No one ever said that software development is easy. But competing in the current crowded market is getting more challenging with each passing year. Product managers are feeling the heat to get applications to market as soon as possible but without compromising on product quality assurance. As a result, quick and efficient software testing software has a critical role to play in development lifecycles.
The best automated testing tools in software testing help teams save precious time and money while increasing test coverage. They also support increased levels of efficiency and productivity by freeing up your testing team to perform the value-driven tests that wring the most out of their creativity.
Test automation tools have been at the forefront of AI/ML technology adoption over the last few years, which has expanded the capabilities of testing tools even further. These days, tools come with natural language processing (NLP) test creation, defect prediction tools, and self-healing tests, to name just a few of the exciting progressions in space.
However, with so much innovative and diverse testing software to choose between, it’s easy to become blinded by choice.
So, let’s look at the Top 30 software testing tools on the market in 2024 so you can understand your options and the crucial features to look for.
What should I look for when
choosing software testing tools?
There are lots of great software testing tools on the market in 2024. Some tools are highly general, while others are more specialized and suited to very particular tasks. You’ll also notice a vast diversity of price, focus, and capabilities. While quality varies wildly within the space, in many ways, the best testing tools in software testing are the ones that align with your particular project needs and requirements.
Here are some useful criteria that you can use to
measure the best software testing software on the market today
1. Automation:
Test automation tools save you time, money, and boost test coverage. They also allow you to get the most out of your existing testers while increasing job satisfaction. It’s really a non-negotiable in the fast-paced and hypercompetitive world of software testing.
2. Application type:
Some tools are built for mobile, web, or desktop testing. Other tools, like ZAPTEST, are cross-platform and cross-application so that you can test your application across Windows, iOS, macOS, Linux, etc., and a variety of devices.
3. Cost:
Budget is something everyone needs to be aware of. So consider the pricing model of your software testing software. Some tools, like ZAPTEST, offer unlimited licenses and a predictable flat fee. Others are based on usage, tiers, or the features you use.
4. Testing types:
There is a wide range of core testing types that are suitable for different projects and requirements. So figure out the essential testing types (unit, functional, performance, security, etc.) you need, and also any specialist requirements your project calls for, including API testing or compatibility testing.
5. Reporting and analytics:
Solid reporting and analytics form the backbone of the testing process. Look for software testing tools that excel in this arena.
6. No-code capabilities:
No-code testing tools mean non-technical team members can help with the testing process. However, technical teams can also benefit from no-code capabilities because they speed up the testing processes.
7. User-friendliness:
Programs with intuitive interfaces and user-friendly workflows can reduce the learning curve and make test case creation a painless process.
8. Flexibility:
As any experienced software developer knows, project requirements can change in a heartbeat. Look for tools that can adapt and adjust around project scope, technologies, or testing requirements.
9. Support:
Great support is something to think about. Some things you should think about are documentation, tutorial videos, technical support, or the presence of a vibrant user community. ZAPTEST Enterprise users get access to a dedicated ZAP Expert to ensure round-the-clock support.
10. Integration options:
Another thing to consider is how well your software testing tools integrate with your existing testing stack. For example, does the software offer CI/CD integration or easy connection with your project management or reporting tools?
11. BONUS criteria:
If you really want to take your test automation to the next frontier, you should seriously think about testing software that comes with AI-powered RPA tools. The best RPA tools can help you generate solid test data, write test cases, and even set up and configure testing environments. What’s more, you can also use these tools to automate test reporting, data management, and a whole load of other time-saving activities.
OK, now that you have a grounding in the features and functions to expect from your testing tools, it’s time to look into the best testing software as of 2024.
The Top 30 Products on the Market
for Software Testing teams
#1. ZAPTEST
ZAPTEST is one of the best automated testing tools in software testing. Our all-in-one tool offers unrivaled cross-platform functionality across web, mobile, desktop, and API technologies. With no-code technology and a visual and user-friendly interface, you can create and execute test cases with ease, regardless of your coding skills.
Perhaps most significantly, ZAPTEST blends test automation and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) together, which allows teams to improve and streamline test cycles without compromising an inch on the final product.
Some of the headline features of ZAPTEST that you need to know about include:
✅ ZOE:
An intelligent automation tool that combines AI, Computer Vision, and Native Object Recognition, allowing testing teams to automate manual tasks that typically require human vision and input.
✅ ZAPTEST WebDriver:
A powerful, user-friendly no-code tool to help drive web application testing. It supports cross-browser testing, handles even the most complex web elements, and seamlessly integrates with CI/CD pipelines, meaning your testing becomes quicker and more efficient overnight.
✅ ZAPTEST Copilot:
Generative AI is having a significant impact on the world of software development. ZAPTEST Copilot generates code snippets, identifies coding errors, explains the purpose and function of lines of code, and even helps you with the time-consuming tasks of writing documentation.
✅ Unlimited licenses:
While rival tools offer complex and opaque pricing models that leave you in the dark about what you owe from month to month, ZAPTEST Enterprise users pay a flat and predictable fee with unlimited licenses. In other words, as you grow and take on more work, ZAPTEST scales with you.
✅ ZAP Expert:
When users subscribe to ZAPTEST Enterprise, they acquire a dedicated ZAP Expert. These professionals know ZAPTEST like the back of their hand and will help ensure smooth implementation and testing success. Your team gets the most from our tool thanks to round-the-clock support and training, unlocking a quicker ROI.
✅ Self-healing automation:
As you update and improve your UI, it can cause instability or flakiness in your existing test cases. ZAPTEST solves this issue by using dynamic object selectors to adapt and adjust around these changes. Faster, more accurate testing and reduced maintenance overheads, what’s not to like?
Of course, these innovative features just give you a flavor of what to expect from ZAPTEST. Click here to read more about why it’s the best choice for automated testing in software testing.
