Building an internal team of developers is time-consuming and requires significant resources and investment. Additionally, having an in-house team means you must provide them with the necessary technology and tools for software development. The risk of bureaucratic processes can stall efficiency, causing delays in the completion of development projects.
Outsourcing to crowd testers offers an efficient alternative to in-house teams in software testing. But, choosing the right solution involves considering key factors:
- The speed of test initiation
- The consistency of test execution
- The reliability of unscripted and scripted test results
- The scalability of testing in terms of both price and time
So, this article will focus on Rainforest QA vs Applause, exploring how they address these critical aspects and helping you decide which is better.
Rainforest QA vs Applause - An overview
Rainforest QA
Rainforest QA is an automated testing platform that combines the efficiency of automation with human insights, enabling teams to release high-quality software efficiently without increasing their workforce or straining their budget. Build for SaaS startups, it delivers end-to-end (E2E) test automation for web applications.
The platform operates on a cloud-based model, streamlining the testing process and allowing users to focus on core tasks instead of troubleshooting. It supports the creation of browser-based automated tests that are easy to understand, even for those without coding experience. With AI-driven tools and a dedicated Test Manager, Rainforest QA enhances the quality assurance (QA) process, helping teams reduce bottlenecks, improve workflows, and accelerate software release cycles.
Applause
Applause, often regarded as a pioneer in crowdtesting, stands as a testament to the power of a global testing community. This platform was founded to connect companies with real users worldwide and enables comprehensive testing for various digital products, including websites, mobile apps, and IoT devices.
Applause relies on a diverse pool of testers to provide insights into real-world scenarios, ensuring that the products are functional and user-friendly in different environments.
Rainforest QA vs Applause – Comparison table
Rainforest QA vs Applause – features
Rainforest QA features
Unlike DOM-based solutions, Rainforest automated tests interact directly with the app's UI, ensuring precise testing that aligns with users' experiences. Modifications to underlying code that don't impact the UI won't disrupt Rainforest tests, and these tests are engineered to identify issues only when the UI deviates from expected standards.
Moreover, despite its distinctive features, Rainforest QA stands out by requiring nearly zero training for seamless implementation.
1. Test automation services
Rainforest QA provides managed test automation for SaaS startups, allowing teams to focus ondevelopment while Test Managers handle test creation and maintenance.
- Dedicated test managers: Experienced professionals embedded into your workflows, tools (e.g., Jira, Slack), and time zones.
- No-code automation: Test Managers use Rainforest’s intuitive platform to create and maintain automated tests.
- Proactive maintenance: Only real test failures are reported, with false positives filtered out.
- Fast setup: Automated smoke tests are typically ready within a week.
2. AI-Accelerated UI Testing
Rainforest integrates AI to speed up testing and reduce maintenance effort.
- Generative AI: Generates test scripts quickly from plain-English prompts.
- Self-healing tests: Automatically updates test steps when minor app changes are detected.
- Reliable detection: Uses screenshots, DOM selectors, and AI descriptions to identify elements and avoid test failures.
- Human-like judgment: Ignores insignificant visual changes unless configured otherwise.
3. No-code test automation platform
Rainforest’s no-code platform enables fast, easy test creation and maintenance for teams without coding expertise.
- Plain-English scripts: Tests are easy to write, edit, and understand.
- Real User Experience Testing: Interacts with the visual layer of your app, mimicking actual user behavior.
- Beyond Browser Testing: Supports file downloads, browser extensions, and more on Windows and Mac virtual machines.
4. Cloud-based testing infrastructure
Rainforest’s cloud-based infrastructure enables scalable, efficient testing.
- Parallel execution: Run hundreds of tests simultaneously with results in about 4 minutes.
- Cross-browser Testing: Supports multiple OS versions (Windows, macOS) and popular browsers.
- Organized test management: Filter tests by feature, tags, and version history for easy management.
5. Detailed test results
Rainforest provides clear, AI-powered insights to simplify debugging.
- Failure reports: Includes explanations, reproduction steps, video recordings, and logs.
- Debugging tools: Access HTTP logs, browser logs, and metrics for efficient analysis.
