Katalon vs Leapwork

Katalon vs Leapwork

31 January 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tool comparisons

In the dynamic world of test automation, Katalon and Leapwork stand out as prominent solutions, each with distinct features tailored to diverse testing needs. Katalon offers a balance of low-code and full-code capabilities with AI-augmented testing, while Leapwork champions a no-code approach with its visual language for test creation.


Both platforms facilitate cross-browser and device testing, but Katalon extends its reach with AWS Device Farm integration. Understanding the differences in ease of use, pricing, and deployment options is essential for teams aiming to optimize their testing processes.


Latest update: 1/31/2024, 3:45:24 PM
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Feature comparison of Leapwork and Katalon

FeatureLeapworkKatalon
Free Plan
On Premise
Device Farm
Scheduler
No Code
Uses Ai
Generates Reports
Uses Computer Vision
Platformsweb,Android,iOSweb,Android,iOS
Ease Of Usevery easy to learneasy to learn
Is Open Source
Support Included
Review Pros – Comprehensive data storage abilities without being locked into a single solution.
– Excellent support with timely solutions upon request.
– Ease of use in creating subflows for reusable tasks, which benefits non-technical testers.
– Enables manual testers to create automation without extensive coding knowledge.
– GUI-based platform that is easy to learn with a supportive knowledge base.
– No technical prerequisites required for use.
– In-depth strategy editor that supports web, desktop, and API automation.
– Seamless integration of test cases involving both desktop and web applications.
– Video export feature of executed test cases for documentation and training.
– Excellent debugging functionality, including live video execution and video recording.
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.
Review Cons – Minor user interface issues, such as watermarks not disappearing when typing.
– Lack of check-in control in the Platform version compared to the Enterprise version.
– Reporting features could be enhanced, such as email reports and dashboard improvements.
– Identifying some web elements can be counterintuitive and may require advanced knowledge.
– Mobile automation not built-in; reliance on third-party providers or tools is necessary.
– Test execution can be slow when using remote agents.
– Limited functionality for executing sub-flows compared to main flows.
– Data-driven test automation from Excel is not dynamic and could be improved.
– Limited Excel integration with only basic Read and Write blocks available.
– Still an on-premises tool; could benefit from being cloud-based with automated backups and disaster recovery.
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.


Katalon vs. Leapwork Pricing Models

Katalon Pricing Overview

Katalon provides a tiered pricing model for its Software Quality Management Platform, which is designed to accommodate different team sizes and testing requirements. The Starter Plan is free and offers basic test automation features, making it ideal for small teams or those new to test automation. For more advanced needs, the Premium Plan begins at $167 per month (when billed annually) and introduces professional-grade test creation and dynamic testing workflows. The Ultimate Plan targets enterprise-level needs and comes with custom pricing. Katalon emphasizes savings for annual billing, offering up to 25% off, and has package deals and discounts for new customers. The platform supports a variety of testing types, including web, API, mobile, and desktop, and integrates AI-powered and visual testing capabilities.

Leapwork Pricing Overview

Leapwork adopts a customizable pricing approach for its Test Automation suite, catering to businesses with varying needs and team structures. Instead of predefined pricing tiers, Leapwork provides personalized quotes to match each organization’s specific requirements. This method ensures a tailored solution, considering the nuances of each business’s objectives and team configurations. Prospective users are encouraged to initiate a dialogue with Leapwork to receive a precise quote that reflects their situation.

Comparison of Pricing Models

Common Points:

  • Flexibility: Both Katalon and Leapwork offer flexible pricing models, although they approach flexibility differently. Katalon has defined tiers that cater to different levels of need, while Leapwork offers bespoke pricing plans.
  • Tailored for Various Team Sizes: Each service is designed to serve teams ranging from small to large, acknowledging that teams have diverse needs based on size and complexity.
  • Support for Different Testing Types: Both platforms accommodate a variety of testing requirements, including web and mobile.

Key Differences:

  • Pricing Transparency: Katalon is transparent with its pricing structure, providing detailed costs for each plan and the savings associated with annual commitments. In contrast, Leapwork requires potential customers to contact them directly for a quote, which means pricing is not publicly disclosed.
  • Customization: Leapwork emphasizes a highly customized pricing model, which is likely to appeal to organizations that have specific needs or require a plan that scales with their growth. Katalon, while offering flexibility within its tiered structure, has predefined plans that might not be as tailored as Leapwork’s.
  • Free Tier Availability: Katalon offers a Starter Plan at no cost, which is particularly beneficial for small teams or those just starting out with automation. Leapwork does not publicly advertise a free tier, focusing instead on personalized quotes.
  • Discounts and Deals: Katalon openly advertises discounts for new customers and package deals, which can be an attractive option for cost-conscious businesses. Leapwork’s discounts, if any, would be discussed during the quotation process.

In summary, while both Katalon and Leapwork provide flexible and accommodating pricing models for teams of all sizes, Katalon offers more transparency and immediate accessibility with its tiered pricing and free plan option. Leapwork, on the other hand, delivers a personalized pricing strategy that could benefit organizations looking for a custom-fit solution aligned with their specific business goals and team dynamics.

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