Application types | Web, desktop, mobile, API |
Testing types | Endless |
No-code capabilities | Yes |
User-friendliness | Very user-friendly |
Flexibility | Hugely flexible |
Cost | Annual subscription with unlimited licenses |
Support | Excellent support, plus each team gets their own ZAP Expert |
integration options | Super integration |
Automation | Dedicated test automation tools that come with an RPA suite |
Reporting and analytics | Advanced, and integrates easily with reporting and analytic tools |
#2. Selenium
Selenium is an ever-popular open-source web testing automation tool. Launched in 2004 as JavaScriptTestRunner, it later became known as Selenium. The best thing about the tool is that it lets testers automate web browser control, making it an incredible option for putting web applications through their paces.
Selenium is a suite of three core tools: WebDriver, IDE, and Grid. Between three tools, users have access to APIs to control browser behavior (WebDrive), a browser extension that offers record-and-playback of test scenarios(IDE), and time-saving parallel execution (Grid).
It’s browser-agnostic, compatible with many coding languages, and has a huge and bustling community of users who are always ready to help. However, the steep learning curve and excessive test script maintenance are drawbacks you need to think about.
Overall, it’s an extremely powerful tool with a proven ability to handle complex test scenarios.
Pros and cons:
✅Free and open-source
✅Supports Java, Python, JavaScript, C#, Ruby, and more.
✅Powerful, flexible, and capable of testing at scale
❌Steep learning curve
❌Lack of no-code capabilities
❌Limited to web applications
Application types | Web applications |
Testing types | Suitable for functional, regression, end-to-end, compatibility, and UI-based testing. |
No-code capabilities | Very limited |
User-friendliness | A steep learning curve, technical |
Flexibility | Compatible with JUnit, TestNG, and more |
Cost | Free, open-source |
Support | There is no official support, but it has a good community of users |
integration options | Compatible with JUnit, TestNG, and more, alongside CI/CD tools like Jenkins, Bamboo, etc. |
Automation | Yes |
Reporting and analytics | Basic |
#3. TestRail
TestRail is one the best software test management tools on the market today. It’s web-based, packed with great features, and has a super intuitive user interface.
It’s a solid choice for QA teams who want a centralized testing solution. Its primary function is test planning, management, and reporting. However, it has excellent integration with other software testing applications, augmenting the tool’s capabilities and adding helpful benefits like automatic software testing.
Pricing is expensive for large teams, and TestRail takes time to master while also suffering from limited customization options. However, there is a lot to love about TestRail, which is why it’s one of the best-rated test management tools on the market today.
Pros and cons:
✅Excellent integration options
✅Feature packed
✅Enviable reporting functions
❌Steep learning curve and lack of no-code capabilities
❌Scalable pricing might not suit larger teams
❌Rigid workflows won’t suit all teams, especially developers in highly regulated industries
Application types | Best for web apps, but can be adapted |
Testing types | Manual, exploratory, and regression. |
No-code capabilities | Minimal |
User-friendliness | Pretty intuitive |
Flexibility | Suitable for different methodologies and workflows |
Cost | Scalable pricing model |
Support | Quality support plus a great community |
integration options | Excellent integration |
Automation | Only via integration with third-party tools |
Reporting and analytics | Strong reporting capabilities |
#4. Katalon
Katalon is an increasingly popular QA testing tool. Previously known as Katakon Studios, the newest integration, Katalon DevOps, adds much-needed test management and analytics features.
It’s capable of running tests across a diverse set of scenarios, exceptionally easy to use, and packed with features for test creation, execution, reporting, and integration with popular CI/CD tools. Katalon also offers a free option, though it might prove too limited for more mature needs.
Overall, Katalon is a solid choice for testers seeking a unified no-code testing platform. It’s quick, versatile, and affordable, which helps it overcome occasional bugs and performance issues.
Pros and cons:
✅Versatile testing platform that excels across major test scenarios
✅Very accessible thanks to the user-friendly interface and no-code options
✅Well-rounded feature set
❌Resource intensive, with performance issues occasionally leading to delays and timeouts
❌Past updates have resulted in bugs and instability
❌No-code capabilities run into limitations for certain complex situations
Application types | Web, mobile, desktop, API |
Testing types | Good for functional, regression, and end-to-end testing |
No-code capabilities | Yes |
User-friendliness | Very user-friendly |
Flexibility | Solid customization |
Cost | Free version, plus competitively-priced tiered plans |
Support | Good support, active community |
Integration options | Seamless integration with CI/CD pipelines like Jenkins, Bamboo, and more |
Automation | Excellent |
Reporting and analytics | Strong |
#5. TestComplete
TestComplete is a powerful functional testing tool for desktop, web, and mobile made by SmartBear. It supports languages like JavaScript, Python, VBScript, JScript, Delphi, C++, and C# and is one of the best software testing tools for GUI testing. Going strong since 1999, it has evolved to meet the complex needs of modern-day testing thanks to its robust object recognition engine.
This comprehensive testing tool boasts software testing and automation capabilities and a lot of versatility. However, these excellent plus points are negated by a hefty price tag and a fairly arduous learning curve. These situations mean that TestComplete is less well-suited to smaller teams. However, excellent CI/CD pipeline integration, alongside powerful automation and reporting, makes it an attractive choice for bigger testing teams.
Pros and cons:
✅Excellent object recognition functionality
✅Offers scripting and keyword-driven testing options
✅.NET, Java, and HTML5 support
❌Not suitable for beginners due to steep learning curve
❌Complex test scenarios require coding skills
❌Price compared to tools with similar or more advanced capabilities
Application types | Windows, web, mobile (iOS & Android only) |
Testing types | UI, functional, regression, and some end-to-end capabilities |
No-code capabilities | Yes, but not for complex scenarios |
User-friendliness | Middle of the road |
Flexibility | Scripting and integrations give you good options |
Cost | Expensive |
Support | Solid documentation and community support |
Integration options | Integrates well with other SmartBear tools and CI/CD pipelines |
Automation | Excellent |
Reporting and analytics | Detailed and tailored test result reports |
#6. Ranorex
Ranorex is a robust, all-in-one test automation framework. Designed with simplicity and user-friendliness in mind, it’s packed with valuable features for developers of every level.
