Top 10 Mobile Test Automation Frameworks – 2023

Mobile test automation frameworks are software tools designed to automate mobile application testing. They provide a platform for creating, executing, and managing automated tests for mobile applications, helping to ensure that the applications are functioning correctly across different platforms and devices.

Mobile application testing is a complex and time-consuming process due to the wide range of devices, operating systems, screen sizes, and resolutions. The extensive variety of mobile devices and operating systems makes it challenging for QA teams to ensure that their applications run seamlessly on all devices.

According to a Statista report, the number of mobile phone users worldwide is expected to reach 7.33 billion by 2023. This growth in mobile usage highlights the importance of ensuring that mobile applications are functioning correctly across different platforms and devices. Mobile test automation frameworks have emerged as a solution to this challenge, enabling efficient and effective testing of mobile applications.

What are Mobile Test Automation Frameworks?

As discussed, Mobile test automation frameworks are tools that automate mobile application testing. These frameworks provide a platform for creating, running, and managing automated tests for mobile apps, ensuring that they work as expected on different devices and operating systems. By automating the testing process, these frameworks enable companies to save time and resources while improving the overall efficiency of the testing process.

Criteria for Selecting a Mobile Test Automation Frameworks

Selecting the right mobile test automation framework can be a daunting task, as there are numerous options available in the market. Some of the key criteria to consider when selecting a mobile test automation framework are:

Platform Compatibility

The framework should support the platforms on which the mobile app is built, such as Android or iOS. It is also important to consider the version of the platform the app is being built for to ensure compatibility.

Integration Capabilities

The framework should be able to integrate seamlessly with the CI/CD pipeline to enable automated testing throughout the development cycle. Integration with other tools such as bug-tracking software, test management tools, and source control tools can also help streamline the testing process.

Ease of Use

The framework should have a user-friendly interface and offer features that make it easy to use. If the team of testers who is supposed to work on the tool knows certain programming language, then choosing a tool that supports that programming language is recommended. Or, if the team does not know how to code, then choosing a no-code or low-code tool would be helpful.

Device Compatibility

The mobile test automation framework should support test execution on the e range of devices, including different screen sizes, resolutions, and hardware specifications – that your application plans to support. This helps ensure that the app works well across different devices and platforms.

Reporting and Analytics

The framework should provide robust reporting and analytics capabilities to help testers track the progress of their automated tests and identify issues that require attention. The reporting should be detailed and easy to understand, allowing testers to identify and resolve issues quickly.

Support

The mobile test automation framework should have active support; it could be an active community of users, developers, or experts who can provide guidance and support.

Top 10 Best Mobile Test Automation Frameworks

Mobile test automation frameworks have become increasingly important in today’s world, where mobile applications are ubiquitous. These frameworks help automate the testing of mobile applications, saving time and effort for testers and developers alike. Let’s explore the top 10 mobile automation frameworks and their features.

Testsigma: The Test Automation Tool Built for Agile Teams

Testsigma is a test automation tool available in two versions: a cloud-based premium version and an open-source version. The open-source version allows users to access and modify the platform’s source code, making it a flexible option for organizations with specific customization requirements. The cloud-based premium version allows you to perform automation testing of native, hybrid, and web mobile applications – both iOS and Android – all on the cloud.

It comes jet-packed with the below key features.

