12 Best UX Testing Software Shortlist
After rigorous evaluations, I've handpicked the 12 best UX testing software to bridge gaps and ease your UX challenges. Get ready to dive in!
- UserBob - Best for quick and affordable user feedback
- UserPeek - Best for comprehensive remote user testing
- Userlytics - Best for leveraging a global testing pool
- Userfeel - Best for multilingual usability testing
- Loop11 - Best for actionable insights with quantitative and qualitative data
- Trymata - Best for in-depth usability and UX testing
- PlaybookUX - Best for unmoderated user testing with AI analytics
- UserZoom - Best for large-scale usability studies
- UserTesting - Best for real-time feedback from targeted users
- Optimal Workshop - Best for information architecture and user path analysis
- Lookback - Best for live moderated remote sessions
- Maze - Best for rapid user testing in the design phase
As a seasoned UX designer, I understand the magnitude of ensuring optimal user experience on mobile apps and websites alike. It's a complex task, requiring precise tools such as usability testing software that streamline the testing process, offering various usability testing methods. For example, Hotjar and Validately are excellent options that provide insightful five-second tests, preference tests, and unmoderated usability testing capabilities.
If you're managing larger projects, an enterprise plan might be the key to targeting a more extensive audience. These tools can even help you accomplish more intricate tasks, like benchmarking for mobile testing or handling user research on an iOS platform. These tools ultimately empower you to create an impeccable UX design, which your target audience and test participants will appreciate.
What Is a UX Testing Software?
UX testing software is a pivotal tool used by designers, developers, and product managers to understand, evaluate, and enhance the user experience of digital products. It provides insights into how users interact with a system, identifies usability issues, and offers data-driven solutions for optimization.
From websites and applications to interactive products, this software is a key component in facilitating a seamless and intuitive user journey. Users range from large corporations to small startups, all with the common goal of improving user satisfaction, increasing user engagement, and ultimately driving business growth.
The benefits of investing in the best usability testing tools are substantial, from providing customizable templates for prototype testing to delivering the ability to test websites with your own users.
Overviews of the 12 Best UX Testing Software
1. UserBob - Best for quick and affordable user feedback
UserBob is a straightforward user testing tool designed to garner quick and unbiased feedback from real users. With UserBob, you're able to set tasks for testers to perform on your site, thus providing authentic reactions and observations that directly inform your UX improvements.
Why I Picked UserBob:
I chose UserBob because it offers a unique and cost-effective approach to UX testing, standing out for its affordability and speed. I judged its pay-per-minute model as a game-changer, making it accessible to even the tightest budgets. Given its focus on quick, targeted feedback, it easily tops the list as "best for quick and affordable user feedback."
Standout Features & Integrations:
UserBob offers an engaging feature where testers record their screen and voice as they use your website or app, providing real-time feedback. Additionally, its demographic filter allows you to target a specific audience segment for testing. UserBob seamlessly integrates with popular platforms like WordPress, Shopify, and Wix, allowing for smooth incorporation into your current toolset.
Pricing:
UserBob's pricing starts at an extremely accessible rate, from $1 per minute of user testing (billed per test duration). This pricing model provides flexible, affordable user feedback without necessitating long-term commitments.
Pros:
- Affordable pay-per-minute model
- Real-time feedback from users
- Targeted demographic testing
Cons:
- Lacks advanced analytics
- No free trial available
- Interface could be more intuitive
2. UserPeek - Best for comprehensive remote user testing
UserPeek is a powerful tool that enables remote user testing for a comprehensive understanding of the user experience. With UserPeek, you can observe users as they interact with your website, app, or prototype, shedding light on usability issues and areas for improvement.
Why I Picked UserPeek:
In evaluating UserPeek, I found that it excels in facilitating end-to-end remote user testing, providing a wide array of features for robust data collection. I determined UserPeek as a standout for its ability to test with a live audience, an invaluable feature for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of real-world user interaction.
This capability contributes to my verdict of UserPeek as the "best for comprehensive remote user testing."
Standout Features & Integrations:
UserPeek comes with impressive features like screen and voice recording, click and mouse movement tracking, and real-time user feedback. These features together offer a holistic view of the user interaction. In terms of integrations, UserPeek works smoothly with platforms like Slack and Trello, facilitating easy sharing and team collaboration.
Pricing:
UserPeek's pricing begins from $49 per month for the basic plan, and it's billed annually.