There is a lot to love about Ranorex. It’s no-code, and it has an excellent drag-and-drop interface. However, perhaps most interestingly, it offers a comprehensive range of testing types and supports a wide range of applications, including legacy Windows apps.
While Ranorex is costly, its extensive capabilities mean it can provide ROI for testing teams. It is, without doubt, up there with the best automated testing tools in software testing.
Pros and cons:
✅One of the more versatile software testing software tools on the market
✅Excellent no-code test creation functionality
✅Can test a wide array of applications
❌Licensing model may prove prohibitive for larger testing teams
❌Can struggle during resource-intensive tasks
❌Excessively complex to set up non-Windows-based testing
Application types | Windows, web applications, mobile, API |
Testing types | Functional, regression, data-driven, GUI testing, etc. |
No-code capabilities | Yes |
User-friendliness | User-friendly interface and no-code tools are strong |
Flexibility | Coding knowledge required for customizations |
Cost | Expensive for small or low-capitalized teams |
Support | Paid support package, or documentation and community support |
Integration options | CI/CD tools, Jira, etc. Not always flawless, however. |
Automation | Very capable |
Reporting and analytics | Adequate but may prove too rigid for some teams |
#7. Tricentis Tosca
Tricentis Tosca is a big name in the automatic software testing space. It’s an enterprise-level software with a significant emphasis on reducing the hassle of manual testing and helping teams deliver products quickly and efficiently.
Tricentis Tosca is a serious software for teams looking to take their testing maturity to the next level. It helps improve software testing across a vast array of technologies and has excellent no-code abilities, making it one of the best software testing and automation tools on the market.
Since Tricentis purchased Tosca in 2007, the brand has steadily improved the software, making it more user-friendly, expanding the technologies it can test, and adding a range of AI-powered tools. Yes, implementation is time-consuming, and Tosca is not cheap. But for testing teams who are in it for the long haul and want something that will evolve with them, this tool makes sense.
Pros and cons:
✅Capable of testing a wide range of tech, like mobile, web applications, ERP systems, UIs, etc.
✅Time-saving codeless test creation and automation
✅Comes with solid integrated test management tools
❌Model-based testing approach comes at the cost of customization
❌Using Tosca’s more advanced features involves a formidable learning curve
❌Licencing model is expensive for teams with a lot of testers
Application types | Web apps, UI, ERP builds, APIs |
Testing types | Functional, end-to-end, regression, performance, etc. |
No-code capabilities | Yes |
User-friendliness | Yes, but advanced use cases are less intuitive |
Flexibility | Customization is not a strong suit |
Cost | Individual license costs can quickly escalate |
Support | Great support |
Integration options | Seamless DevOps integration |
Automation | Excellent |
Reporting and analytics | Solid |
#8. SpiraTest
SpiraTest by Inflecta is a well-regarded software test management tool. Thanks to its excellent range of features, flexibility, and integration, it works across the breadth of the STLC. Indeed, it supports a variety of testing methodologies, from Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid approaches.
SpiraTest has been going since the early 2000s, then under the name TestDirector. While it was once primarily a centralized test management tool, it’s evolved over the years, and now it facilitates structured and comprehensive test management alongside excellent third-party integration.
If you want to streamline your approach with end-to-end testing functionality, SpiraTest is more than capable of the job.
Pros and cons:
✅SpiraTest works across the entire software testing life cycle
✅Integrates well with popular automation and bug-tracking tools
✅Comes with excellent reporting capabilities
❌Expensive when compared to rival tools
❌Some users have complained about UI issues and occasional defects
❌Implementation and familiarity require time investment that not every team has to spare
Application types | Excellent for web apps, good for mobile and desktop |
Testing types | Functional, integration, system, regression, and more |
No-code capabilities | Minimalm, outside of test creation |
User-friendliness | It could be better for inexperienced users |
Flexibility | Very adaptive |
Cost | Expensive |
Support | Great support from Inflectra |
Integration options | Fantastic |
Automation | Yes, but via integration |
Reporting and analytics | Powerful, customizable dashboards |
#9.Cypress
Cypress is a JavaScript-based framework that has solid test tools and automation features. It’s best known for end-to-end testing of modern web applications and a novel architecture that allows it to run with your browser. Combined with its speed and impressive debugging, Cypress is one of the best test automation tools for developers.
Of course, while Cypress is a great tool, it has its limitations. Most notably, it’s front-end testing only. What’s more, it’s not suitable for native mobile testing, and it only supports Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Despite those downsides, the visual test runner interface is excellent.
If your application is JavaScript-based, Cypress is worth exploring. However, for more complex and versatile needs, it will fall a little short.
Pros and cons:
✅Excellent user experience
✅More developer-friendly than other software testing tools
✅Fast tests and thorough debugging
❌Lacks cross-browser support
❌Lack of native mobile support out-of-the-box
❌Not suitable for APIs or backend testing
Application types | Web applications built with React, Angular, or Vue |
Testing types | End-to-end with some integration and component testing options |
No-code capabilities | No |
User-friendliness | Very accommodating |
Flexibility | Yes |
Cost | Open-source, free |
Support | Documentation and community only |
Integration options | Solid CI/CD tool intergration |
Automation | Very strong |
Reporting and analytics | Very basic without paying for Cypress Cloud |
#10. Zephyr Enterprise
Zephyr Enterprise is one of the best manual software testing tools. Developed by SmartBear, it’s a popular choice among Agile and DevOps teams. While its primary utilities lie in test case management, planning, execution, and reporting, Zephyr Enterprise is a good choice for larger, Jira-native projects.
If your company is already integrated and invested in the Jira/Atlassian environment, Zephyr Enterprise is a solid choice for test automation. It’s suitable for both waterfall and Agile methodologies and offers excellent and smooth integration with CI/CD pipelines.
