31 January 2024 Leave a comment Tool comparisons
In the realm of software test automation, two notable tools stand out: Katalon and Marathon. Katalon offers a comprehensive quality management platform with AI-augmented features and visual testing capabilities for web and mobile applications.
It’s designed for flexibility in coding proficiency, providing both low-code and no-code solutions. Conversely, Marathon focuses on streamlining test automation for Android and iOS through batching and sharding, requiring a Marathonfile for configuration. It is open-source and emphasizes performance and cost-effectiveness. Understanding their unique offerings is key to selecting the right tool for your testing needs.
Latest update: 1/29/2024, 3:34:32 PM
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Feature comparison of Katalon and Marathon
| Feature | Katalon | Marathon |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Pricing Overview of Katalon and Marathon
Katalon Pricing Model
Katalon’s Software Quality Management Platform offers a tiered pricing strategy to accommodate a diverse range of team sizes and testing needs. Here’s a brief rundown of their plans:
- Starter Plan: Free, targeting small teams or beginners in test automation with fundamental features.
- Premium Plan: Priced at $167 per month (when billed annually), this plan is aimed at professional users requiring advanced test creation and management features.
- Ultimate Plan: Tailored for enterprise usage with custom pricing, offering the most comprehensive set of features.
- Annual Savings: Committing to an annual plan provides up to 25% savings.
- Package Deals & Discounts: Bundled licenses and test results options are available, as well as discounts for new customers on initial licenses.
Marathon Pricing Model
Marathon, in contrast to Katalon, is a free open-source software. This means:
- No Cost: The software is available at no charge, making it accessible for any individual or team to use.
- Community-Supported: Typically, open-source software like Marathon relies on community support for updates, troubleshooting, and enhancements.
Comparison of Pricing Models
When comparing the pricing models of Katalon and Marathon, several key differences and similarities emerge:
Common Points
- Accessibility for Small Teams: Both Katalon and Marathon offer solutions that are accessible to small teams or individuals just starting out with test automation. Katalon provides a free Starter Plan, and Marathon is entirely free.
- Focus on Automation: Each product focuses on test automation, aiming to streamline the testing process for software development.
Key Differences
- Cost Structure: Katalon uses a tiered pricing model with increased functionality at higher price points, while Marathon is free and open-source, with no cost associated with its use.
- Enterprise Support: Katalon offers an Ultimate plan with enterprise-grade features and support, which is priced on a custom basis. Marathon, being open-source, may lack the formal support structure that enterprises often require.
- Savings on Commitment: Katalon incentivizes long-term commitment by offering discounts for annual billing, which is not applicable to Marathon as it does not have a pricing structure.
- Community vs. Professional Support: With Katalon, users pay for professional support and additional features, while Marathon users rely on the community for support, which can vary in responsiveness and expertise.
- Package Deals: Katalon provides package deals and discounts for new customers, an option not available with Marathon as there is no pricing involved.
In summary, Katalon’s model is designed for scalability and professional support with a cost attached, catering to a range of professional needs from small startups to large enterprises. Marathon, on the other hand, offers a cost-effective solution for those willing to leverage community support and who are perhaps more budget-conscious or prefer open-source software. Users should consider their team’s size, support needs, and budget when choosing between the two models.
