14 DevOps Testing Tools for 2024: Comprehensive Guide

Updated March 2024

DevOps testing tools are a crucial component of the DevOps methodology, specifically designed to improve the speed and reliability of software delivery. These tools automate and streamline the testing process, making it easier for teams to identify and resolve issues and continuously improve the performance of their applications. As a result, DevOps testing tools are essential for ensuring the quality and reliability of software deliverables in today's fast-paced, agile development environments. This article will provide an overview of 14 popular DevOps testing tools, including their features, drawbacks, pricing, and platform compatibility. From open-source options such as Jenkins and Selenium to paid solutions like Mabl, we will cover a wide range of tools to help teams of all sizes and needs to find the perfect fit for their testing needs. Whether you're a developer, tester, or DevOps engineer, this guide will provide valuable insights into the tools available to help you improve the speed and quality of your software delivery. Continue reading to discover the ideal tool for taking your software delivery to the next level.

DevOps Testing Tools: Overview

DevOps testing tools are a crucial component of the DevOps methodology, specifically designed to improve the speed and reliability of software delivery. These tools automate and streamline the testing process, making it easier for teams to identify and resolve issues and continuously improve the performance of their applications. As a result, DevOps testing tools are essential for ensuring the quality and reliability of software deliverables in today's fast-paced, agile development environments. From functional and performance testing to security and compliance, DevOps testing tools provide a comprehensive solution for managing the end-to-end testing process, making them one of the essential devops tools for testing. Additionally, DevOps automated testing tools are designed to support automation testing of a wide range of browsers, making it easier for teams to collaborate and deliver high-quality software faster. Testing tools in DevOps are the backbone of the entire software development process, helping to ensure that applications are always available and performing as expected. Unlock the full potential of your DevOps strategy by exploring the vast array of testing tools available and finding the one that perfectly aligns with your unique needs. Continue reading to discover the ideal tool for taking your software delivery to the next level.

1. Functionize

Functionize is a leading QA testing tool that uses AI to empower teams with end-to-end tests that self-heal and run at scale in the cloud. This allows for faster testing, lower costs, and improved quality in CI/CD environments. Its AI-powered platform creates more stable tests resulting from its unique big data approach. It also empowers teams and future-proofs skills with low-code intelligent tests, removing the need for highly technical “coders” to automate testing.

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 

Drawbacks

• Might be overwhelming for some!

Platform

• Web-based

2. Bitbucket

Bitbucket is a version control system that works hand-in-hand with CI/CD pipelines. It offers tools for handling source code repositories and facilitating collaboration among software development teams. Bitbucket Pipelines, a CI tool within Bitbucket Cloud, allows automated tasks from testing to deployment directly within your Bitbucket repository. If you're already using Bitbucket for your projects, enabling CI with Bitbucket Pipelines is a straightforward next move.

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Drawbacks

• User interface can be found as confusing and outdated, making it difficult to navigate or locate desired settings or features
• Lack of comprehensive searching capability
• Lack of integration options for third-party apps

‍Customer ratings

• G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5 (919 reviews)
• Capterra rating: 4.5 out of 5 (1318 reviews)

Features Valued by Users

• Collaboration Tools
• Continuous Deployment
• Continuous Integration
• Version Control

Pricing

• Free plans for small teams with limited users and repositories
• $3 per user per month for Standard plans  
• $6 per user per month for Premium plans. 
• Self-hosted option has pricing based on the number of users 

Platform

• Web-based

3. GitHub

GitHub is a cloud service for developers who want easy code storage, sharing, and teamwork.. Leveraging the power of Git, an open-source distributed version control system, GitHub simplifies tracking changes and managing projects. It ensures every developer has access to the entire project history. GitHub integrates with common platforms such as Amazon, Google Cloud, and Code Climate and helps developers collaborate effortlessly, from tracking bugs to sharing code.

Drawbacks

• Bug Risks and Error Generation: GitHub's robust development platform is not immune to bugs, introducing uncertainty about code functionality. 
• Poor Customer Support for Non-Tech-Savvy Users: GitHub's customer service may not adequately support users with limited technical knowledge.
• Steep Learning Curve and Interface Customization: GitHub's complex interface can be challenging for new users, potentially causing delays in project management.
• Complexity and Repository Size Management: Managing large repositories can be complex, leading to performance issues and reduced efficiency for enterprises dealing with substantial codebases.
• Inaccurate Code Suggestions: GitHub's code suggestions may not always meet specific organizational needs, requiring additional customization and experimentation.

