12 Regression Testing Tools: Comprehensive Guide on Features & Benefits

Updated March 2024

Regression testing tools are necessary for having an efficient and reliable process in place to catch bugs and issues early on. These specialized tools automate the tedious and time-consuming regression testing tasks, allowing teams to focus on creating great software while ensuring its quality. In this comprehensive guide, we dive deep into the world of regression testing tools, introducing you to the most popular and relevant options, discussing their features, drawbacks, and pricing.

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1. Functionize

Functionize is a software testing company that specializes in providing an AI-driven test automation platform for regression testing. Their platform uses advanced AI and Machine Learning techniques, to analyze vast amounts of web application data and build more stable test cases. This allows for the test cases to self-heal and break less frequently, reducing the need for manual maintenance. Additionally, the platform makes editing test cases much easier than other platforms through features such as being able to edit screenshots and “SmartFix” one-click updates. This allows for a more efficient and streamlined regression testing process.

Drawbacks

• Might be overwhelming for some
• Internet Dependency: Functionize relies on a cloud-based infrastructure, which means that testing activities are dependent on a stable internet connection. This may not be suitable for organizations with offline testing requirements.
• Learning Curve: Mastering Functionize, especially for those new to AI-based testing, may require some time and effort in training and familiarization.

Features Valued by Users

• Regression Testing
• API Integration
• Data Visualization
• Alerts/Notification Systems
• Parameterized Testing
• Real-Time Monitoring
• Parallel Execution Support
• Requirements-Based Testing
• Test Management 

Platform

• Web-based

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2. SoapUI

SoapUI is a popular open-source tool for testing and managing APIs, known for its excellence in regression testing to ensure software reliability. It offers developers and testers a simple platform for creating, managing, and executing tests for SOAP and REST web services, featuring a user-friendly interface for seamless navigation by both technical and non-technical users.

Benefits

• Open source
• Service mocking allows simulation of web services, enabling testing and validation before actual implementation
• Scriptless Functional Testing
• Security Testing 

Drawbacks 

• Coding-intensive for assertion verification and randomization in SoapUI test cases.
• No support for advanced reporting
• Heavy software may lead to hanging and data loss, consuming substantial CPU memory.
• Best for small-scale projects; complex load testing tasks can be challenging.

Features Valued by Users

• Hierarchical View Option
• Parameterized Testing
• Requirements-Based Testing
• Parallel Execution Support

Pricing

• Free
• SoapUI Pro (Starting price: $599.00 per year)

Platform

• Desktop - based

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3. Rainforest QA

Rainforest QA functions as a no-code automated UI testing tool. It generates regression tests that imitate user interactions with the final, visual layer of a website or app. The tool helps establish a consistent testing environment, enabling seamless testing as needed. Rainforest QA also supports effortless switching between parallel and sequential testing, ensuring agility in the development process and minimizing time between sprints.

Benefits

• Easy test maintenance
• Budget-friendly automation
• Infinite scalability, 40+ browsers
• Test the functionality and visual layer simultaneously

Drawbacks

• UI Challenges: Users may face difficulties due to perceived confusion, clutter, and a modest learning curve.
• Cost Variation: Rainforest QA's pricing can be costly for extensive testing needs.
• Complex Scenarios: Despite a codeless approach, intricate tests may need custom coding.

Features Valued by Users

• Parameterized Testing 
• Requirements-Based Testing 
• Test Management
• Easy to Use

Pricing

• 14-day free trial
• Pricing available upon request

Platform

• Web - based

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4. TestComplete

Developed by SmartBear Software, TestComplete is an automated UI testing tool that enables the creation of automated functional tests for desktop, web, and mobile applications. Additionally, it provides native support for Behavioral Driven Development (BDD) practices.

Benefits

• Automate scheduling and execution of regression tests without manual intervention
• Support testing of desktop, web, and mobile applications
• Valuable for GUI testing
• Substantially reduce training costs and testing time

Drawbacks 

• Insufficient documentation for scripting, script extensions, and plugins
• Limited beta testing
• May require some manual steps where you have to update test cases
• Limited availability of immediate assistance through phone support, which could result in delays for critical tasks.
• Limiting customization possibilities - users have restricted autonomy in name mapping

Platform

• Local install (Desktop or VM)

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5. Katalon Studio

Katalon Studio is an automated testing solution that utilizes Selenium and Appium frameworks for web, API, mobile, and desktop testing. It has gained recognition and positive feedback, being recommended as a top Customer's Choice by Gartner Peer Insights. Katalon Studio's integration with Selenium and Appium allows users to leverage their capabilities while providing additional features and an integrated environment for comprehensive test automation.

