12 Best Usability Testing Tools Shortlist
Having explored and assessed a range of tools, I've handpicked the 12 best usability testing solutions to conquer your software challenges.
- UsabilityHub - Best for rapid results with its quick tests feature
- Lookback - Best for real-time user feedback with in-depth interviews
- UserTesting - Best for broad user base, spanning various demographics
- UserZoom - Best for comprehensive usability and UX research capabilities
- Loop11 - Best for making usability testing part of your agile cycles
- TryMyUI - Best for capturing user emotions and confusion points
- Userfeel - Best for multilingual usability testing in 40+ languages
- UserBob - Best for budget-friendly, crowdsourced user testing
- Applause - Best for its extensive community of professional testers
- Userbrain - Best for continuous testing with weekly user videos
- Crazy Egg - Best for visualizing user activity through heatmaps
- Optimal Workshop - Best for usability testing related to information architecture
Finding the right usability testing tool can feel overwhelming, considering the broad array of features such as templates, the diversity of testing methods, and different pricing models, including startup-friendly options and enterprise plans. You may be familiar with tools like Hotjar, but there are so many others that might also cater to your needs. Whether you're looking for moderated testing or seeking the perfect tool to recruit test participants, usability testing software can offer a significant edge in website usability testing.
I've had the opportunity to dive deep into these tools, examining how effectively they compile highlight reels, facilitate mobile testing on platforms like iOS, or help gather quantitative data to augment your UX design process. Whether you're targeting a specific audience with your webpage, or needing transcriptions to ensure no detail is missed during the testing process, I've considered it all.
These tools can vastly improve your benchmarking efforts and dramatically enhance your overall customer experience. Some even offer integration with design tools like Figma. So, let's explore together the types of usability testing tools that could potentially revolutionize the way you approach user experience.
What Is a Usability Testing Tool?
Usability testing tools are innovative software solutions primarily utilized by UX researchers, developers, and designers to measure how user-friendly and efficient a product or a system is. These tools empower them to simulate real-user interactions, offering valuable insights into the user's experience.
Through methods like task analysis, user surveys, or heatmaps, the tools reveal how users navigate through a product, where they encounter issues, and what aspects enhance or detract from their overall experience. This helps businesses streamline their user interfaces, making their products more intuitive, easy-to-use, and ultimately, more successful in the market.
Overviews of the 12 Best Usability Testing Tools
1. UsabilityHub - Best for rapid results with its quick tests feature
Why I Picked UsabilityHub:
UsabilityHub first caught my attention with its simplicity and focus on fast turn-around. In a field that often grapples with time constraints, its ability to quickly deliver data that can influence design decisions makes it an indispensable asset. I determined UsabilityHub is best for rapid results based on its 'quick tests' feature which allows you to obtain swift user feedback - this can be pivotal for those who are on a tight schedule but still want reliable usability insights.
Standout features & integrations:
UsabilityHub stands out for its 'Five Second Tests', 'Preference Tests', and 'Navigation Tests'. These features enable swift and direct feedback on designs, helping you understand the immediate impact of your design choices. While UsabilityHub might not have as many integrations as some other tools, it does integrate with some of the most used tools in the tech industry, including Slack for real-time updates and Google Sheets for data export, making the information gathered through testing accessible and actionable.
Pricing:
UsabilityHub's pricing starts from $79/user/month (billed annually).
Pros:
- The quick tests feature allows for rapid results
- The platform is easy to use and understand
- Offers a range of tests including Five Second Tests, Preference Tests, and Navigation Tests
Cons:
- Limited integrations compared to other tools
- Higher cost than some other usability testing tools
- Lacks advanced features like session recordings and eye-tracking
2. Lookback - Best for real-time user feedback with in-depth interviews
Lookback is a user research platform that puts you directly in touch with your users, allowing you to record and analyze user experiences. It shines in its ability to capture real-time user feedback through immersive, in-depth interviews, making it a superb choice for those wanting rich, qualitative data.
