Testflight Alternatives: 10 Ways to distribute iOS and Android builds
Updated on February 25, 2015: We added Installr.
Updated on June 16, 2015: We added TestPoke.
TestflightApp.com will shut down tomorrow, Thursday, February 26, 2015. Developers who don't want to use Apple's TestFlight are forced to look for alternatives.
Apple TestFlight criticism
Apple's TestFlight is way less convenient than the old version on testflightapp.com. Developers complain about:
- Mandatory review process for external testers
- No way to restrict app updates to a group of beta testers
- Testers must install the TestFlight app on their devices
- Requires iOS 8 on all testers' devices
Deep Dive into Games User Research with Heather Desurvire
Alternatives
This is a list of the currently available Testflight alternatives:
| Name | Platforms | Special Features | Pricing | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HockeyApp | iOS, Android |
|
$8.33 - $500/month | Microsoft |
| Crashlytics Beta | iOS, Android |
|
free | |
| Applause Mobile Beta Management |
unknown | available on request | Applause | |
| Beta Family Supersend | iOS, Android |
|
free | — |
| TestFairy | iOS, Android |
|
free - $199+/month | — |
| Appaloosa Store | iOS, Android |
|
free - $1.99/user/month (monthly minimum) |
— |
| AppBlade | iOS, Android |
|
free for 25 devices, $1-$4/device |
— |
| BirdFlight | iOS, Android | free | — | |
| Installr | iOS, Android |
|
free for up to 5 devices, up to $149.95 per app | — |
| TestPoke | Android |
|
free | — |
Suggestion
Most of our customers plan to switch to HockeyApp. It supports iOS as well as Android and offers a good user experience. It's not free though.
If you're looking for a free solution, Crashlytics Beta might be the way to go. We haven't really used that though. If you have any other suggestions, feel free to let us know in the comments.