insufficient cloud adoption
• Excessive memory use

Pricing

• Free

Robot Framework

Robot Framework is an open-source framework used for test automation, particularly for acceptance testing and test-driven development. It offers a keyword-driven paradigm and is extensible with various tools and libraries. Test automation and robotic process automation (RPA) are both possible with the use of the Robot Framework. It is widely utilized across numerous applications and enables easy tool integration for versatile and potent automation solutions.

Key features:

• Makes test cases using simple tabular syntax
• Using keywords and data support variables for testing in various situations.
• Support for several tool integrations and other libraries.

Pros of using Robot Framework:

• The Robot Framework works on keyword
• Both online and mobile apps can use it
• Windows, macOS, Linux, Unix, and Robot Framework are compatible

Cons of using Robot Framework:

• Maintaining Robot Framework is challenging.
• Not easy to customize HTML reports.
• Doesn’t support Parallel test execution.
• Debugging some issues can be difficult.
• Includes stringent guidelines for indentation.

Pricing

• Free

Protractor

To handle AngularJS and Angular applications, use Protractor, an open-source end-to-end automation testing tool. One advantage of Protractor is that it will automatically go on to the next test stage after all remaining webpage tasks are over. In addition, it functions as an integrator of many technologies, including Selenium WebDriver, Jasmine, and NodeJS. Besides, it’s helpful for regression testing with non-Angular apps.

Key features:

• Using native events, test execution happens in a real browser
• Extended HTML attributes are used in Angular apps to identify elements.
• Support frameworks for behavior-driven development like Jasmine and Mocha
• Selenium Grid testing in parallel and cross browsers

Pros of using Protractor:

• It has additional locators like a model, repeater, binding, etc.
• It features built-in default waits for Angular, which the Selenium WebDriver doesn’t support.
• Page objects are simple to manage and write.
• Image comparison is straightforward and effective.
• Running automation scripts on many machines is a simple process.

Cons of using a Protractor:

• It only supports JavaScript.
• It works nicely in Chrome browser. However, there needs to be more support for it in other browsers.
• There is no support for the Robot class.

Pricing

• Free

Playwright

Another open-source favorite among many is the Playwright, a test automation toolkit created by Microsoft’s contributors. Chromium, Firefox, and WebKit browser automation utilize a single API and a NodeJS module. Like Cypress, it is licensed under the Apache 2.0 license and supports various programming languages, including C#, Java, NodeJS, and Python.

Key features:

• Setting up and configuring it is pretty simple.
• Get support for several browsers, including Firefox, Edge, Chrome, and Safari.
• Uses C#, Java, JavaScript/Typescript, and Python
• Enables parallel browser testing capability.
• Maximizes the use of numerous browsers and tabs.

Pros of using Playwright:

• A GUI tool for debugging tests is Inspector.
• Quick operation in headless mode
• Components automatically wait before taking specific actions.
• Testing for visual regression functions right out of the box.
• Thorough HTML reports.
• The ability to automatically create images, videos and trace files on test failures is fantastic for debugging failed tests, especially in Trace Viewer.

Cons of using Playwright:

• Ambiguous documentation
• Playwright permits API testing, but its request technique needs to be sufficiently sophisticated. For instance, follow redirects cannot be disabled.
• Screenshots, videos, and failure traces are all created inside a single test function.

Pricing

• Contact Vendor

Puppeteer

Puppeteer is a Node library that offers a high-level API for controlling headless Chrome using the DevTools Protocol. It helps automate the Chrome browser to execute website tests.

Fundamentally speaking, Puppeteer is an automation tool. Besides, it is well-liked for use cases like scraping and producing PDFs, among others.

Key features:

• Get complete Chrome support.
• Automate keyboard input, form submission, UI testing, etc.
• Use web scraping right away to extract content and data.
• Test screenshots and save PDF versions of the pages for UI testing.
• Utilize the Chrome Performance Analysis tool to measure load time.
• The default headless mode in Puppeteer is rapid.

Pros of using Puppeteer:

• Beginning with browser automation is made simple with the Puppeteer.
• It manages Chrome with an unconventional DevTools protocol.
• Faster and more straightforward to install

Cons of using Puppeteer:

• Puppeteer only supports JavaScript (Node.js).
• It currently supports only Chromium, while Firefox compatibility is still developing.

Pricing

• $19 monthly subscription

Taiko

Taiko is an open-source, free tool for automated browser testing that ThoughtWorks created. It uses the Node.js module to automate the Chrome browser. The tool allows you to create more readable and maintainable JavaScript tests.