Why I Picked Lookback:
I selected Lookback for its unique approach to usability testing. It provides an unmatched depth of user understanding by focusing on interactive user interviews. This intimate approach to gathering user feedback makes Lookback stand out from the pack. In my opinion, Lookback is "Best for real-time user feedback" as it allows you to delve into users' thought processes in real time, enhancing your understanding of the user journey.
Standout features & integrations:
Lookback's most compelling feature is its 'Remote LiveShare' function, which offers live, interactive sessions with users. Additionally, the 'SelfTest with Scheduling' feature allows users to participate in tests at their own convenience. As for integrations, Lookback plays well with popular data analysis tools like Dovetail and EnjoyHQ, making the transition from data collection to analysis smooth.
Pricing:
Pricing for Lookback starts from $59/user/month (billed annually).
Pros:
- Enables real-time interaction with users
- Supports both remote and in-person testing
- Allows users to participate in tests at their convenience
Cons:
- Might require a learning curve to fully utilize
- Higher pricing tier for added features
- Limited integration with project management tools
3. UserTesting - Best for broad user base, spanning various demographics
UserTesting is a leading usability testing platform that gives you the ability to receive video feedback from users interacting with your design. It’s particularly effective if you need a wide variety of user perspectives, due to its extensive participant demographics.
Why I Picked UserTesting:
I selected UserTesting for this list because of its vast and diverse participant pool. It stood out because it gives you the capability to understand how different users interact with your design, ensuring your product appeals to a broad audience. When it comes to having a comprehensive user base spanning various demographics, UserTesting is simply unmatched, making it the "best for broad user base" in usability testing tools.
Standout features & integrations:
UserTesting stands tall with features like 'Live Conversation' that enables you to interact with participants in real-time, and 'Longitudinal Study' for observing changes in user behavior over time. On the integrations side, UserTesting works well with major product management platforms like Jira, Trello, and Slack, facilitating easy coordination and timely updates.
Pricing:
Pricing for UserTesting starts from $49/video (billed annually).
Pros:
- Provides a broad demographic of user testers
- Offers live interaction with participants
- Integration with popular project management tools
Cons:
- Pricing is based on the number of videos, which might not be suitable for all budgets
- Some learning curve for first-time users
- Advanced features require higher pricing tiers
4. UserZoom - Best for comprehensive usability and UX research capabilities
UserZoom is a versatile usability testing tool designed for UX research. It offers a wealth of features to help you understand user behavior and optimize the user experience. Given its thorough research capabilities, UserZoom is perfect for those needing an all-encompassing tool for usability and UX research.
Why I Picked UserZoom:
I chose UserZoom due to its comprehensive capabilities that cover both usability testing and UX research. It offers a variety of research methods, from card sorting to tree testing, that not many other tools provide. I found it to be the "best for comprehensive usability and UX research capabilities" because it ensures that you're not only testing for usability but also understanding the user experience on a deeper level.
Standout features & integrations:
UserZoom includes standout features like 'Card Sorting', 'Click Testing', and 'Heatmaps'. These features ensure that you get a clear idea of your user's preferences, their interaction with your design, and areas of your site that get the most attention. UserZoom integrates smoothly with popular analytics platforms such as Google Analytics, as well as project management tools like Jira, and even some CRM systems, ensuring you can connect your UX data with other business metrics.
Pricing:
UserZoom’s pricing starts from $3000/year (billed annually).
Pros:
- Comprehensive usability testing and UX research tool
- Variety of testing methods available
- Smooth integration with analytics and project management tools
Cons:
- Higher pricing compared to some other tools
- Could be overwhelming for beginners due to its broad range of features
- Limited customization options in the basic pricing tier
5. Loop11 - Best for making usability testing part of your agile cycles
Loop11 is a usability testing tool that fits well within agile development cycles. It offers the ability to quickly create tests, gather user feedback, and make informed iterations. The agile-centric nature of Loop11 makes it the best choice for teams following agile methodologies where regular user feedback is crucial.
Why I Picked Loop11:
Loop11 caught my eye due to its commitment to agility in usability testing. With a faster set-up process and quick turnaround of results, it stands out in situations where quick iterations are necessary. I believe Loop11 is "Best for making usability testing part of your agile cycles" because of how it blends into the iterative process, allowing for rapid incorporation of user feedback.
