Exploratory testing tools are applications that help teams and individuals learn, test, and execute software. The testing tool identifies bugs and defects in the software, along with tracking the debugging progress. Exploratory testing tools are better than generic software/app testing tools because they provide testers with the means to explore software in an unstructured and ad-hoc manner, allowing them to discover issues and defects that might not be easily detectable with scripted testing.

Another benefit of using these type of testing tools is that they have features such as note-taking, annotating, mind-mapping and screen recording during the testing session. These tools also let teams instantly test the software or system without extensive planning that may be rewuired for other testing tools or approaches. We have made a list of all the top tools related to exploratory testing.

1. LucidChart

LucidChart is an exploratory testing tool that helps in visual planning. The tool allows individuals and teams to build the company's future from an idea to reality. Users can use the tool to create mind maps and flowcharts to track the progress and bug reports of their product. The tool also supports various types of diagrams that can come in handy to visualize different types of testing data.

Users can import mind maps from platforms such as Visio and OmniGraffle. They can also import from a TXT file. It offers 1000 diagramming templates.

Key Features:

• The tool helps a lot during exploratory testing as it is easy to use

• You can share your mind map with your team or other shareholders through a URL.

• You can export the file in the following formats- PDF, PNG, or JPEG.

• Collaborating feature is available.

Cost:

Free

Individual- $7.95

Team - $9.00/use

2. Testpad

Testpad is an exploratory testing tool that helps test new features and find bugs. The tool offers checklists that make exploratory testing simple. Users can add new tests during sessions. It is easy to delegate or invite guest testers by email through this tool. Users can write, re-write, and change notes which are apt for agile product development.

Users can group checklists into files. All they have to do is drag and drop to organize. The tool provides space to archive old releases as well.

Key Features:

• Easy to use and quick, so people with less training can also use tool.

• The reporting is simple; this tool lets you know who tested what, where the problems or bottlenecks are, and the tasks you have left to do.

Cost:

Essential - $49/mo

Team - $99/mo

Department - $249/mo

3. Bug Magnet

Bug Magnet is a web-based exploratory testing tool. It works smoothly with Firefox and Chrome and does not depend on third-party libraries. Users can extend configured files easily. The tool works on text areas, content-editable DIVs, and input fields. It offers easy and convenient access to edge cases and common boundaries for testing.

Key Features:

• No third party dependencies

• Easy and convenient access to common boundaries for exploratory testing.

• Can be easily extended with the config files

Cost:

It is free.

4. Test IO

Test IO is an exploratory testing tool for QA programs. The tool removes software testing boundaries, helping users look more closely at customers' experience. The tool provides a wide range of crowd testers to review the product from every device, angle, browser, and operating system. Users can get immediate results with full test coverage in 24 hours.

Key Features:

• Test IO will connect you to testers from around the world who will bring various perspectives to your QA program.

• The tool provides high-quality results.

• The testers will perform the testing at a quick speed.

Cost:

You can contact them through their website for cost details.

5. PractiTest

PractiTest is an exploratory testing tool that helps record findings during testing. Users can monitor the testing process and see the execution in real-time. The tool provides transparency with advanced reporting and customizable dashboards.

Users can easily integrate PractiTest with existing tools and structure their data according to their needs.

Key Features:

• It provides end-to-end visibility.

• The tool is easy to use, and you will have control over the testing.

• Provides various integration options like Jira, Circle CI, Rest APIs and more.

Cost:

Professional: $39/mo

Enterprise: $49/mo

6. XRAY

XRAY is an exploratory testing tool that helps in depleting all the bugs. The tool lets users see the system from the user's perspective. With this tool, users can get centralized results, which helps them keep all the developers in a loop with instant feedback. The tool also attaches a report automatically after the test is run. Users can connect XRAY and Jira.

Key Features:

• Record videos and audio, capture screenshots, and take notes using the tool.

• Set a timed test charter.

• Export the testing sessions to PDF.

Cost:

You can download the app. For pricing details, contact them through their website.

7. Exploratory Testing Chrome Extension

Exploratory testing tool is a chrome extension. Users can take screenshots during sessions conveniently. Once users add the extension, a box appears on top of the screen, making it easier to type notes in a corner. The tool categorizes the box into annotations, notes, questions, and ideas.

Users can easily understand what point they have written. At the end of the session, users can get the results in a report form.

Key Features:

• The tool allows you to take screenshots during the session.

• You can export in HTML, JSON, and CSV formats.

• The tool reports bugs quickly.

• You can save the session.

Cost:

It is free.

8. Tricentis QTest

Tricentis Qtest is an exploratory testing tool that captures test sessions and reports bugs. With this tool, users can use the sessions module feature to plan session-based testing and collect the exploratory test results in one place. It becomes easier for users using this tool to provide their development teams with extensive steps to rectify defects and issues found during exploratory testing sessions.

Key Features:

• You can integrate the tool with CA Agile Central, Jira, and Rally.

• You can record user interactions, capture sessions, and share them.

• Annotate, edit and delete screenshots from a single interface.

• Turn exploratory sessions into automated test scripts.

Cost:

You can request a quote on their website.

9. Azure Test Plans

Azure Test Plans is an exploratory testing tool that helps uses design and execute tests simultaneously to increase quality in modern software development. The tool helps plan, execute, and track tests that have defects and need an end to end traceability. Using this exploratory tool, users can design and execute tests simultaneously to increase the quality during software development processing.

Key Features:

• You can run exploratory tests of your application on desktops or web apps.

• You can capture rich scenario data.

• The tool provides end-to-end traceability.

Cost:

You can request a pricing quote on their website.