• Easy Test Automation: Testsigma offers an easy and intuitive way to automate tests in simple English without any coding knowledge. This allows even non-technical team members to get involved in test automation. Additionally, the platform allows users to start test automation in just minutes.
• Multi-Platform Support: It allows users to automate their tests for web, mobile, API, and desktop applications from the same platform, eliminating the need for multiple tools.
• AI-Supported Features: Testsigma includes AI-supported built-in features that help users save time on their test maintenance, such as automatic script maintenance, bug reporting, and test optimization.
• Cloud Execution: It offers easy and efficient test execution on the cloud, enabling users to run their tests from anywhere at any time. It allows you to connect to the cloud device lab of your choice, where you can execute your test cases on the devices you need to support. The platform also offers scalability, which means users can easily increase or decrease the number of virtual users they want to test with.
• Debugging Made Easy: Testsigma offers several debugging features, including the ability to capture screenshots, videos, and logs during test runs. The platform also includes a built-in debugger that allows users to step through their test scripts to identify and resolve issues.
• Customizable Reports: It provides customizable reports that can be tailored to specific needs. Users can choose which metrics to report on and how to format the reports. The platform also offers real-time reporting, which means users can get up-to-date information on their tests as they run.
• Collaborative Setup: Testsigma makes it easy for teams to collaborate on their test automation efforts. Users can set up review and collaboration processes on the cloud, allowing team members to provide feedback and suggest improvements to test scripts. The platform also integrates with popular CI/CD tools, making it easy to incorporate test automation into existing workflows.
• Parallel Testing: It supports parallel testing, which can significantly reduce testing time. Users can run multiple tests simultaneously, speeding up the testing process and reducing the time-to-market.
• Testing on Local Devices: Testsigma allows users to test their apps on local devices, which can help identify issues that may not be present in a simulated environment. This allows for more accurate testing and ensures that the app performs as expected in real-world scenarios.
• Data-Driven Testing: It supports data-driven testing, allowing users to test their apps with a variety of data inputs. This can help identify issues that may not be present when testing with a single set of data.
• Image Recognition: Testsigma includes image recognition capabilities, which can help identify visual changes to an app. This allows users to quickly identify and resolve issues related to visual elements.
• 24/7 Support: Testsigma offers round-the-clock support to users, ensuring that any issues or questions are addressed promptly. Testsigma also has an open-source and free version. Start automating your mobile tests, in minutes, with Testsigma Open Source

How to Create an Automated Test Case in Simple English in Testsigma?

Here are some easy steps to start test automation of a mobile application using simple plain English in Testsigma:

• Login to the Testsigma platform and select the project for which you want to create test cases.
• Click on the “Test Cases” tab and then click the “Create New Test Case” button.
• In the test case creation screen, give a name and description of the test case.
• Click on the “Step Editor” tab to start adding steps to your test case.
• To add a step, simply type the action you want to perform in plain English language. Here’s a complete test case example:

1. “Click on the login button”
2. “Verify that the user is logged in successfully”
3. “Enter the password ‘testpassword’ in the password field”
4. “Select the product category ‘Electronics'”
5. “Add the product ‘Laptop’ to the cart”
6. “Verify that the total cost is $100”
7. “Scroll down to the bottom of the page”
8. “Click on the ‘Contact Us’ link”
9. “Fill in the contact form with the name ‘John Doe’ and email ‘johndoe@example.com‘”
10. “Submit the contact form and verify that a success message is displayed”

• Testsigma’s AI-powered engine will automatically convert your plain English language step into a test step.
• Add as many steps as you need to complete the test case.
• Once you are done creating the test case, click on the “Save” button to save the test case.
• You can now execute the test case on the platform or integrate it with your CI/CD pipeline.

In summary, Testsigma’s natural language approach makes it easy for anyone to create automated test cases without needing to write any code. The platform’s AI-powered engine takes care of the technical details.

These steps are just a starting point, and it offers many more features and capabilities to help you create powerful and effective mobile test automation scenarios.

If you are looking for a powerful and user-friendly mobile test automation framework, give it a try.

Testsigma, is also available as an open source and free version.

Start automating your mobile tests with Testsigma Open source

Appium

Appium is an open-source automation framework that allows you to automate testing for native, hybrid, and web mobile applications across multiple platforms. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at Appium, including its features, limitations, and pricing model.

Features of Appium

Appium supports a wide range of programming languages, including Java, Python, Ruby, and JavaScript. It also allows you to test on both emulators and real devices across multiple platforms, including iOS and Android. This can be achieved by connecting to a cloud device lab. Appium provides support for testing native and hybrid applications, as well as mobile web applications. Additionally, it integrates with Selenium, allowing you to use the same codebase for testing on both web and mobile platforms.

Limitations of Appium

While Appium is a powerful automation tool, it does have some limitations. For example, it does not support image recognition, which may be a drawback for some testing scenarios. Additionally, setting up and configuring Appium can be a complex process, which may require more technical expertise.

Pricing model

Appium is an open-source framework and is completely free to use. However, if you require additional support or consulting services, there are several third-party vendors that offer these services at a cost.

Overall, Appium is a powerful and flexible automation tool that can help you streamline your mobile app testing process. However, it does have some limitations and may require more technical expertise to set up and configure.

