Top 10 Selendroid Alternatives to Look For

Mobile application testing is time-consuming and more challenging. Typically, mobile application testing will have more scenarios compared to web application testing. Mobile testing requires validating the functionality across multiple platforms and devices. 

Test automation may make mobile testing easier and less time-consuming. When it comes to mobile test automation, there are several frameworks such as Selendroid, Appium, Testsigma, etc. 

Selendroid is a mobile test automation framework designed for Android application test automation. However, if the organization is looking for a tool for testing applications across operating systems and for advanced features, it might need to look for Selendroid Alternatives.

What is Selendroid?

Selendroid is an open-source mobile test automation framework built with Webdriver protocol. It supports end-to-end testing of Android applications. As it follows Selenium-like syntax, Selenium users may feel more friendly about syntax and semantics. It supports many different features such as WebView Testing, Multi-Device Testing, Legacy device testing, etc.

Reasons to find Selendroid alternatives

While Selendroid is useful in mobile test automation, it has a few limitations in capabilities which may make organizations look for an alternative to Selendroid. Below are some of the reasons to look for Selendroid alternatives.

• It lacks support for iOS devices.
• Limitation with modern Android versions
• No active development in recent days
• Limited users and there is less community support
• Difficult to set up and integrate with third-party tools.

Best Selendroid Alternatives

Below is a curated lists of some of the Selendroid Alternatives

Testsigma

Testsigma is a no-code test automation platform powered by advanced AI technologies. It allows users to test both web and mobile applications. One of the unique features of Testsigma is it supports cloud execution natively without integrating third-party test automation tools.

Features of Testsigma

• Supports no-code testing, testers do not need to be coding experts.
• Allows to Run tests on multiple devices in parallel
• Provides detailed debugging capability
• Encourages the reusability
• Supports both iOS and Android
• One can test Web apps, Native apps, and Hybrid apps on a single platform
• It allows to run the test on cloud or locally
• Provides cloud-based test execution with real devices
• One can easily integrate with mobile platforms already present in your business suite, such as LamdaTest and Sauce Labs, and CI/CD tools like Jenkins and Amazon Web Services
• It supports integration with tools like Bug Tracking, Product Management, Testlabs, Collaboration Platforms
• Comprehensive and customizable reports and dashboards

Automate your tests for android as well as iOS apps, 10x faster, with Testsigma [Try for free]

Appium

Appium is an open-source test automation framework that supports both iOS and Android platforms. It supports native, hybrid, and web application testing with various programming languages support like Java, Python, and JavaScript. It also supports integration with many third-party tools including CI/CD tools.

Pros of Appium

• Open-source and free to use.
• Cross-platform support for both iOS and Android
• Supports native, hybrid, and mobile web apps.
• Supports multiple programming languages such as Java, Python, and JavaScript
• No need to modify the mobile app source code for testing
• Supports integration with CI/CD pipelines
• Supports parallel testing across multiple devices
• Good community support and documentation
• Easy to resume the script for iOS and Android platforms

Cons of Appium

• The steep learning curve requires coding knowledge to write the scripts
• Maintenance of test scripts is difficult
• Setting up an industry-standard framework is time-consuming
• Debugging is difficult
• Lacks documentation for advanced features
• The feature and performance maybe different for different kinds of applications
• No support for no-code automation
• No inbuilt support for cloud-based test execution

Espresso

Expresso is an open-source UI testing framework developed and managed by Google. It allows the testing of Android applications. It helps developers write and execute the test scripts within their development environment. It can be integrated with Android Studio or Expresso Studio. Espresso’s synchronization mechanism ensures that the app is idle before interacting with UI elements, reducing flakiness in tests.

Features of Espresso

• Open source and Free to use
• Easy to integrate with Android IDEs and access natively all the required features
• The synchronization mechanism reduces flakiness in tests
• Supports both Java and Kotlin programming languages
• No external dependencies required
• Shipped as part of Android SDK hence stability and support are guaranteed
• Good documentation and community support
• Supports both unit testing and UI functional testing.

Cons of Espresso

• Does not support cross-platform testing, and supports only Android
• Requires Android development knowledge to write the test scripts
• No support for No-code automation
• No inbuilt cloud execution support
• Difficult to interact with system-level components like notifications, Bluetooth, NFC, etc.
• Limited support for Mobile web applications
• Difficult to simulate complex test scenarios

XCUITest

XCUITest is a testing framework designed specifically for iOS testing by Apple Corporation. With the XCUI test one can validate the functional and UI tests. It supports programming languages like Swift and Objective C. As XCUI can be part of the development ecosystem debugging and integration are easier.