Taiko approaches the browser as a “black box,” in contrast to other testing frameworks. It allows you to create scripts without looking at a website’s source code.

Key features:

• Get accurate test results by getting rid of faulty tests.
• Uses an interactive recorder to catch the bugs.
• Control XHR and dynamic content.
• Mocking and stubbing for Request/Response
• Work with Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Pros of using Taiko:

• Suitable Test upkeep
• Excellent Reliability (reduced flakiness)
• Frameworks like React, Angular, Vue.js, and Node.js ecosystem operate nicely with it.
• Test failure analysis is straightforward.
• Cross-browser mobility
• Automate any browser feature.

Cons of using Taiko:

• Does not assist with mobile app testing.
• Only support languages that compile JavaScript and JavaScript itself.
• Does not support Safari and other Webkit-based browsers.

Pricing

• Free

Espresso

Google developed Espresso, a native framework for automated testing on Android. The tool is simple to use for native mobile programming and is a component of the Android SDK.Use Espresso to develop straightforward, accurate, and concise Android UI tests. When attempting to locate and interact with UI elements, test authors can leverage Espresso API to think and act like an app user. Espresso makes it possible to construct tests that closely mirror the logic of an Android application.

Key features:

• The fundamental API is predictable, compact, adaptable, and simple to learn.
• Espresso tests would not distract from boilerplate material, specialized infrastructure, or superfluous implementation details and would clearly explain interactions, expectations, and assertions.
• Espresso tests proceed quickly. You may let it manipulate and assert the UI application while it sleeps by leaving the syncs, waits, polls, and naps.

Pros of using Espresso:

• Espresso is quicker and considerably more stable.
• It has a straightforward process and immediate feedback.
• Its API is compact.
• Setup and integration with Android Studio are simple.
• Anyone can utilize it.

Cons of using Taiko:

• Java and JUnit are the only programming languages that Espresso supports.
• Language and technology stack restrictions.
• Just testing native Android UI.

Pricing

• There are 3 price tiers for Espresso Agent, ranging from $199 to $399 per feature.

XCUITest

If you want to create various test cases to execute UI operations and record the outcomes, get basic interfaces through XCUITest. It is Apple’s exclusive framework. Unfortunately, it cannot be used natively on Windows because it needs Xcode to function. So, your only option is to utilize a Mac.

Key features:

• Get basic interfaces to create various test cases to execute UI operations and record the outcomes.
• You might have to spend more money and time on utilization, but you may undoubtedly get the ROI you hoped for.
• You can anticipate first-rate Apple community assistance and quick responses to your questions.

Pros of using XCUITest:

• Handy if you have experience creating iOS apps.
• The recorder in Xcode is relatively simple to use.
• Uses the IDE that you used to construct your app.
• Apple directly updates and supports it.
• Apple offers friendly instructions and documentation.

Cons of using XCUITest:

• Needs experience developing iOS apps.
• The recorder supports only effortless actions.
• If you are unfamiliar with the syntax, you need to learn it.
• It can be mainly utilized for unit testing.
• Instead of QA engineers, this framework was created for developers.
• IPA or application source code is necessary.

Pricing

• Contact Vendor

Cucumber

Cucumber is a cross-platform tool for behavior-driven development (BDD) that creates acceptance tests for web applications. Without regard to technical expertise, one can write more comprehensible tests. Cucumber offers a solid foundation that makes it simple to build functional tests.

Key features:

• Obtain support for many languages, such as Ruby and Java.net.
• Bridging the gap between business and technical language
• Write test scripts without any programming experience.
• Support your testing framework from beginning to end.

Pros of using Cucumber:

• Readability encourages collaboration.
• Analyzers and testers can communicate.
• Steps are less through reuse.

Cons of using Cucumber:

• The strength of BDD becomes its worst vulnerability if either the user or the developer fails to communicate.
• It is challenging to keep test frameworks healthy when applications change.
• High maintenance level.

Pricing

• $30.50/month

TestNG

TestNG, a multi-purpose automated testing framework, takes its cues from JUnit. NG stands for “Next Generation.” E2E and integration testing are possible with TestNG as an extension of UI testing. End-to-end testing is thus made simpler with TestNG.

Key features:

• Create the most accurate reports to determine how many test cases were successful, unsuccessful or skipped.
• Functional annotations are simple to interpret.
• Get test cases for groups in an easier way.
• Smoothly does the parallel testing.

Pros of using TestNG:

• It offers a robust and comprehensive selection of annotations to support your test cases.
• Annotations are simple to comprehend.
• Assistance with data-driven testing.
• Parallel testing and testing using dependent methods are helpful.
• Accessible HTML reports that may tailor using different plugins.