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Benefits

• Comprehensive support for end-to-end testing across web, API, mobile, and desktop applications
• User-friendly interface with powerful spying and recording capabilities, suitable for beginners
• Flexible support for different testing methodologies, including keyword-driven, data-driven, and TDD/BDD testing

Drawbacks

• New users might find the initial setup challenging, especially when integrating with specific external tools.
• Katalon Studio can use a lot of resources during test execution, possibly slowing down other tasks on the same machine.
• While user-friendly for beginners, the tool may restrict experienced testers seeking in-depth, custom configurations or adaptations.

Features Valued by Users

• Parallel Execution Support
• Alerts/Notification Systems
• API Integration, Data Visualization
• Hierarchical View Option
• Parameterized Testing
• Requirements-Based Testing
• Test Management 

Pricing

• Free and Paid plans

Platform

• Both cloud-based and on-premises

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6. Avo Assure

Avo Assure is a complex regression testing tool that uses a combination of automated and manual testing methods to help teams identify and fix bugs in their software. It supports a wide range of environments and tools, it comes with a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to create and manage test cases, and offers a wide variety of reporting and analysis features.

Benefits

• Achieves up to 90% expanded test automation coverage through repetitive execution of end-to-end regression tests
• Seamlessly integrates with various SDLC and Continuous Integration solutions like Jira, Sauce Labs, ALM, TFS, Jenkins, and QTest
• Analyzes reports easily with clear screenshots and videos of test case execution
• Efficiently executes multiple scenarios simultaneously using the Smart Scheduling and Execution feature

Drawbacks

• Limited browser support - may not provide comprehensive support for cross-browser testing, potentially limiting its effectiveness in ensuring consistent performance across different browsers
• Limited reporting capabilities
• Customer support is restricted, users may encounter challenges or need assistance, with the provided support possibly falling below their expectations.
• The regression testing tool may suffer from slow test execution speeds, causing delays in obtaining test results

Features Valued by Users

• Alerts/Notification Systems
• API Integration 
• Hierarchical View Option
• Parameterized Testing
• Parallel Execution Support 
• Script-less Automation
• User-Friendly Interface

Pricing

• Avo Assure pricing is available upon request

Platform

• Web-based

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7. Sahi Pro

Sahi Pro is a robust commercial testing tool designed to automate web applications and provide comprehensive testing solutions. It offers a wide range of features that simplify the process of web application testing, including record-and-playback functionality, powerful scripting capabilities, and excellent cross-browser compatibility. One of the main benefits of Sahi Pro is its ability to handle complex web applications with dynamic elements and AJAX calls seamlessly. It provides reliable test automation across different browsers, operating systems, and devices, ensuring consistent testing results. Additionally, Sahi Pro offers features like data-driven testing, parallel execution, and integrations with CI/CD systems, enhancing efficiency and enabling seamless integration with existing development processes.

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Benefits

• Parallel and distributed execution capabilities
• Seamless integration with continuous integration systems
• Ability to test any browser across various operating systems
• Capability to test Windows desktop applications
• Built-in Excel framework allowing non-technical professionals and business analysts to participate in testing
• User-friendly and robust APIs

Drawbacks 

• Limited community support - Compared to other popular automation testing tools, Sahi Pro has a smaller community. This can result in limited online resources for troubleshooting and support.
• Commercial license cost
• Limited integration options - The tool has a relatively 'young' integration base, leading to fewer integrations.
• Scripting Language: Sahi Pro utilizes its own scripting language, which is user-friendly for beginners but may pose a challenge for experienced users who are accustomed to different scripting languages, requiring additional study time.

Features Valued by Users

• Alerts/Notification Systems
• Data Visualization
• Hierarchical View Option
• Parameterized Testing
• Parallel Execution Support
• API Integration
• Function Customization Option
• “Relative Locators” Feature

Platform

• Web-based

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8. Appium

Appium is an open source tool for automating native, mobile web, and hybrid applications on iOS and Android platforms. It is based on the WebDriver protocol and can be used for regression testing by automating the execution of test cases and comparing the results to expected outcomes.

Benefits

• Supports native apps, mobile web & hybrid applications of both Android and iOS
• Is based on Selenium using HTTP protocols
• Supports most of the scripting languages like Java, Ruby, Java script
• Can be integrated with CI tools

Drawbacks

• Limited reporting and analysis capabilities
• Complex setup and configuration
• Limited Android Version Support: Appium does not support testing on Android versions earlier than 4.2, potentially limiting its compatibility with older devices.
• Challenges with Hybrid Apps: Testing hybrid apps is more challenging which may impact its effectiveness for applications that combine web and native elements.
• Potential Slower Test Execution: Test execution can be slower compared to some other frameworks, potentially leading to longer testing times.
• Lack of Enterprise Support: Appium lacks enterprise support, meaning users must rely on community support for issue resolution.

