Dominik Szahidewicz
Table of Contents
Ghost Inspector (GI) is a SaaS test automation tool designed to streamline the process of testing web apps. However, as technology continues to advance, so do the options available for software testers (Selenium, CloudQA, Browserstack, Cypress, LambdaTest). In this article, we will explore the top testing alternatives that are poised to lead the way.
Whether you're seeking enhanced features, more cost-effective solutions, or a different approach to testing, these alternatives have you covered.
What is Codeless Test Automation?
No-code testing is a software testing approach that enables testers and QA professionals to create and execute tests without the need for programming or coding skills. Instead of writing complex lines of code, testing relies on intuitive graphical user interfaces (GUIs) or visual interfaces to design, configure, and run tests for mobile applications, different browsers and devices.
Testers typically work with pre-built components and actions that are represented visually, such as drag-and-drop elements, making it accessible to individuals who may not have programming expertise. This approach significantly reduces the learning curve and empowers non-technical team members to actively participate in the testing process.
Codeless testing platform often include features like recording and playback, allowing testers to record their interactions with an application and then replay those interactions as single test cases.
Additionally, these tools may provide options for parameterization, data-driven testing, and integrations with other testing and development tools. This approach offers several benefits, including faster test creation, reduced human error, improved collaboration between technical and non-technical team members, and increased test coverage, ultimately leading to higher software quality and faster release cycles.
However, it's important to note that while codeless automation simplifies many aspects of testing process, some complex scenarios may still require custom coding or scripting for optimal coverage and functionality.
What is GhostInspector?
GhostInspector is a cloud-based test management platform designed for website testing. It offers a range of features to simplify the testing process, including no-code testing capabilities, making it accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise.
It leverages the cloud, eliminating the need for users to set up and maintain their own testing infrastructure. It supports cross-browser testing to ensure compatibility across different browsers and platforms. Additionally, the platform provides scheduling options, facilitating continuous testing efforts.
Reasons to Use GhostInspector:
1. Codeless Testing: It allows users to create and execute tests without writing code. This is especially beneficial for teams with limited coding expertise.
2. Cloud Testing: It operates in the cloud, eliminating the need for users to set up their own testing infrastructure. This simplifies test management and scalability.
3. Scheduled Testing: Users can schedule tests to run at specific times, facilitating continuous testing and reducing manual intervention.
4. Integration: The platform integrates with various development and collaboration tools, streamlining the testing workflow.
Disadvantages of GhostInspector:
1. Limited Local Runs: It does not offer local test runs, which can be a limitation for organizations that require on-premises testing.
2. Parallel Runs: Unlike some alternatives, it lacks support for parallel test runs, potentially slowing down the testing process for large test suites.
3. Pricing: The pricing structure of the testing platform can be a concern for organizations with extensive testing needs, as costs can increase as the number of tests and users grow.
Best Ghost Inspector Alternatives
Let's explore top alternatives to popular GI. The ranking is based on functionality, cost-effectiveness and user reviews.
1. BugBug
BugBug: Streamlining Web Testing Effortlessly
BugBug is a testing software platform, designed to support quality assurance professionals, testers, developers, and product managers in their quest for efficient testing of websites.
This platform comes equipped with a Chrome extension that empowers users to effortlessly capture and replay tests directly within web browsers.
Easiest Tool in the Market
BugBug distinguishes itself as a completely codeless test automation solution. It runs in a browser and it enables users to seamlessly record actions within the virtual browser, eliminating the need for laborious manual step addition.
BugBug's approach is inherently more intuitive and helps users with daily tasks.
