Sushrut Kumar MishraOver time, the app market has gotten extremely competitive. In a highly competitive market, one way for developers to stand out is to build and produce mobile apps that are functional, reliable, and bug-free. While functionality is something developers need to figure out, making a bug-free app is getting easier with the help of mobile automation testing.
Briefly defined, mobile automation testing means automating the testing process for mobile apps and allows you to find issues or bugs before production or the end user encounters them.
When we think of mobile apps and operating systems, only two names come to our mind, Android and iOS. These are the two most popular and dominant operating systems in the mobile market. While these are not the only operating systems for mobile out there, these two are dictating the market. From the charts, as you can see, Android is dominating with a lead of 71.8%
*Source- S*tatcounter
The amount of apps published on the Google Play Store has only kept increasing, and around 2.67 million apps have been published since June 2022. Insights tell us that Android apps are leveraged for including but not limited to branding, expansion, customer acquisition, and retention.
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*Source- Statcounter
Android app testing is a metric used to ensure the quality and state of the app. The results can be used to draw insights into expected behavior. It includes various aspects, such as testing Android apps across different operating systems, browser and device combinations, etc. It gives a gist of what the user might experience, be it bugs or performance issues and more.
To make this easier and more streamlined, Android testing tools are built to automate repetitive tasks and boost the release cycle. For this, they can leverage Android testing tools to automate repetitive tasks and hasten release cycles. And with so many testing tools being built already and new ones continuing to come out, it can get quite dilemmatic and overwhelming to find and choose a testing tool tailored for you or that fits your criteria.
Worry not! Throughout this article, we will be looking at different Android testing tools available in the market. From shedding light on the tools to discussing various key factors that developers or teams need to keep in mind as they look for Android testing tools and highlight the best tools based on their features and benefits.
By the end of this article, developers can have a clear understanding of some of the best Android testing tools for their apps.
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What is Android Testing?
Android testing is the process framework of using test tools to automate repetitive tasks while building an Android app. It is intended to find bugs, performance issues, and any other problems the app can run into or cause before making it available to the public. This helps the developer ensure that the app works as expected, checks if it is user-friendly, and meets the requirements of stakeholders.
The use of automation testing for Android applications has several benefits. First, automating tedious and time-consuming manual checks saves time and resources. Second, running tests on various hardware and software setups increases test coverage. Thirdly, it assists in spotting flaws early in the development process, cutting down on the time and money needed to repair them.
Android automation testing can be performed using various mobile app testing tools and frameworks, such as Appium, Espresso, etc. These tools enable app developers or testers to write scripts that simulate the app’s actual usage, such as exploring the UI, accessing features, and more.
Challenges while performing Android Testing
Well, irrespective of how good something is, everything has its own set of pros, cons, and challenges. Automation testing for Android apps is no different. It has its own set of challenges that developers may come across. Here are some of the challenges one might encounter or come across:
- Device fragmentation
Android is an operating system, and various mobile phone manufacturers and companies build a wide range of devices based on Android, each with different screen sizes, resolutions, and hardware configurations. So, testing across all devices can be time-consuming and complex.
- Testing across multiple platforms
Similar to the above point, various types of devices are built based on Android, such as smartphones and tablets. So testing the app across all the possible platforms can be tedious and require additional testing frameworks and tools.
- App complexity
Some applications might have complex build (architecture), features, multiple screens, data, and more, so it can be challenging to find all and cover all edge cases.
- Test maintenance
As the app is iterated and updated with new features being added, the test suite needs to be updated and maintained, which can be time-consuming and, more often than not, require a dedicated team or set of individuals to take care of it.
Organizations encounter a variety of difficulties when testing Android applications. However, Android testing tools support overcoming these obstacles and boosting productivity. In the next section, we’ll explore how to choose Android testing tools from the ones available in the market.
How to select the best Android Testing Tools?
Be it developers or a QA team, when choosing Android testing tools, they need to look after and consider various points to ensure that their decisions reap good results.
Some fundamental criteria that developers or anyone should keep in mind while selecting Android testing tools are:
- Ease of use
The testing tool should be simple to set up and use, with an intuitive user interface that enables developers to create and run test scripts efficiently.
- Support for testing frameworks
The tool should support popular testing frameworks like Appium, Espresso, and UI Automator, which allow the developers to write tests in their preferred language and framework.
- Scalability
The tool should be scalable to handle large-scale test suites and testing across multiple devices, enabling developers to test their apps on various devices and configurations.
- Pricing
The tool should offer transparent and affordable pricing plans with flexible options that cater to the needs of individual developers and teams.