Features Valued by Users

• Cross-Platform Testing
• Mobile App Testing
• Open-Source
• Real-Device Emulator/Simulator Support
• Easy Test Maintenance
• Function Customization Option

Pricing

• Free

Platform

• Cross-platform

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9. Loadmill

Loadmill simplifies regression testing with its unique low-code, API-driven approach. It examines API calls in web and mobile apps, automatically creating test scripts to focus on app behavior and logic rather than visual aspects. The tool's low-code test editor makes test creation and editing easy for non-technical team members. Using generative AI, Loadmill speeds up test creation, helps with maintenance, and analyzes results for efficient debugging. By prioritizing functionality and providing user-friendly tools, Loadmill makes regression testing accessible and streamlined for development teams.

Benefits

• Swift Test Creation: rapidly transforms user behavior into automated test scripts.
• Efficient Analysis: quickly identifies failure causes and bugs, simplifying the debugging process.
• API-Driven Speed: ensures fast results by testing directly through the API.
• Team Collaboration: Supports team collaboration with user-friendly tools.
• Scenario Capture: capture user scenarios, generating test code within minutes.

Drawbacks

• Learning Curve: may have a learning curve, especially for users unfamiliar with API-driven testing and generative AI.
• Limited Compatibility: the tool might have limitations in terms of compatibility with certain systems or technologies
• Possible Overreliance on APIs: may not suit all testing scenarios, especially those heavily dependent on visual or user interface elements.
• Limited Offline Functionality: being browser-based, Loadmill may face limitations when working in offline environments
• Scalability Concerns: for exceptionally large-scale testing scenarios, Loadmill's performance might encounter challenges.
• Potential Cost for Advanced Features: advanced features or additional capabilities beyond the free tier may come with associated costs.

Features Valued by Users

• API Test Execution
• User-Friendly and Intuitive Interface
• Automatic Test Script Generation
• Test Case and Test Suite Reporting
• Extensive Test Capacity

Pricing

Free Plan:

• Includes 100 API test runs per month at no cost.

Team Plan:

• Priced at $249 per month.
• Provides 500 API test runs.
• Prices increase based on concurrent users and load run times as per specific needs.

Business and Enterprise Plans:

• Specific pricing for these plans is available upon inquiry with the provider.

Platform

Web - based

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10. Testsigma

Testsigma is a cloud-based regression testing tool that is designed to help teams speed up their testing cycles. It provides a wide variety of test automation features, including automated test case execution, test case management, and reporting.

Benefits

• Simple and intuitive scriptless testing in plain English
• Periodic executions without the need for manual intervention
• Generation of detailed reports for regression test executions on multiple device configurations simultaneously
• Prioritized test runs with custom filters to create lean and optimized regression test suites
• Integrations with popular CI/CD tools like Jenkins, JIRA, Slack, and more

Drawbacks

• Initial Setup: Setting up test automation frameworks, including TestSigma, can be time-consuming and require expertise.
• Maintenance: Automated tests require regular maintenance to keep up with changes in the application under test.
• Cost: Licensing and maintenance costs associated with test automation tools can be substantial.
• Not Suitable for All Tests: Some types of testing, such as exploratory testing or usability testing, may still require manual intervention.
• Script Creation: Creating and maintaining test scripts can be complex, and scripting knowledge is often necessary.
• Limited UI Changes: Frequent changes to the user interface can lead to test script failures and necessitate updates.
• False Positives: Automated tests can sometimes produce false positives, leading to wasted time investigating non-issues.

Features Valued by Users

• Alerts/Notification Systems
• API Integration, Hierarchical View Option
• Parameterized Testing
• Requirements-Based Testing
• Test Management
• Parallel Execution Support
• Regression Testing
• Codeless Scripting
• Multi-Platform Testing

Pricing

• Testsigma offers a free trial, and prices for additional features are available upon request

Platform

• Cloud-based

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11. Selenium

Selenium is a popular open-source framework used for automating web browsers. Its key component, Selenium WebDriver, provides a simple API for interacting with web elements, allowing developers to automate tasks like clicking buttons, filling forms, and navigating pages. With support for multiple programming languages and browsers, Selenium is widely used for web testing and automation.

Benefits

• Open source
• Cross-Platform testing
• Language support such as Java, Python, C#, Ruby, and JavaScript
• Cross-browser compatibility

Drawbacks

• Maintenance Effort: Selenium scripts may require frequent updates, especially when web application UI changes, leading to maintenance overhead.
• Limited Support for Non-Web Applications: Selenium is primarily designed for web automation and may not be suitable for automating desktop or mobile applications.
• Slow Execution: Selenium's speed can be relatively slower compared to some commercial automated testing tools
• No Built-In Reporting: It lacks comprehensive reporting capabilities, requiring the integration of additional tools or custom solutions for detailed test reporting.

