Top Mobile Automation Testing Tools & Frameworks

Are you tired of spending countless hours manually testing your mobile apps? Look no further; we have compiled a list of the best mobile automation testing tools and frameworks to help you streamline your testing process. Choose the perfect tool or framework for your needs and take your mobile app testing to the next level.

What is Mobile Test Automation?

Mobile test automation uses automated software testing techniques to evaluate mobile applications usability, functionality, and performance. Mobile apps must work seamlessly on various platforms and devices; their quality and reliability are critical for their success.

Mobile test automation involves using specialized tools and frameworks to automate the execution of test cases. These test cases are designed to simulate user interactions and verify the behavior of the mobile application under different conditions.

Why is Mobile App Testing Important In the App Development Process?

The two dominant players on the mobile phone landscape are - Android and iOS. They hold significantly different market shares, with Android leading at roughly 72% and iOS following at 26%.

(as per GS Statcounter: )

But that′s just the tip of the iceberg. Within each OS, there′s a universe of device variations. Users have different screen sizes, resolutions, hardware specifications, and even custom user interfaces from various manufacturers.

Proper testing allows your app to avoid crashing, malfunctioning, or delivering a subpar experience on many potential users devices.

What Are Mobile Testing Tools?

Mobile testing tools are test automation tools or frameworks that automate mobile app testing across different platforms, devices, and networks. These tools can be used to test a mobile application′s functionality, UI, usability, compatibility, or performance.

So, you don′t have to worry about the application′s functionality every time the Smartphone or Tablet undergoes an update because mobile test automation will take care of it.

Why Mobile Testing Tools & How to Choose the right tool?

Mobile app testing is crucial for ensuring your mobile app′s quality, functionality, and user experience across diverse devices and operating systems. With the increasing competition in the mobile app industry, choosing the right mobile testing automation tool that can help you automate your testing process and deliver flawless apps to your users is essential.

To select the right automation tool, there are a few questions that you need to ask yourself:

Testing Needs: Determine app type (native, hybrid, or web) and scope (functionality, performance, or security) for specialized testing. Choose a tool with the right features to meet your requirements.
Platform Compatibility: Ensure the automation tool is compatible with your operating systems (Android, iOS, or both) and supports a wide range of devices, including real devices and emulators.
Features and Integrations: Choose a tool that supports your team′s preferred scripting language, offers reporting and analytics features, and integrates with your development tools and CI/CD pipeline.
Budget Considerations: Choose between open-source or commercial tools based on your budget. Look for licensing and pricing models that suit your needs, and ensure the tool comes with adequate support and training.
Try Before Committing: Always try the tool before committing, either with a free trial or demo. Consult online reviews and forums to hear from other users about their experiences with the tool.

Still trying to decide on the right tool? Leave it to us, book a free demo, and witness what Testsigma can do in real-time.

Top 5 Mobile Testing Tools Comparison

	Testsigma	Appium	Selendroid	Robotium	Espresso
Application under test	Native (Android/iOS), Hybrid, and mobile web apps	Android, iOS	Android	Android	Android
Setup time	Zero setup time. A one-click sign in to access the cloud platform	High setup time	High setup time	High setup time	High setup time
Test creation time	10x faster, as you can create tests in plain English without coding	Slow, as it requires coding	Slow, as it requires coding	Slow, as it requires coding	Slow, as it requires coding
Low-code & scripting support	Yes, supports both low-code and test scripting	No, offers only scripting support	No, offers only scripting support	No, offers only scripting support	No, offers only scripting support
Supported Languages	Java	Java, C#, Ruby, Python, JavaScript, etc	Java	Java	Java
Record & Playback	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes
Unified test automation	Yes. You can test mobile, web, desktop, API, and Salesforce apps in one platform	No, only mobile apps	No, only Android apps	No, only mobile apps	No, only Android apps

Best Automated Mobile App Testing Tools & Frameworks

To manage the increasing software testing workload, companies prefer relying on mobile test automation frameworks to automate scripted tests on a large scale of real devices. Companies use mobile test automation frameworks to manage software testing workloads. Understanding how each framework works is crucial to determine test execution speed and efficiency, meeting testing needs, and achieving business goals.

