31 January 2024 Leave a comment Tool comparisons
In the realm of software testing, Katalon and Flank emerge as distinct platforms catering to diverse needs. Katalon is a comprehensive quality management suite with AI-augmented capabilities, suitable for web and mobile testing across various devices via AWS Device Farm, and accessible to both code-savvy and no-code users.
Conversely, Flank is an open-source, expert-level test runner focused on parallel execution for Android and iOS, requiring technical prowess with YAML and gcloud CLI, without integrated device farm support. Our comparison will navigate through their unique features, usage ease, and integration facilities to help you identify the ideal tool for your testing requirements.
Latest update: 1/31/2024, 3:45:24 PM
We do not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information presented on our website. This includes prices, product specifications, and availability, which are subject to change. The reviews on this site are collected from g2.com and crozdesk.com and summarized by us.
Feature comparison of Katalon and Flank
| Feature | Katalon | Flank |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ✔ | ✔ |
| On Premise | ✔ | ✔ |
| Device Farm | ✔ | – |
| Scheduler | ✔ | – |
| No Code | ✔ | – |
| Uses Ai | ✔ | – |
| Generates Reports | ✔ | ✔ |
| Uses Computer Vision | ✔ | – |
| Platforms | web,Android,iOS | Android,iOS |
| Ease Of Use | easy to learn | requires expert technical knowledge |
| Is Open Source | – | ✔ |
| Support Included | ✔ | – |
| Review Pros |
– Reduced 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. | N/A |
| Review Cons |
– Separate 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. | N/A |
Katalon vs. Flank: A Comparison of Pricing Models
Pricing Summary of Katalon
Katalon presents a tiered pricing strategy for its Software Quality Management Platform, catering to a variety of user needs. The Starter Plan is free, intended for small teams or beginners to test automation, offering essential test automation features. For more sophisticated needs, Katalon offers the Premium Plan at $167 per month (when billed annually), which includes professional test creation and dynamic testing workflows. The Ultimate Plan, targeting enterprise users, provides even more advanced features and requires a custom quote. Billing annually comes with up to a 25% discount, and Katalon also provides package deals and introductory discounts for new customers.
Pricing Summary of Flank
Flank, in contrast, operates as a free open-source software. This model emphasizes community contributions and self-service support, allowing users to utilize and modify the software without any financial outlay. There are no tiered plans or pricing structures as all features are available to everyone who has access to the software.
Comparison of Pricing Models
Common Points
- Accessibility: Both Katalon and Flank offer a level of free access to their tools. Katalon provides a free Starter Plan, while Flank is entirely free as open-source software.
- Support for Automation Testing: Each product is designed to aid in the automation testing process, although the scope and sophistication of the features may vary.
Key Differences
- Cost Factor: Katalon operates on a freemium model with advanced features locked behind paid plans, whereas Flank is entirely free.
- Pricing Structure: Katalon has a structured pricing model with clearly defined tiers and additional savings for annual commitments, while Flank has no pricing tiers or associated costs.
- Enterprise Offerings: Katalon has an Ultimate Plan for enterprise-level needs with custom pricing, a feature not applicable to Flank as it does not have a pricing model.
- Community vs. Commercial Support: Flank being open-source typically relies on community support, whereas Katalon, especially on paid plans, may offer professional support services.
- Customizability and Ownership: With Flank, users have the ability to customize the software to their needs due to its open-source nature. Katalon users are limited to the features provided within the chosen plan.
- Discounts and Deals: Katalon provides various discounts and package deals, while Flank, being free, does not engage in pricing promotions.
The choice between Katalon and Flank largely depends on the scale of the user’s testing requirements, budget constraints, and preference for community-driven versus commercially supported products. Katalon’s model is suitable for teams that require a comprehensive, ready-to-use solution with varying levels of support and features, while Flank appeals to those who prioritize cost savings and are comfortable with community-based development and support.
