9 BEST Exploratory Testing Tools (Jul 2025)
Michael Thompson
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.
Top Exploratory Testing Tools & Chrome Extensions
1) Testpad
Testpad stands out amongst traditional test case management tools for having a unique approach. Rather than organizing itself around formal test cases, it uses a simple checklist-style interface with test prompts running down the left, and results captured on the right. It’s a bit like using a spreadsheet but built specifically for managing test plans.
This layout makes it quick to learn, easy to use, and surprisingly flexible. It’s particularly well-suited to teams that need something lightweight and straightforward, whether for structured test plans or freeform exploratory testing. It also makes it easy to involve non-testers like clients or guest testers.
If you’re currently using spreadsheets to manage your testing, Testpad could be a natural next step.
Features:
- Keyboard-driven editor – type hundreds of prompts in minutes
- Guest testing – invite in extra help to run tests, no licence needed
- Instant reports – at-a-glance reports available in one click, shareable with guest links
- Lightweight integrations – connect bug numbers to 3rd party tools like JIRA for quick access
- Natural for exploratory testing – freeform checklists make ideal (and pragmatic) charters for managing exploratory testing
- API – brand new API for injecting results from CI systems and extracting data for 3rd party dashboards etc
30-Day Free Trial
2) 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 is one of the best exploratory tools that 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
3) 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/
4) 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/
5) Azure Test Plans
Azure Test Plans 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.
Link:https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/devops/test-plans
6) Test Studio Explore
Telerik Test Studio is an exploratory testing tool to test web and desktop applications of all Windows OS. It is one of the best tools for exploratory testing which 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
7) 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/
8) 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
9) 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/