Ghost Inspector vs BugBug
Here's a comparison of BugBug's features with Ghost Inspector:
| Feature | BugBug | Ghost Inspector |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Freemium, $99/month (Pro), Custom (Enterprise) | $109/month(Small), $225/month(Medium), $449/month(Large) |
| Real-time recording | Yes | Yes |
| Fix test by re-recording | Yes | No |
| Real cursor movement | Yes | Yes |
| Recording click | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited local test runs | Yes | No |
| Custom JavaScript actions | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple environments | Yes | Yes |
| Smart clicks | Yes | No |
| Smart scroll | Yes | No |
| Unlimited users | Yes | No |
| Unlimited projects | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited test runs | Yes | No |
| PDF reports | Yes | No |
| Integration with any CI/CD pipeline | Yes | Yes |
User-Friendly Interface and Powerful Features
BugBug's web app boasts an exceptionally user-friendly interface, ensuring that even users without extensive testing backgrounds can conduct their first end-to-end tests within minutes.
Despite its simplicity, this tool offers an array of advanced features for test execution:
- JavaScript Actions When You Need It: BugBug provides the flexibility of incorporating JavaScript actions when required.
- Intelligent Automation of Scrolling and Page Loading: BugBug intelligently automates scrolling and waits for page elements to load, contributing to test reliability.
- Support for Both Local and Cloud Test Runs: Whether you prefer local or cloud testing, BugBug accommodates both, offering flexibility in your testing environment.
- Test Scheduling Functionality: Users can schedule tests to run at specific times or intervals, ensuring continuous testing and monitoring.
- Incorporation of Built-In Variables: BugBug simplifies test configuration by incorporating built-in variables, making it easier to manage and reuse test data.
- Timely Notifications for Test Monitoring: Stay informed about test results with timely notifications, keeping you updated on your application's performance.
- Seamless Integration with CI/CD Pipelines: BugBug seamlessly integrates with Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipelines.
- Availability of a Public APIs: For streamlined integration with your existing workflow and tools, BugBug offers a public API.
- Parallel Testing Capabilities: BugBug empowers parallel testing, enabling the simultaneous execution of multiple tests for faster results.
How to Run Tests in BugBug?
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Think upfront of what do you want to test - choose a one simple use case
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Open BugBug.io - https://bugbug.io/
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Install Chrome extension - read more about BugBug overlay
- Create a new test
- Enter the URL of the web app or website that you want to test
- Click "Record" - if you installed the extension, the incognito Chrome browser window should appear
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Carefully click the elements to navigate - each click will be recorded automatically
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When you are ready with the test case click the Finish and close button in the overlay menu on the right
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Now run the test to see if everything was correctly recorded
Free trial? Try BugBug's Fremium Plan
BugBug's attractiveness extends to its pricing structure. It offers a cost-effective solution with a generous Freemium plan. Free version encompasses an impressive list of features, including:
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Unlimited automation tests
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Unlimited local test runs
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Unlimited test suites
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Unlimited users
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Components
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Smart waiting conditions
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7 days of test history
See all BugBug's features.
2. Mabl
End-to-End Testing: Mabl testing solution is particularly strong in end-to-end web and mobile application testing, making it a good choice when you need to test the entire user journey across various scenarios and environments.
Cross-Browser and Cross-Device Testing is Vital: If you need to ensure your website works correctly across different browsers and devices, Mabl's support for cross-browser and cross-device testing is a significant advantage.
Codeless Testing: Mabl offers codeless testing, making it accessible to users with limited coding skills, similar to GI.
Advanced Features: Mabl provides end-to-end testing and visual testing capabilities, ensuring comprehensive test coverage.
Cloud Testing: Like GI, Mabl operates in the cloud, simplifying test management and scalability.
User Experience: Mabl offers a user-friendly interface, allowing testers to create and manage tests with ease.
3. Selenium IDE
Ghost Inspector vs Selenium IDE. Which option is better? If you're looking for a user-friendly, cloud-based solution that requires minimal setup and maintenance, and you're willing to pay for convenience and ease of use, Ghost Inspector might be the better choice.
Codeless Testing: GI offers codeless testing capabilities, making it accessible to users with limited coding skills. Selenium primarily provides a framework for coding automated tests, requiring scripting for automation.
