21 Best Automation Testing Tools

The dynamic world of software development requires solutions that provide accuracy and efficiency. Automation testing tools have positioned themselves as pillars of the software development life cycle. By streamlining the software testing process, they ensure every iteration of the software meets industry standards, is effective, and user-friendly.

This article lists the 21 best automation testing tools, their pros and cons, and their pricing structure so that you can make an informed choice based on your testing needs, team size, or project complexity.

What to Look for in an Automation Testing Tool?

When looking for an automation testing tool, organizations should consider several factors, including:

Ease of use. The automation tool should be intuitive and user-friendly for testers with various levels of expertise.
Flexibility and scalability. The tool should be flexible enough to handle various types of testing and easy to scale as the project grows.
Compatibility and integration. The tool must integrate seamlessly with other tools and technologies used in the development process.
Robust reporting and analytics. Good automation testing tools have comprehensive reporting features that offer detailed insights and analytics, which are crucial for understanding test results.
Support for multiple programming languages and platforms. The tool should support a variety of programming languages and platforms, including web, mobile, and desktop.
Community and support. The tool should have a support system that promotes best testing practices and provides updates on the latest features.
Test maintenance and management. The tool should enable easy maintenance during testing, including updates and controls.
Speed and performance. The tool should execute tests quickly and efficiently, with minimal to no downtime.
Cost-effectiveness. Each automation testing tool comes with the cost of ownership, licensing, training, setup, and maintenance. Consider these factors for the greatest return on investment.
Customization. The tool should be customizable to adapt to various projects and testing requirements, as well as to integrate new functionalities.

Learn about the most important automation testing frameworks for software development.

21 Best Automation Testing Tools

Here are the best automation testing tools for software developers.

1. LambdaTest

LambdaTest is a cloud-based testing platform that allows automated and manual testing of applications in different browsers and operating systems.

LambdaTest Key Features

Supports testing across more than 2000 browsers and operating systems.
Allows real-time testing.
Integrates with Selenium for automated script execution.
Supports testing of locally hosted web pages.
Tests web applications for responsiveness across various screen resolutions.
Enables CI/CD integration.
Has integrated debugging tools.
Captures screenshots and video recordings of testing sessions.

LambdaTest Pros

Comprehensive browser and OS coverage.
User-friendly interface.
Ease of integration with popular CI/CD tools.
Cloud-based, so there is no need for in-house infrastructure and maintenance.
Allows parallel testing.

LambdaTest Cons

It can be costly for individuals and small teams.
Steep learning curve.
Limited mobile testing.

LambdaTest Pricing

LambdaTest offers a free plan with limited access and restricted testing times. Paid plans range from up to $25 a month, depending on the features included and team size. Enterprises can also choose specifically tailored plans.

2. Katalon

Katalon is a software testing solution that streamlines web, API, mobile, and desktop application testing. It is suitable for testers of all skill levels and offers robust test creation, management, and execution features.

Katalon Key Features

Allows multiple test environments, including web, API, mobile, and desktop application testing.
Integrates with CI/CD tools.
Users can create tests without much coding.
Simplifies test creation by allowing user interactions to be recorded and replayed.
Provides detailed reports and analytics.
Integrates well with other tools.
Has a highly customizable framework, adaptable to various testing needs
Enables cross-browser testing
Supports data-driven testing.

Katalon Pros

User-friendly for both technical and non-technical users.
Integrates well with other tools and frameworks.
Contains versatile testing features.
Offers a strong community and support.

Katalon Cons

Performance issues are particularly evident with larger projects.
Can be resource-intensive.
Advanced features come with a steep learning curve, despite being generally user-friendly.
Limited customization and reduced features in the free version.

Katalon Pricing

Katalon offers completely customizable payment plans and free trials for first-time buyers.

3. Selenium

Selenium is an open-source automation testing tool for web applications. It supports testing in various programming languages, as well as multiple browsers and platforms.

Selenium Key Features

Supports testing across major browsers.
Selenium WebDriver allows calls to the browser for complex automation scripts.
Supports multiple programming languages.
Selenium IDE makes it easy to create tests via recording and playback.
Selenium Grid enables simultaneous execution across multiple browsers and environments.
Easily integrates with tools such as TestNG, JUnit, Jenkins, and Docker.

Selenium Pros

Flexibility and customizability to fit various testing needs.
Has a large and active open-source community.
It's free to use since it is open source.
Supports a wide range of programming languages.

Selenium Cons

Requires programming skills.
Performance and support fluctuate across browsers.
Lacks built-in reporting and test management.
Steep learning curve.

Selenium Pricing

Selenium is free to use since it is an open-source automation testing tool.