Customer ratings

• G2 rating: 4.7 out of 5 (2073 reviews)

Features Valued by Users

• Authentication
• Collaboration Tools
• Continuous Deployment
• Continuous Integration
• Monitoring
• Version Control

Pricing

• Free Plan: Provides basic features for individuals and organizations.
• Team Plan: Priced at $4 per user/month with yearly payment, this plan offers advanced collaboration tools.
• Enterprise Plan: Designed for larger organizations, the Enterprise plan costs $21 per user/month and includes additional security and deployment features.

Platform

• Web-based

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4. BrowserStack

BrowserStack is a DevOps testing tool that facilitates testing of web and mobile applications across various browsers, operating systems, and devices. It provides a cloud-based infrastructure for developers and QA teams to conduct automated and manual testing in real-time environments, enabling efficient collaboration and faster delivery cycles. BrowserStack offers advanced debugging capabilities, such as network throttling and console logs, to help pinpoint and troubleshoot issues quickly.

Drawbacks

• Dependency on Internet Connectivity: As a cloud-based service, it relies on internet connectivity, which may pose challenges in environments with limited or unreliable internet access.
• Learning Curve for New Users: For users unfamiliar with cloud-based testing or similar platforms, there might be a learning curve in adopting and maximizing the features of this tool.
• Cost Considerations: Depending on usage and requirements, the costs associated with scaling and running tests on BrowserStack may vary, and organizations should consider this in their budgeting.

Customer ratings

• G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5 (1318 reviews)
• Capterra rating: 4.5 out of 5 (166 reviews)

Features Valued by Users

• Parallel Execution Support
• Data Visualization
• Hierarchical View Option
• Requirements-Based Testing
• Test Management 

Pricing

• Desktop Plan: This plan costs $29 per month (billed annually) and includes access to over 3000 real desktop browsers.
• Desktop & Mobile Plan: Priced at $39 per month (billed annually), this plan includes test on 3500+ real desktop & mobile browser combinations .
• Team Plan: The Team Pro plan is priced at $150 per month (billed annually) for 5 users.
• Enterprise Plan: BrowserStack offers enterprise-grade testing for large teams with customizable pricing.

Platform

• Web-based

5. Jenkins

Jenkins is an open-source DevOps testing tool that can automate tasks like building, testing, and deploying software. It is one of the best DevOps tools for testing, allowing developers to quickly find and solve defects in their code base, automate testing of their builds, and integrate with the development lifecycle. Jenkins also offers a wide range of plugins for integration with other tools and technologies.

Drawbacks

• Confusing and Outdated User Interface: Jenkins has received criticism for its confusing, outdated, and visually unappealing user interface. 
• Difficult Setup Process: Setting up Jenkins can be challenging, especially for users who are new to the platform. 
• Frequent Logouts: Users have reported experiencing frequent logouts while using Jenkins. These unexpected interruptions disrupt their workflow and productivity. 

Customer ratings

• G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5 (491 reviews)
• Capterra rating: 4.6 out of 5 (552 reviews)

Features Valued by Users

• Access Control/Permissions
• Authentication
• Continuous Delivery
• Continuous Deployment
• Version Control

Pricing

• Jenkins is open-source and free to use.

Platform

• Jenkins is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

13. Docker

Docker is a DevOps technology suite that allows DevOps teams to build, ship, and run distributed applications. This tool allows users to assemble apps from components and work collaboratively. Docker is an open-source platform for managing containers of an app as a single group. It helps to increase the efficiency and consistency of the application deployment process.

Drawbacks

• Limited to container management
• Requires technical expertise to use
• Lack of Legacy OS Support: Docker lacks compatibility with legacy operating systems, limiting its usability for users with specific legacy OS requirements.
• Performance Issues: Docker can be resource-intensive, leading to high CPU and memory usage, potentially affecting system performance and application scalability.
• Complicated Interface and Documentation: Docker's user interface and documentation are criticized for being complex and difficult to understand, lacking comprehensive guidance for users.

Customer ratings

• G2 rating: 4.6 out of 5 (222 reviews)
• Capterra rating: 4.7 out of 5 (517 reviews)

Features Valued by Users

• Test Containerization
• Workflow Management

Pricing

• Docker offers a free community edition and a paid enterprise edition. Contact Docker for specific pricing.

Platform

• Docker is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

7. JMeter

Apache JMeter is an open-source load testing tool designed to measure the performance of websites. This load testing tool can be used in the DevOps methodology to ensure that the website can handle high traffic and perform efficiently under load. JMeter allows users to create and run tests simulating many users accessing the website simultaneously.

Drawbacks

• Limited to web application testing
• Requires technical expertise to use
• Poor Reporting Feature: JMeter's reporting feature lacks comprehensive test results and insightful data analysis, limiting its usefulness.
• Inefficient Resource Utilization: JMeter inefficiently uses system resources during load simulation, requiring more instances compared to other tools for similar tasks, impacting performance and scalability.
• Difficult Script Management: Managing scripts in JMeter is challenging due to the complex .jmx file format, hindering version comparison and efficient editing of test scenarios.