XCUITest

XCUITest is an Apple-developed automation framework that allows you to test iOS applications. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at it, including its features, limitations, and pricing model.

Features

XCUITest is designed specifically for iOS app testing, and its primary feature is its ability to test both native and hybrid iOS applications. It allows you to write tests in Swift, Apple’s programming language, and integrates with Xcode, Apple’s integrated development environment (IDE). It also supports parallel testing, which means you can run multiple tests simultaneously on different devices, saving time and resources.

Limitations

XCUITest has some limitations that are important to consider. Firstly, it’s designed specifically for iOS app testing and does not support testing for Android or other platforms. Secondly, setting up and configuring it can be challenging, especially for those who are not familiar with Apple’s development tools. Additionally, while it is powerful, it may not be suitable for all types of iOS apps, as it may not be able to test some of the more complex features.

Pricing model

XCUITest is an open-source framework and is completely free to use. However, you’ll need access to a Mac computer and Apple’s development tools to use it effectively. While this may be a limitation for some users, it’s important to note that the Xcode development environment is also free to use, so you won’t need to pay any licensing fees.

In conclusion, it is a powerful tool for iOS app testing that can help you streamline your testing process. While it has some limitations, it’s an excellent choice for iOS development and integrates well with Apple’s development tools. If you’re interested in learning more about XCUITest, you can visit their official website.

Espresso

When it comes to testing Android applications, Espresso is one of the most popular and widely-used test automation frameworks. Espresso, developed by Google, provides a concise and efficient API to automate interactions with UI components of an Android application. It is an open-source testing framework and works on both real devices and emulators. Espresso is known for its quick and reliable test execution, making it a popular choice among developers and testers.

Features of Espresso

Espresso has a variety of features that make it an excellent choice for Android application testing. Some of these features include:

1. User-Friendly API: Espresso has a user-friendly API that allows testers to write concise and readable test cases. This API helps testers easily navigate through the UI components of an Android application.
2. Fast Execution: It is known for its fast execution speed, which makes it ideal for testing large applications. It executes tests on the same thread as the application, resulting in faster execution times.
3. Advanced synchronization: Espresso provides advanced synchronization capabilities that allow tests to wait for specific UI events before executing further.
4. Automatic synchronization with UI thread: It automatically synchronizes with the UI thread of the application, which helps to eliminate the need for manual synchronization.
5. Supports both Android and Kotlin: Espresso supports both Android and Kotlin programming languages, allowing developers to write tests in their preferred language.

Limitations of Espresso

Although Espresso is a great framework for testing Android applications, it has some limitations. These limitations include:

1. Limited support for cross-platform testing: Espresso is designed specifically for Android applications and does not support testing on iOS.
2. Limited support for web testing: It does not provide support for testing web applications on mobile devices.
3. Requires a deep understanding of Android: Testers using Espresso must have a deep understanding of Android development, including knowledge of activities, intents, and the Android lifecycle.

Pricing Model

Espresso is an open-source test automation framework and is available for free. However, it requires developers and testers to have access to an Android development environment.

Selendroid

Selendroid is an open-source mobile test automation tool that allows users to interact with multiple devices simultaneously. With Selendroid, you can write functional UI tests for Android apps using Selenium 2 client APIs.

Features:

• Selendroid supports both native and hybrid Android apps
• It can automate multiple Android devices at the same time
• Supports hot plugging of hardware devices
• Built-in inspector tool to analyze the UI elements of the app
• Supports various languages such as Java, C#, Ruby, Python, and PHP
• Compatible with all Android versions starting from 2.3

Limitations:

• Selendroid supports only Android OS and not iOS
• The documentation is not as extensive as other frameworks
• Integration with continuous integration tools can be challenging

Pricing Model:

Selendroid is completely free and open-source, making it an ideal choice for startups and small businesses.

Overall, Selendroid is a great option for Android app developers who want to automate their testing process.

Its multi-device support and built-in inspector tool make it a popular choice among developers. If you are looking for a reliable and free mobile test automation framework for Android, Selendroid is definitely worth considering.

Robotium

Robotium is an open-source test automation framework that is designed for Android applications. It is a powerful tool that helps developers automate tests for native and hybrid Android apps. Robotium supports black-box functional testing and has a simple API that makes it easy to write tests in Java. It also provides automatic synchronization of test cases with the UI thread, making it faster and more reliable.