Standout features & integrations:
Some of Loop11's key features include heatmaps, session replays, and conversion funnels. These features provide a robust picture of user activity, helping you to identify issues and opportunities for improvement. Loop11 integrates well with platforms like Slack for team communication and collaboration, and Google Analytics for deeper insights into user behavior.
Pricing:
Pricing for Loop11 starts at $49/user/month (billed annually), which makes it a competitive choice.
Pros:
- Speedy set-up and result turnaround
- Integrates well with popular team collaboration and analytics platforms
- Robust set of usability testing features
Cons:
- Higher learning curve for beginners
- Limited customization options in the entry-level tier
- Additional cost for more than one user access
6. TryMyUI - Best for capturing user emotions and confusion points
TryMyUI is a user testing tool that excels at capturing user emotions and confusion points during testing sessions. It combines video footage of the user's interaction with your product alongside their verbal feedback. Because of its emphasis on capturing user emotions and pinpointing confusion, TryMyUI is best for those looking to deeply understand their users' experience.
Why I Picked TryMyUI:
I picked TryMyUI for its unique focus on understanding the emotional journey of users. The tool’s ability to capture video footage and synchronize it with verbal feedback creates a comprehensive picture of the user experience. I deemed TryMyUI as "Best for capturing user emotions and confusion points" due to its unique approach in capturing and illustrating the emotional journey of users through the product.
Standout features & integrations:
TryMyUI's standout feature is its synchronized video and verbal feedback, offering an insightful look into the user's experience. The tool also has a useful feature for analyzing and segmenting user feedback. TryMyUI's major integrations include popular project management tools like Trello and Jira, which allow for easy task management and feedback implementation.
Pricing:
TryMyUI's pricing starts from $35/user/month, providing an accessible entry point for smaller teams or individual developers.
Pros:
- Synchronized video and verbal feedback provides a detailed understanding of user emotions
- Offers an easy-to-use platform for analyzing and segmenting user feedback
- Integrates with popular project management tools
Cons:
- Limited advanced features in the starting tier
- Could have more extensive integrations
- User testing videos require considerable storage and bandwidth
7. Userfeel - Best for multilingual usability testing in 40+ languages
Userfeel is a usability testing platform with a key strength: its ability to support multilingual testing in over 40 languages. This tool facilitates the process of remote usability testing, providing you with videos of real users speaking their thoughts while using your website or app. Given its extensive language support, Userfeel shines when you need to conduct usability testing on a multilingual or global scale.
Why I Picked Userfeel:
I selected Userfeel due to its unique multilingual testing capabilities. With support for over 40 languages, Userfeel stands out from other usability testing platforms that may only support a few languages. In choosing Userfeel as "Best for multilingual usability testing in 40+ languages," I considered the fact that businesses often need to reach audiences who speak various languages, and this tool serves that purpose excellently.
Standout features & integrations:
Userfeel's most significant feature is, of course, its ability to conduct usability testing in over 40 languages. This feature is beneficial for businesses with a broad, international audience. The tool also includes an advanced dashboard for clear, efficient analysis of test results. Userfeel offers integration with Slack for communication and real-time updates on the testing process.
Pricing:
Userfeel's pricing begins from $59/user/test. This pricing is based on a per-test model, making it a cost-effective option for businesses with less frequent testing needs.
Pros:
- Supports multilingual usability testing in 40+ languages
- Advanced dashboard for efficient analysis of test results
- Offers integration with Slack for streamlined communication
Cons:
- Per-test pricing model may not suit businesses with frequent testing needs
- Lacks a broader range of integrations with other project management tools
- Real-time support is limited to business hours
8. UserBob - Best for budget-friendly, crowdsourced user testing
This tool is a platform for businesses looking to secure fast and affordable user testing results from a large pool of participants. The nature of UserBob's crowdsourcing approach ensures that you get diverse insights, making it ideal for cost-conscious businesses.
Why I Picked UserBob:
When compiling this list, I made a deliberate choice to include UserBob. What sets it apart is its cost-effectiveness combined with the capacity to crowdsource user feedback quickly. The tool's unique approach of sourcing testers from the crowd is what piqued my interest. In my opinion, UserBob stands out as the "Best for budget-friendly, crowdsourced user testing" due to its affordable nature and ability to rapidly source real-user insights.