Customer ratings

• G2 rating: 4.3 out of 5 (155 reviews)
• Capterra rating: 4.6 out of 5 (9 reviews)

Features Valued by Users

• Load Scenarios
• Mobile Testing
• Performance Metrics
• Performance Testing
• Testing Scripts

Pricing

• JMeter is open-source and free to use.

Platform

• JMeter is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

8. Selenium

Selenium is the most popular automated testing tool and one of the best DevOps automated testing tools specifically designed to support the automation testing of many browsers. Selenium allows users to create and run tests on different browsers and platforms, ensuring that the application works as expected on all supported environments.

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Drawbacks

• Limited to web application testing
• Requires technical expertise to use
• Multi-Monitor Dependency: Selenium's effectiveness is hindered by its dependency on multiple monitors for testing with playback, increasing setup complexity.
• Browser Compatibility Issues: Selenium encounters technical difficulties with browsers other than Firefox, potentially disrupting testing processes.
• Limited Database and Image Testing Support: Selenium lacks built-in support for database and image testing, limiting its ability to comprehensively assess these aspects of applications.

Customer ratings

• G2 rating: 4.2 out of 5 (125 reviews)
• Capterra rating: 4.5 out of 5 (14 reviews)

Features Valued by Users

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

Pricing

• Selenium is open-source and free to use.

Platform

• Selenium is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

9. Mabl 

Mabl is an intelligent, low-code test automation solution for Agile and DevOps teams. With Mabl, teams can optimize application quality by integrating automated end-to-end tests directly into the development lifecycle. Mabl uses machine learning to create and execute tests and offers built-in test maintenance and debugging capabilities. It allows teams to quickly identify and fix application issues and reduce the time and effort required to maintain test scripts.

Drawbacks

• Limited to web application testing
• Offers a higher learning curve for new users
• Test Interruptions without Explanation: Mabl can abruptly stop tests without indicating errors when it fails to locate selected elements on web pages during test creation, causing confusion for users.
• Unexpected Logout Issues: Mabl may unexpectedly log itself out during testing, disrupting the process and potentially causing the remaining tests to pass without clear notification or error message.
• Limited Reporting for Broken Links: While Mabl can identify broken links, it lacks detailed reporting on factors like response time, request timeout duration, attempts made to open links, and status codes received, hindering effective troubleshooting.
• Challenges with Test Replay: Users encounter difficulties with test replay, and there's a lack of clear guidance on resolving replay issues or fixing broken tests efficiently.

Customer ratings

• G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5 (31 reviews)
• Capterra rating: 4 out of 5 (66 reviews)

Features Valued by Users

• Performance Metrics
• Performance Testing
• Reporting/Analytics
• Regression Testing
• Low-Code System

Pricing

• mabl offers a free trial, and pricing is based on the number of monthly tests. Contact mabl for specific pricing.

Platform

• mabl is a cloud-based platform and supports all major web browsers.

10. Bamboo

Bamboo is a Continuous Integration tool that is also used for DevOps testing. It performs an automatic build, test, and release in a single place. Bamboo supports many technologies and languages like Docker, Git, SVN, Mercurial, and Amazon S3 buckets. It also offers integration with other Atlassian tools like Jira and Confluence.

Drawbacks

• Limited scalability
• Complex setup and configuration
• Inaccurate Build Duration Estimation: Bamboo often provides inaccurate estimates of build durations, causing confusion when the progress bar completes before the build finishes.
• Complexity for Non-Backend Developers: Non-backend developers find Bamboo complex, making it challenging to customize functionality or debug build issues effectively.
• Lack of Cloud Solution and Scalability: Bamboo lacks a cloud solution and scalability. It also has limitations in deployment plans and compatibility with modern cloud deployment patterns.

Customer ratings

• G2 rating: 4.1 out of 5 (64 reviews)
• Capterra rating: 4.7 out of 5 (11 reviews)

Features Valued by Users

• Continuous Deliver
• Continuous Deployment
• Workflow Management
• User-Friendly Interface

Pricing

• Bamboo offers a free trial, and pricing is based on the number of build agents and users.
• Contact Bamboo for specific pricing.

Platform

• Bamboo is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

11. Appium

Appium is an open-source automation tool for mobile applications. It is one of the best testing tools in DevOps that allows users to test all kinds of native, mobile, web, and hybrid apps. It also supports automated tests on emulators and simulators. Appium is actively used in the DevOps process to ensure that the app works as expected on all supported mobile platforms.