That said, Zephyr enterprise loses points due to a lack of no-code capabilities and a learning curve that some people will struggle to overcome.
Pros and cons:
✅Seamless integration with popular automation frameworks
✅Real-time sync with Jira
✅Unparalleled reporting capabilities
❌UI/UX is a little confusing, leading to a steep learning curve
❌Complex implementation and setup
❌Only suitable for teams already in the Jira/Atlassian environment
Application types | Web, desktop, mobile |
Testing types | Functional, integration, regression, performance, and more. |
No-code capabilities | No |
User-friendliness | Steep learning curve |
Flexibility | It can be customized around different workflows |
Cost | Expensive |
Support | Reasonable support channels |
Integration options | Superb Jira integration, solid with third-party automation tools |
Automation | Only via integration |
Reporting and analytics | First class |
#11. LambdaTest
LambdaTest follows the growing trend of cloud-based, cross-platform tools that were built to ensure web applications and websites are simple to verify. It works across different browsers, devices, and operating systems, allowing for quick and scalable testing.
While there is still merit to having in-house device labs, LambdaTest offers users a compelling alternative. Moreover, it’s easy to use, has excellent automation capabilities, and offers first-rate reporting options in the bag.
On the downside, it’s comparatively expensive, and some of the more advanced capabilities require technical expertise. However, features like geolocation testing and visual regression testing make it stand out from the crowd.
Pros and cons:
✅Extensive coverage on more than 3000 real devices and browsers
✅Excellent integration options
✅Visual regression testing is a novel and interesting feature
❌Learning curve required for advanced features
❌Usage-based pricing can quickly escalate
❌Cloud-based network dependency won’t be everyone’s cup of tea
Application types | Web apps, websites |
Testing types | Cross-browser, automation, visual regression, responsive |
No-code capabilities | Only for basic test case creation |
User-friendliness | Lovely interface, but some features are fairly complex |
Flexibility | Highly customizable |
Cost | Usage-based and tier-based can be expensive |
Support | Responsive support, plus solid community and documentation |
Integration options | Excellent |
Automation | Support for popular frameworks |
Reporting and analytics | Superb documentation, bug logging, and test performance insights |
#12. SoapUI
SoapUI is a much-loved and proven player in the web service testing community. Established in 2005, it has been helping testers verify the robustness and functionality of APIs built upon SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) and REST (Representational State Transfer) architectures for almost two decades.
While SoadUI might lack the comprehensive use cases of other software testing software tools on our list, it deserves its place in the top 30 because it’s so good at what it does. It’s super flexible and comes with a staggering range of testing capabilities for anyone building modern web applications.
If you’re looking for a standalone API testing tool, SoapUI will meet your needs and more.
Pros and cons:
✅Load testing, security testing, and novel mocking capabilities
✅Excellent open-source tool
✅Supports SOAP, REST, HTTP, JMS, and more, making it one of the most versatile tools on the market
❌The interface is a bit overwhelming at first
❌Open-source versions are a bit limited compared to the commercial ReadyAPI version
❌Java dependency won’t work for every team
Application types | Web services, messaging protocols |
Testing types | Functional, security, performance, load, compliance, and mock testing capabilities |
No-code capabilities | Handy drag-and-drop test creation |
User-friendliness | Generally good, but it can be tricky |
Flexibility | Highly customizable, with scripting for advanced scenarios |
Cost | Open-source option & paid option (with more features) |
Support | Commercial support is available, and good documentation and a bustling community |
Integration options | Integrates with popular CI/CD pipelines |
Automation | Supports data-driven testing and command-line execution |
Reporting and analytics | The open-source version is fairly basic |
#13. Perfecto
Perfecto is a powerful cloud-based software testing tool for web and mobile applications. An early version of the tool was made by Perforce Software almost 20 years ago, but they have continued to improve their offering ever since.
Perfecto brings many exciting features to the table. It integrates well with commonly used development and testing tools, has comprehensive software testing and automation tools, and also boasts AI-assisted features.
On the downside, it’s not the easiest tool to implement, and it’s pretty expensive for what it does. That said, the company has the pedigree, and AI-powered visual testing is useful for app testers.
Pros and cons:
✅Excellent real device lab for comprehensive testing
✅AI-powered visual testing
✅Powerful integration with CI/CD tools, test management tools, and defect-tracking systems
❌Expensive
❌Cloud-based testing might prove restrictive for some projects
❌Steeper learning curve than most other tools
Application types | Web and mobile |
Testing types | Functional, performance, and visual testing |
No-code capabilities | Limited |
User-friendliness | Advanced options are best for experienced testers |
Flexibility | Highly configurable |
Cost | Above average |
Support | Good support, documentation, and community |
Integration options | Excellent |
Automation | Both scriptless and scripted testing automation |
Reporting and analytics | Excellent reporting capabilities |
#14. BugBug
BugBug is a no-code, cloud-based test automation platform that is aimed at web applications. The software’s USP is to make test creation and execution as simple as possible.
BugBug is a relatively new player in the automated testing tools in software testing. However, they’ve gained relevance due to being a good option for new startups. The big appeal of BugBug is that it allows teams without deep testing experience to do functional, regression, and even API testing.
It has a very intuitive user interface that is geared toward Product Owners or inexperienced testers and comes in at a competitive price point. While reporting and complex testing might not be its strong suit, it works well for teams focused on web application functionality.
Pros and cons:
✅Record test cases into the browser with a lovely web-based interface
✅No-code capabilities make BugBug very accessible
✅Very fast and perfect for efficient testing
❌No mobile testing capabilities
❌Not great for complex test cases
❌Lacks suitability for scaling up to larger or more complex projects
Application types | Web applications |
Testing types | Functional, regression, and limited API testing |
No-code capabilities | Yes |
User-friendliness | Super accessible |
Flexibility | Lacks the flexibility of coding-based solutions |
Cost | Competitive, free version without cloud |
Support | Solid and responsive |
Integration options | Good integration with Slack, Jira, and GitHub |
Automation | Very good |
Reporting and analytics | Too limited |
#15. Xray
Good software test management tools are a big part of running comprehensive tests, and Xray certainly fits the bill. It lives natively within the Atlassian/Jira environment, which comes with lots of benefits for teams who are already invested, including better QA and development collaboration, simple traceability, and a seamless testing experience.