Pros:
- Comprehensive remote user testing
- Real-time user feedback
- Smooth integration with collaboration tools
Cons:
- Limited features in the basic plan
- Billed annually, not monthly
- Can be a bit complex for beginners
3. Userlytics - Best for leveraging a global testing pool
Userlytics offers a user testing platform that allows you to harness the power of a global pool of testers. It provides the ability to run comprehensive tests across different demographics, geographies, and user profiles, making it a versatile tool for diverse user experience research.
Why I Picked Userlytics:
When I scrutinized the options for UX testing software, Userlytics stood out with its robust global tester pool. I judged its capability to access diverse user demographics as a major strength, and that differentiation led to my selection of Userlytics.
This global reach makes it, in my opinion, the "best for leveraging a global testing pool."
Standout Features & Integrations:
Userlytics offers unique features like Picture-in-Picture recording and the ability to test on multiple platforms (desktop, mobile, tablet). It also provides behavioral targeting and screener questions to ensure you reach your target users.
Userlytics also integrates with popular project management tools such as Trello and Jira, which can enhance your workflow efficiency.
Pricing:
Userlytics has a flexible pricing model, with a basic plan starting at $49 per test, offering unlimited tasks and questions.
Pros:
- Access to a global tester pool
- Picture-in-Picture recording
- Tests on multiple platforms
Cons:
- No monthly subscription available
- Interface may not be as intuitive
- Higher-tier features can be costly
4. Userfeel - Best for multilingual usability testing
Userfeel is a UX testing platform that excels in supporting multiple languages. It provides a robust platform for conducting usability tests in various languages, allowing for more comprehensive and inclusive user feedback.
Why I Picked Userfeel:
I chose Userfeel due to its unique advantage of providing multilingual support. Compared to other platforms, Userfeel makes it easy to carry out usability tests in multiple languages, thus catering to a more global audience.
This makes Userfeel the best choice for businesses operating internationally or looking to expand their user base.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Userfeel shines with its capability to conduct tests in 40+ languages, truly embracing a global user base. It also provides features like card sorting and tree testing, which aid in designing intuitive navigation. Notably, Userfeel integrates well with project management tools like Jira and Trello, which is a plus for streamlining workflow.
Pricing:
The pricing starts from $59/test, which includes a 15-minute video of a user interacting with your website or app. While the price is per test and not per user/month, it is affordable considering the rich multilingual support it offers.
Pros:
- Exceptional multilingual testing support
- Comprehensive test results with videos
- Useful integrations with project management tools
Cons:
- Pricing is per test, not per user
- Advanced features require a learning curve
- Limited customization of the test interface
5. Loop11 - Best for actionable insights with quantitative and qualitative data
Loop11 offers a UX testing platform that effectively merges quantitative and qualitative data to provide rich, actionable insights. Its approach to combining various data types brings depth to the understanding of user interactions and behaviors.
Why I Picked Loop11:
Loop11 caught my attention for its unique blend of both quantitative and qualitative data in UX testing. This combination gives a more holistic view of user behavior and interaction, making it the best pick for actionable insights.
I appreciated its focus on making data usable and actionable, rather than overwhelming with statistics alone.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Loop11 impresses with its features like heatmaps, conversion funnels, and user session replays, all contributing to deep user behavior insights. It also provides integrations with popular collaboration tools like Slack and project management platforms like Trello, helping you keep your team in sync.
Pricing:
Loop11 starts at $49/user/month (billed annually), providing access to features like session replays, usability metrics, and more.
Pros:
- Combines qualitative and quantitative data for deeper insights
- Great integration options with collaboration and project management tools
- Feature-rich offering with heatmaps, session replays, and more
Cons:
- Annual billing could be a commitment for some
- May have a steeper learning curve due to the multitude of features
- Customization options could be improved
6. Trymata - Best for in-depth usability and UX testing
Trymata is an excellent tool ideal for in-depth usability and UX testing. The platform enables you to conduct comprehensive usability tests, providing actionable insights to enhance the user experience.
Why I Picked Trymata:
I selected Trymata for this list due to its in-depth focus on usability and UX testing. It allows teams to tap into a diverse pool of testers, simulating a real-world user experience, which differentiates it from many other tools. The tool's strength in in-depth testing makes it an ideal pick for usability and UX testing.
Standout Features & Integrations:
The Trymata platform enables remote usability testing with video and voice feedback, as well as demographic curation of the tester pool. These features provide rich insights into how users interact with your product. While Trymata doesn't directly integrate with many third-party services, the tool allows for CSV data export, enabling you to integrate the data with your existing workflows.
Pricing: Trymata's pricing starts from $35/user/month, a price point that includes comprehensive usability testing capabilities and access to the tester pool. This is the starting price, and for more extensive needs, higher-priced plans are available.