Drawbacks

• Limited to mobile application testing
• Requires technical expertise to use
• Unreliable Element Browser: Appium's element browser experiences sporadic failures during test execution, affecting the tool's reliability for consistent testing.
• Slower Execution: Appium's performance is slower compared to other testing tools, impacting test execution efficiency.
• Challenging Setup: Setting up Appium is difficult and time-consuming, especially configuring it for different mobile operating system versions, requiring extensive troubleshooting.

Customer ratings

• G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5 (53 reviews)
• Capterra rating: 4.3 out of 5 (15 reviews)

Features Valued by Users

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

Pricing

• Appium is open-source and free to use.

Platform

• Appium is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

12. Puppet

Puppet is an open-source automation tool for IT configuration management. It can be used in the DevOps methodology to automate repetitive tasks and ensure consistency in the application deployment process. Puppet allows teams to easily manage and scale infrastructure, making it a popular tool among DevOps teams.

Drawbacks

• Can be difficult to troubleshoot
• Confusing Action Execution: Puppet's action execution can be confusing, especially in specifying task order, leading to challenges in workflow management.
• Limited Parallel Execution: Puppet lacks efficient support for executing commands across multiple hosts in parallel, hindering management of large-scale deployments.
• Language and Integration Limitations: Puppet has constraints in language and integration capabilities, particularly in lack of support for inline Ruby. This makes data retrieval from databases challenging and may require significant procedural adjustments during implementation.

Customer ratings

• G2 rating: 4.2 out of 5 (43 reviews)
• Capterra rating: 4.4 out of 5 (24 reviews)

Features Valued by Users

• Access Control/Permissions
• Continuous Delivery
• Workflow Management
• Scalability
• Configuration Management

Pricing

• Puppet is open-source and free to use.

Platform

• Puppet is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

13. Gatling

Gatling is an open-source load testing framework designed for scalable businesses. With powerful features like continuous load testing, dynamic load generators, and detailed reporting, Gatling ensures reliable performance testing. It offers versatile solutions, supporting 10+ web protocols and test-as-code functionality in Java, Kotlin, and Scala. Gatling's comprehensive reporting enables data-driven decisions, while its support for major cloud providers and CI/CD integrations enhances flexibility and efficiency.

Drawbacks

• Resource Intensive: Testing with numerous virtual users can be resource-intensive, necessitating powerful hardware or distributed setups.
• Complex Scenarios: Maintaining scripts for complex scenarios can become challenging over time, requiring careful management.
• Limited User Community: Gatling's community, though active, may not offer as extensive support and plugins as other tools.
• Learning Curve: Gatling's learning curve can be steep for beginners, especially those unfamiliar with Scala

Customer ratings

• G2 rating: 4.3 out of 5 (59 reviews)

Features Valued by Users

• API Integration
• Data Visualization
• Real-Time Monitoring
• Customization Options
• Scalability
• Performance Testing
• OOTB Reporting

Pricing

• Basic plan: €89 per month, suitable for small projects. It includes 2 users and 60 minutes of load testing.
• Team plan: €356 per month, ideal for growing projects and teams. It includes 10 users and 300 minutes of load testing, along with advanced features.
• Enterprise plan: On-demand pricing tailored for teams seeking high load testing standards. 

Platform

• Desktop-based

14. Chef Enterprise Automation Stack

Chef Enterprise Automation Stack (EAS) is a DevOps testing tool that automates application delivery, infrastructure configuration, and compliance auditing. It enables teams to define infrastructure and application requirements as code, automate pipeline delivery, and manage ongoing changes efficiently. EAS includes Chef Automate, Habitat, Inspec, and Infra components for dashboard analytics, application automation, security testing, and infrastructure automation, respectively. It facilitates organizational alignment, accelerates technology adoption, and reduces tool sprawl.

Drawbacks

• No Web Console UI: Lack of a web console UI complicates configuration management.
• Complex Architecture: Chef's architecture can be confusing for beginners, with intricate authentication processes.
• Difficult Setup: Environment setup is challenging and error-prone, requiring more automation.
• Complex Templating Language: Chef's templating language, especially for non-Ruby users, can be hard to grasp.

Customer ratings

• Capterra rating: 4.5 out of 5 (35 reviews)

Features Valued by Users

• Collaboration Tools
• Continuous Deployment
• Continuous Integration
• Real-Time Monitoring
• Real-Time Notifications

Pricing

• The pricing for Chef Enterprise Automation Stack is available upon request

Platform

• Web - based

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Top DevOps Testing Tools Selection Criteria and Methodology

The process of choosing the DevOps 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 35 satisfied users across various review sites, like g2.com, Capterra, TrustRadius (all had over 35 total reviews).
• They had to have a total Capterra or G2 rating of 4.1 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 DevOps 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 DevOps testing tools. Those with interfaces that enable easy navigation and usage were highlighted.

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 DevOps 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.