Xray is versatile and highly customizable. What’s more, its reporting capabilities are a standout feature. It’s an excellent choice for manual, automated, and exploratory testing, and while the implementation, cost, and the feeling of being thrown in at the deep end will be a problem for some teams, it’s a robust tool that provides comprehensive requirements coverage.
Pros and cons:
✅Jira integration makes test traceability a doddle
✅Superb requirement coverage insights
✅Reporting and analytics capabilities are first-class
❌Not a good choice for companies outside the Atlassian ecosystem
❌Implementation and learning curve are a barrier
❌When you add the Jira license cost, it’s a pricey testing option
Application types | Mostly for web applications |
Testing types | Great for manual and exploratory testing |
No-code capabilities | Limited |
User-friendliness | Advanced features will prove complex for some teams |
Flexibility | Hugely customizable |
Cost | It can get expensive for larger teams |
Support | Quality support for Xpand IT |
Integration options | Endless integration possibilities |
Automation | Yes, but via integration |
Reporting and analytics | Superb reporting and analytics |
#16. Avo Assure
Avo Assure is a modern no-code, cross-technology automated testing platform. It’s powerful, versatile, and built for speed. User-friendliness and compatibility are other excellent characteristics, while its no-code tools will appeal to nontechnical teams and time-pressed testers.
Streamlining the testing processes has rarely been more important. Avo Assure unlocks that possibility, which will be a big enough benefit for some teams that they can tolerate a significant learning curve and the high cost of entry. There is enough versatility here for teams with several projects on the go, and automated test creation is a huge time and money saver.
Pros and cons:
✅Tests against a wide range of applications
✅Pre-built components and no-code features satisfy the need for speed
✅Beautiful, user-friendly visual interface
❌Advanced use cases require technical proficiency
❌Can struggle with large or complex test cases
❌Relies on integrations for load testing and more complex performance testing
Application types | It can cover almost any application |
Testing types | Comprehensive |
No-code capabilities | Yes |
User-friendliness | Once you get the hang of it |
Flexibility | Adapts well to most workflows |
Cost | Expensive for enterprise users compared to peers |
Support | Very good |
Integration options | Seamless integration with DevOps and CI/CD |
Automation | Very strong |
Reporting and analytics | Solid, but lacks full customization abilities |
#17. TestPad
TestPad is one of the best manual tools for testing. It’s stripped back and simple but more than functional. As a web-based test case management tool, TestPad is perhaps best suited to small projects with streamlined testing workflows. Indeed, it lacks the automation and complexities of other solutions on the market, but that’s kind of the point.
It’s a great choice for writing test cases. To a large extent, that’s due to its suitability for collaboration. It’s definitely a cost-effective upgrade on using cumbersome spreadsheets for writing test cases, but thankfully, it has a bit more than just that going on under the hood.
Pros and cons:
✅Clean, uncluttered interface
✅Excellent collaborative tool
✅Quick test creation capabilities
❌Limited automation functionality
❌Lack customization
❌Reporting is basic
Application types | Most suitable for web apps, but OK for mobile and desktop testing |
Testing types | Manual testing |
No-code capabilities | Yes |
User-friendliness | Very user-friendly |
Flexibility | Reasonably |
Cost | Very affordable |
Support | Solid customer support |
Integration options | Very limited |
Automation | No |
Reporting and analytics | Limited |
#18. testRigor
testRigor is a state-of-the-art automated testing tool that brings Generative AI to the automated testing in software testing space. The headline here is that users of any level of experience can create robust test cases by using text prompts, potentially saving time and opening up the world of software testing software tools to everyone.
Aside from the novelty of being a true no-code solution, testRigor has some other benefits. In particular, the tool supports a wide range of technologies, such as web, mobile, API, and even Systems Applications and Products in Data Processing (SAP) applications.
Of course, no tool is perfect. testRigor is quite expensive compared to tools offering similar features. What’s more, some users have reported struggling with more complex testing. However, as advances in Generative AI continue, expect testRigor to improve and perhaps become one of the better replacements for manual software testing tools.
Pros and cons:
✅No coding knowledge is needed to make solid test cases
✅Lighting fast test creation
✅Supports a wide range of testing types
❌The AI is not flawless and could do with more precision and understanding of more technical aspects of testing
❌Lacks the customization and flexibility of other software testing tools
❌Installation fee is expensive and is a big barrier for smaller teams.
Application types | Web, mobile, APIs, ERPs |
Testing types | Comprehensive |
No-code capabilities | Yes, it’s testRigor’s USP |
User-friendliness | As user-friendly as it gets |
Flexibility | Adaptive, even in diverse situations |
Cost | Implementation costs won’t suit smaller teams |
Support | First-class, attentive support |
Integration options | Smoothly connects with DevOps tools |
Automation | Solid CI/CD pipeline automation |
Reporting and analytics | Good insights, but it’s an area that can be improved |
#19. Test Sigma
Test Sigma is a low-code cloud-based testing platform. It’s a great choice for companies who want to perform collaborative testing between technical and non-technical teams. TestSigma supports web, mobile, and APIs and can really accelerate the testing process for teams who are feeling the pressure of getting to market quickly.
Even inexperienced professionals can design tests via natural language processing (NLP) commands. However, there are some imperfections with Test Sigma that can’t be ignored. For example, debugging can be a bit complex, and it can struggle with dynamic IDs and highly customized components. What’s more, some users have raised vendor lock-in concerns, so choose wisely.
