What tools do you really need for effective manual testing?

Manual testing remains an essential part of software quality assurance. Even with the rapid development of automation and AI, a tester’s perspective helps uncover complex issues related to UX, application logic, and unexpected usage scenarios.

However, effective work requires the right tools that simplify the testing process, increase accuracy, and speed up execution.

Let’s explore the tools you’ll need and how to minimize costs — sometimes even using entirely free solutions.

1. Test management tools

These tools help organize test cases, track test execution, and manage test documentation.

Alternative: If a dedicated test management system isn't an option, Google Sheets provides a basic yet effective alternative for tracking test runs and linked bugs.

2. Bug tracking tools

These tools help efficiently log and manage detected defects. Simply reporting a bug in chat is not enough; a structured system ensures each defect has a status, priority, and full change history.

If a bug tracking system is unavailable, some teams resort to documenting bugs in emails or Google Docs — although this is far from efficient. For teams larger than 10 people, Redmine is a great free option. For smaller teams, Jira remains the most stable solution. Learn more about available solutions from our top bug tracking tools list by DeviQA’s engineers.

3. API testing tools

API testing is crucial because many bugs stem from incorrect server responses or integration issues. Manual API testing helps verify functionality without relying on UI and detects data transmission errors.

For occasional API testing, Postman or Insomnia are good choices. Postman is more popular and has extensive learning resources available online.

4. UI and cross-browser testing tools

Some bugs only appear in specific browsers, screen resolutions, or mobile devices. Since it’s impossible to have every device on hand, cloud-based tools are essential for testing various environments.

Choosing the right tool depends on project needs and testing frequency. If you only need to check website layout on different mobile resolutions, use DevTools. For occasional real-device testing, the free LambdaTest plan is an option. If frequent real-device testing is required, BrowserStack is recommended. If automation is needed, BrowserStack’s paid plans offer additional support.

5. Mobile app testing tools

Testing mobile apps requires access to emulators, real devices, and monitoring tools. Since real-device testing is not always feasible, emulators provide a practical alternative.

Choosing the right tool depends on your needs. If you only need to check app behavior on Android and iOS emulators, Android Studio and Xcode (Simulator) are sufficient. However, some features (e.g., incoming calls) are unavailable on emulators. If you need physical devices, BrowserStack is a good choice. TestFlight is ideal for alpha/beta testing iOS apps.

6. Database tools

Testers often need to verify whether data is correctly stored in the database. Database selection typically occurs early in a project, meaning the stack is already predefined. These tools work similarly, so choosing one depends on project requirements.

7. Logging and debugging tools

Logging is essential for identifying and analyzing system errors. Logs provide insights into what happened before a failure, help locate root causes, and speed up debugging. DevOps teams often configure logging based on project requirements.

For mobile testing, Logcat (Android) and Console (iOS) are essential. Kibana + Elasticsearch works well for web application logging, but projects usually have pre-configured logging setups.

8. Load testing tools

Load testing is crucial for evaluating system stability under high traffic. These tools help identify performance bottlenecks and determine the point at which the system fails.

The right tool depends on test requirements and system architecture. For beginners, JMeter is an excellent starting point.

Conclusion

Manual testing demands attention to detail and the right tools. Using test management systems, bug trackers, API testing tools, mobile testing tools, and logging solutions makes testing more efficient and accurate.

Many essential tools are available for free or at minimal cost when used correctly. Choose wisely, optimize your workflow, and if you need expert help, we’re always here to assist you.

Looking for a reliable QA partner? DeviQA provides expert manual and automated testing services to help you deliver high-quality software faster. Contact us today to see how we can support your testing needs!