Features

One of the most significant features of Robotium is its support for multiple Android devices and versions, which allows for a broader range of testing scenarios. Additionally, it has the ability to automate tests across multiple applications, making it a great tool for end-to-end testing. Robotium also supports test recording, enabling testers to record test cases and playback them later.

Another key feature of Robotium is its support for testing complex user scenarios, such as multi-touch, gestures, and key events. This capability enables developers to test various user interactions and ensures the application responds to different user inputs.

Limitations

One of the primary limitations of Robotium is that it is limited to testing Android applications only. Additionally, it may not be the best choice for teams with limited experience with Java programming, as Robotium requires knowledge of the language. Robotium also lacks support for testing on emulators, which may be a problem for some teams.

Pricing Model

Robotium is an open-source framework and is available for free. This makes it an excellent choice for startups and small teams that may not have the budget to invest in expensive testing tools.

EarlGrey

EarlGrey is an open-source, powerful framework developed by Google. EarlGrey is specifically designed for native iOS apps and offers a wide range of features that help to enhance the quality of mobile applications.

Features of EarlGrey

1. Support for native iOS apps: EarlGrey is exclusively designed to support native iOS apps. It provides a variety of features that make testing iOS apps easy and efficient.
2. Advanced synchronization capabilities: It offers advanced synchronization capabilities that ensure that the test scripts wait for the correct element before taking action.
3. Inbuilt Test Recorder: EarlGrey comes with an inbuilt test recorder that makes it easier to create test cases. This feature is especially helpful for non-technical users.
4. Easy integration with Xcode: It can be easily integrated with Xcode. This integration enables developers to write and run their test scripts from within Xcode.
5. Scalability: EarlGrey is highly scalable, and it can handle a large number of tests efficiently. It also offers parallel testing capabilities that enable testers to run multiple tests at the same time.

Limitations of EarlGrey

1. Supports only iOS: EarlGrey is a framework that supports only iOS. It cannot be used for testing Android or other mobile platforms.
2. Steep learning curve: It has a steep learning curve, and it may take some time for testers to get familiar with its advanced features.
3. Limited community support: EarlGrey has limited community support compared to other mobile automation frameworks like Appium or Selenium.

Pricing Model

EarlGrey is an open-source framework that is available for free to all users. It can be downloaded from the official website of EarlGrey.

Katalon

Katalon is a test automation framework that is designed to help testers and developers automate the testing of their mobile applications. It is built on top of Selenium and Appium, and it provides a complete set of tools for test case creation, execution, and reporting. Katalon supports web and mobile applications, which is suitable for small and large teams.

Features of Katalon

• Katalon Studio provides a user-friendly interface for creating and managing test cases. It allows you to record and playback test cases, or you can write your own test scripts in multiple scripting languages, including Groovy and Java.
• It supports both Android and iOS platforms, and it provides a wide range of built-in keywords and methods for automating mobile app testing. It also supports the testing of hybrid mobile apps, which combine native and web components.
• Katalon integrates with various testing tools, including JIRA, Jenkins, and Git, making it easy to manage test cases and results.
• It provides a comprehensive reporting system that allows you to track the status of your test cases and generate detailed reports. It also provides integration with popular reporting tools such as JIRA and TestRail.
• Katalon supports both manual and automated testing, allowing you to switch between the two seamlessly. It also supports parallel testing, which can significantly reduce testing time.
• It provides a free community edition that includes basic features and offers a commercial version with additional features and support.

Limitations

• Katalon may not be suitable for advanced automation testing scenarios that require complex scripting or custom code.
• Katalon may have some limitations when it comes to testing some of the latest mobile devices and OS versions.

Pricing Model

Katalon offers flexible pricing options, including a free community edition with basic features and a commercial version with additional features and support. The commercial version is priced based on the number of users and starts at $759 per user per year. Katalon also offers enterprise solutions with customized pricing and support options.

Kobiton

Kobiton is a cloud-based mobile device lab that allows users to test their mobile apps on real devices. It provides a platform for mobile app developers to access a range of mobile devices for testing purposes. Kobiton’s device cloud offers a wide range of devices with various specifications, OS versions, and screen sizes, which makes it easy for mobile app developers to test their apps on different devices. The platform also supports both manual and automated testing, making it a comprehensive solution for mobile app testing.