Pros and cons:
✅Streamlined test creation via Generative AI saves time and money
✅Excellent cross-platform testing functionality
✅Great tool that promotes Agile collaboration across various roles
❌Small user community when compared to other software tools
❌Customization is a trade-off due to the NLP test creation features
❌Test management within Test Sigma won’t suit teams with large test suites
Application types | Web, mobile, API |
Testing types | Function, regression, end-to-end, and more |
No-code capabilities | Excellent |
User-friendliness | Very user-friendly |
Flexibility | Lacks the customization of script-based tools |
Cost | Good for small teams, expensive for large-scale implementations |
Support | Paid support, but decent documentation |
Integration options | Plays well with bug trackers and CI/CD tools |
Automation | Excellent features, such as self-healing tests |
Reporting and analytics | Good test reports with nice visualization |
#20. Kobiton
Kobiton is a powerful cloud-based, mobile-first testing platform. It’s a quality tool for testing native, web, and hybrid applications on actual Android and iOS devices. Testers can use it for manual and automated testing, which provides flexibility across different projects.
Besides testing on real devices, there are two other standout features that make Kobiton very attractive to testing teams. Firstly, the AI-powered script recording and test generation is a good feature. Secondly, it’s no code, which opens up testing to nontechnical teams.
However, Kobiton is not perfect. Some users have complained that accessing more popular devices is a problem during peak times. Throw on top of that a steep learning curve and the cloud-based usage pricing, and this software testing and automation solution won’t be for every team.
Pros and cons:
✅No-code capabilities democratize the testing process
✅AI-assisted visual testing, test case generation, and self-healing test cases are great features
✅Access to real devices gives Kobiton an advantage over similar services that offer emulators or hardware simulation
❌Implementation and learning curve are significant
❌Costs can quickly scale out of control for busy teams
❌Popular devices are not always available during busy periods
Application types | Native, web, and hybrid mobile apps |
Testing types | Functional, performance, compatibility, and accessibility testing |
No-code capabilities | Yes |
User-friendliness | Intuitive interface, but otherwise steep learning curve |
Flexibility | Yes, it supports both manual and automated testing |
Cost | Heavy use can get expensive |
Support | Quick and helpful online support |
Integration options | Meshes well with CI/CD tools, test frameworks, and issue trackers |
Automation | Excellent AI-powered automation |
Reporting and analytics | Superb reporting capabilities |
#21. Mobot
Mobot is a mobile testing tool with a difference. It allows testers to simulate user interactions via robots that tap, swipe, and navigate hundreds of real Android and iOS devices. It’s an excellent way for teams to verify what real-world usage will look like by providing robust UI verification.
Mobot’s unique approach is a good idea for apps where user experience, GPS, or high levels of financial security are the priority. Founded in 2018, the company has earned a solid reputation across the industry, with a service that is improving and evolving by the year.
Pros and cons:
✅Uses robots on real devices to find edge cases and defects that emulators might not
✅Excels at testing complex user flows
✅Reduces the cost and hassle associated with managing an in-house device lab
❌Test creation could be easier and more user-friendly
❌Regular maintenance and downtime won’t suit every team
❌UI element inspection is limited, which might force you to integrate a visual testing tool
Application types | Mobile (Android and iOS) |
Testing types | Functional, regression, usability, compatibility, and performance |
No-code capabilities | Somewhat limited |
User-friendliness | Decent but gets complex for more advanced testing needs |
Flexibility | Very adaptive |
Cost | Expensive when compared to rival tools |
Support | Reliable and responsive |
Integration options | Solid integration with test management and CI/CD tools |
Automation | Eliminates manual testing on physical devices |
Reporting and analytics | Good reporting and analytics |
#22. JMeter
JMeter is an excellent open-source Java application built to deliver powerful load and performance testing. While it was once limited to web applications, the tool has expanded its repertoire into FTP, database testing, and web services.
The JMeter toolkit is versatile and highly customizable, which is why it’s still popular despite the arrival of more user-friendly tools. Indeed, for testers with a software development background, JMeter is a viable option. For beginners, it won’t make a lot of sense unless you’re trying to get things done on a limited budget, in which case it’s a top tool.
While JMeter alone won’t provide a comprehensive testing solution, it covers a lot of bases when it comes to performance testing by simulating heavy traffic and giving you insights into how your application will operate under duress. JMeter has been used by testing teams since the late 90s, but it’s not being kept around for sentimental reasons; it’s still a quality tool.
Pros and cons:
✅Free, open-source tool with a bustling community
✅Java-based tools that run across Windows, MacOS, and Linux
✅Comes with various worthwhile plugins that allow you to expand its capabilities around your needs
❌Certain features require knowledge of relatively obscure coding languages like Beanshell
❌Resource-intensive during large and complex tests
❌Steep learning curve with an unintuitive GUI
Application types | Web services, web apps, FTP, databases |
Testing types | Load and performance testing |
No-code capabilities | Only for basic tests |
User-friendliness | Good documentation, but challenging for beginners |
Flexibility | Supports diverse test scenarios and protocols |
Cost | Free, open-source |
Support | Friendly and helpful community with lots of documentation and tutorials |
Integration options | Plugins and CI/CD tools |
Automation | Yes, but it requires coding knowledge |
Reporting and analytics | Good reports, visuals, and customization options |
#23. Micro Focus UFT
Micro Focus Unified Functional Testing (UFT) is a powerful software testing tool built for functional and regression test automation. Formerly called HP Quick Test, it gained a foothold in the software testing space thanks to its ability to test desktop, mobile, and enterprise systems.
VBScript and object recognition mean that UFT is capable of rapidly creating and executing automated tests across a diverse set of platforms and technologies.
As you might expect, with such a robust piece of commercial software, cost is a factor, especially for smaller teams. That said, UFT integration with ALM and CI/CD tools makes it a strong contender within the testing space.
