10 BEST Exploratory Testing Tools in 2021

Exploratory testing is a type of software testing in which test cases are not created in advance, but testers can check system on the fly. This type of testing allows you to perform test design and execution simultaneously without much planning.

Following is a handpicked list of Top Free Exploratory Testing tools, with their popular features and website links. The list contains both open source(free) and commercial(paid) software.

1) Xray Exploratory App (XEA)

The Xray Exploratory App (XEA) streamlines the process of exploratory testing by giving you the tools to capture evidence and easily share your insights. XEA eases the process of documentation so you can cover more untested code, discover new testing scenarios, and find hard to catch bugs.

Features:

• Create a test session or "test charter" to track your time
• Record videos, make screenshots, take notes and do annotations
• Test web, desktop or even mobile-based applications
• Use as standalone desktop app or integrate with Xray and Jira
• Export testing sessions to PDF or directly to your Test Runs in Xray

2) TestBench

TestBench accelerates the entire process of exploratory testing for all teams from small to large and distributed.

Features:

• Preparation: Define the test mission and the charters. Set the time-box for execution and invite all participants.
• Execution: Start the session and take notes, screenshots, and videos while exploring. See what your colleagues are working on and what findings they have recorded. Tag your notes by type (defect, idea, praise, etc.).
• Debriefing: Evaluate the findings with all participants. Review the test session as you like, e.g., by using the tags of the notes.
• TestBench also supports specification-based testing and test automation.

3)Bug Magnet

Bug Magnet is a session tester for Chrome and Firefox. The tool helps you to include common problematic values and edge cases. It provides easy access during exploratory test sessions.

Features:

• Allows you to extend with your customize config files
• Works on multi-frame pages, only when they are of the same domain
• Ccompletely passive, so this software never interfere with your web app test execution

Link: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/bug-magnet/efhedldbjahpgjcneebmbolkalbhckfi

4) Exploratory Testing Chrome Extension

It is a chrome extension that is use for web exploratory testing. This extension report bugs, ideas, notes, etc.

Features:

• Report bugs, ideas, notes, and questions easily
• Take screenshots during the session. Keep focused
• Helps you to track URL automatically
• See session results in a report
• Save and import session
• Export session to JSON,CSV or HTML formats.

Link: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/exploratory-testing-chrom/khigmghadjljgjpamimgjjmpmlbgmekj

5) Qtest Explorer

QTest is easy to use, scalable test management solution that allows testers to centralize, and speed up test management. QTest exploratory testing tool makes every step of the QA process simpler and more effective.

Features:

• QTest centralizes test automation management and integrates with any open-source or proprietary test automation tool.
• Leave a legacy behind for an enterprise-grade test management solution
• QTest simplifies developer-tester alignment with a real-time Jira integration
• Create meaningful reports with your Jira data
• Seamlessly integrated with agile and DevOps tools.

Link: https://www.tricentis.com/products/agile-dev-testing-qtest/exploratory-testing-qtest-explorer/

6) Azure Test Plans

Azure Test plan exploratory testing tool, which helps you to improve your code quality for your apps.

Features:

• Capture rich scenario data for exploratory testing
• It helps you to test your application by executing tests across desktop or web apps.
• It allows you to plan, execute, and track scripted tests with actionable defects.

7) Test Studio Explore

Telerik Studio is an exploratory testing tool to test web and desktop applications of all Windows OS. It allows you to test functionality, load, and the performance of the web and mobile apps. It also offers a plugin to check Cross-browsing issues.

Features:

• Native in build support for the Telerik UI Controls
• It helps you to capture bugs and send feedback in your exploratory testing sessions.
• Testing HTML popups and browser dialogs
• Support for JavaScript invocation and logging
• Allows Continuous Integration to use the build server
• It is designed to be light-weight, handy, and easy to launch and access.

Link: https://www.telerik.com/teststudio

8) TestRail

TestRail is a highly comprehensive web-based test case management software and exploratory testing tool. The tool efficiently manages, track, and organize your software testing efforts.

Features:

• It helps you to track and follow the status of individual tests, milestones, and projects with dashboards and activity reports.
• Execute your tests and track instant results
• Offers test actionable reports, metrics and real-time insights
• You can integrate with bug trackers

Link: https://www.gurock.com/testrail/

9) SmartBear Zephyr

SmartBear Zephyr is another useful exploratory testing tool. It provides providing end-to-end solutions for agile teams of all sizes. It also offers single-click integration with JIRA, Jenkins, Bamboo, and more.

Features:

• Advanced analytics and DevOps dashboards
• Allows you to capture as an image annotation Tool for solving Jira Issues
• No annual commitment required
• Cloud, server, and data center deployment options
• Helps you to teach agile team members with collaborative software testing

Link: https://www.getzephyr.com/insights/why-capture-jira-essential-exploratory-testing-tool

10) Rapid Reporter

Rapid Reporter is exploratory notetaking application. It works in such a way that it takes notes during an uninterrupted testing session and review of these notes afterward.

Features:

• It is a standalone tool, so no installation required. It can be used across different computers from your USB disk-on-key.
• It is always-on-top of your screen, so you don't need to search for it on their desktop.
• You can take notes one by one in one-liners.
• Note types can be changed while you type by with the help of directional keys.
• The application allows you to take screenshots on-demand
• You can save notes in CSV text files, which helps you to combine text flexibility with a spreadsheet.

Link: http://testing.gershon.info/reporter/

11) SpiraCapture

SpiraCapture is an exploratory testing tool Chrome extension. The tool records and organizes your testing session. It is a free tool, so you don't need to connect to any other software.

Features:

• Helps you to capture your activity and take notes or screenshots about what happened
• Allows you to capture keystrokes, clicks, URL changes, and network errors
• Limit recording only to that browser which you have selected
• Offers simplify communication with your team.

Link: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/spiracapture-exploratory/naknodgmafmgdbpkjbanlgnhlpificmj