Standout features & integrations:
UserBob is packed with essential features like video recording of user sessions and time-stamped annotations that help businesses understand the user's journey. It also includes demographic filtering, allowing you to select testers that best represent your target market. Additionally, UserBob offers integrations with platforms like Trello and Slack, ensuring the user feedback is readily accessible and actionable.
Pricing:
The pricing for UserBob starts from $20 per user test, providing one of the most affordable options for user testing. Please note this is a per-test cost, and not a monthly subscription.
Pros:
- Affordable user testing
- Access to a large and diverse pool of testers
- Video recordings of user sessions
Cons:
- Lacks advanced analytics features
- No free trial available
- Limited integrations compared to other tools
9. Applause - Best known for its extensive community of professional testers
Applause is a comprehensive usability testing tool that employs a global community of qualified testers to assess your digital experiences. This unique approach lends itself well to those who are looking to benefit from a diverse range of professional insights, pinpointing usability issues that might go unnoticed with other tools.
Why I Picked Applause:
Applause made it onto my list due to its extensive global community of professional testers. It's the crowd-sourcing aspect that sets Applause apart, making it a unique tool compared to its competitors. The rich, diverse insights garnered from professional testers of various backgrounds significantly enhance the value of the usability testing process. This is why I believe Applause is "Best for its extensive community of professional testers."
Standout features & integrations:
Applause offers an array of features designed to enable thorough usability testing. One of its key features is the real-world testing setup which allows the testers to test the applications under actual usage conditions. This provides a more realistic understanding of the user experience. Additionally, Applause allows for testing across various devices, platforms, and locations, catering to a global digital product.
Applause integrates with a variety of popular bug tracking, project management, and communication tools such as JIRA, Slack, and Asana. These integrations ensure a smooth workflow, making it easier to manage and implement feedback from usability tests.
Pricing:
Applause offers custom pricing based on the specific needs of a project. It does not follow a typical "$/user/month" model. For the exact pricing details, one needs to contact Applause directly.
Pros:
- Global community of professional testers
- Real-world testing conditions
- Integrates with popular project management tools
Cons:
- Custom pricing may be a barrier for small businesses
- No free trial available
- The vastness of the tester community may lead to inconsistency in feedback
10. Userbrain - Best for continuous testing with weekly user videos
Userbrain is a usability testing service that provides you with videos of real people speaking their thoughts while using your website or app. The core of Userbrain's appeal lies in its commitment to continuous, weekly user feedback, keeping you constantly in touch with the user experience.
Why I Picked Userbrain:
When it came to choosing Userbrain, its unique proposition of delivering weekly user feedback videos caught my attention. This consistent, regular feedback system provides an ongoing stream of insights into user experience and interface design, which is rare in many usability testing tools. This is why I've marked Userbrain as "Best for continuous testing with weekly user videos."
Standout features & integrations:
Userbrain shines with its weekly testing cycle that ensures regular user feedback. It also offers remote usability testing which means you get testers who are unbiased and speak their mind freely. The tool delivers videos of users navigating your website or app, providing crucial insight into how users interact with your digital product.
Userbrain does not provide specific third-party integrations, but its focus lies on providing a dedicated testing platform that can be utilized alongside other tools for analysis and feedback management.
Pricing:
Userbrain operates on a subscription-based model, with prices starting at $29/test per month. This includes one test credit per month, which can be used to generate one user feedback video.
Pros:
- Weekly user videos for continuous feedback
- Unbiased, remote usability testing
- Subscription-based model allowing for budget predictability
Cons:
- Lacks specific third-party integrations
- The service may be cost-prohibitive for small businesses or individuals
- Not ideal for one-off testing due to subscription model
11. Crazy Egg - Best tool for visualizing user activity through heatmaps
Crazy Egg is a website optimization tool that allows you to understand user activity on your website through heatmaps, scroll maps, and other visual reports. Its unique selling point is its powerful heatmap functionality, which provides you with a visual representation of user clicks, scrolls, and mouse movements.