Test Ecosystem: GI is a complete test management platform with features like test recording, scheduling, and reporting. Selenium is a set of open-source libraries and tools, requiring additional components and frameworks to build a comprehensive testing ecosystem.
Cross Browser Testing: Both tools are renowned for its cross-browser testing capabilities.
Learning Curve: GI has a relatively lower learning curve, making it accessible to non-technical team members. Selenium can have a steeper learning curve, especially for those without coding experience.
4. Rainforest QA
Codeless Testing: Rainforest QA offers codeless testing capabilities, similar to GI.
Crowd Testing: Rainforest QA leverages a network of human testers, which can provide a unique approach to testing but may introduce variations in quality and results.
Integration: Both Rainforest QA and GI integrate with popular development and collaboration tools.
Pricing: Rainforest QA's pricing can vary based on factors such as test volume, making it potentially expensive for extensive testing needs.
See Rainforest QA vs. BugBug comparison.
5. Testim
Codeless Testing: Testim similarly to GI focuses on codeless testing and utilizes AI to simplify test creation and maintenance.
AI-Powered Testing: Testim leverages AI algorithms to enhance test stability and reduce maintenance efforts.
Collaboration Features: Testim unlike GI offers collaboration features that facilitate communication among team members during the testing process.
6. Leapwork
Codeless Testing: Leapwork is designed to be a codeless automation platform, making it accessible to non-technical users.
Flowchart-Based Automation: Leapwork uses a flowchart-based approach for test automation design, which can be intuitive and visual.
Integration: Leapwork supports integration with various tools and platforms to enhance its capabilities.
Scalability: Similar to GI, Leapwork is designed to scale with your testing needs.
7. Katalon Studio
Katalon Studio is a comprehensive test automation platform designed for testing both web and mobile applications. It supports a wide range of testing types, including functional, regression, performance, and API testing.
Ease of Use: Katalon Studio provides a user-friendly interface, making it accessible to testers with varying levels of technical expertise. It offers a record-and-playback feature, allowing users to create tests without writing code.
GI also offers a user-friendly interface and specializes in codeless test automation, making it accessible to non-technical team members.
Supported Testing Types: Katalon Studio supports various types of testing, including functional testing, regression testing, performance testing, API testing, and mobile testing. It offers a broad spectrum of testing capabilities in a single tool.
GI specializes in UI testing and browser automation, making it a suitable choice for web application testing. It may not be as versatile as Katalon Studio when it comes to supporting different testing types.
Licensing and Pricing: Katalon Studio and GI offer both a free version and a paid Enterprise version with additional features and support. The pricing structure can vary depending on your specific testing needs.
8. UI Vision
UI Vision is an open-source test automation tool that offers codeless automation for web applications, focusing on User Interface testing and providing features for visual testing, making it accessible to both technical and non-technical users.
Codeless Testing: It provides codeless capabilities, allowing users to create and execute automated tests without writing code. It focuses on making test creation accessible to individuals with varying levels of technical expertise.
Open Source vs. Commercial: The is an open-source testing tool, which means it is available for free, making it an attractive option for QA Teams with budget constraints. It provides a cost-effective option for those looking for a free option.
In contrast, GI's pricing depends on the scale and features required, making it suitable for organizations with specific testing needs.
Visual Testing: Both UI Vision and GI provide visual testing capabilities, ensuring that applications display correctly and consistently across different screens and devices.
Test Recording and Playback: It allow users to record and play back interactions, simplifying test creation and reducing manual effort.
Cross-Browser Testing: Both UI Vision and Ghost Inspector enable testers to perform cross-browser testing, a crucial aspect of ensuring application compatibility.
Alternatives to Ghost Inspector: Conclusion
BugBug stands out for its codeless test automation, real-time recording, and user-friendly interface that anyone on your team can use.
Each of these alternatives caters to different testing needs, from web-based applications to mobile apps, and provides various features such as codeless interfaces, extensive automation, and real user reviews.
Ultimately, the best Ghost Inspector alternative for your business depends on your specific requirements and budget.
Happy (automated) testing!