Here are some of the top mobile test automation tools and frameworks for different apps

1. Testsigma

Testsigma is a unified mobile app testing tool that can help speed up your testing process and ensure cross-platform. With its low-code platform, write or record automated tests in plain English, and the mobile recorder can intelligently generate self-healing test scripts without coding. This allows you to scale automation coverage out of the box rapidly.

Testsigma automates mobile app tests for Flutter SDK on 3000+ real devices for cross-platform compatibility. Gain real-time visibility into test performance and validate location-based experiences with Testsigma. Try it now!

Features:

Low-code Test Automation:Allows users to author tests in simple English, thus coding knowledge is not required. This enables teams with varying technical expertise to participate in test automation.
Cross-Browser and Cross-Device Testing:This feature lets you execute your automated tests on 3000+ browsers and devices, ensuring the compatibility and functionality of web applications across different environments.
Parallel Test Execution:Enables running multiple tests simultaneously, reducing test execution time and accelerating the feedback loop in the software development process.
Intelligent Test Maintenance:Automatically updates test scripts to adapt to application UI changes, reducing the effort required for test maintenance.
Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD):Integrates with CI/CD pipelines to automate the testing process and ensure the quality of software releases throughout the development lifecycle.
Centralized Management of Automated Tests:Provides a centralized platform for managing test cases, test suites, and test data, facilitating collaboration and ensuring consistency across testing efforts.
Real-Time Reporting and Analytics:This feature generates complete test reports with actionable insights, allowing teams to identify issues, track progress, and make data-driven decisions to improve software quality.
API Testing:Testsigma, along with mobile and web testing, also supports testing of APIs and web services, enabling validation of backend functionality and integration points within complex software architectures.
Scalability and Flexibility:Testsigma offers scalability to accommodate testing needs of projects of any size and flexibility to adapt to evolving testing requirements and methodologies.
24/7 Support:Test confidently, knowing Testsigma′s dedicated support team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and troubleshoot any issues.

2. Appium

Appium is an open-source tool used to test Android and iOS applications. It follows the WebDriver protocol and can support any framework, tools, and practices you choose. It supports the testing of native, hybrid, and mobile web apps.

Features:

Appium supports the testing of native, hybrid, and mobile web apps.
It can be used with various programming languages like Java, Ruby, C#, Javascript, PHP, and Python.
Appium is a cross-platform tool that can be used on various platforms without issues.
It provides detailed logs and reports of the testing process and supports parallel testing.
Appium allows source code reuse within the Android and iOS ecosystem and can be integrated with other testing frameworks like TestNG and JUnit.

Unlike Appium, Testsigma enables you to automate mobile web testing without code. Try the tool for free.

3. MonkeyRunner

MonkeyRunner is a widely used testing tool for Android apps, offering functional and regression testing and multiple device controls. The test scripts can be written in Python, which is perfect for running functional-level tests and unit test suites. This tool uses Jython, which allows the MonkeyRunner API to interact with the Android framework. Moreover, MonkeyRunner can run tests and compare its output screenshots with a set of screenshots that are intended to be correct.

Features:

Offers functional and regression testing for Android apps
Allows multiple device control for testing
Supports Python scripting for writing test scripts
Uses Jython to interact with the Android framework
Capable of running tests and comparing screenshots
It helps identify regressions and functional issues.

4. Selendroid

Selendroid is a highly versatile open-source automation testing tool for Android. This tool is perfect for performing native and hybrid mobile tests and supports real devices and emulators. With its cross-browser testing capabilities, Selendroid can simultaneously run tests on multiple devices. One of the best features of Selendroid is its built-in inspector tool that can inspect UI elements for both current and outdated Android versions.

Features:

Supports both native and hybrid apps.
Supports real devices and emulators.
Provides cross-browser testing capabilities.
Can run tests on multiple devices simultaneously.
Comes with an inbuilt inspector tool to inspect UI elements.

Unlike Selendroid, Testsigma provides a comprehensive integration solution with CI/CD tools. You can try Testsigma now for free trial.