- Integrations
To streamline the testing process and boost productivity, the tool should integrate seamlessly with other development and Android testing tools, such as CI/CD pipelines, bug tracking, and project management tools.
Considering some of the points mentioned above allows developers or teams to make a viable call on which Android testing tool fits their needs the best and allows them to measure the expected quality of their application.
Below, we have curated some of the best Android testing tools available so you don’t have to search everywhere.
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Best Android Testing Tools for Mobile Automation
As mentioned above, we are now going to look at 18 Android testing tools that are deemed one of the best and will work well for you in 2023.
LambdaTest
Are you looking for a platform that supports a wide range of operating systems, browsers, and devices? A platform to ensure that your app is reliable, give you comprehensive and easy-to-go Android app automation? Then, LambdaTest is an excellent option. With its support for a wide range of operating systems, browsers, and devices, LambdaTest ensures that your Android applications perform flawlessly across different platforms and devices.
LambdaTest is a digital experience testing platform that enables developers and testers to perform Android automation testing on over 3000+ real devices and OS combinations. Not just that, it also offers Appium testing on Android Emulators and iOS Simulators.
It has a user-friendly interface that enables you to create and manage automated tests easily, run them parallelly across multiple devices, and view detailed test reports. In addition, LambdaTest also offers integration with popular testing frameworks like Appium and Espresso, which makes it easy for developers and QA engineers to automate their testing.
Advantages:
Supports a wide range of operating systems versions, browsers, and devices.
Offers real device cloud to test in real-world environments.
It comes with a user-friendly interface.
App Profiling to track the performance of your application.
Allows users to run tests in parallel across multiple devices.
Provide free trial and affordable pricing plans.
Offers detailed test reports.
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Provides integration with best CI/CD tools like Jenkins, Travis CI, etc.
Provides support for multiple programming languages.
Refer to our documentation to get started with Android test automation with Appium and Espresso:
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Appium
Appium is a popular open-source Android testing tool that is versatile, easy to use and supports you in working with multiple programming languages. Appium makes it an ideal choice for developers looking to automate their mobile app testing process.
Appium is not a tool built just for Android; it supports cross-platform testing, which means the developers can test their applications on Android and iOS devices. Appium also uses standard automation APIs and interacts with the application the same way a user would.
It is easy to set up and use and supports real devices and emulators. Its features make It an essential tool for organizations looking to ensure that their applications perform flawlessly across all platforms and devices.
Advantages:
Supports cross-platform automation testing for both Android and iOS apps.
Enables you to automate testing across multiple devices, operating systems, and app versions.
Ability to work with multiple programming languages and testing frameworks.
Provides a rich set of APIs for app interaction and management.
Supports both manual and automated testing for better test coverage.
Disadvantages:
You need a good understanding of WebDriver and mobile app architecture to set up and use it effectively
It can be slow to launch and run tests.
Debugging and logging can be challenging.
Doesn’t support video recording of test execution.
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Let’s take a look which are the most wanted automated testing tools in 2023 that have climbed the top of the ladder so far?
Espresso
We have another open-source tool that is also widely considered one of the best Android testing tools available today, and for a good reason. It’s Espresso. One of its key features is its speed, as it allows developers to run tests in parallel, significantly reducing the time required for testing.
Its speed, in conjunction with its accuracy, makes it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to ensure that their applications perform flawlessly. Espresso also has an intuitive API and automatic synchronization with the UI, making it easy to write tests that simulate the user experience realistically.
In addition, Espresso supports both functional testing and UI testing, allowing developers to test their applications thoroughly. These features and ease of use make Espresso a top choice for Android app testing.
Advantages:
It is fast and provides reliable UI tests for Android apps.
Integrates with Android Studio for easy test creation and execution.
Supports both Java and Kotlin.
Provides a rich set of APIs for app interaction and management.
Supports testing of user flows and interactions.
Disadvantages:
Only supports Android API level 15 and above.
Can be challenging to test complex UI components and animations.
Doesn’t support cross-platform testing.
UI Automator
Meet UI Automator, a robust testing tool developed by Google and a part of the Android testing support library. It is widely recognized as one of the best Android testing tools due to its ability to perform functional testing on the user interface of an app.
Its intuitive API enables developers to interact with UI components and write tests that simulate user actions. UI Automator supports testing on multiple devices simultaneously, making the testing process efficient.
It also has advanced features such as image validation, allowing developers to validate the appearance of their app against a set of UI designs or images.
The compatibility it provides with all Android versions and the ability to integrate with other Android development tools seamlessly make it a viable and essential option for developers looking to ensure the quality and usability of their Android applications.
Advantages:
Provides fast and reliable UI tests for Android apps.