4. Appium

Appium is an open-source automation testing tool used primarily for mobile applications, both native and hybrid. It allows automated tests on iOS and Android using the same API.

Appium Key Features

Allows cross-platform testing on multiple platforms (Android, iOS) via the same API.
Does not require app modifications.
Supports multiple programming languages.
Uses the WebDriver protocol for interactions with Android and iOS apps.
Easily integrates with other frameworks.

Appium Pros

Support for different platforms and programming languages.
Supported by a strong community.
Easy-to-use interface.
Does not require re-compiling applications.

Appium Cons

Experiences performance issues on older devices.
Does not offer support for less popular platforms.
Requires additional tools for advanced features.
Setup can be complex for new users.

Appium Pricing

Appium is an open-source tool, which means it is free to use.

5. Cypress

Cypress is an advanced front-end testing tool for web applications. It runs directly in the browser for real-time and highly responsive testing and debugging.

Cypress Key Features

Runs directly in the browser, allowing for real-time interaction and feedback.
Allows users to travel through time to see the state of their tests at different time points.
Reduces flakiness by automatically waiting for commands and assertions before moving on.
Automatically captures screenshots and video recordings for easier debugging.
Provides consistent results by running in the same run-loop as the application.
Provides an integrated development environment (IDE).
Allows users to control and monitor network traffic.

Cypress Pros

Has a straightforward interface for ease of use.
Executes tests fast and reliably.
Provides rich documentation to help with the learning process.
Does not require external dependencies.

Cypress Cons

Currently, it offers browser support only for Chrome, Firefox, and Electron.
Lacks the ability to perform API or mobile app tests as it focuses on front-end testing.
Only supports JavaScript.
Can be resource-intensive.

Cypress Pricing

Cypress offers a variety of payment plans, from free trials to customized enterprise packages.

6. Ranorex Studio

Ranorex Studio is an automation testing tool for desktop, web, and mobile applications. It is highly user-friendly and suitable for both beginners and advanced testers.

Ranorex Studio Key Features

Supports testing across web, desktop, and mobile applications.
Codeless test creation via a drag-and-drop interface.
Simplifies test creation with the record-and-replay feature.
Has dynamic object recognition.
Supports an integrated development environment (IDE).
Supports integration with CI/CD pipelines and version control systems.
Allows data-driven testing.
Provides detailed reports and logs.

Ranorex Studio Pros

User-friendly interface.
Robust object recognition, identifying GUI components even in complex applications.
Able to handle a wide range of testing scenarios.
Easily integrates with other tools and systems.

Ranorex Studio Cons

It can be costly for individuals or small teams.
Windows-centric design may affect its effectiveness in other environments.
May require significant resources for optimal performance.
Offers limited programming language support.

Ranorex Studio Pricing

Ranorex offers a variety of payment plans and a free trial for first-time users.

7. BrowserStack

BrowserStack is a cloud-based testing platform that enables developers to test their websites and web applications across multiple browsers and devices. By facilitating real-device and browser testing, the tool ensures the optimal compatibility and performance of applications.

BrowserStack Key Features

Offers comprehensive compatibility testing by giving access to a range of browsers and OSes.
Integrates with CI/CD tools, version control systems, and project management tools.
Allows testing on a variety of real mobile devices.
Enables both automated and manual testing.
Supports the secure testing of local and internal servers.
Automates the capturing of screenshots and visual regression.
Provides a live interactive environment for real-time testing.

BrowserStack Pros

Covers a wide range of devices and browsers.
Easy to use.
Cloud-based, so it does not require an in-house infrastructure.
Highly integrable with a variety of tools.

BrowserStack Cons

It can be costly for individuals and small teams.
Performance depends on network conditions and server load.
Customization options can be limited.
Performance depends on internet connectivity.

BrowserStack Pricing

BrowserStack plans range from $29 monthly for a single user to specific, customizable testing plans for larger teams.

8. Perfecto

Perfecto is a cloud-based automation testing tool for web, mobile, and IoT software testing. It offers manual and automated testing across many devices and operating systems, with an emphasis on Agile and DevOps environments.

Perfecto Key Features

Allows testing across mobile devices, desktop browsers, and IoT devices.
Facilitates CI/CD.
Provides access to a wide range of devices and browsers in the cloud.
Leverages AI for test script maintenance and optimization.
Offers advanced analytics and reporting.
Ensures high security and compliance standards required by enterprises.
Allows parallel test execution to reduce testing time.
Integrates with DevOps tools.

Perfecto Pros

Offers extensive device and OS coverage.
Scales to meet the needs of large enterprise projects.
Provides advanced analytics.
Boasts strong integration capabilities.