6. Integrations
Rainforest integrates with tools to align testing with existing workflows.
- CI/CD compatibility: Automate continuous testing within DevOps pipelines.
- Notifications: Get updates via Slack, Teams, or email.
- Issue tracking: Directly send identified issues to Jira.
7. Security and compliance
Rainforest ensures data protection with industry-standard security practices.
- SOC 2 Type 2 Certified: Utilizes OpenAI’s secure API with encrypted data storage and transfer.
- Privacy-focused: Abstracts customer data for AI processing, ensuring compliance and security.
Applause features
Applause adopts a dual approach that integrates exploratory testing, that uncovers issues arising from unforeseen usage patterns and real-world scenarios, along with structured testing to guarantee the proper functioning of core features:
1. Manual functional testing:
- A dedicated team managing all testing aspects aligned with your objectives offers valuable insights and advice on best practices.
- Rapid integration of your services without disrupting your team or existing processes.
2. Integrated functional testing:
- Merge manual and automated testing processes into a unified solution for maximum test coverage and speed.
- View all testing results conveniently through a single dashboard for streamlined monitoring.
3. In-sprint testing:
- Validating individual feature functionality with a streamlined process integrated into your bug-tracking system.
- Rapid turnaround and integration as part of a shift-left development approach for fast-moving teams.
4. Bring your own testers (BYOT):
- Use your internal teams, including employees, friends, and family, for testing purposes.
- Applause's team handles the setup, execution, and delivery of results alongside insights from the broader community.
5. User Experience testing:
- Knowledgeable UX researchers lead UX studies to provide a complete view of the customer experience.
- Customized respondents to match your target audience, uncovering meaningful insights.
6. Customer Journey testing:
- Provides a holistic view of your brand's experience across digital and/or physical channels.
- Testing of complex journeys to identify friction across multiple dimensions, providing actionable feedback and user insights.
7. Payment testing:
- Ideal for those looking to expand into new markets, reduce risk, or improve payment usability.
8. AI training & testing:
- Scalable end-to-end solution for training algorithms and testing outputs to ensure accuracy and usefulness.
9. Voice testing:
- Tests voice applications and voice-enabled devices with real people and devices in real use cases.
10. Accessibility testing:
- Human-driven and flexible approach to accessibility testing embedded into the development process.
11. Security testing:
- Unique strategies to uncover vulnerabilities, providing a robust report and remediation action plan.
Rainforest QA vs Applause – Benefits
According to G2 users, here are the most stand-out pros to consider:
Rainforest pros
- The ease of use facilitates efficient test creation and maintenance, enabling non-technical team members to contribute effectively.
- Visual regression capabilities, including screenshot comparisons, make it easy to identify changes.
- Users highlight the ability to create snippets and run groups for reusability.
- Comprehensive logs provide valuable information for identifying and resolving issues, contributing to a smoother development cycle.
- Faster testing processes increase confidence in code releases, allowing for quicker bug identification and resolution.
- The live preview feature facilitates real-time feedback, enhancing the development and refinement of tests.
- Users find Rainforest QA a great tool for developing an automation mindset before delving into code-based automation.
- Consistent test execution enhances the accuracy and dependability of the testing process.
Applause pros
According to SoftwareReviews users, here are some of the most common benefits.
- The wealth of experience ensures a deep understanding of crowdtesting dynamics, providing reliable and comprehensive testing services.
- The expansive reach ensures diverse testing scenarios, offering a realistic representation of real-world usage.
- Local testers enhance the authenticity of testing scenarios, providing insights into region-specific user experiences.
- Applause differentiates itself by focusing on quality assurance and leveraging crowdtesting to gather real-world feedback.
- Testing on 20+ versions of web browsers ensures versatility and enhances compatibility assurance.
- Robust security measures protect sensitive test data, aligning with stringent security standards.
- The ability to run tests in parallel ensures detailed results in minutes, with cost-efficient pricing.
- Detailed test reports include everything needed for quick bug understanding, including reproduction steps, HTTP logs, and video recordings.
- Applause provides important analyses, including sentiment and visual analysis, to understand customer requirements from reviews.