Features Valued by Users

• Requirements-Based Testing 
• Hierarchical View Option
• Parameterized Testing
• Alerts/Notification Systems
• Test Management

Platform

• Primarily web-based

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12. Subject7

Subject7 is a powerful regression testing tool that is designed for use by software developers and QA teams. It is built on the Selenium WebDriver framework and supports a wide variety of browser and device configurations. One of its key features is its ability to create and manage test cases using natural language, which makes it easy for non-technical users to understand and work with.

Benefits

• Enables technical and non-technical users to create and execute robust test flows
• Integrates seamlessly with DevOps and Agile tooling through native plugins, in-app integrations, and open APIs
• Supports high-scale cross-browser parallel execution in secure public cloud, private cloud, on-premises, or hybrid environments
• Provides flexible reporting of success/failure and captures video results for persistent defects
• Offers simple, non-metered pricing for scalability and predictability
• Complies with SOC 2 Type 2 standards and features enterprise-grade security

Drawbacks

• Steep learning curve
• High price point
• User Interface: Users may face challenges due to the perceived lack of user-friendliness in the interface.
• Desktop Automation Limitation: desktop automation and excel integration in Subject7 are less mature compared to web-based features, affecting users with advanced requirements.
• No BDD Support: lacks support for BDD-type requirements, limiting flexibility and usability, particularly in industries with less automation precedence.

Features Valued by Users

• Parameterized Testing
• Parallel Execution Support
• Codeless Scripting
• API Integration
• Simple & User friendly UI
• Test Management
• Allows Multiple Types of Testing (Functional, Regression, Performance, UAT, etc.)

Platform

• Web-based

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Top Regression Testing Tools Selection Criteria and Methodology

The process of choosing the regression testing tools featured in this guide involved a thorough evaluation based on various criteria. Our goal was to provide a diverse selection that involves different testing needs. The following factors played a crucial role in the selection process:

‍Popularity and Community Support:

Tools with a strong user community and widespread adoption were given priority.

• They had to have received evaluations from at least 30 satisfied users across various review sites, like g2.com, Capterra, TrustRadius (all had over 30 total reviews).
• They had to have a total Capterra or G2 rating of 4.2 or better.
• They could not have any completely negative reviews.

Features and Functionality:

We assessed the breadth and depth of features offered by each testing tool, with particular specialization in regression testing. The tools that have the widest range of features and functionality were given preference.

User-Friendly Interface:

We examined the user reviews to identify the level of user-friendliness of each of the aforementioned regression testing tools. Those with interfaces that enable easy navigation and usage were highlighted.

Cross-Browser and Cross-Platform Support:

The selected regression testing tools were also evaluated for their cross-browser and cross-platform capabilities, based on customer testimonials.

‍Scalability:

The ability of the tools to support both small-scale projects and large, enterprise-level applications according to project requirements was considered. This metric was analyzed based on the “Company Size” information available in G2 platform for each of the testing tools. 

‍Integration Capabilities:

Tools that easily integrate with popular development and continuous integration tools were favored.

‍Advancements and Updates:

Tools with active development/updates and a commitment to staying current with industry trends were prioritized.

The combination of these criteria led to the selection of the regression testing tools featured in this guide. There was no sponsorship involved in this process, and the tools were thoroughly investigated by real people, not algorithms.

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FAQ about regression testing tools

Below are some frequently asked questions that may help you better understand how to use and make the most of these regression testing tools deployment efforts:

How is selenium used for regression testing?

Selenium is a widely-used open source tool for automating web browsers, which can be used for regression testing by automating the execution of test cases and comparing the results to expected outcomes. Selenium can be used in conjunction with other testing frameworks and tools, such as JUnit and TestNG, to create comprehensive and effective regression test suites.

Is regression testing done in UAT?

Regression testing is typically done in the later stages of the software development process, such as during the UAT (user acceptance testing) phase. However, it is also often done during development, in order to catch any issues early on and prevent them from becoming major problems later.

What are the 3 techniques of regression testing?

The 3 regression testing techniques are retest all, regression test selection, and prioritization.

1. Retest all: 

This technique involves testing all parts of the system to ensure that no issues have been introduced by the changes made. This is a comprehensive approach, but it can be time-consuming and may not be necessary if only certain parts of the system were changed.

2. Regression test selection: 

This technique involves selecting a subset of the system to test based on the areas that were most likely to be affected by the changes made. This can be more efficient than retest all, but it requires a good understanding of the system and the changes made to it.

3. Prioritization: ‍

This technique involves prioritizing the tests to be run based on their importance or risk. This allows teams to focus their efforts on the most critical parts of the system first, and can help to identify and fix issues more quickly.