Integrates with Android Studio for easy test creation and execution.
Supports both black box testing and white box testing.
Provides a rich set of APIs for app interaction and management.
Disadvantages:
Supports only Android API level 16 and above.
Doesn’t support cross-platform testing.
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Can be challenging to test complex UI components and animations.
Which are the most wanted tools for automation testing in 2023 that have climbed the top of the ladder so far?
Selendroid
Selendroid is another open-source Android testing tool that allows developers to write automated tests for Android applications using the Selenium 2 client API.
It supports native and hybrid applications and can interact with multiple devices and emulators simultaneously. Selendroid also supports working with multiple programming languages, including but not limited to Java, Python, and Ruby.
One of the key features is its ability to inspect and interact with the application’s UI elements, making it easy to write complex test scenarios and edge cases.
For developers and organizations looking to deliver quality applications, Selendroid is an excellent tool for Android app testing and is a popular choice.
Advantages:
Supports cross-platform automation testing for Android web apps.
Integrates with Selenium WebDriver for easy test creation and execution.
Supports working with multiple programming languages and testing frameworks.
Provides a rich set of APIs for app interaction and management.
Supports manual and automated testing for better test and edge case coverage.
Disadvantages:
It requires a good understanding of Selenium WebDriver and mobile app architecture to set up and use effectively.
Debugging and logging can be challenging.
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Doesn’t support video recording of test execution.
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Calabash
Another one of the best Android testing tools is Calabash. Yet again, this is another open-source test automation tool popular specifically among developers who use Ruby as their programming language.
Like Appium, Calabash supports Android and iOS platforms and enables cross-platform testing. It also provides a simple and intuitive API that makes it easier to write and execute tests.
A unique feature of Calabash is its ability to generate automated acceptance tests that can be run against a live application, which is ideal for developers who want to test their applications in real-world scenarios.
Advantages:
Supports cross-platform automation testing for Android and iOS apps.
Allows developers to write tests in Ruby programming language.
Supports both native and hybrid apps.
Provides a rich set of APIs for app interaction and management.
Supports both manual and automated testing for better test coverage
Disadvantages:
Requires a good understanding of Ruby and mobile app architecture to set up and use effectively.
Debugging and logging can be challenging.
-
Can be slow to launch and run tests.
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Robotium
Next up, we have Robotium, a widely recognized Android testing tool known for its simplicity and ease of use. Robotium is yet another open-source tool that allows developers to create robust automated tests for native and hybrid applications.
One of its key advantages is its ability to interact with the application the same way a user would, which reflects accurate and reliable test results. It is a good fit for organizations or developers looking to develop and test their applications across multiple platforms and devices, as it supports a wide range of Android versions and devices.
In addition, Robotium provides extensive documentation for easy navigation, information to get started, and a robust API, making it accessible to developers of all experience levels, from novice to advanced.
Advantages:
Provides fast and reliable black-box functional UI tests for Android apps.
Supports both native and hybrid apps.
Provides a rich set of APIs for app interaction and management.
Integrates with Android Studio for easy test creation and execution.
Supports testing of user flows and user interactions.
Disadvantages
Can be challenging to test complex UI components and animations.
Doesn’t support cross-platform testing.
Requires a good understanding of mobile app architecture to set up and use effectively.
Kobiton
The next tool in our list is a cloud-based platform for mobile device testing called Kobiton, which provides a full range of testing tools for iOS and Android devices. As a way to identify issues and elevate the quality of their applications, it enables developers and QA engineers to try their applications on a variety of real devices and operating systems.
Being able to connect with well-liked automation testing frameworks like Appium and Espresso is one of Kobiton’s key advantages because it makes it simpler for developers to write and run automated tests. Also, Kobiton provides detailed test reports, analytics, and collaboration features, allowing teams to work together to resolve issues quickly.
Kobiton is a good choice for an organization looking to elevate its app quality and streamline its testing process. Its comprehensive set of features and support for popular automation testing frameworks make it a powerful and efficient tool for mobile application testing.
Advantages:
Wide range of real devices and operating systems available for testing.
Integrates with popular automation testing frameworks like Appium and Espresso.
Provides detailed test reports and analytics.
Offers collaboration features for team communication and issue resolution.
Supports parallel testing, enabling faster testing and improved productivity.
Provides a secure and scalable testing environment.
Disadvantages:
Relatively expensive compared to some other Android testing tools.
Restricted or limited support for manual testing.
Limited support for video recording and debugging during testing.
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May need some setup time to get started and configure devices.