Perfecto Cons

It can be costly for individuals and small businesses.
Requires a consistent high-speed internet connection.
Complex to learn due to extensive features.
Advanced features require high computing resources.

Perfecto Pricing

Perfecto offers several payment plans, starting at $83 a month for the basic package. Organizations with specific needs and changing workloads get a personalized quote.

9. ACCELQ

ACCELQ is an AI-powered, cloud-based testing platform that simplifies the process of web, mobile, and API automated testing. It specializes in enhancing agility and alignment with DevOps and CI/CD workflows.

ACCELQ Key Features

Allows codeless test automation.
Integrates with CI/CD pipelines for seamless DevOps flows.
Cross-platform testing supports web, mobile, and API applications.
Leverages AI-powered maintenance.
Features a natural language interface for easier test creation.
It's easy to scale since it is cloud-based.
Offers comprehensive reporting and analytics.

ACCELQ Pros

Codeless interface makes it easy to use.
Integrates well with various development and testing tools.
Streamlines test management for increased efficiency.
Easily scales to accommodate projects of various sizes and complexities.

ACCELQ Cons

Dependent on internet connectivity.
Limited customization options for advanced users.
Steep learning curve.

ACCELQ Pricing

ACCELQ offers several payment plans that fit different automation testing needs. Most of them come with a free rest run.

10. Avo Assure

Avo Assure is a 100% codeless automation testing tool for mobile, desktop, web, and mainframe applications. It seamlessly integrates into various environments for diverse testing needs.

Avo Assure Key Features

Enables the creation and execution of tests with zero coding required.
Supports a wide range of technologies and platforms.
Allows cross-platform compatibility testing.
Features an intuitive interface that enables easy test creation.
Provides test data management capabilities.
Allows parallel testing.
Integrates easily with CI/CD.
Provides comprehensive reporting for better insights into test results.

Avo Assure Pros

Easy to use.
Enables tests to be created and executed quickly.
A versatile tool suitable for diverse testing requirements.
Zero coding is required.

Avo Assure Cons

Limited customization restricts the implementation of complex testing scenarios.
Mastering advanced features requires time and training.
Dependent on the user interface.
Experiences performance issues in complex environments.

Avo Assure Pricing

Avo Assure offers two payment plans: Starter and Enterprise. The pricing depends on the features included.

11. Postman

Postman is an API development testing tool with a user-friendly interface that facilitates API testing, documentation, and collaboration between teams.

Postman Key Features

Enables API request building.
Enables collaboration on API development and testing.
Supports the automated testing of APIs with collections and test scripts.
Automatically generates and maintains API documentation.
Allows users to manage environments and variables.
Integrates with CI/CD pipelines.
Provides monitoring services and the ability to create mock servers.
Organizes APIs into collections and workspaces.

Postman Pros

Boasts a user-friendly interface.
Offers robust collaboration tools.
Its comprehensive set of features enables thorough API testing.
Easily integrates with various development tools and systems.

Postman Cons

Experiences performance issues when handling large or complex data sets.
Advanced features may be challenging to implement due to a steep learning curve.
It does not offer extensive support for non-REST APIs, as it focuses on RESTful APIs.

Postman Pricing

Postman starts at $14 a month for a basic monthly plan. Packages also include specifically tailored enterprise plans, with pricing dependent on the features included.

12. SoapUI

SoapUI is an open-source API testing tool designed for testing SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) and REST (Representational State Transfer) APIs. It facilitates both functional and non-functional testing under various conditions.

SoapUI Key Features

Offers functional testing for both SOAP and REST APIs.
Features are included to test APIs for common vulnerabilities.
Allows users to perform load testing.
Supports data-driven testing.
Enables the creation of mock services.
Provides detailed reporting and analytics.
Extends testing capabilities with Groovy and JavaScript scripting.
Integrates with CI/CD pipelines.

SoapUI Pros

Offers both functional and non-functional API testing.
Enables advanced scripting and automation.
Supports a wide range of API protocols and standards.
Has a large user community and extensive learning resources available.

SoapUI Cons

The complex interface is not suitable for beginners and non-technical users.
Has a steep learning curve for advanced features and scripting.
Requires significant resources for load and performance testing.
Primarily focuses on API testing, so it is unsuitable for other types of testing.

SoapUI Pricing

SoapUI is an open-source platform, which means it is free of charge.

13. Cucumber

Cucumber is an open-source software testing tool used for behavior-driven development (BDD), which allows testers to create test scenarios in a human-readable language (Gherkin).

