Katalon vs Robolectric

Katalon vs Robolectric

31 January 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tool comparisons

When selecting a testing solution for your software development process, Katalon and Robolectric emerge as two distinct options. Katalon is a comprehensive software quality management platform that supports web, Android, and iOS platforms with AI-powered features and codeless automation, suitable for teams of varying sizes and coding expertise.


On the other hand, Robolectric is an open-source Android-specific unit testing framework that operates within the JVM, ideal for developers who require a more code-centric approach to testing Android applications across different API levels. Each offers unique advantages, whether you prioritize a full-featured testing suite or a streamlined, code-driven testing environment.


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

FeatureKatalonRobolectric
Free Plan
On Premise
Device Farm
Scheduler
No Code
Uses Ai
Generates Reports
Uses Computer Vision
Platformsweb,Android,iOSAndroid
Ease Of Useeasy to learnrequires expert 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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Pricing Overview of Katalon and Robolectric

Katalon Pricing

Katalon’s Software Quality Management Platform provides a tiered pricing strategy to accommodate various team sizes and needs. The tiers include:

  • Starter Plan: This is a free plan aimed at small teams or those new to test automation. It offers basic test automation capabilities.
  • Premium Plan: Priced at $167 per month when billed annually, it targets professional teams needing advanced test creation and dynamic testing workflows.
  • Ultimate Plan: This plan is tailored for enterprise use and offers high-end features, with pricing available upon request.
  • Annual Savings: Committing to an annual plan grants up to a 25% discount.
  • Package Deals: Katalon provides bundled options for various licenses and test results, along with special discounts for new customers on initial licenses.

Robolectric Pricing

Robolectric is an entirely different offering in the market:

  • Open Source: Robolectric is free and open source, meaning there is no direct cost to use the software.

Comparison of Pricing Models

When comparing the pricing models of Katalon and Robolectric, there are several key points and differences to consider:

Cost Structure:

  • Katalon employs a tiered pricing model that scales with the size of the team and the complexity of the required features. In contrast, Robolectric is free, eliminating the need for budget considerations when choosing to implement it.

Plan Options:

  • Katalon offers a free Starter Plan but also has paid Premium and Ultimate plans that provide progressively more advanced features. Robolectric does not have pricing tiers; it is a one-size-fits-all solution.

Enterprise Support:

  • With Katalon, larger organizations can opt for the Ultimate plan, which includes enterprise-grade features and support. Robolectric, while free, may not have the same level of structured support which could be a consideration for enterprise users.

Annual Commitment Discounts:

  • Katalon incentivizes long-term commitments by offering up to 25% off for annual billing, a strategy that is irrelevant for Robolectric as there is no cost associated.

Licensing Flexibility:

  • Katalon’s package deals suggest a degree of flexibility, allowing customers to bundle different licenses and features. Robolectric’s open-source nature inherently provides flexibility, as users can modify and distribute the software according to their needs without worrying about licensing costs.

Customer Incentives:

  • Katalon offers special discounts to new customers, which can be a deciding factor for startups or companies considering a switch from another platform. Robolectric, being free, does not need to offer such incentives.

Target Audience:

  • Katalon is designed to serve a broad spectrum of users, from small teams to large enterprises, with its scalable plans. Robolectric targets the community of developers who prefer open-source solutions and may have the technical expertise to implement and maintain the software without additional cost.

In summary, Katalon provides a structured, tiered pricing model with both free and paid plans tailored to various organizational needs, while Robolectric is a cost-free, open-source option. The choice between these two will largely depend on the specific requirements of the team, desired features, support levels, and budget constraints.

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