Katalon vs Ranorex Studio

Katalon vs Ranorex Studio

31 January 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tool comparisons

In the realm of automated testing, Katalon and Ranorex Studio stand out as prominent tools, but they cater to different needs. Katalon is a versatile platform with AI-enhanced testing capabilities and a no-code approach, supporting web, Android, and iOS platforms.


It’s designed for teams seeking comprehensive testing solutions with a moderate learning curve. On the other hand, Ranorex Studio excels in detailed UI test automation across similar platforms, prioritizing ease of use with no-code solutions, albeit without a free plan. Understanding their unique features and limitations is crucial for choosing the right tool for your software quality needs.


Latest update: 1/29/2024, 3:34:32 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 Ranorex Studio

FeatureKatalonRanorex Studio
Free Plan
On Premise
Device FarmN/A
Scheduler
No Code
Uses Ai
Generates Reports
Uses Computer Vision
Platformsweb,Android,iOSweb,Android,iOS
Ease Of Useeasy to learneasy to learn
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.
1. Ranorex Spy tool is effective for identifying and locating XPath, providing an edge over some other automation tools.
2. Enables creation of stable automation scripts that are less affected by updates compared to tools like Selenium.
3. Powerful tool that can cover almost all types of desktop applications.
4. Provides the flexibility to implement code using Ranorex API as well as within Ranorex Studio.
5. Offers support for automation of web and mobile applications in addition to desktop apps.
6. Ranorex can be cost-effective if the infrastructure and approach are optimized.
7. Features easy click and recording capabilities for actions of the tested application.
8. Provides a variety of free online training sessions for all experience levels and helpful support.
9. Facilitates the transition from manual to automated testing, potentially increasing test coverage and efficiency.
10. Simplifies test creation, especially for those with less programming knowledge, and supports cross-browser testing.
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.
1. Ranorex only supports C and is limited to Windows, lacking support for Mac OS.
2. Some users experience difficulties when recording actions on applications using multiple technologies.
3. Some users report receiving no tangible benefits from using Ranorex in certain scenarios.
4. The cost of Ranorex can be high, which may be a barrier for smaller teams or businesses.
5. Users have reported experiencing persistent bugs and issues within the system over the years.
6. Communication with support has been challenging for some users, with difficulties in resolving issues.
7. Sales representative turnover can lead to inconsistencies in customer service.
8. Reporting functionality in Ranorex is criticized for not scaling well with larger tests.
9. While Ranorex is flexible, some users feel that this flexibility is necessary to work around its shortcomings.
10. Compatibility with all desired technologies should be thoroughly tested, as some users have found limitations in Ranorex’s ability to interact with certain elements.


Comparative Analysis of Katalon and Ranorex Studio Pricing Models

Katalon Pricing Overview

Katalon Studio provides a tiered pricing model for its Software Quality Management Platform, aimed at accommodating different team sizes and needs. The tiers are as follows:

  • Starter Plan: Free, basic test automation for small teams or beginners.
  • Premium Plan: $167/month (billed annually), professional features for test creation and dynamic testing workflows.
  • Ultimate Plan: Enterprise-grade features, custom pricing required.

Katalon offers up to 25% savings for annual billing, package deals, and special discounts for new customers.

Ranorex Studio Pricing Overview

Ranorex Studio adopts an all-inclusive licensing model with three primary license types:

  • Studio License: Single-station, for creating, editing, and executing tests, including a standalone IDE and Visual Studio plugin.
  • Enterprise License: Floating license, extends Studio features for use on multiple machines.
  • Runtime License: Floating license for executing tests on multiple machines, contingent on having a Studio or Enterprise license for test creation.

Ranorex emphasizes support services and requires direct contact for specific pricing details.

Comparing the Pricing Models

Common Points:

Both Katalon and Ranorex Studio offer solutions that cater to a range of testing requirements including web, desktop, and mobile platforms. They both provide tiered options to serve various team sizes and project complexities. Furthermore, each offers a form of savings or efficiency for customers who commit annually or adopt a more comprehensive package.

Key Differences:

  • Pricing Transparency: Katalon provides clear cut pricing for their Premium plan and mentions discounts and package deals, whereas Ranorex requires direct contact for pricing details, indicating a more customized approach to pricing.
  • Free Tier Availability: Katalon offers a free Starter Plan which is conducive for small teams or those new to automated testing, while Ranorex does not explicitly mention a free tier.
  • License Flexibility: Ranorex differentiates its licenses based on their portability (single-station vs. floating), with the floating licenses catered to more collaborative and scalable testing environments. Katalon, on the other hand, scales its plans based on feature sets and doesn’t specify the type of license (station-bound or floating).
  • Custom Pricing: Katalon’s Ultimate Plan requires custom pricing, which may be similar to Ranorex’s approach for all their plans, suggesting a tailored pricing strategy for larger enterprise needs.
  • Discount Strategy: Katalon openly offers a discount for annual billing and new customers, while Ranorex’s discount or savings structure is not clearly stated, potentially being part of the custom pricing discussion.

In summary, Katalon provides a more transparent and structured pricing model with clear options for small to large teams, including a free tier for entry-level use. Ranorex, conversely, seems to focus on a customized approach, with all-inclusive licenses that might be better suited for teams requiring more flexibility and scalability in their testing processes. Potential customers should consider their team size, budget, and desired level of support when choosing between these two software quality management platforms.

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