Cucumber Key Features

Enables behavior-driven development (BDD), integrating business requirements with technical implementation.
Compatible with multiple languages, including Java, Ruby, and JavaScript.
Uses Gherkin to create simple, English-like syntax for writing tests.
Enables tests to be parametrized with multiple inputs for broader coverage.
Allows integration with Selenium and other automation testing tools.
Facilitates code reuse with step definitions that can be used across scenarios.
Offers support for CI/CD.
Provides basic reporting.

Cucumber Pros

Enhances collaboration between technical and non-technical team members.
Supports many programming languages.
Promotes software quality.
Facilitates up-to-date documentation.

Cucumber Cons

The initial setup can be complex.
Limits UI testing as it primarily focuses on behavior-driven, functional testing.
Increases overhead for small projects due to the need to write Gherkin scenarios.
Requires well-written scenarios to perform as expected.

Cucumber Pricing

Cucumber is free of charge since it is an open-source platform.

14. Playwright

Playwright is an open-source Node.js testing tool for testing web applications on Chromium, Firefox, and WebKit browsers. It is based on high-level API automation, enabling developers to create reliable end-to-end tests.

Playwright Key Features

Offers multi-browser support, including Chromium, Firefox, and WebKit.
Allows browsers to run in headless mode for faster test execution.
Works on multiple OSes (Windows, Linux, and macOS).
Provides a wide range of APIs for browser interactions.
Allows network interception and modification.
Automatically waits for elements before performing actions, reducing flakiness.
Supports capturing screenshots and videos.
Enables parallel test execution.

Playwright Pros

Offers broad browser support.
Offers a comprehensive set of APIs.
Optimized to be fast and reliable.
Easy to set up and use.

Playwright Cons

Has limited language support.
Some APIs come with a steep learning curve.
Can be resource-intensive.

Playwright Pricing

Playwright is an open-source tool, which means it is free to use.

15. Puppeteer

Puppeteer is a Node library that enables developers to control a headless Chrome or Chromium browser programmatically. It facilitates rendering and testing web pages in a browser environment, allowing developers to automate tasks that would otherwise be performed manually in a browser.

Puppeteer Key Features

Allows running Chrome or Chromium in headless mode.
Generates screenshots and PDFs of web pages.
Offers customizable viewports.
Enables interaction with web page elements, including form submissions and UI testing.
Automates form submission and UI navigation.
Enables network request interception, modification, and response.
Allows access to browser contexts for session management and isolation.

Puppeteer Pros

Offers extensive browser automation capabilities.
Suitable for various use cases, including testing, scraping, and rendering.
Offers a high-level API that is easy to work with.
Provides direct control over Chrome/Chromium.

Puppeteer Cons

Limited to Chrome/Chromium.
It can consume significant resources, especially when managing multiple instances.
Requires familiarity with JavaScript/Node.js.

Puppeteer Pricing

Puppeteer is an open-source library that can be used free of charge.

16. Espresso

Espresso is an Android testing framework developed by Google. It allows developers to build and run automated UI tests via a concise API.

Espresso Key Features

Tailored specifically for Android application UI testing.
Synchronizes with the UI thread.
Integrates with Android Studio.
Provides a set of APIs for handling various UI components and interactions.
Supports testing for intents and background services.
Allows ViewMatchers, ViewActions, and ViewAssertations.
Offers JUnit compatibility for structuring and running tests.

Espresso Pros

Provides reliable and consistent test results.
Has a straightforward API.
Executes quickly and provides rapid feedback.
Integrates entirely with the Android ecosystem.

Espresso Cons

Limited to Android.
Requires knowledge of the Android framework.
Does not support testing for WebViews.
Creates potential overhead for complex tests due to complexity and resource demand.

Espresso Pricing

Espresso is an open-source framework and can be used free of charge.

17. Taiko

Taiko is an open-source Node.js browser automation tool that simplifies writing reliable and maintainable web application tests. It provides an intuitive API that allows testers to interact with modern web applications and improve testing accuracy and efficiency.

Taiko Key Features

The tool’s interactive recorder enables the easy creation of test scripts.
Has built-in browser support for Chromium.
Leverages innovative selector technology to identify web page elements.
Allows integration of JavaScript/Node.js.
Supports tests that run across multiple tabs and windows.
It is easy to install.
Provides an extensive set of APIs for browser interactions.

Taiko Pros

Easy to use.
Offers high-level abstractions for everyday browser interactions.
Requires minimal setup and configuration.
Suitable for teams working with JavaScript/Node.js.

Taiko Cons

Limited browser support.
As a new tool, it lacks some advanced features and broad community support.
It is only suitable for those familiar with Node.js.
Experiences performance issues in complex and resource-intensive scenarios.