Cons of using TestNG:

• It takes time to set up TestNG.
• It is only helpful if your project calls for the prioritizing of test cases.
• Compared to JUnit, it was once less popular. Consequently, fewer people have experience with it.

Pricing

• Free

JUnit

JUnit 5 offers an extensible Java testing framework that can handle a variety of testing styles. JUnit 5 aims to provide an upgrade that streamlines the testing procedure while simultaneously making it more straightforward and using alternative strategies like property-based testing.

Key features:

• Writes high-end code more quickly.
• It takes less time and is easy to use.
• JUnit tests that are automatically run and provide instant feedback.
• Test cases and various test suites should be used to organize the tests.
• Receive notifications if the test succeeds or fails.

Pros of using JUnit:

• The JUnit framework is available for free.
• It offers graphical test techniques built using AWT and Swing, as well as text-based command lines.
• Some annotations to use test functions are present.
• To test running applications, it has a test runner.

Cons of using JUnit:

• It cannot perform dependency testing.
• It is inappropriate for more involved testing, such as extensive test suites.
• JUnit, a component of TestNG, does not support group testing.
• Reports of test cases in HTML cannot be created unless you use ANT.

Pricing

• Contact Vendor

Jest

Jest is a simple JavaScript automated testing tool. Several web and mobile app development frameworks, such as Node, Babel, Vue, TypeScript, React, and others, may efficiently operate along with Jest. One can obtain real-time snapshots when running the tests or through inline embedding. Besides, tests can be conducted in parallel as often as necessary for improved performance. Jest also has a comprehensive toolbox for enhanced performance.

Key features:

• It is quick and secure.
• Adds the flag -coverage from the untested files to generate improved code coverage. Nothing further needs to be set up.
• Learn the full context of the test’s failure.

Pros of using Jest:

• The main advantage of utilizing Jest is that there are no setup issues, and it is elementary to install.
• To provide you with an out-of-the-box experience, Jest offers a fully integrated framework that is ready to use.
• It is straightforward to learn because it is well-maintained and extensively documented.
• Jest supports asynchronous code testing.
• By taking screenshots, the Jest framework facilitates the execution of Smart Visual Regression Tests (i.e., Snapshot testing).
• Jest makes it simple to mock any imported dependencies that will eventually need to be tested.

Cons of using Jest:

• Jest doesn’t support as many libraries and toolings.
• The learning curve is quite steep
• Utilizing auto-mocking can delay tests.
• Jest testing is less practical for larger snapshot files with thousands of lines.

Pricing

• Free

Jasmine

One of the most influential open-source JavaScript testing frameworks is Jasmine. Run it on any JavaScript-powered platform to avoid interfering with the IDE or the application. It has a syntax that is simple to read.

Key features:

• Through a front-end Jasmine plugin called Jasmine-jQuery, it provides front-end code testing.
• Similar to RSpec, the syntax is straightforward to read.
• Access comprehensive built-in matches set.

Pros of using Jasmine:

• Jasmine is adaptable, as it works with practically any library or framework.
• The Jasmine community will support you through blog posts, libraries, and video tutorials.
• It is simple to learn this framework.
• It offers patterns as well as a productive programming approach.

Cons of using Jasmine:

The need for numerous setups when using Jasmine is a severe disadvantage. Before using it, the user must choose an assertion library or a mocking framework. It will be helpful if your project calls for this flexibility. Otherwise, the configuration process might be very frustrating.

Pricing

• Contact Vendor

Additional Alternative Automation Testing Tools

There are many other such automation testing tools in the market besides the ones mentioned above. These, too, have a promising future. Here’s the list:

• TestRigor
• Katalon
• TestComplete
• Applitools
• Ranorex
• LambdaTest
• QMetry Automation Studio
• Worksoft
• ACCELQ
• Qualibrate
• Kobiton
• BugBug
• Testimony
• BitBar
• Subject7
• Appsurify TestBrain
• Avo Assure
• Micro Focus UFT
• Test Studio
• IBM Rational Functional Tester

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a QA automation tool?

A process of automating the tests of apps and software programs is known as QA automation (or automated testing). QA automation tools primarily carry out manual, repetitive testing tasks previously done by a human tester.

How many distinct tool types are employed in automation testing?

Functional and non-functional are the two main categories. Functional type evaluates how well a software solution performs in actual business situations. While the non-functional type tests the software’s remaining requirements.

What are the backend automation testing tools?

Backend testing examines a three-tier architecture’s application and database layers. The top backend automation testing tools are Data Factory, Data Generator, and TurboData.