Appium vs Xamarin Test Cloud: What are the differences?

Appium and Xamarin Test Cloud are both mobile app testing tools. Here are the key differences between Appium and Xamarin Test Cloud:

1. Testing Framework: Appium is an open-source mobile app automation framework that allows testers to write and execute automated tests for native, hybrid, and mobile web applications on iOS and Android platforms. It provides a standard API that enables writing tests using popular programming languages like Java, Python, and JavaScript. On the other hand, Xamarin Test Cloud, now known as App Center Test, is a cloud-based mobile app testing platform offered by Microsoft. It primarily focuses on testing Xamarin-based applications, which are developed using C# and the Xamarin framework.

2. Supported Platforms: Appium is versatile and supports a wide range of platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. It is not limited to Xamarin apps and can be used to test apps developed using various technologies. In contrast, Xamarin Test Cloud is specifically designed for testing Xamarin apps on iOS and Android devices. If a project involves developing apps using Xamarin, Xamarin Test Cloud provides native support and a tailored testing environment.

3. Automation and Compatibility: Appium allows testers to write cross-platform automated tests that can run on different mobile platforms, reducing the effort needed to maintain separate test suites for each platform. It supports various testing frameworks and offers flexibility in choosing the most suitable one for the team. Xamarin Test Cloud is tightly integrated with Xamarin and is optimized for C#-based test automation. Testers can use Xamarin.UITest, a C#-based testing framework, to write tests that are directly compatible with Xamarin apps.

4. Community and Ecosystem: Appium has a large and active open-source community, which contributes to its continuous development and improvement. As an open-source project, it benefits from community-driven innovations and ongoing support. Xamarin Test Cloud, being part of Microsoft's App Center suite, provides a comprehensive ecosystem that includes not only testing but also other app development lifecycle services like distribution and crash reporting. For organizations invested in the Microsoft ecosystem and Xamarin development, this integration can be advantageous.

5. Pricing Model: Appium is an open-source tool and is available for free, making it cost-effective for projects with budget constraints. On the other hand, Xamarin Test Cloud is a commercial offering and follows a subscription-based pricing model. The cost is based on factors such as the number of devices, test runs, and level of support required. The pricing structure may vary based on the project's requirements and the number of devices needed for testing.

In summary, Appium is a versatile open-source automation framework suitable for testing a wide range of mobile applications on different platforms, while Xamarin Test Cloud is specifically designed for testing Xamarin apps on iOS and Android devices.