Why I Picked Crazy Egg:
I selected Crazy Egg for this list due to its exceptional ability to visualize user interaction on a website. Many tools offer user behavior tracking, but Crazy Egg sets itself apart with its clear, easy-to-understand heatmaps, which give you direct insight into the most engaging parts of your site. As a result, it's my top choice for "Best for visualizing user activity through heatmaps."
Standout features & integrations:
Crazy Egg's standout feature is its heatmap technology, which lets you see exactly where users are clicking, scrolling, and even where their mouse hovers. This provides a visual understanding of user engagement and can help inform site design and content placement decisions. Other noteworthy features include A/B testing and conversion rate optimization tools.
As for integrations, Crazy Egg integrates with a variety of popular platforms including WordPress, Shopify, and Joomla, making it easy to incorporate into existing workflows.
Pricing:
Crazy Egg's pricing starts from $24/user/month (billed annually). This plan, called the 'Basic' plan, offers unlimited A/B tests, heatmaps, and snapshots.
Pros:
- Powerful heatmap functionality for understanding user interaction
- Integrations with popular website platforms like WordPress and Shopify
- Comprehensive A/B testing and conversion rate optimization features
Cons:
- Pricing may be too high for smaller businesses or individual users
- Limited functionality beyond heatmaps and A/B testing
- Annual billing may not be ideal for all users
12. Optimal Workshop - Best for usability testing related to information architecture
Optimal Workshop is a user research platform that specializes in tools for creating and analyzing card sorts, tree tests, and other methods to understand how users categorize and find information on websites. It shines when you're looking to optimize the architecture and navigational structure of your website.
Why I Picked Optimal Workshop:
Optimal Workshop stood out for me when I was determining the best tools to include on this list. Its distinct focus on information architecture and usability testing sets it apart from many other user testing tools on the market. It provides unique features that allow for an in-depth examination of how users navigate and interact with the information on a website. Therefore, it's my top pick for "Best for usability testing related to information architecture."
Standout features & integrations:
The tools within Optimal Workshop, such as Treejack for tree testing, OptimalSort for card sorting, and Chalkmark for first-click testing, are all specifically designed to understand and improve website information architecture. This suite of tools makes it easier to optimize the navigation and structure of your website.
Optimal Workshop integrates with a range of services, including Slack, Google Drive, and other popular productivity tools, allowing you to incorporate user research into your workflow.
Pricing:
Pricing for Optimal Workshop starts from $166/user/month (billed annually). This is for the 'Starter' package, which gives you access to all their core tools and basic features.
Pros:
- Specialized tools for understanding and optimizing information architecture
- Integrates with popular productivity tools like Slack and Google Drive
- Comprehensive suite of tools in one platform
Cons:
- The cost is high compared to some other user testing platforms
- May be more features than needed for smaller sites or simpler projects
- The focus on information architecture may not be as useful for other aspects of usability testing
Other Usability Testing Tools
Below is a list of additional usability testing tools that I shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 12. Definitely worth checking them out.
- Userlytics - Good for unmoderated remote usability testing
- UXCam - Good for analyzing user interaction with mobile applications
- PlaybookUX - Good for A/B testing with direct user feedback
- TestBirds - Good for crowdsourced testing with a diverse user base
- MouseStats - Good for comprehensive web analytics including heatmap, micro-surveys, and funnels
- UXPin - Good for collaborative design and prototyping
- Maze - Good for rapid user testing of prototypes
- Qualaroo - Good for targeted website surveys to gather user insights
Selection Criteria For Usability Testing Tools
When choosing a user experience testing tool, there are several important criteria that I consider based on my extensive experience in this area. I have personally tested and researched numerous tools, evaluating their features, usability, and core functionality, among other things. In the end, the tools I have chosen to include in this list are those that most effectively meet the specific criteria I have outlined below.
Core Functionality:
A UX testing tool should be able to do the following:
- Facilitate both moderated and unmoderated usability testing: This allows for more flexible testing scenarios and more comprehensive data.
- Record user sessions: This gives valuable insights into how users interact with a website or application.
- Provide detailed analytics: Insights into user behavior are vital for improving UX.