Features of XCUITest

• Offers seamless integration with XCode
• Allows to access the many native features and debugging tools easily
• Provides faster and more reliable execution of test scripts
• Supports parallel test execution
• It directly interacts with UI elements and reduces the flakiness
• No requirement for third-party dependencies
• It can support third-party tool integration including CI/CD tools

Cons of XCUI Test

• Supports only Apple platforms (iOS/macOS), not a cross-platform testing tool
• Requires good knowledge of supported programming languages like Swift or Objective C
• Most developer-friendly tools, the tester may find difficult to set up and use
• Limited support for non-app-specific system features
• Does not support non-UI testing such as API, database, etc.
• No support for No-code test automation
• No inbuilt support for cloud execution

Robot Framework

Robot Framework is an open-source general-purpose test automation tool, it can be used for robotic process automation, web application automation, or mobile testing automation by integrating different sets of tools. It supports mobile testing using Appium integration. One of the advantages of the Robot framework is it is a keyword-driven framework hence testers do not need to bother about the complex implementation in the backend.

Features of Robot Framework

• Open-source framework and it is free to use
• Keyword-driven approach hides all the complexity and makes it easy to write the test scripts.
• Supports mobile testing with the integration of Appium
• Both iOS and Android applications can be automated
• Supports CI/CD integration and other third-party tools
• Supports reporting and logging capabilities
• Supports cross-platform testing as it uses Appium

Cons of Robot Framework

• Requires integration of Appium and this creates the dependency with Appium
• Though it is a keyword-driven framework, complex scenarios require customization and that requires in-depth technical knowledge
• Limited parallel testing support
• The Robot Framework for Mobile test automation is not optimized 
• Requires technical expertise for custom extensions and integrations.
• No advanced capabilities like AI, Screenshot/Video-based reporting, etc. 
• Does not support no-code test automation
• No support for in-built cloud execution support with real devices

Katalon Studio

Katalon Studio is an all-in-one testing tool that supports Mobile, Web, and Desktop applications. Katalon relies on Appium to support mobile applications. It offers many unique features including keyword-driven capabilities, pre-built templates, data-driven testing, comprehensive reporting, and reusable test artifacts.

Features of Katalon Studio

• Supports mobile testing with Appium Integration
• Allows friendly interface with low code options
• Provides many templates, and functions to ease the mobile test automation
• It supports cross-platform test automation for mobile testing
• Supports integration with CI/CD pipelines
• Detailed reports and logs for test execution analysis

Cons of Katalon Studio

• Lacks many advanced features in the free version and the premium version is not budget-friendly
• It is resource-intensive, especially for larger organizations with thousands of test cases.
• It has a dependency on Appium
• Debugging is not tester friendly
• A lot of maintenance overhead considering the enterprise-level test suites
• Lacks modern AI capabilities and advanced test reporting
• Limited support for no-code test automation

TestComplete

TestComplete is a proprietary test automation tool developed by SmartBear. It allows test automation of mobile, web, and desktop applications in one platform. TestComplete comes with Rich IDE which makes test automation easier. It supports cross-platform testing of mobile automation as it is built with Appium in the backend.

Features of TestComplete

• Supports both iOS and Android testing
• Has a rich IDE which can ease the test design and development process
• Provides unique object recognition engine for mobile applications
• Supports testing on real devices, emulators, and virtual machines.
• Comprehensive reporting and logging features

Cons of TestComplete

• Licensing costs are not budget-friendly and may not be suitable for smaller organizations.
• Testsigma is resource-heavy and may demand high-end computers for development.
• Supports only Windows development platform
• Setting up mobile test automation and configuration is complex
• Debugging failed tests is time-consuming
• Limited support for no-code test automation tools
• No in-built support for cloud test execution
• Lacks AI and other modern capabilities

Detox

Detox is a popular end-to-end test automation framework designed specifically for React native applications. It allows testers to write the code directly on real devices which helps to validate and mimic the real user scenarios. It reduces the flakiness by providing the features like parallel and app state synchronization.

Features of Detox

• Open-source and free-to-use
• Specially designed for React native applications with greater flexibility
• Allows to run the tests on devices and simulators
• Provides parallel execution to reduce the execution time
• Easy to integrate with JEST and other JavaScript frameworks
• Supports UI and functional testing
• Supports both Android and iOS platforms

Cons of Detox

• Lacks support for non-react application test automation
• Complex to setup and configure especially if you are a beginner
• It has a steep learning curve as it requires technical proficiency
• Debugging is time-consuming especially if the test case is complex
• Fewer features compared to other test automation tools and no integrated AI features
• No support for no-code test automation
• No inbuilt support for cloud test execution

Testim

Testim is a commercial test automation tool and it is a part of Tricentis. It allows the automation of both web and mobile applications. It incorporates AI capabilities to simplify the test case creation, maintenance, and execution process. Testim supports both Android and iOS platforms and allows to automate tests on real devices and simulators.