Pros:
- Rich, in-depth user testing capabilities
- Access to a diverse pool of testers
- Video and voice feedback for comprehensive insights
Cons:
- Limited direct third-party integrations
- The platform might be overkill for basic testing needs
- Higher-priced plans are required for more extensive features
7. PlaybookUX - Best for unmoderated user testing with AI analytics
PlaybookUX serves as a strong choice for unmoderated user testing with AI analytics. With its seamless incorporation of AI analysis, this tool turns complex user data into easily digestible, actionable insights.
Why I Picked PlaybookUX:
I picked PlaybookUX for its standout AI integration. In a world that continues to embrace digital automation, this tool aligns perfectly with modern business needs. Its approach to unmoderated user testing, paired with AI analytics, differentiates it from other tools in the market.
It truly excels in making the most of unmoderated testing sessions, offering in-depth insights without requiring constant user supervision.
Standout Features & Integrations:
PlaybookUX is unique in that it combines unmoderated user testing with AI analytics. The automated features don't stop at data collection; this tool also includes AI-powered transcription and sentiment analysis.
Its integrations are notable as well, with support for popular platforms such as Slack, Jira, and Trello, which facilitate smooth information flow across different tools in your workflow.
Pricing:
PlaybookUX's pricing begins from $49/user/month. This includes access to all the standout features and integrations mentioned earlier. Pricing information is clear and transparent, with no hidden fees or costs.
Pros:
- Powerful AI analytics for data interpretation
- Unmoderated user testing facilitates remote and flexible user engagement
- Smooth integrations with popular platforms like Slack, Jira, and Trello
Cons:
- The cost might be a barrier for smaller businesses or startups
- AI analysis, while powerful, may not capture the full nuance of human interaction and response
- The tool might have a learning curve for users unfamiliar with AI analytics and data interpretation
8. UserZoom - Best for large-scale usability studies
UserZoom is a significant asset for conducting large-scale usability studies. This tool provides a comprehensive UX research platform, making it especially adept at handling extensive user studies.
Why I Picked UserZoom:
I selected UserZoom because of its capacity to manage large-scale usability studies efficiently. Compared to other tools, it has an impressive ability to collate, analyze, and present vast amounts of data in a manageable and understandable format.
The tool's focus on large-scale research positions it perfectly to handle usability studies for businesses with large user bases or complex user experiences.
Standout Features & Integrations:
UserZoom offers a robust feature set that includes automated UX research, advanced analytics, and participant sourcing. It has the capacity to carry out various types of tests including, but not limited to, remote usability testing, card sorting, and tree testing. When it comes to integrations, UserZoom works smoothly with other platforms such as Jira, UserTesting, and Optimal Workshop, further enhancing its usability.
Pricing:
The pricing for UserZoom starts from $79/user/month. This price includes all the above-mentioned features and integrations. It's important to note that UserZoom's pricing can vary based on the scale and specific needs of your usability study.
Pros:
- Capable of managing large-scale usability studies
- Offers a broad range of testing types
- Effective integration with platforms like Jira and UserTesting
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to some other usability testing tools
- May provide more functionality than necessary for small-scale studies
- Could be complex to use for those unfamiliar with comprehensive UX research tools
9. UserTesting - Best for real-time feedback from targeted users
UserTesting is a tool you'll want for real-time feedback from targeted users. It's designed to provide on-demand human insights, making it possible to receive immediate feedback from specific user groups.
Why I Picked UserTesting:
I chose UserTesting because of its real-time feedback capability. The tool sets itself apart by enabling access to targeted user groups in near real-time, which I consider invaluable for prompt and actionable insights. This makes it the best choice for those seeking immediate feedback from a specific user base.
Standout Features & Integrations:
UserTesting features live conversations that allow direct, real-time interaction with users. Additionally, it offers video feedback, note-taking, and highlight-reel creation features. When it comes to integrations, UserTesting works well with popular platforms like Jira and Slack, which help in communicating findings across the team efficiently.
Pricing:
UserTesting’s pricing starts from $49/user/month. However, this pricing can change based on the specifics of your project or the package you choose.
Pros:
- Provides real-time feedback from targeted users
- Enables direct conversations with users
- Has robust integration capabilities
Cons:
- Pricing can be relatively high for small businesses
- May be more advanced than needed for very basic testing needs
- Some users may find the interface less intuitive than competing tools
10. Optimal Workshop - Best for information architecture and user path analysis
Optimal Workshop is a great tool for anyone looking to delve into information architecture and user path analysis. The platform offers a suite of usability tools to help UX professionals create intuitive, user-friendly designs.