5. Robotium

Robotium is a popular open source automation testing tool that is widely used for testing Android applications. It is known for its flexibility, as it supports all versions and subversions of Android. While its limitations include slow test execution performance and inability to manage multiple activities, it offers seamless integration with IDE. Robotium lets you write black box test cases independently for Android apps, making it a reliable choice for developers.

Features:

Supports all versions and subversions of Android
Allows writing black box test cases independently
Seamlessly integrates with IDE
Provides flexibility in testing Android apps
Offers a wide range of testing capabilities
Easy to use and implement.

6. Espresso

Espresso is a powerful and reliable tool for writing Android UI tests designed by Google. It offers flexibility and customization options that cater to the developer′s needs. However, for novice users, it can be a complex tool to use.

Features:

Easy integration with popular tools like Jira and Jenkins
Support for parallel testing to save time
Detailed test reports for better analysis of results
In-built test maintenance to avoid test failures
Intelligent test execution to reduce false positives
AI-powered suggestions for faster test creation and execution.

7. UI Automator

UI Automator is an excellent tool for testing Android applications as it enables test cases to be written without needing to know the implementation details of the apps. Google has expanded this tool and can now interact with various Android apps. It is a valuable resource for users who consume apps on older versions of Android, as it can support devices starting from Android version 4.1. Additionally, the UI Automator Viewer option allows developers to scan and study UI components on mobile devices, making it easier to create concrete test cases.

Features:

It supports black-box and white-box testing, making it versatile for various use cases.

The tool can identify and interact with UI elements in multiple applications simultaneously.

UI Automator offers detailed reporting for test results, including screenshots, logs, and videos.

It can interact with system-level UI components, such as the notification bar and status bar.

UI Automator can be used with various scripting languages, such as Python and Java, making it accessible and flexible for developers.

It is integrated with Android Studio, which makes it easy to use for developers who are already using the IDE.

8. Frank

Frank is an open-source iOS app testing framework with a vibrant community of users. It offers the flexibility to write tests in Cucumber and integrates seamlessly with JSON. Its Symbiote feature includes an app inspector that provides detailed information on running apps, making it a powerful tool for iOS app testing. Additionally, Frank supports Continuous Integration and can handle multiple tests on devices and simulators.

Features:

Open-source iOS app testing framework

Supports writing tests in Cucumber

Seamless JSON integration

Symbiote feature includes app inspector for detailed information on running apps

Supports Continuous Integration

Can handle multiple tests on devices and simulators

9. Ranorex

Ranorex is an automation testing tool that offers end-to-end testing for mobile, web, and desktop apps; it supports Android and iOS testing. Ranorex allows for data-driven testing, has a codeless automation interface, and can be integrated with DevOps tools. Additionally, it provides comprehensive reporting with detailed results, supports multiple technologies like .NET, C#, HTML5, and Java, and offers cross-platform testing capabilities.

Features:

End-to-end testing for mobile, web, and desktop apps

Supports both Android and iOS testing

Data-driven testing approach

Integration with DevOps tools

Comprehensive reporting with detailed results

Supports multiple technologies like .NET, C#, HTML5, Java

Cross-platform testing capabilities.

10. EarlGrey

Developed and maintained by Google, EarlGrey is an iOS mobile app testing framework that offers features like Synchronization, Visibility Checks, and user-like interaction. Often preferred due to its synchronization, this feature lets us track different sources/states that can affect the app’s performance. For instance, the app’s UI, network glitches, and anything else that can be fixed on the go.

11. MonkeyTalk

MonkeyTalk is a powerful automation testing framework for Android and iOS apps that is great for functional and regression testing. With MonkeyTalk, we can also use code written for iOS for Android, making it a versatile tool. It is perfect for beginners as it offers easy-to-comprehend scripts, and we can also write HTML and XML reports. MonkeyTalk supports testing on emulators and devices; if errors or crashes occur, it takes screenshots and lets us record the tests. We can manipulate and manage the tests for effective results.

Features:

The code written for iOS can also be used for Android.

Easy-to-comprehend scripts make it perfect for beginners.

We can write HTML and XML reports for better analysis.

Testing can be done on both emulators and devices.

MonkeyTalk takes screenshots and lets us record the tests if any errors or crashes occur.

Tests can be manipulated and managed for effective results.