Pros and cons:
✅Supports a huge amount of technology, including ERP solutions like Oracle
✅AI-assisted object recognition is a high-quality feature
✅Smooth workflow integration is something that can’t be ignored
❌Not suitable for nontechnical teams
❌Some testers have complained that running UFT adds overhead to application performance while testing
❌Licencing is overly complex, leading to hidden costs.
Application types | Web, desktop, ERP, and decent mobile testing |
Testing types | Functional, regression, API, UI, etc. |
No-code capabilities | Too limited |
User-friendliness | Middle of the road |
Flexibility | VBScript is very customizable |
Cost | Costly, and licensing is opaque |
Support | Solid, with good documentation as a backup |
Integration options | Seamless with Micro Focus properties and popular CI/CD tools |
Automation | Powerful at creating and executing tests |
Reporting and analytics | Comprehensive test reports with a smattering of analytics |
#24. mabl
mabl is a SaaS platform that was built to provide intelligent test automation. Founded in just 2017, it has quickly gained plaudits and the respect of the testing community and is fast becoming a real crowd favorite.
Perhaps the most compelling advantage that mabl has is its overall user-friendliness. Its low-code, intuitive user interface is beautifully simple and allows test creation and maintenance capabilities for everyone, regardless of their technical prowess.
It’s a great tool for Agile teams because it can integrate within the SDLC and facilitate iterative testing, quicker releases, and high-quality software. Additionally, mabl’s AI-assisted self-healing tests are excellent for handling minor UI changes. Finally, cross-browser functionality and CI/CD integration are other impressive qualities.
If we had to choose a few drawbacks of mabl, they would have to be its lack of suitability for mobile testing and lack of customization without testing skills. Finally, it can add some performance overhead when testing, but it’s still a great option overall.
Pros and cons:
✅Automated test creation is made simple by mabl’s low and no-code tools
✅Compatible with major browsers
✅Handles browser-based, API, and basic mobile testing
❌Native mobile app testing capabilities could do with some attention
❌Coding knowledge is required for more complex testing customizations
❌Vendor lock-in could be an issue, so think carefully, or you’ll have to endure the headache of migrating test suites when you switch to a different option
Application types | Web applications |
Testing types | Functional, regression, UI |
No-code capabilities | Low-code |
User-friendliness | Generally user-friendly |
Flexibility | Solid customization options |
Cost | Relatively expensive |
Support | Strong |
Integration options | Issues with trackers and CI/CD tools |
Automation | Robust |
Reporting and analytics | Very good reporting tools |
#25. PractiTest
PractiTest is a credible cloud-based test management tool that enables teams to streamline and centralize the testing process. Launched in 2008, it has gone through a process of constant evolution and is now widely considered one of the better tools for automated testing in software testing, thanks to its excellent integration capabilities.
PractiTest addresses many of the problems associated with manual tools for testing. Smart Fox, PractiTest’s AI Assistant, helps create and manage test cases. At the same time, Test Value Score employs ML algorithms to assess the utility of particular tests.
Other significant strengths that PractiTest possesses include its excellent organization of test information. Requirements, test cases, results, and more are contained in an easily searchable and traceable interface. It also offers brilliant report and analytics tools.
However, it’s not perfect. Some elements of the user interface could do with being brushed up, while implementation is cost and effort-intensive. However, it will provide ROI for Agile teams.
Pros and cons:
✅Great community, tutorials, and knowledge base to help newcomers get their heads around this software
✅Comes with a robust API that helps teams connect with almost any tool
✅Reporting is phenomenal, highly customizable, and packed full of insights
❌Implementation is complex and might require training costs for some team members
❌Not suited to smaller teams due to cost and features that may prove to be overkill
❌High cost might not be sustainable for specific projects
Application types | Web and mobile apps |
Testing types | Functional, non-functional, manual, automated, and more |
No-code capabilities | Limited |
User-friendliness | Moderate |
Flexibility | Highly customizable |
Cost | It is expensive but offers tiered pricing |
Support | Excellent live support |
Integration options | Seamless integration with automation tools and issue trackers |
Automation | Only via integration |
Reporting and analytics | First-class |
#26. Robot Framework
Robot Framework is a Python-based open-source test automation framework. It started out as a Nokia Network project in 2005 before becoming open-source in 2008. Since then, it has remained a popular testing tool in many circles.
One of the flagship features of Robot Framework is its keyword-driven approach to test creation. This functionality makes it ideal for testers without extensive coding backgrounds. Another advantage of the natural language test case approach is that Robot Framework is a solid tool for collaboration between technical and non-technical teams.
The learning curve is not insignificant, especially for more complex use cases. However, it retains a vibrant community that is always on hand to steer you in the right direction. One artifact of the well-established community is the diverse range of plugins and extensions that allow for different testing requirements, like API, database, and web testing.
Other big plus points of Robot Framework include cross-platform functionality (including Linux) and its comprehensive and customizable HTML test reports and logs.
Pros and cons:
✅ Keyword-driven syntax allows collaboration among developers, designers, stakeholders, and the C-suite
✅Lots of libraries and extensions that augment the tools’ testing capabilities
✅Powerful and highly customizable reporting
❌Not a great choice for Native mobile testing
❌Less intuitive than other tools on the market
❌Can exhibit performance issues when running large and complex test cases
Application types | Web, desktop, APIs |
Testing types | Acceptance, regression, API, and some UI testing. |
No-code capabilities | Very limited |
User-friendliness | Test case creation is straightforward |
Flexibility | Excellent library and integration options |
Cost | Free and open-source |
Support | Commercial support and great community and documentation |
Integration options | CI/CD and other third-party tools |
Automation | Excellent |
Reporting and analytics | Solid reports that can be customized |
#27. Bugzilla
Bugzilla has been finding defects since 1998. Despite its senior status, its flexibility, reliability, and robust feature set mean that the tool is still widely used today.
Bugzilla is, first and foremost, a defect-tracking tool. However, it is capable of much more than just finding bugs. In the right hands, this open-source tool can also perform functional and regression testing. It’s also still one of the best manual tools for testing web-based applications.
