What is the cost of real device testing for small and medium-sized development teams?

The cost of real device testing for small and medium-sized development teams is highly variable, depending on the chosen platform, the level of concurrency needed, the number of users, and the specific features required. Cloud-based solutions are generally more economical for these teams as they eliminate the capital expenditure and maintenance associated with owning and managing physical devices.

Factors Influencing Cost

• Cloud-based vs. On-premises: Cloud-based real device labs eliminate the upfront investment and ongoing maintenance of physical devices, making them typically more cost-effective for smaller teams.
• Concurrency: The ability to run multiple tests simultaneously is a significant cost factor; higher concurrency usually results in a higher monthly subscription.
• Usage/Testing Minutes: Some providers might charge based on "device minutes," while others offer unlimited usage within a subscription tier. For instance, LambdaTest offers plans with unlimited minutes within certain tiers.
• Number of Users: Pricing often scales with the number of team members who need access to the testing environment.
• Features: Advanced capabilities such as geolocation testing, specific debugging tools, and deeper integrations with CI/CD pipelines can increase the price.
• Subscription Model: Most providers offer monthly or annual subscriptions, with annual plans often providing a discount.
• Free Trials/Free Tiers: Many platforms provide free trials or limited free tiers, which are excellent for evaluating the service before committing.

Typical Cost Ranges for Cloud-Based Real Device Testing (for SMBs)

• Entry-level/Basic Plans: These plans are suitable for individual developers or very small teams with light testing needs. Prices start from approximately $15 - $39 per user per month.
• Mid-range Plans: For more extensive usage, prices range from $80 - $250+ per month for small to medium teams.
• Custom/Enterprise Plans: For larger SMBs with specific testing needs, custom pricing models are available.

Recommendations for SMBs

• Utilize Free Trials: Begin by taking advantage of free trials offered by various providers, including LambdaTest.
• Estimate Usage: Accurately forecast your team's anticipated testing minutes, required parallel test sessions, and the number of users who will be accessing the platform.
• Prioritize Essential Features: Identify the core features that are critical for your team's testing success.
• Consider Annual Subscriptions: Opt for an annual subscription plan to save costs if your testing needs are consistent and predictable.

In summary, small and medium-sized development teams can expect to invest anywhere from $25 to $250+ per month for cloud-based real device testing, with pricing varying based on the chosen platform and specific requirements. Exploring options like LambdaTest through their free trials is an excellent starting point for making an informed decision.