Taiko Pricing

Taiko is an open-source tool and can be used free of charge.

18. XCUI Test

XCUI Test is a UI testing framework developed by Apple. It tests iOS and macOS applications by simulating realistic user behavior.

XCUI Test Key Features

Integrates seamlessly with the Xcode IDE.
Allows the recording and playback of user interactions for easy test creation.
Tailored for testing iOS and macOS applications.
Ensures applications meet Apple’s accessibility standards.
Integrates with Apple’s XCTest framework.
Includes performance testing capabilities.
Compatible with Apple’s continuous integration (CI) tools.

XCUI Test Pros

Provides full integration with the Apple ecosystem.
Highly user-friendly for Apple developers.
Offers reliable testing for iOS and macOS user interfaces.
Enables direct access to application APIs and controls.

XCUI Test Cons

Can only be used on Apple platforms.
Challenging learning curve for developers not familiar with iOS and macOS.
Can be resource-intensive.

XCUI Test Pricing

XCUI Test is a part of the Apple Developer Program and is included with Xcode, available for free to all macOS users.

19. TestNG

TestNG is a testing framework primarily for Java applications. Inspired by JUnit and NUnit, it offers a wide range of test categories, such as unit, functional, end-to-end, etc., to provide more testing flexibility.

TestNG Key Features

Provides annotations for identifying test methods.
Supports data-driven testing.
Allows flexible configuration of tests using XML files.
Enables the testing of multiple instances simultaneously.
Integrates with Maven, Gradle, and similar tools.
Provides dependency testing capabilities.
Allows parallel execution.
Offers extensive reporting for test outcomes.

TestNG Pros

Provides flexibility and control.
Boasts community support and widespread usage within the Java ecosystem.
Supports various types of testing and complex test scenarios.
It is easy to integrate with other tools and frameworks.

TestNG Cons

Complex for beginners.
Its learning curve demands a thorough knowledge of Java and testing principles.
XML configurations can be cumbersome.
Potentially overwhelming for simple projects.

TestNG Pricing

TestNG is an open-source testing framework available free of charge.

20. Apache JMeter

Apache JMeter is an open-source, Java-based software for measuring the performance of web and network applications. It simulates a heavy load on servers and networks to test their strength under demanding conditions.

Apache JMeter Key Features

Specializes in load and performance testing.
Allows simulations of multiple users with concurrent threads to create heavy loads.
Supports multiple protocols, including web, SOAP/REST web services, FTP, databases, and more.
Can be extended via custom plugins.
Offers record and playback capabilities.
Supports GUI and script-based editing.
Provides analysis and reporting tools.
Integrates with CI pipelines for automated performance testing.

Apache JMeter Pros

Versatile and flexible, enabling the testing of a wide range of applications and services.
Has a large community for support.
Highly effective in simulating large numbers of users and complex load scenarios.
Open-source and free to use.
Offers comprehensive reporting.

Apache JMeter Cons

Can be resource-intensive.
Focuses narrowly on web-based application testing
Has a steep learning curve, which can be overwhelming for beginners.
Cumbersome and outdated UI.

Apache JMeter Pricing

Apache JMeter is an open-source tool that can be used free of charge.

21. Robot Framework

Robot Framework is an open-source, keyword-driven automation framework for acceptance testing and acceptance test-driven development (ATDD). It is a flexible and versatile solution that can be integrated with many tools and libraries.

Robot Framework Key Features

Using keywords, testers can create tests in a human-readable format.
Test data syntax is presented in easy-to-read tables.
It can be extended with Python and Java libraries.
Integrates with many CI tools and control systems.
Supports numerous libraries for web testing and database interactions.
Provides reporting and logging in HTML format.
Supports multiple interfaces, including web, mobile, desktop, and API.

Robot Framework Pros

Keywords make it easy to use, even for those with limited technical knowledge.
Boasts strong community support.
Highly flexible and customizable.
Suitable for cross-domain testing.

Robot Framework Cons

Limited without extensions.
Has a steep learning curve for customizations and extensions.
Experiences performance issues in complex scenarios.
Dependent on third-party libraries for many functionalities.

Robot Framework Pricing

Robot Framework is an open-source tool that can be used free of charge.

Concluding Thoughts on Automation Testing Tools

Test automation tools today offer an array of tailored solutions suitable for various software testing needs.

Recognizing the essential features of automation testing tools will enable teams to choose the one that best fits their project requirements, team experience, and established workflows. Selecting the right automation testing tool should not only improve testing efficiency but also seamlessly integrate into the existing Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), ensuring the rapid delivery of high-quality software.