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testRigor
In our list of Android testing tools; we have testRigor. It is a cloud-based automated testing tool that offers comprehensive testing services for both Android and iOS applications. It provides a wide range of features like automated functional testing, regression testing, and performance testing to ensure that applications perform seamlessly and flawlessly across different platforms and devices.
TestRigor uses AI algorithms to analyze and prioritize tests, making the testing process faster, more efficient, and effective. It also integrates with popular testing frameworks like Appium, Selenium, and Cucumber. The tool offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy for developers and QA engineers to create and manage automated tests.
However, testRigor’s pricing is relatively higher than other Android testing tools in the list or available in the industry.
testRigor is an effective tool for organizations looking to streamline their mobile app testing process and ensure high-quality applications.
Advantages:
Comprehensive testing services for both Android and iOS applications.
Uses AI algorithms to analyze and prioritize tests.
Integrates with popular testing frameworks like Appium, Selenium, and Cucumber.
User-friendly interface.
Provides fast and efficient testing.
Disadvantages:
Limited support for video recording and debugging during testing.
May require some setup time to get started and configure devices.
Ranorex Studio
The next tool on our list is Ranorex Studio. It is a popular automation testing tool that offers comprehensive testing services for Android, iOS, and desktop applications. It provides features like automated functional testing, regression testing, and data-driven testing to ensure that applications perform flawlessly across different platforms and devices.
Developers and quality assurance engineers can quickly build and manage automated tests with the tool’s user-friendly interface. Additionally, it integrates with well-known testing tools like Appium and Selenium and offers extensive test reports. Overall, Ranorex Studio is a helpful tool for organizations wanting to automate their testing procedures and guarantee the highest-caliber software.
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Advantages:
Comprehensive testing services for Android, iOS, and desktop applications.
User-friendly interface.
Offers extensive test reports.
Provides support for multiple programming languages.
Offers a variety of testing features, including data-driven and regression testing.
Provides cross-browser and cross-device testing capabilities.
Disadvantages:
May require some technical expertise to use effectively.
Limited support for open-source testing frameworks.
Eggplant
Eggplant is a widely used automation testing tool that provides end-to-end testing solutions for Android applications. Eggplant enables developers to closely mimic real user behavior using a unique image-based testing approach.
It also provides a comprehensive suite of features, including but not limited to functional testing, performance testing, and usability testing. It also integrates with popular testing frameworks like Appium and Selenium, making it easy for developers to incorporate automated tests into their existing workflows.
With Eggplant, developers can quickly and efficiently identify and fix issues in their Android applications, ensuring high-quality products and error-free releases.
Advantages:
Unique image-based testing approach.
Exhaustive suite of testing features.
Provides detailed test reports.
Supports a wide range of testing scenarios.
Can simulate user behavior to identify potential issues.
Disadvantages:
Setup and configuration can be complex.
Can be resource-intensive and may require dedicated hardware for optimal performance.
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The tool may not be suitable for small or simple testing scenarios.
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Detox
Detox is another one of the well-recognized Android testing tools which is open-source and designed explicitly for testing React Native apps. It provides a fast and reliable testing experience, allowing developers to identify and resolve issues faster, boosting the overall speed and productivity.
Detox’s capability to simulate intricate user interactions and evaluate the app in a real-world setting is one of its main advantages. It enables developers to create tests in JavaScript and supports both the iOS and Android platforms, making it simple to integrate with their current tooling. Detox has some drawbacks, such as a challenging learning curve for those new to JavaScript and React Native development and a dearth of support for testing non-React Native apps.
Advantages:
Fast and reliable testing experience.
Simulates complex user interactions.
Supports both iOS and Android platforms.
Allows developers to write tests in JavaScript.
Easy integration with existing tooling.
Disadvantages:
Steep learning curve for those new to JavaScript and React Native development.
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Lack of support for testing non-React Native apps.
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TestFairy
TestFairy is a cloud-based mobile testing platform that offers exhaustive testing services for Android and iOS applications. It provides a wide range of features, including but not limited to automated testing, manual testing, and app distribution.
Some of its automation capabilities are functional testing, performance testing, and regression testing. It integrates with popular testing frameworks like Appium and Selenium, making it easy for developers and QA engineers to automate their testing process.
The tool offers a user-friendly interface, making it simple and easy to manage and analyze test results.
TestFairy is an effective tool for organizations wanting to streamline their mobile app testing process and ensure high-quality applications are built and produced.
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Advantages:
Comprehensive testing services for Android and iOS applications.
Integrates with popular testing frameworks like Appium and Selenium.
Provides a user-friendly interface.
Offers detailed test reports.
Provides support for multiple programming languages.
Disadvantages:
Limited customization options for automated tests.
Limited control over the testing environment.