Pros and cons:
✅Free and open-source tool with a loyal user base
✅Bugzilla runs smoothly across several different operating systems
✅With sufficient technical skills, Bugzilla is highly customizable and ready to test across a wide range of workflows
❌You’ll need to integrate with a test management tool if you want to perform extensive test management
❌Packed with features that might overwhelm new users
❌Bugzilla’s UI was good in its day, but it feels a little vintage when compared to the slick interfaces of more contemporary tools
Application types | Web-based applications |
Testing types | Manual and defect detection |
No-code capabilities | Minimal |
User-friendliness | Moderate learning curve |
Flexibility | Highly flexible |
Cost | Free and open-source tool |
Support | Community and documentation only |
Integration options | Plays well with test management and popular development tools |
Automation | Only via third-party tools |
Reporting and analytics | Decent, and can be customized |
#28. LoadRunner
LoadRunner is another test automation tool from MicroFocus. It started out in the 90s before Hewlett-Packard acquired the software in 2006. It’s been going for so long that it’s earned a lot of respect and reverence. However, it’s no relic. It’s still a good option for teams looking to perform load and performance testing.
Realistic testing scenarios are LoadRunner’s forte. In fact, it’s so complex and nuanced that it’s a super substitute for real user interaction. It also boasts a huge library of protocols, which makes it suitable for testing lots of different applications and technology. Finally, LoadRunner has great reporting and analytic features that provide superbly detailed test performance insights.
However, despite LoadRunner’s positive qualities, there are some drawbacks. It’s far from user-friendly, it’s expensive, and scripting requires a lot of maintenance.
Pros and cons:
✅A great tool for creating real-world testing scenarios
✅Reporting and analytics tools provide a great level of insights
✅LoadRunner Cloud allows teams to scale tests and leverage cloud infrastructure for geographically distributed testing
❌Not as suitable for fast-changing applications due to the high levels of maintenance required
❌It’s a pretty complex tool that lacks the user-friendliness of modern test tools and automation platforms
❌LoadRunner is pretty resource-intensive. Depending on the scale of your operation, you might need specialized hardware to make the most of this tool
Application types | Web apps, ERP systems, SAP, and Citrix environments |
Testing types | Stress, endurance, load, performance, and scalability |
No-code capabilities | Minimal |
User-friendliness | Not for beginners |
Flexibility | Open architecture supports integration and customization |
Cost | Expensive |
Support | Good support |
Integration options | Integrates seamlessly with other MicroFocus tools |
Automation | Excellent test creation and execution |
Reporting and analytics | Great reports and visuals |
#29. QAprosoft
QAprosoft is an open-source platform that provides test tools and automation features for startups and SMBs. Thanks to a slew of tools and frameworks, it’s a good choice for QA teams focusing on collaboration and streamlining the testing process.
Web, mobile, and API testing are all well within QAprosoft’s capabilities. However, in truth, to get the most out of the tool, you’ll need to bring a bit of development experience to the table.
Perhaps the most notable thing about QAprosoft is its diverse and international set of developers. The tool is free, so this is a pure passion project. As such, you can’t expect the user-friendliness of commercial software, but if you know your stuff, QAprosoft can scale up to the enterprise level.
Pros and cons:
✅Free, open-source tools made by a fantastic group of designers and developers
✅Handy containerized testing environment, most straightforward testing setup and maintenance
✅Cross-platform compatibility is possible thanks to the Java-based framework, Carina
❌Customer support is what you might expect from a free tool, even if the community is helpful
❌Lacks the frills like no-code capability that would suit non-technical team members
❌Some of the QAprosoft tools are mature, while others seem a little underdeveloped
Application types | Web and mobile-focused |
Testing types | Functional, API, and performance |
No-code capabilities | Minimal |
User-friendliness | Not suitable for beginners |
Flexibility | Very customizable |
Cost | Free, open-source tool |
Support | Community |
Integration options | Good community-built integrations, but many tools are incompatible |
Automation | Very good |
Reporting and analytics | It’s possible, but not QAprosoft’s strong suit |
#30. Testmo
Software testing would be impossible and chaotic without good test management tools. Testmo is one of the better solutions on the market thanks to its unified approach to software testing. Perhaps its most attractive feature is its sheer versatility because it allows teams to do manual, automated, and exploratory tests within one solution.
There are many other things to love about Testmo. The interface is a dream to work with, and it integrates easily with industry-standard development tools. It’s also highly scalable and integrates with other test tools and automation testing software, which expands its capabilities.
Pros and cons:
✅Centralized solution for testing teams
✅Very scalable
✅The interface is well laid out and very intuitive
❌Advanced features involve a steep learning curve
❌Customization options could be better
❌Expensive solution, especially for small teams or bootstrapped startups
Application types | Web applications, but works for desktop and mobile, too |
Testing types | Functional, regression, integration, exploratory, and automated testing. |
No-code capabilities | Very limited with integrations |
User-friendliness | Varies feature to feature |
Flexibility | Adapts well to various workflows and methodologies |
Cost | Pricey when compared with its peers |
Support | Excellent customer support |
integration options | Seamless DevOps tool integration |
Automation | Only via integration, which works well |
Reporting and analytics | Acceptable, but perhaps not the tool’s strongest suit |
Final thoughts
So, there we have it, our list of the best 30 software testing tools on the market today. As you can see, some software testing software is standalone, while others form part of a broader approach by specializing in a few core areas.
Test automation tools are a solid choice if you’re under pressure to get a big project to market quickly because they allow you to write, execute, and manage test cases. What’s more, they’re an excellent option for teams committed to Agile methodologies, DevOps, or CI/CD.
Based on the strict criteria above, ZAPTEST is easily one of the best automated testing tools in software testing. While the other entries on our list of the 30 best testing tools in software testing have great features, none offer the winning combination of a cross-platform, cross-application, AI and RPA-powered tool with dedicated support.