Features of Testim

• Testim is a web-based test automation solution and requires minimal setup efforts
• Supports low code test automation
• Supports coding for complex and advanced scenarios
• Multi-attribute locators make the test case execution less flaky
• Supports iOS and Android devices in real usage conditions with Tricentis Device Cloud
• Allows application version management in the central repository
• Supports customizable reports and dashboards

Cons of Testim

• Subscription costs may not be budget-friendly
• Limited options to customize and extend the framework
• A web-based solution may not be compliant with all required regulations especially when it comes to healthcare, financial, and government organizations
• Support for non-standard mobile applications may be limited
• Big learning curve for users unfamiliar with AI-driven testing

Mabl

Mabl is a commercial no-code AI-powered test automation tool. That supports both mobile and web application automation. It is a web-based testing platform that doesn’t need to be installed locally. 

Features of Mabl

• Cloud-based test automation solution reduces the complexity of setup and configuration.
• Supports no-code automation for mobile application test automation
• AI-driven test automation reduces the amount of effort required for test case creation and maintenance
• Supports reports and analytics
• Provides scalable infrastructure

Cons of Mabl

• Mabl focuses on web applications, so mobile application testing features are still in the development stage and currently, it’s limited.
• Subscription costs may not be budget-friendly
• Limits the customization and extensibility aspects
• Debugging can be challenging 
• Device list may be limited for mobile testing

Perfecto

Perfecto is an AI-powered, commercial test automation solution for mobile and web applications. It supports mobile testing with different devices and platforms. Perfecto allows you to create test cases within its framework and it also allows you to integrate the many test automation frameworks including Appium. Perfecto also provides advanced capabilities like network simulation and geo-location testing.

Features of Perfecto

• Supports script-less testing under its platform
• It also allows integration of third-party test automation frameworks including Appium.
• Provides many real devices to test the application including both iOS and Android
• Supports BDD-type scripting
• Supports self-healing tests with AI technology
• Supports location simulation, accessibility testing, network virtualization, advanced authentication, biometrics, etc.

Cons of Perfecto

• High subscription cost, especially for smaller teams and organizations
• It is a steep learning curve to understand the platform usage
• Limited support for hybrid applications
• Limited customization options
• Debugging tests may be difficult 

How to Choose the Right Selendroid Alternative?

Selendroid is outdated as it cannot test the latest Android-based applications. It is important to analyse the tools before migrating to another test automation tool. Choosing a mobile application test automation tool is not an easy task; it involves evaluating a lot of factors including capabilities, supports, pricing, required skill sets, etc. Below are a few factors to list.

• Ensure cross-platform support: Typically, organizations look for the tool that support both iOS and Android as most of the apps are supported for these two major platforms.
• Ease-of-Use: The tool should reduce the testing effort, many modern testing solutions like Testsigma use AI to minimize the testing effort.
• Integration with third-party tools: The tool should provide integration to at least popular tools or the tools that your organization uses.
• No-code test automation support: No-code test automation not only makes the tester’s life easier, it also plays a crucial role in the productivity and ROI of testing.
• Cost: If you have a predefined budget, ensure the tool provides a flexible subscription based on various factors
• Support: The tools should have either good community support or dedicated technical support to resolve your queries.

Why is Testsigma a perfect Selendroid Alternative?

Selendroid primarily focuses on Android test automation, and Selendroid is not up to date with the latest Android versions. Comparing Testsigma with Selendroid, it supports a lot more features compared to Selendroid such as real device testing, in-built cloud execution, detailed reporting and dashboard, and no-code testing. Also, Testsigma is not limited to only Android app testing; it also supports iOS applications. Unlike Selendroid, Testsigma provides greater flexibility with advanced technologies which makes Testsigma a popular choice when it comes to Selendroid Alternatives.

Automate your tests for android as well as iOS apps, 10x faster, with Testsigma [Try for free]

Selendroid Alternative – Which is Better?

When it comes to Selendroid Alternatives, Testsigma comes first as it supports both iOS and Android application testing without writing any code to test. The no-code testing helps in better collaboration between different members of the team and accelerates the testing as manual testers can also contribute to the automation.  It also supports integration with many third-party tools including CI/CD, bug tracking, and project management tools. Additionally, Testsigma is a cloud-based test automation platform so it doesn’t require local setup or configuration. However, if you are looking for a code-based tool and a less advanced tool, you can also choose Appium.

Conclusion

Finding an alternative testing tool for Selendroid can be challenging, it is a time-consuming and complex task. One needs to evaluate the organization-specific requirement with test automation tools. However, we have discussed the top 10 alternative testing tools which can help you here. 

Considering alternatives of Selendroid, Testsigma can be the best and first choice as it has many features when compared to other mobile test automation tools. Nonetheless, the right alternative to Selendroid can be chosen only after careful evaluation of the organization’s requirements, future scops, team size, budget, and skill sets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we migrate test data from Selendroid to Testsigma?

Migrating test data from Selendroid to Testsigma is possible however it depends on various factors such as where the data is stored, and how test cases are written. The migration can include several manual tasks like exporting the test cases, analysing them, etc. The migration steps may need to be considered on a case-by-case basis. Testsigma provides technical experts who can help in smoother migration.