Key Features:
A good UX testing tool should have the following key features:
- Heatmaps: Visual representations of how users interact with a page (where they click, scroll, or hover) can provide invaluable insights.
- Screen recording: Seeing what users see during their sessions can help identify problems in real-time.
- Surveys and questionnaires: Direct user feedback can highlight issues you may not have considered.
- Integrations: The tool should work well with other tools in your tech stack.
Usability:
When considering usability, the following factors are critical for a UX testing tool:
- User-friendly interface: It should be easy to navigate and set up tests without requiring extensive technical skills.
- Efficient onboarding process: Time is a resource. Therefore, tools that can get you started quickly and offer intuitive functionality can be a real advantage.
- Comprehensive customer support: A responsive support team can make a world of difference when dealing with challenges or learning how to use advanced features.
Remember, the most crucial aspect is how well a tool fits into your workflow and meets your specific needs. Hence, always consider these criteria in the context of your unique requirements.
People Also Ask
What are the benefits of using usability testing tools?
Usability testing tools offer a range of benefits. They allow businesses to gain a deeper understanding of how their products are used by capturing user interactions and behavior. This can help uncover usability issues that may be hindering user experience. Secondly, they often provide visual representations, like heatmaps and session recordings, to visualize user behavior. Thirdly, these tools can also assist in running surveys and questionnaires to collect direct user feedback. Fourthly, by identifying usability issues early, businesses can potentially save costs associated with later-stage modifications. Lastly, many of these tools integrate with other tools, providing a more streamlined workflow.
How much do usability testing tools typically cost?
The pricing for usability testing tools can vary significantly depending on their capabilities, the size of the user base, and the complexity of the tasks they can perform.
What are the pricing models for usability testing tools?
There are a few common pricing models for these tools. Some operate on a subscription basis, where you pay a monthly or annual fee for access. Others use a per-test or per-participant model, where you pay based on the amount of testing you do. Some tools offer a tiered pricing model, with more features and capabilities available at higher tiers.
What is the typical range of pricing for usability testing tools?
The price can range from as low as $20 per month to over $200 per month for more advanced tools. It's important to note that the cost is often proportional to the number of features and the level of insight the tool can provide.
Which are the cheapest and most expensive usability testing tools?
Based on our list, Maze is one of the cheapest options, starting from $25 per month, while UserTesting is on the pricier side with plans starting from $199 per month.
Are there any free usability testing tools?
Yes, there are some free options available. Tools like Chalkmark by Optimal Workshop offer a free plan, but these are often limited in features and scope compared to their paid counterparts.
Do these tools offer a free trial?
Yes, most usability testing tools offer a free trial period. This allows you to test out the features and see if the tool fits your needs before committing to a paid plan.
Can these tools be used for mobile app testing?
Yes, many of these tools offer the ability to conduct usability testing on both websites and mobile apps. Be sure to check with the specific tool, as capabilities can vary.
Other Usability Testing Tools Reviews
Summary
In conclusion, usability testing tools are crucial for businesses that aim to optimize their user experience. These tools offer deep insights into user behavior and interactions, allowing businesses to identify and rectify usability issues.
Key Takeaways:
- Consider Your Use Case: Not all usability testing tools are created equal. Each one has a specific set of capabilities and features. Some are excellent for heatmap analysis, while others are best for session replays or card sorting tasks. Understanding your specific use case will guide you towards the tool that best serves your needs.
- Ease of Use is Crucial: The usability of the tool itself matters a great deal. Choose a tool that has an intuitive interface and provides onboarding and top-notch customer support. This ensures that your team can quickly get up to speed and use the tool effectively.
- Pricing Models Differ: Usability testing tools come with varying pricing models. Some charge a flat monthly or annual subscription fee, while others may charge based on the number of tests or participants. Keep this in mind and choose the one that best fits your budget and testing frequency.
What do you think?
Certainly! I encourage you to share your insights and experiences with usability testing tools. If there's a tool that you believe should have made the list, please do let me know.
Your input is invaluable and could greatly help others in their search for the perfect usability testing tool. Let's continue this conversation in the comments section below.