Why I Picked Optimal Workshop:
I selected Optimal Workshop primarily for its robust capabilities in analyzing user paths and studying information architecture. It's one of the few tools I've found that delivers such depth in these areas. It's my go-to recommendation for anyone wanting a deep understanding of how users navigate their digital platforms.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Optimal Workshop has an impressive range of features, including tree testing, card sorting, and first-click testing, all of which are vital in analyzing information architecture. It also boasts an array of integrations with platforms like Slack and Trello, which streamlines collaboration and makes it easy to share insights with your team.
Pricing:
The pricing for Optimal Workshop starts at $166/user/month (billed annually). This includes all their tools and features, making it a comprehensive solution for information architecture and user path analysis.
Pros:
- Comprehensive suite of usability tools
- Advanced features for information architecture analysis
- Useful integrations with popular collaboration tools
Cons:
- High starting price may be prohibitive for some small businesses
- The toolset may be too extensive for those with basic testing needs
- The interface may take some time to master due to its complexity
11. Lookback - Best for live moderated remote sessions
Lookback is the platform I turn to when live moderated remote sessions are in the picture. It's a user research tool designed to streamline remote user experience research and allow for efficient, real-time feedback.
Why I Picked Lookback:
I chose Lookback for this list because of its emphasis on live moderated sessions, a feature that is not as pronounced in many other user testing tools. The ability to engage with users in real time and lead the interaction sets Lookback apart.
In my opinion, it's the optimal tool for live moderated remote sessions due to its user-friendly interface and the seamless interaction it fosters between the researcher and the participant.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Lookback offers a range of features designed to make live, moderated user testing sessions as productive as possible, such as session recording, interactive note-taking, and real-time sharing. In terms of integrations, it works well with popular qualitative data analysis tools and project management platforms, which can significantly streamline the user research workflow.
Pricing:
Lookback's pricing starts from $59/user/month. This plan includes unlimited participants and storage, which are essential for teams carrying out numerous live sessions.
Pros:
- Excellent for live, moderated user testing sessions
- Seamless integration with data analysis tools and project management platforms
- Unlimited participants and storage in the starting plan
Cons:
- Limited functionality for unmoderated testing
- The cost might be prohibitive for smaller teams
- The platform requires a solid internet connection for both parties to function optimally
12. Maze - Best for rapid user testing in the design phase
Maze is a brilliant tool I recommend for conducting rapid user testing in the design phase. The tool allows you to create interactive, user-testing prototypes using your design files, which can be a game-changer in the early stages of development.
Why I Picked Maze:
I picked Maze for this list mainly because it truly revolutionizes the design testing phase, offering a user-friendly platform for conducting rapid, iterative tests. Its distinct feature set and unique focus on the design phase set it apart from many other user testing tools.
Given its unique proposition and robust capabilities, I deem Maze to be an ideal choice for rapid user testing in the design phase.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Maze allows you to transform your design files into interactive, user-testing prototypes with ease. This feature, coupled with the platform's robust reporting and analytics capabilities, ensures a data-backed design process. The tool integrates well with major design tools like Sketch, Figma, and InVision, which can make the design testing phase far more efficient and integrated.
Pricing:
The pricing for Maze starts from $25/user/month (billed annually). For teams requiring more functionality, there are advanced tiers available. The starting plan includes unlimited testing and reporting, making it a viable option for startups and smaller teams.
Pros:
- Integrates with major design tools for seamless testing
- Provides robust reporting and analytics capabilities
- Allows for rapid, iterative testing in the design phase
Cons:
- Annual billing may be less flexible for some teams
- The platform mainly focuses on design, limiting its usability in later testing phases
- Advanced features are available only in higher-priced tiers
Other UX Testing Software
Below is a list of additional ux testing software that I shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 12. Definitely worth checking them out.
- Crazy Egg - Good for visualizing user behavior with heatmaps and scroll maps
- UserInput - Good for gaining rapid feedback on websites, apps, and more
- Userbrain - Good for continuous usability testing with a weekly flow of insights
- UXtweak - Good for combining usability testing with website prototyping
- UserGuiding - Good for creating interactive product tours for user onboarding
- UserView - Good for collecting video feedback for in-depth UX analysis
- MouseStats - Good for micro-level website analytics and playback of user sessions
- UsabilityHub - Good for fast, remote user testing in the design phase
Selection Criteria For UX Testing Software
When it comes to UX and usability testing tools, the selection process can be a challenging endeavor due to the broad spectrum of tools available in the market. Having personally evaluated and tested dozens of these tools, I can confidently share the main criteria I applied in this selection. Specifically, I focused on core functionality, key features, and usability that cater to the unique needs of user testing in the design and development phases.