12. Calabash

Calabash is a cross-platform test automation framework supporting Android and iOS native and hybrid applications. It’s easy-to-understand syntax makes it accessible to non-technical users.

Some of the key features of Calabash include,

Supports cross-platform testing of both Android and iOS apps.
Provides an easy-to-understand syntax, making it accessible to non-technical users.
Supports running tests on both emulators and real devices.
Supports writing tests in multiple programming languages like Ruby, Java, and .NET.
Supports parallel test execution, reducing the overall testing time.

Criteria for Selecting a Mobile Test Automation Frameworks

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

Platform Compatibility: Ensure the framework supports the mobile app platform and its versions.
Integration Capabilities: The framework should be able to integrate with other tools and the CI/CD pipeline.
Ease of Use: Choose a framework with a user-friendly interface and programming language support for the team.
Device Compatibility: The framework should support test execution on various devices with different screen sizes, resolutions, and hardware specifications.
Reporting and Analytics: The framework should provide robust reporting and analytics capabilities for testers to track progress and identify issues.
Support: The framework should have active support from an active community of users, developers, or experts.

Need for Automation of Mobile App Testing

Growth in the mobile app development in the last few years has been drastic as with each passing day, hundreds of mobile apps are developed, be it Android or iOS.

Mobile application automated testing is considered as one of the most important parts of software testing as it verifies and validates the overall functioning of a mobile app and eliminates the day to day effort done by manual testers which saves a lot of time and cost for the organization. And a major part of automated testing of a mobile application is done via its UI because that is what customers use to interface with it.

Let us see some of the most important reasons why we need automated testing for mobile applications:

It provides various test solutions for validating the overall functioning of the mobile apps
It provides a wider test coverage resulting in better output
It saves time and cost as well as reduces the number of manual testers required for testing
If properly organized, it reduces the time needed for the overall testing process
Works perfectly for agile teams and automated testing provides test results very quickly
Combined with a good web hosting service, automated testing ensures that the site is secure from common breaches and vulnerabilities.
More test cases can be automated while already automated ones are executed

For more in-depth reading on mobile testing

Now, Testsigma supports inspection as well as execution of your mobile test cases without any kind of setups at your end. Test over 2000+ Real iOS and Android Devices on Cloud with E2E Mobile Test Coverage on Testsigma′s low code tool. Try for free

When should you go for mobile test automation?

Before deciding which parts of the mobile app should you automate first, define the scope of the tests that will be automated. Consider the areas that would benefit from automation the most.

Use mobile test automation for repetitive test suites that take up a lot of manual efforts (e.g.: Regression Testing)
There are Test Suites which cannot be run manually, and tools are needed (for e.g.: Performance Testing)
There are functionalities which require multiple sets of data for testing or have complex areas which have a possibility of human error (for e.g.: Data-driven Testing).
Unit tests need to be executed to determine if the app requires further testing.
Functionality Testing needs to be done on a wide range of devices and OS versions

Which Is Best Automation Tools For Mobile Testing?

Mobile testing is an essential aspect of software development, and it′s crucial to find the right automation tool to ensure efficiency and accuracy. One option that stands out is Testsigma, which offers a range of features tailored to mobile testing. It′s a cloud-based platform that enables easy collaboration and integration with other tools, and its AI-powered test automation technology simplifies test creation and maintenance. Testsigma′s user-friendly interface also makes it accessible to testers of all levels. If you′re in the market for a reliable and comprehensive automation tool for mobile testing, Testsigma is definitely worth exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best mobile testing tool?

Testsigma is the best mobile testing tool, offering powerful test automation features and AI testing capabilities to test your mobile apps across 3000+ real devices and browsers/OS combinations. It is a low-code, cloud-based, unified test automation platform that allows you to run all your web, mobile, desktop, API, and Salesforce tests in one platform.

How Do I Automate My Mobile Test?

Can we Automate Mobile Device Testing?

How Many Types of mobile Automation Testing are Available for Mobile Devices?

Is it possible for mobile testing tools to assist with app store optimization (ASO) for mobile apps?

Which framework is best for mobile app automation?

What Are The Common Challenges In Mobile Test Automation?