Katalon vs Espresso

Katalon vs Espresso

31 January 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tool comparisons

Choosing the right testing tool is crucial for ensuring software quality and efficiency. Katalon is a versatile software quality management platform with AI-augmented capabilities, supporting web and mobile applications, and catering to both no-code and coding approaches.


On the other hand, Espresso is a focused, open-source framework for Android UI testing, favoring developers with its code-centric design for rapid test execution. While Katalon offers a broad range of features and supports cross-functional testing, Espresso provides a streamlined approach for Android with a higher ease of use for those comfortable with coding. Understanding the differences between these tools is essential for selecting the right one for your team’s needs.


Latest update: 1/29/2024, 3:34:32 PM
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Feature comparison of Katalon and Espresso

FeatureKatalonEspresso
Free Plan
On Premise
Device Farm
Scheduler
No Code
Uses Ai
Generates Reports
Uses Computer Vision
Platformsweb,Android,iOSAndroid
Ease Of Useeasy to learnrequires advanced technical knowledge
Is Open Source
Support Included
Review ProsReduced Effort in Test Maintenance: Users report that Katalon simplifies the creation and maintenance of reusable methods, which can reduce time and effort significantly.
Built-in Reporting Features: The platform automatically captures snapshots on test failures, which enhances the efficiency of reporting.
Comprehensive Test Features: Offers features like Record, Object Spy, and Frame Handling, which streamline the testing process.
Low Learning Curve: Katalon is accessible to manual testers, allowing them to transition to automation testing with minimal training.
Cross-Functional Testing Support: It supports UI, API, and Mobile testing within a single platform, reducing the need to manage different tools for different types of testing.
Community and Customer Support: There is strong community support for the free version and dedicated customer support for the paid version.
Facilitates Cross-Functional Roles: Enables testers to handle both manual and automated testing, effectively becoming cross-functional team members.
CI/CD Integration: For those who opt for the paid version, it offers Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment integration.
Codeless Automation: Provides a codeless automation option, making it accessible for teams with limited coding knowledge.
Efficiency in Test Execution: Users find that Katalon allows for faster test execution compared to manual testing, enabling more extensive and frequent testing.
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Review ConsSeparate Licensing: Some users find the need for separate licenses for different features to be a disadvantage.
Cost for Advanced Features: Advanced features like CI/CD integration and Visual Testing require a paid license.
Mobile Execution Issues: There have been reports of instability during mobile test execution, where sessions unexpectedly close.
High Resource Usage: Users with less powerful hardware have experienced performance issues, indicating the platform may require substantial system resources.
Lack of Support for Legacy Systems: Katalon currently does not support automation testing for legacy Java UIs, which can be a limitation for some organizations.
Limited TestOps Analytics: The free version has limitations on the analytical results available through TestOps, pushing users towards the paid version for full functionality.
Separate Licensing for Cloud Features: Features like Parallel Cloud Execution and Cloud Tunnelling require additional licensing, which can increase costs.
Limited Free Features: Some users feel that the most valuable features are locked behind the paid version, which can be a barrier for smaller teams or individual users.
Hardware Demands: The platform’s demand on hardware resources can lead to slower performance on less capable machines.
No Bundled Packages: Users would prefer bundled packages for the various Katalon products to simplify licensing and possibly reduce costs.
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Katalon vs. Espresso Pricing Models

Katalon Pricing Overview

Katalon presents a tiered pricing approach for its Software Quality Management Platform. The tiers cater to different team sizes and needs:

  • Starter Plan: Free, targeting small teams or beginners. Offers basic test automation.
  • Premium Plan: $167/month (annual billing), for professional-grade test creation and dynamic testing workflows.
  • Ultimate Plan: Custom pricing, includes enterprise-grade features.
  • Annual billing provides up to 25% savings.
  • Package deals and discounts for new customers are available.

Katalon’s plans encompass a full testing cycle, covering web, API, mobile, and desktop testing, with advanced options like AI-powered and visual testing.

Espresso Pricing Overview

Espresso, on the other hand, is an open-source framework, which means it is free to use. This software provides a set of tools for Android app testing, without any associated costs.

Comparison of Pricing Models

Common Points:

  • Both Katalon and Espresso offer a free option for users. Katalon provides a free Starter Plan, while Espresso is entirely open-source and free.
  • Each framework is designed to support software testing, albeit with different scopes and platforms.

Key Differences:

  • Pricing Structure: Katalon uses a tiered pricing model with paid plans that offer additional features and support for larger teams. Espresso is entirely free, with no tiered structure or paid plans.
  • Target Audience: Katalon’s paid plans are tailored to professional and enterprise teams looking for advanced features and extensive testing capabilities. Espresso is geared towards developers who are comfortable with an open-source environment and do not require dedicated support or advanced features.
  • Features and Support: Katalon’s paid plans include professional and enterprise-grade features, AI-powered testing, and visual testing capabilities, along with customer support. Espresso, being open-source, relies on community support and contributions for feature development and troubleshooting.
  • Billing and Discounts: Katalon offers a discount for annual billing and has special deals for package options and new customers. Espresso does not involve any billing or discounts since it is free.
  • Scope of Testing: While both tools support mobile testing, Katalon extends its capabilities to web, API, and desktop testing, which may not be directly supported by Espresso.

In summary, Katalon’s pricing model is designed to scale with a team’s growth and testing complexity, offering structured plans with specific features and support levels. This model can be beneficial for teams that require a comprehensive testing suite with professional backing. Espresso, being free and open-source, is ideal for users who are looking for a cost-effective solution without the need for extensive features or dedicated support. Users should choose the tool that best fits their budgetary constraints and testing requirements.

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