Development and testing go hand-in-hand, and it should come as no surprise that both continue to impact the mobile application industry in 2024. Here, we’ll be presenting a few key concepts that will define and shape our industry for the year. What is mobile app testing in 2024? Let’s get started.

Overview of Mobile Testing Tools

Mobile testing tools ensure the quality and reliability of mobile applications. The technical nature of these tools leads to consistent innovation, and advancements utilizing automation are trending in the industry.  Kobiton is committed to developing and providing a mobile testing platform that democratizes mobile software development by reducing complexity and increasing efficiency. 

2024 Trends in Mobile Testing

Emerging trends and advancements in mobile testing technology include AI-driven testing, augmented reality testing. There have also been advancements in mobile gaming like augmented reality that we believe will drive the need for more real device testing to ensure a stellar experience for every user regardless of OS, hardware, or any other compatibility issue. 

Shift-Left Testing

The shift-left testing approach enables teams to detect bugs earlier, reduce costs, and it can even foster better collaboration between development and testing teams. Shift-left testing aligns with Agile methodologies, ensuring timely bug detection and improved product quality. 

Cloud-Based Testing

Cloud-based mobile testing offers efficiency, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and flexibility. It allows teams to test mobile apps across various platforms and devices without the need for physical devices.

Comparison of Top Mobile Testing Tools

Let’s discuss some of the platforms available for mobile testing. In doing so, we hope to share unique features and provide some context into what makes these tools so important.

Kobiton

Kobiton is an industry leader  especially adept at helping clients get the most out of AI-augmented software tools. Organizations interested in real device testing, cloud-based testing, test automation, and device management need look no further: Kobiton does it all.

Katalon Studio

Katalon Studio is an all-in-one platform for low-code web, API, mobile, and desktop (Windows) automated testing that can integrate with Katalon Studio, which offers both codeless automation and built-in test reports. Katalon Studio does present some limitations, however, such as limited advanced features. 

Appium

Open-source automation and cross-platform compatibility are big advantages of Appium; it also allows for integration with Selenium and enjoys wide community support. However, Appium can also introduce complexity , and the platform provides limited support for some of its features. Thankfully, Kobiton works with Appium and is able to provide a number of Appium tips and tricks — in addition to materials related to iOS automation testing best practices.

Xamarin Test Cloud

Xamarin Test Cloud provides cloud-based testing, cross-platform compatibility, a test recorder, and device fragmentation management. However, it can also be quite costly to acquire, and there can also be a significant learning curve to navigate.

Tricentis Testim Mobile

Xamarin isn’t alone in being costly; the Tricentis Testim Mobile platform also comes with a higher price tag (in addition to limited support options). Still, this option does provide AI-powered testing, cross-browser testing, continuous testing, and visual testing.

New Relic

While New Relic does provide real-time performance monitoring, crash reporting and analysis, user session tracking, and integration with APM, it also presents a number of limitations; not the least of which is a focus on monitoring, and limited testing capabilities.

testRigor

Some engineers favor testRigot for its API testing, automated regression testing, continuous integration, and scriptless test automation. While those are all favorable features to be sure, testRigor is also known for limited UI testing support, and for its singular focus on API testing.

Robotium

Robotium is an open source software testing framework to automate UI test cases for Android applications , features like Android UI testing, black-box testing, integration with Gradle, and support for native apps are helpful tools to utilize. But there are two major drawbacks: limited community support, and the fact that Robotium is Android-specific.

Mobot

Visual testing, cross-platform support, cloud-based testing, and integration with CI/CD are all benefits of the Mobot platform. Drawbacks, however, are that it’s a relatively new platform with significantly limited documentation.

Espresso 

Features like built-in support, UI interaction testing, synchronization with App State, and integration with Android Studio can be big advantages. But Espresso is Android-specific. It also provides limited community support, and lacks cross-platform support.

Perfecto

This platform offers cloud-based testing, automated ways to test mobile apps, and some AI-powered testing. But limitations of Perfecto include a higher cost, but that’s not all: it also can be a bit complex and resource-intensive. 

XCUI 

XCUI Test provides native support for iOS — which can be a great thing. It also has a positive reputation for an ability to integrate with Xcode, allow UI Interaction testing, and synchronization with App State. Its iOS specifics, limited community support, and a lack of cross-platform support can be seen as some pretty big limitations, however. If you’re considering getting started with XCUITest, read our guide first.

Eggplant

Critics of Eggplant point to its learning curve, higher cost, and the fact that it can sometimes be resource intensive. Its features include image-based testing, cross-platform support, AI-powered testing, and integration with CI/CD.

What to Consider for Mobile App Testing Tools

As we shared in our  recent “2024 Guide to Mobile Game Testing”  it’s essential to evaluate a number of factors to ensure the selection of the right tool for your mobile app testing needs.

Compatibility

Ensure that the mobile testing tool is compatible across different platforms and operating systems to support testing on a wide range of devices. Integration with other  tools in your tech stack is key.

Scalability

Choose a tool that offers scalability to accommodate testing needs as the application grows, allowing for flexibility and adaptability to changing requirements.

Script Creation

Look for tools that provide ease in creating test scripts, enabling efficient test creation without unnecessary complexity or technical barriers.

Maintenance and Setup

Opt for a mobile testing tool that is easy to set up and maintain, streamlining the testing process and reducing overhead in managing the tool.

Pricing

Consider the pricing of the tool in relation to your budget and the features it offers, ensuring that it aligns with your resources and testing requirements.

CI/CD Tools

Ensure seamless integration of the mobile testing tool with your Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) tools to streamline the testing process within your development pipeline.

Let Us Help You Find The Perfect Mobile App Testing Tool For Your Needs

In wrapping up our exploration of the best mobile app testing tools in 2024, it’s clear that the landscape is rich with options tailored to diverse development needs. From the AI-driven prowess of Kobiton, facilitating seamless real device and cloud-based testing, to the cross-platform capabilities of Appium and the specialized focus of tools like Espresso and XCUI Test, developers have a wealth of resources at their fingertips. As technologies evolve, choosing the right tools becomes crucial for ensuring app compatibility, performance, and user satisfaction. Embrace these advancements, and consider how tools like Kobiton can streamline your mobile testing strategy.

Interested in trying Kobiton for yourself? 

Request a trial today, and a member of our team will reach out to grant you access to our platform.