Rainforest QA vs Applause – other considerations
Rainforest QA
- Agile focus: Rainforest QA's emphasis on automation makes it particularly suitable for Agile development teams. The speed and scalability align well with the iterative nature of agile methodologies.
- API integration: The availability of an API for integration with other tools and workflows enhances the adaptability of Rainforest QA within existing development processes.
- Speed: The automated testing capabilities contribute to the speed of the testing process, allowing for quicker feedback loops and accelerated development cycles.
Rainforest QA typically provides automated test results within an average of 4 minutes and results from their community of testers within an average of 17 minutes.
Applause
- Global reach: The strength of Applause lies in its vast and geographically diverse testing community. It ensures a broad spectrum of testing scenarios, contributing to robust product quality.
- Customization: Applause customizes testing solutions to specific business needs. This flexibility is precious for organizations with unique testing requirements.
- User feedback: Applause provides valuable feedback from real users in different regions, offering insights into user experiences and preferences.
Wrapping it up
Applause and Rainforest QA bring unique strengths, and their choice depends on specific organizational needs and priorities.
Who is it best for?
Applause, emphasizing a diverse testing community and comprehensive testing types, suits businesses aiming for a broad spectrum of real-world testing scenarios.
On the other hand, Rainforest QA's focus on test automation, collaboration features, and scalability makes it an attractive option for Agile teams seeking efficiency and speed in the testing process.
Ultimately, you should base your decision on the project's nature, the team's skills, the budget, and the desired automation level.
Regularly check for updates and user reviews and, if possible, take advantage of trial periods that can further help you make an informed decision.
Global App Testing – A viable alternative
Global App Testing is a crowdtesting platform that provides a comprehensive testing solution for software, web and mobile apps, and website development, including SaaS companies.
Like Applause and Rainforest QA, it leverages a global community of testers to ensure testing in diverse real-world scenarios.
GAT provides services tailored to support Agile and DevOps teams, ensuring adherence to release schedules while enabling teams to focus on addressing testing phase issues.
The Global App Testing platform offers a range of features and capabilities designed to test your software product with any device and country.
Key features include:
- User-friendly test management: GAT provides easy test management through its intuitive interface, allowing you to create, organize, and manage tests in a centralized location. Additionally, it enables test execution with 90,000 professional testers in over 190 countries.
- Swift test execution: Benefit from quick test execution, with an average turnaround time for test cases ranging from 60 to 150 minutes.
- Continuous on-demand testing: Enjoy 24/7 access to the platform, allowing you to run tests anytime and meet the demands of continuous, on-demand testing.
- In-app results and analysis: GAT offers in-app results and analysis, simplifying the conversion of raw data into user-friendly formats.
- Functional and non-functional testing: Conducting in-depth functional and non-functional testing to validate product performance and features.
- Integration with popular DevOps tools: Seamlessly integrating with popular tools already used by your DevOps teams for enhanced collaboration.
- Trusted by industry Giants like Meta, Google, and Instagram for reliable testing solutions.
GAT also provides solutions that fit different industries, such as:
1. Enterprise businesses
- Pulse checks: Quick assessments of user experience and local performance in target markets.
- Compatibility Testing: Evaluates product performance on low-end devices with poor connectivity.
- Real user simulations: Tests using real users and devices to ensure real-world functionality.
On-demand resources: Supplemental QA support for projects requiring additional resources.
2. Digital identity
- Security and Usability Testing: Ensures digital identity solutions are secure, seamless, and free from vulnerabilities.
3. Payments & Fintech
- Payment process testing: Validates payment system functionality, security, and compliance to boost user confidence.
4. Smarthome & IoT
- Interoperability Testing:Tests communication and functionality across smart devices for a unified user experience.
- Performance Testing: Assesses smart device performance under various conditions and usage patterns.
5. Generative AI
- AI Model Testing: Focuses on output accuracy and reliability of generative AI models.
- User Interaction Testing: Evaluates user experience to ensure intuitive design and functionality in AI applications.
6. Travel & Booking
- User Journey Testing: Identifies friction points in complex booking processes to improve customer experience.
- Performance Under Load: Tests application reliability during peak usage times.
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