10. SpiraCapture

SpiraCapture is an exploratory testing tool that can be added as an extension to Chrome. The tool lets users create an empty test case. They can edit, add, and do steps simultaneously as the execution.

The tool lets testers track what they are doing during exploratory testing sessions, and the tool stores the sequence of steps to help them find the bug.

Key Features:

• The tool organizes and records the testing sessions.

• You can take notes or screenshots.

• The tool lets you capture clicks, URL changes, keystrokes, and network errors.

• You can communicate easily with your team.

Cost:

It is free.

11. Telerik Test Studio

Telerik Test Studio is an exploratory testing tool that is easy to use, and you can test the performance and functionality of the apps quickly. Users can keep track of app quality and automation from the tool's executive dashboard. It has a built-in scheduling feature, and users can integrate test suites in and CD or CI setup.

Telerik Test Studio provides a modern testing cycle to overcome challenges such as eliminating bottlenecks with regression testing, keeping teams in the loop, and increasing test coverage across RESTful API.

Key Features:

• Helps run quick and stable tests.

• The tool captures bugs and gives instant feedback during the testing sessions.

• You can record your test.

• The tool allows continuous integration.

Cost:

The tool offers a full feature free 30-day trial. For other pricing details, visit the website.

12. Rapid Reporter

Rapid Reporter is an exploratory testing tool that helps in taking notes seamlessly. You can take notes without interrupting the session. It helps while reporting the process of SBTM. It is a method for managing exploratory tests, which relies on the notes taken during a session.

The tool appears in yellow at the top, making it easier for the testers to spot it. The notes taken are in one-liners. The note types can be changed when typing using directional keys. The tool can take screenshots when the user needs to provide an extended text format notes area.

Key Features:

• The tool allows you to take screenshots.

• You can export your notes to CSV files.

• The tool will be visible on top of your screen.

Cost:

It is free.

13. Testuff

Testuff is an exploratory testing tool that helps in conducting seamless exploratory testing. The tool takes care of server maintenance, security, and hourly backs. This feature benefits the users as they can focus on testing.

With Testuff, users can organize and assign tests to teams. Also, team management with the tool is very easy. Users can easily remove and add testers.

Key Features:

• The tool allows you to take screenshots.

• You can record videos during the testing session.

• You can collaborate with your team easily.

Cost:

It is $27/mo

14. Testiny

Testiny is an exploratory testing tool that helps edit and to organize test cases simpler. Users can edit and create set test case owners and test cases and organize test cases. All they have to do is describe test steps, preconditions, and the results they are expecting.

The tool has a history panel where users can review changes. Testiny allows users to expand the original scope of their test case information. They can do this by adding specific content. The tool supports various field types for easy customization.

Key Features:

• Track and capture the results.

• You can print the test reports.

• Integrates with Jira.

Cost:

Free

Advanced: $17/mo.

A custom plan is also available.

15. TestRail

TestRail is an exploratory testing tool that helps track and organize software testing easily. Teams can collaborate with each other using this tool from a centralized location. Users can structure and organize reusable test cases into folders.

Creating agile test plans and tracking them with this tool becomes easy as it is an interface designed for test management. The tool integrates with automation frameworks and tools seamlessly.

Key Features:

• Manage and organize your exploratory testing session on location.

• Efficient and easy-to-use tool.

• Evaluate risk and produce high-quality software.

Cost:

You can visit the website to learn about the pricing details.

Things to Consider When Choosing an Exploratory Testing Tool

Easy to Set Up

The tool must be easy to set up and use. If the tool is complicated to set up, you might not know how to run the tests. Not running the test properly will not give you exact results.

Collaboration

Collaborating with your team on the same tool will help you be on the same page. You will be able to understand the problems together. Look for exploratory testing tools that offer collaboration features.

Note Making

Look for tools that allow you to make notes simultaneously. It will be easier for you to look back on the notes after the testing. Also, having the notes in one place will be beneficial. Along with note-making, look for a screen capture feature as well.

Conclusion

Many people are using exploratory testing tools to meet the demands of customers. Exploratory testing tools will help you get rid of bugs and save you from losing money. We have made a list of all the top exploratory testing tools that you can consider using.

FAQs

What Are Exploratory Testing Tools?

Exploratory testing tools are applications that help in testing software or systems quickly with no planning. The tools help in finding defects and bugs in the system that have gone unnoticed. They have instant feedback and create reports for the team to check and work on. Exploratory testing tools also provide screen capture, note-making, and team collaboration features.

When Should You Consider Using an Exploratory Testing Tool?

You can consider using exploratory testing tools at any point in time. There are specific scenarios where using the tool will be highly beneficial.

Using this tool when you need quick feedback or when someone wants to learn about the application quickly will help a lot. Using this tool when you do not have a lot of time to structure tests will help make work easier.

You can also consider using this tool in situations where you want detailed steps of the unit test process and in cases where you want to review the application from a user's perspective.

How Are Mind Maps Beneficial in Exploratory Testing?

Mind maps can be changed according to the situation. The results are not defined while performing exploratory testing. When the results are not determined, in a mind map, you will have the ability to add new nodes and information. You can create as many test cases as you wish using a mind map, and they are also easy to understand.

Is There a Structure to Exploratory Testing?

Though exploratory testing is done on the go using the tool, there is a structure to the testing process.

This is the structure:

• A goal or a mission is set. A clear understanding is established of why the test is being run.

• During the test, notes are taken.

• Concerns and questions that were raised before the test are tracked.

• The test report is analyzed, and changes are made.

What Are the Five Phases of Exploratory Testing?

The five phases of exploratory testing are:

1. Classifying bugs.

2. Creating a test charter.

3. Creating a time box.

4. Review the results.

5. Conduct a debrief with all the results.