Following is a handpicked list of Top Free Exploratory Testing tools, with their popular features and website links. The list contains both open source(free) and commercial(paid) software.

Top Exploratory Testing Tools & Chrome Extensions

1) Xray Exploratory App (XEA)

The Xray Exploratory App (XEA) streamlines the process of exploratory testing by giving you the tools to capture evidence and easily share your insights. XEA eases the process of documentation so you can cover more untested code, discover new testing scenarios, and find hard to catch bugs.

Features:

Create a test session or “test charter” to track your time Record videos, make screenshots, take notes and do annotations Test web, desktop or even mobile-based applications Use as standalone desktop app or integrate with Xray and Jira Export testing sessions to PDF or directly to your Test Runs in Xray

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2) Bug Magnet

Bug Magnet is a session tester for Chrome and Firefox. The tool helps you to include common problematic values and edge cases. It is one of the best exploratory tools that provides easy access during exploratory test sessions.

Features:

Allows you to extend with your customize config files Works on multi-frame pages, only when they are of the same domain Ccompletely passive, so this software never interfere with your web app test execution

Link: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/bug-magnet/efhedldbjahpgjcneebmbolkalbhckfi

3) Exploratory Testing Chrome Extension

It is a chrome extension that is use for web exploratory testing. This extension report bugs, ideas, notes, etc.

Features:

Report bugs, ideas, notes, and questions easily Take screenshots during the session. Keep focused Helps you to track URL automatically See session results in a report Save and import session Export session to JSON,CSV or HTML formats.

Link: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/exploratory-testing-chrom/khigmghadjljgjpamimgjjmpmlbgmekj

4) qTest Explorer

qTest is easy to use, scalable test management solution that allows testers to centralize, and speed up test management. QTest exploratory testing tool makes every step of the QA process simpler and more effective.

Features:

qTest centralizes test automation management and integrates with any open-source or proprietary test automation tool. Leave a legacy behind for an enterprise-grade test management solution qTest simplifies developer-tester alignment with a real-time Jira integration Create meaningful reports with your Jira data Seamlessly integrated with agile and DevOps tools.

Link: https://www.tricentis.com/products/agile-dev-testing-qtest/exploratory-testing-qtest-explorer/

5) Azure Test Plans

Azure Test Plans exploratory testing tool, which helps you to improve your code quality for your apps.

Features:

Capture rich scenario data for exploratory testing It helps you to test your application by executing tests across desktop or web apps. It allows you to plan, execute, and track scripted tests with actionable defects.

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6) Test Studio Explore

Telerik Test Studio is an exploratory testing tool to test web and desktop applications of all Windows OS. It is one of the best tools for exploratory testing which allows you to test functionality, load, and the performance of the web and mobile apps. It also offers a plugin to check Cross-browsing issues.

Features:

Native in build support for the Telerik UI Controls It helps you to capture bugs and send feedback in your exploratory testing sessions. Testing HTML popups and browser dialogs Support for JavaScript invocation and logging Allows Continuous Integration to use the build server It is designed to be light-weight, handy, and easy to launch and access.

Link: https://www.telerik.com/teststudio

7) TestRail

TestRail is a highly comprehensive web-based test case management software and exploratory testing tool. The tool efficiently manages, track, and organize your software testing efforts.

Features:

It helps you to track and follow the status of individual tests, milestones, and projects with dashboards and activity reports. Execute your tests and track instant results Offers test actionable reports, metrics and real-time insights You can integrate with bug trackers

Link: https://www.gurock.com/testrail/

8) SmartBear Zephyr

SmartBear Zephyr is another useful exploratory testing tool. It provides providing end-to-end solutions for agile teams of all sizes. It also offers single-click integration with JIRA, Jenkins, Bamboo, and more.

Features:

Advanced analytics and DevOps dashboards Allows you to capture as an image annotation Tool for solving Jira Issues No annual commitment required Cloud, server, and data center deployment options Helps you to teach agile team members with collaborative software testing

Link: https://www.getzephyr.com/insights/why-capture-jira-essential-exploratory-testing-tool

9) Rapid Reporter

Rapid Reporter is exploratory notetaking application. It works in such a way that it takes notes during an uninterrupted testing session and review of these notes afterward.

Features:

It is a standalone tool, so no installation required. It can be used across different computers from your USB disk-on-key. It is always-on-top of your screen, so you don’t need to search for it on their desktop. You can take notes one by one in one-liners. Note types can be changed while you type by with the help of directional keys. The application allows you to take screenshots on-demand You can save notes in CSV text files, which helps you to combine text flexibility with a spreadsheet.

Link: http://testing.gershon.info/reporter/

10) SpiraCapture

SpiraCapture is an exploratory testing tool Chrome extension. The tool records and organizes your testing session. It is a free tool, so you don’t need to connect to any other software.

Features:

Helps you to capture your activity and take notes or screenshots about what happened Allows you to capture keystrokes, clicks, URL changes, and network errors Limit recording only to that browser which you have selected Offers simplify communication with your team.

Link: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/spiracapture-exploratory/naknodgmafmgdbpkjbanlgnhlpificmj

FAQs:

❓ What are Exploratory Testing Tools?

💻 Which are the Best Exploratory Testing Tools?

🌟 Why choose the Correct Exploratory Testing Tool?

👉 Which factors should you consider while selecting an Exploratory Testing Tool?

Xray Exploratory App (XEA) Bug Magnet Exploratory Testing qTest Explorer Azure Test Plans

Easy to set up and use License Cost if applicable Quality of Customer support The cost involved in training employees on the exploratory testing tool Hardware/Software requirements of the remote access tool Support and Update policy of the exploratory testing tool vendor Reviews of the company Collaboration features Deployment options Integration with other software tools