Airtest Project

Overview

Airtest approaches testing through two complementary methods: it can identify interface elements from images, or use Poco to retrieve controls and their runtime hierarchy. That gives teams options when a test target does not expose a convenient UI structure, while still enabling element-level interaction where it does. Scripts are Python, so the workflow is a better fit for teams comfortable with basic Python than for those seeking a no-code test editor.

AirtestIDE brings the Airtest and Poco plugins into a cross-platform editor. For web testing, a Selenium plugin uses Chrome DevTools Protocol to record and generate Selenium scripts and access web elements. These pieces make the project useful across app, game and web testing, though the testing methods and target coverage differ by framework.

Key features

Image and hierarchy-based automation

Airtest uses image recognition for cross-platform automated UI tests and supports Windows, Android and iOS. Image-driven tests can work across interface types, but they depend on matching visual elements. Poco offers a different route: it retrieves UI elements and their hierarchy at runtime for Android and iOS native apps, as well as Unity3D, cocos2dx, UE4 and Egret games. Poco can also be integrated into other engines with poco-sdk.

Editor and web testing

AirtestIDE includes the built-in Airtest and Poco plugins for authoring scripts. The Selenium plugin extends the toolkit to web elements and script generation through Chrome DevTools Protocol. This is a practical combination for teams testing both game or app interfaces and web flows, while the Python scripting requirement remains a meaningful skills threshold.

Enterprise device lab

Airlab adds test case and script management, task scheduling, cloud reports, and iOS and Android regression and compatibility testing. NetEase's private-cloud offering places the device rack and software platform within an enterprise, addressing organizations that need control over device use and testing processes. Dedicated technical support is provided after purchase and implementation.

Pricing

Airtest Project community version — 0.00 USD per free. It includes Airtest, Poco and AirtestIDE community tools, making it the clear starting choice for individual developers and teams that can manage execution locally. Automated test execution is supported, with local test environments.

NetEase Private Cloud Solution — custom pricing. Pricing is provided after enterprise needs are confirmed. The offering includes private deployment, hardware and software options, and on-site deployment. It is aimed at enterprises seeking device clusters, device management, test execution, reporting and continuous integration; it is not the low-cost alternative to the community tools, but an infrastructure and deployment option for organizational requirements.

Platforms

The project lists Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web and Windows platforms. Airtest's stated targets are Windows, Android and iOS; Poco covers Android and iOS native apps and supported game engines. AirtestIDE downloads are offered for Windows 64-bit, Windows 32-bit, macOS and Ubuntu.

Who it's for

Airtest Project is a strong fit for game and app teams that want Python-driven UI automation, image-based testing or runtime UI hierarchy access without paying for the community frameworks and editor. It is particularly relevant to Android and iOS game testing, with Windows support through Airtest. Enterprises that need managed device clusters, scheduling and reporting can consider the private-cloud solution. Teams without Python basics, or whose target platforms and engines fall outside the stated support, should look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Airtest, Poco and AirtestIDE community tools are free, so teams can build and run core automation without a software subscription.
• Pros: Image recognition and UI hierarchy access offer distinct approaches, with Poco spanning native mobile apps and several game engines.
• Pros: The Selenium plugin adds web element access and script generation, broadening use beyond games and apps.
• Pros: Private deployment keeps the device rack and platform within the enterprise, with dedicated technical support after implementation.
• Cons: Scripts are Python, and the documentation recommends Python basics; teams seeking a purely visual workflow may find the learning requirement a barrier.
• Cons: Target support varies by component: Airtest names Windows, Android and iOS, while Poco's stated coverage centers on Android, iOS and specified engines.
• Cons: The enterprise lab is custom-priced after needs are confirmed, so organizations must establish requirements before comparing its cost.

Alternatives

For a broader category search, browse the Game Testing Software directory.

Antidote is worth considering when the priority is playtesting: its free trial runs for 14 days and includes one playtest, up to five community players, 20 survey questions and sessions up to 20 minutes. That is a different fit from Airtest's automated UI testing focus.

Backtrace suits teams looking for error monitoring, with a free Developer plan for one developer, up to 25,000 monthly errors, one month of retention and 10 GB of storage.

GameBench may fit teams evaluating game performance testing: its Pro trial includes 30 minutes of Pro testing and unlimited sessions for 28 days.

GameDriver is another paid game-testing option, with a free Ambassador Program for educators and solo developers that provides full platform access; its Starter plan is 200.00 USD per month.

TBase is a free alternative for teams comparing another software option.

Obvra may suit teams focused on analyzing recordings rather than automated playback: its Capture Free plan allows one named user, five game projects, 50 analyzed recordings per month and 30 days of history, but no automated playback.

AltTester is an alternative to consider for CI/CD batch testing, with a Pro plan that offers two parallel connections and a Lite plan with one connection.

Poki Playtesting is a free, web-based option for playtesting; Poki controls the nature of tests and the number of players.

Verdict

Choose Airtest Project if your team wants free Python-based UI automation for games or apps and can make use of image recognition, Poco's hierarchy access, or both. Its most compelling advantage is the combination of those community tools with an editor and web-testing plugin at no charge. Look elsewhere if Python scripting is a poor fit or your testing targets fall outside its stated coverage; enterprises needing a private device lab should expect custom pricing.