Core Functionality:
- Testing Formats: The tool should support various testing formats like moderated or unmoderated sessions, remote or in-person testing, and think-aloud protocol.
- User Feedback Collection: It should facilitate the collection of qualitative data through methods like screen recording, voice recording, and session replays.
- Analysis and Reporting: It should provide easy-to-understand analytics, heat maps, and user path flows to make sense of user behavior.
Key Features:
- Task Management: This includes setting up tasks for testers to accomplish during the session and keeping track of their progress.
- Real-Time Interaction: Facilitating live communication with testers during the sessions is essential for moderated testing.
- Integrations: The tool should integrate with prototyping tools and project management tools for a smooth workflow.
Usability:
- Intuitive Interface: A clear and intuitive interface is critical as it affects the speed and effectiveness of setting up and executing tests.
- Easy Onboarding: The tool should have a low learning curve so that you can get started with testing right away.
- Customer Support: Reliable customer support is vital, especially if you encounter technical issues during a live testing session.
- Collaborative Features: Features that support collaboration, such as shared notes, annotations, and highlights, are important for team-based projects.
People Also Ask
What are the benefits of using UX testing software?
Using UX testing software provides several key benefits.
- It allows you to uncover usability issues before the product goes live.
- It provides actionable insights into how users interact with your product.
- UX testing software can help you understand user behavior through heatmaps, screen recordings, and user journey replays.
- It can provide quantifiable data that can be used to guide design decisions. Finally, many of these tools enable real-time interaction with testers during the sessions, providing immediate feedback.
How much do UX testing tools typically cost?
Pricing for UX testing tools can vary widely, depending on their complexity and the features they offer. Some basic tools start as low as $15/user/month, while more comprehensive tools can go up to $200/user/month or more.
What are the common pricing models for UX testing tools?
The most common pricing model for UX testing tools is a subscription-based model, where users pay a monthly or yearly fee for access to the software. The pricing usually scales with the number of users or participants, as well as the number of tests conducted. There may also be different tiers of pricing, with higher-priced tiers offering more features or capabilities.
What is the range of pricing for UX testing software?
UX testing software can range from around $15/user/month at the low end for basic functionality, up to several hundred dollars per month for advanced features and capabilities. Enterprise-level packages with custom features may cost more and often require a quote from the provider.
Which are the cheapest and most expensive UX testing software?
The cheapest UX testing software includes tools like UserInput and UsabilityHub, which start at around $15/user/month. On the higher end, advanced tools like UXtweak and MouseStats can cost up to $200/user/month or more.
Are there any free UX testing tools available?
Yes, there are several UX testing tools that offer a free tier or a free trial period. These typically have limited features and capabilities compared to their paid counterparts, but they can be a good starting point for smaller teams or individuals just getting started with UX testing. Examples include UsabilityHub's free limited tier and Userbrain's free trial.
Other UX Testing Software Reviews
- Usability Testing Tools
- A/B Testing Tools
- UI/UX Design Software
- UX Software For Designing And Prototyping
Summary
In conclusion, choosing the right UX testing software is crucial for gathering insightful and actionable user feedback during the design phase. Each tool comes with its unique strengths and caters to specific needs - be it rapid testing in the design phase, live moderated remote sessions, or in-depth usability and UX testing.
Key Takeaways:
- Define your Needs: Understanding your specific needs is crucial. For instance, if you're in the design phase and need quick feedback, Maze could be a viable option. If you're looking for in-depth usability and UX testing, TryMyUI would serve you better.
- Evaluate Core Functionality and Key Features: Different tools come with different sets of features. Some have in-built prototyping capabilities, while others offer excellent integrations with design and project management tools. Understand the core functionality and key features that are most important for your use case before making a choice.
- Consider the Pricing: UX testing tools come in a wide range of pricing models, from subscription-based to usage-based. Some offer free trials or free limited versions that can be helpful to start with. Carefully consider your budget and the pricing model that best fits your needs.
What Do You Think?
Absolutely, while I've made every effort to be thorough in this guide, there are undoubtedly many excellent UX testing tools out there that I may have missed. I invite you, dear readers, to share your experiences and suggest any tools you think should be included in this list. Your input is greatly appreciated and will contribute to creating a more comprehensive and useful resource for everyone.