Features of Kobiton

Kobiton comes with a range of features that help mobile app developers to test their applications efficiently. Some of the key features of Kobiton are:

1. Real devices: Kobiton offers a range of real devices for mobile app testing. These devices are hosted in the cloud, which makes it easy for developers to access them from anywhere in the world.
2. Automated testing: Kobiton supports automated testing with popular automation frameworks like Appium and Selenium. Users can also create and execute automated tests using Kobiton’s built-in scripting tools.
3. Live testing: The platform provides a live testing feature that allows users to test their apps on real devices in real time. This feature is particularly useful for manual testing.
4. Device management: Kobiton comes with a range of device management features that allow users to manage their device inventory, schedule device access, and monitor device usage.
5. Collaboration: Kobiton provides a collaborative environment for mobile app testing. Users can invite team members, share test results, and collaborate on testing activities.

Limitations

One of the limitations of Kobiton is its pricing model, which can be expensive for small businesses and startups. Additionally, the platform has a limited number of devices available for testing compared to other cloud-based mobile device labs.

Pricing Model

Kobiton offers a range of pricing plans that are based on the number of devices and users. The plans range from $50 per month for one user and one device to $2500 per month for unlimited users and 50 devices. The platform also offers a 15-day free trial for users to test the platform before making a purchase.

TestRigor

TestRigor is an AI-powered mobile automation testing framework that helps in accelerating the testing process by providing instant feedback on the quality of mobile applications. It is an easy-to-use framework that provides detailed analytics on the test cases, highlighting the areas that need attention.

Features of TestRigor

TestRigor is equipped with several features that make it an excellent choice for mobile app testing. Some of the features are as follows:

1. AI-powered: TestRigor uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms to automate test cases, making the testing process much more efficient and faster.
2. Cross-platform support: It supports both iOS and Android platforms, allowing developers to test the apps on multiple devices.
3. Test Analytics: It provides detailed analytics on test cases, highlighting the areas that need attention.
4. Record and Playback: It allows users to record and play test cases, which can help in creating test cases easily.
5. Collaborative: It offers seamless collaboration between developers and testers, enabling them to work together on a project.

Limitations

TestRigor has a few limitations that users need to keep in mind before choosing it as their mobile automation testing framework:

1. Limited device coverage: TestRigor has a limited number of devices available for testing. This can be a limitation for users who want to test on a wide range of devices.
2. Pricing: The pricing of TestRigor is relatively high compared to other mobile automation testing frameworks.

Pricing Model

TestRigor offers a 14-day free trial for its users. After that, the pricing starts at $29 per month, which includes up to 10 test cases. For more advanced features, such as API testing, the pricing can go up to $999 per month. For more information on TestRigor, visit their official website.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many mobile test automation frameworks available in the market that can help teams to speed up their testing processes and improve the quality of their mobile applications. Each framework comes with its own set of features, limitations, and pricing models, making it essential to carefully evaluate and select the most suitable one based on the requirements and goals of the project.

Some frameworks like Testsigma and Katalon provide a comprehensive suite of features for both web and mobile testing, while others like Appium and XCUITest are more specialized for mobile automation testing. However, the selection of a framework is only one part of the process; it is equally important to follow best practices and integrate the framework with the agile methodology to ensure seamless and effective testing.

If you are interested in trying out Testsigma for your mobile automation testing needs, sign up for a free trial. Testsigma offers various plans to fit your specific needs and budget, and our customer support team is always available to assist you throughout the testing process. Don’t let manual testing slow down your mobile app development process any longer – try Testsigma today and experience the benefits of automated testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which framework is best for mobile app automation?

The best framework for mobile app automation depends on various factors such as the type of application, programming language, team expertise, and budget. Some popular frameworks include Testsigma, Appium, Espresso, XCUITest, and Selendroid. It is recommended to research and evaluate each framework’s features, limitations, and pricing model before choosing the best one for your project.

What Are The Common Challenges In Mobile Test Automation?

Some of the common challenges in mobile test automation include identifying the right set of test cases, handling different screen sizes and resolutions, dealing with frequent changes in mobile OS versions, managing the device or emulator inventory, and testing across different network conditions. To overcome these challenges, it’s essential to have a robust mobile automation strategy in place, use the right tools and frameworks, and constantly adapt to changing mobile testing needs.