Some users have reported issues with test stability and reliability.
Monkey Runner
Monkey Runner is a tool developed by Google which is widely used for Android automation testing. It allows developers to create powerful automated tests for their Android applications and can be used to test native and hybrid apps.
Monkey Runner’s robust scripting API, which enables developers to quickly and easily build complex test scenarios, is one of its main benefits. Furthermore, with Monkey Runner, stress testing, performance testing, and functional testing of Android apps can all be performed.
However, it necessitates a high level of technological expertise and might not be appropriate for less experienced developers. The tool’s lack of active maintenance is another drawback, as it might cause interoperability problems with later Android releases.
Advantages:
Robust scripting API for creating complex test scenarios
Supports stress testing, performance testing, and functional testing
Open-source and freely available
Disadvantages:
May not be suitable for novice developers
Not actively maintained, which may result in compatibility issues
Limited documentation and community support.
Testdroid
Another popular cloud-based Android automation testing tool that offers an exhaustive testing solution for mobile applications is Testdroid. It provides a wide range of real Android devices, allowing them to test their applications across different platforms and devices quickly.
Testdroid supports native and hybrid applications and offers integration with popular testing frameworks like Appium and Selenium. One of the main abilities of Testdroid is its ease of use and scalability, making it an ideal choice for small and large organizations.
Advantages:
Access to a wide range of real Android devices.
Comprehensive testing solution for mobile applications.
Support for both native and hybrid applications.
Integration with popular testing frameworks.
Scalable and easy to use.
Disadvantages:
Higher pricing compared to other testing tools.
Limited customization options for test automation.
Some features may require additional payment.
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MonkeyTalk
MonkeyTalk is an Android automation testing tool that developers and QA engineers widely use to automate their mobile app testing process. It supports native and hybrid applications and provides an easy-to-use scripting language that allows developers to write automated test scripts quickly.
Furthermore, it provides real-time feedback and thorough test reports, making it easier for developers to identify and resolve issues.
Advantages:
Easy-to-use scripting language.
Supports both native and hybrid applications.
Provides real-time feedback and thorough test reports.
Integrates with popular testing frameworks.
Disadvantages:
Limited documentation and support.
Can be slow to execute tests on large applications.
May not be suitable for complex testing scenarios.
Limited community support and updates.
Firebase Test Lab
Another tool one can explore is Firebase Test Lab, a cloud-based mobile app testing platform provided by Google. It provides a wide range of testing options, including but not limited to compatibility testing, functional testing, and performance testing, enabling developers to thoroughly test their Android applications across various devices and configurations.
A selling point of Firebase Test Lab is its integration with the Firebase platform, which provides a range of other helpful tools for app development. Furthermore, Firebase Test Lab provides extensive documentation and support, making it easy for developers of any experience level to get started with the platform.
Advantages:
Integration with the Firebase platform.
Range of testing options available.
Thorough testing across various devices and configurations.
Extensive documentation and support.
Disadvantages:
Limited testing time for the free version.
Limited devices available for testing.
Limited network simulation options.
AWS Device Farm
Lastly, we have AWS Device Farm in our list of Android testing tools. It is a cloud-based mobile app testing platform provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It enables developers to test their Android applications on a range of real devices hosted in the cloud, allowing them to identify and resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
One of its main selling points is its scalability, which enables developers to test their applications across multiple devices and configurations simultaneously.
Advantages:
Testing on real devices in the cloud.
Offers scalability
Integration with popular testing frameworks.
Range of testing options available.
Disadvantages:
Expensive compared to some other Android testing tools.
Limited customization options.
Slow test execution on some devices.
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Conclusion
Android automation testing is a crucial step in creating mobile apps. Early problem detection and resolution during the development cycle ensures that the final product is of high quality and satisfies user expectations. It aids developers and QA engineers.
The blog post’s list of the top 18 Android testing tools includes capabilities like automated functional testing, performance testing, and regression testing that help to speed up the testing procedure. Although each tool has pros and cons, they are all essential for ensuring that Android applications run without a hitch across various platforms and gadgets.
Despite the few drawbacks, enterprises may save time, cut costs, and provide customers with high-quality Android applications by choosing the appropriate automation testing technology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the types of Android testing?
There are four types of Android testing:
Functional testing
Performance testing
Accessibility testing
Compatibility testing
2. Which tools are used for mobile testing?
There are different types of tools available for mobile testing. Some of them are Appium, Espresso, XCUITest, Detox, LambdaTest, and more.
3. How to perform testing in Android?
You can test Android apps in the following ways:
Run the test on a device: either physical or emulated.
Run the test on your local grid.
Run the test on the cloud-based environment.
