Best Java Testing Frameworks in 2025

An integral part of the SDLC is testing software before launch. Organizations may save a lot of money by finding and resolving numerous problems before the final release. While end-to-end testing as a whole could be a bit of a pain, testing frameworks offer a lot of help with different capabilities that cut down on that. While Java has been very popular among developers, let's review some of the best Java testing frameworks and how they might be beneficial for software end-to-end testing.

What Are Java Testing Frameworks?

A Java testing framework is a series of guidelines that come with Java and are used to help in the development of test scripts. Coding standards, test data processing, object repositories, and libraries are only a few of the many services covered by the basic principles. A streamlined testing process that requires less human intervention, runs more quickly, and is more efficient is made possible by the automation rules and standardized structure provided by the Java frameworks.

Top Java Testing Frameworks

Listed below are some of the top Java testing frameworks currently available.

1. Selenium

Web application testing using Selenium is possible across a wide range of browsers, versions, and OSes because it is an open-source framework. It is compatible with the vast majority of browsers, runs smoothly on Windows, macOS, and other OSes, and supports scripting languages such as C#, Java, Python, PHP, and many more.

By automating repetitive test cases, Selenium allows testers to speed up release cycles. Accelerating and simplifying software deployments, Selenium is easily integrated with CI/CD pipelines. With Selenium IDE, Selenium WebDriver, and Selenium Grid, you can automate web browsers and build effective automation tests.

The Benefits Of Selenium

The Selenium framework gets widespread support from developers and users alike due to its open-source nature.
Backs up several popular computer languages, including C#, Java, Python, Ruby, PHP, JavaScript, and many more.
You can execute Selenium testing on a massive scale with a cloud-based automation grid. The cost of building an internal Selenium Grid infrastructure can be mitigated with its support.
Popular test automation frameworks such as JUnit and TestNG are compatible with Selenium.
Allows for parallel test execution, which speeds up the process and reduces the amount of time it takes to run the tests.
When writing tests or Selenium scripts, the Selenium IDE provides a record and replay feature for easy reference.

Potential Drawbacks Of Selenium

The reporting functionality is not integrated.
Supports only testing of web applications.
A tool for creating test cases takes a long time.

2. JUnit

JUnit is a top-tier framework for testing Java applications. It is an integral aspect of xUnit, the collective unit test framework, and test-driven programming. In addition, JUnit promotes the idea of "to begin with testing rather than coding," which emphasizes pre-execution testing by establishing testing data for a section of code. Like the "test a little, code a little" method, this one involves doing little tests. The programmer's workload is reduced and debugging time is minimized as a result of increased productivity and code reliability.

With the addition of JUnit 5.0 annotations, unit testing became much more powerful and convenient. Writing unit tests to investigate exceptions is made easier with JUnit annotations. Developers with experience in the test-driven methodology know that before developing any other code, they must write and execute the unit tests. The next step, after writing the code, is to test it and make sure it works as expected. Everything has to be double-checked by running all test cases again after adding new test code.

The Benefits Of JUnit

You may run tests with the help of JUnit's test runners.
Provides claims to put anticipated results to the test.
The newest version of JUnit, 5, makes it easy to spot exceptions. Even test cases prepared for an earlier version of JUnit can be executed.
It is also compatible with Java 5 and later versions.

Potential Drawbacks Of JUnit

Execution of dependency tests is not possible within the framework. Here is when TestNG comes in handy.

3. TestNG

An open-source automated testing framework that draws inspiration from JUnit and NUnit, TestNG was created by Cedric Beust. Next Generation is what the NG stands for in TestNG. By assisting developers with capabilities like sequencing, classification, and parameterizing, the TestNG framework helps make new test cases more versatile and eliminates the shortcomings of older frameworks. It is regarded as one of the finest Java testing frameworks.

The Benefits Of TestNG

In addition to fixing issues with previous frameworks, TestNG offers a number of other benefits.
Various kinds of after/before annotations are provided to accommodate various setup and cleaning choices.
This framework's test suites are mostly set up using XML files, such as testng.xml.
Makes it easy to configure API plugins and runtime parameters.
Approves dependent test procedures.
Testing with multiple threads is supported.
Makes data-driven testing possible for users.

Potential Drawbacks Of TestNG

If prioritizing test cases is an essential part of your project, then TestNG is the tool for you. Besides, it takes some time to set up TestNG.

4. Serenity

Another top-tier Java testing framework is Serenity. This open-source toolkit enhances the features of WebDrivA er and JUnit, making it ideal for Behavior-Driven Development (BDD). You may build comprehensive tests with the help of this popular test automation framework. Additionally, Serenity is compatible with JBehave and other pre-existing BDD frameworks. Several automated acceptance test solutions are compatible with Serenity, which is a great feature.

Combine this framework with JUnit for easy, maintainable test writing, or add Selenium WebDriver for web app testing. To test REST APIs, Serenity also works with RestAssured. Any Behavior-driven Development (BDD) tool, such as Cucumber, can be used with the framework. It is compatible with Jira and other well-known project management platforms.

The Benefits Of Serenity

Assists in creating automated and regression tests that are simpler to create.
Using Selenium will enable you to automate web testing.
Not only that, but it's compatible with test automation frameworks like JUnit and other well-known BDD tools like Cucumber and JBehave.
A tester can use the framework to build test cases for REST API services.

Potential Drawbacks Of Serenity

One drawback of Serenity is that it is similar to JBehave. To make the most of its unique capability of facilitating behavior-driven growth, the project's participants must maintain constant communication.

5. Selenide

One of the greatest Java testing frameworks for creating robust, accurate, and expressive user interface test cases is Selenide, which is powered by Selenium. Some issues, such as a timeout, arise while testing contemporary web technologies like Ajax. Although it is a popular tool for user interface testing, WebDriver cannot handle timeouts. Selenide is an easy solution for all these concerns.

Plus, Selenide makes it simpler to pick up and understand. Google and instructional searches do not necessitate any prerequisites. A few lines of code will handle all your work; all you have to do is concentrate on the business logic.

The Benefits Of Selenide

In the event that your test fails, Selenide will capture screenshots automatically. Doing anything about it is unnecessary.
Direct usage of WebDriver is unnecessary. When required, Selenide will launch and close the browser automatically.
Waiting for an element to change state is a common testing requirement for Ajax applications. In Selenide, you can find built-in ways to wait.
Offers a small API to make your tests easier to read and understand.
Allows for the testing of AngularJS apps.

Potential Drawbacks Of Selenide

Users have not yet identified any significant drawbacks to the use of Selenide.

6. Cucumber

For behavior-driven development (BDD), Cucumber provides an automated testing framework. It enables testers to document a system's behavior using acceptance tests that are easy for humans to understand.

The tests are developed in Gherkin, a plain-text language that even stakeholders without technical backgrounds can comprehend. The "Given-When-Then" statements that make up a Gherkin file detail the actions that a system does.

The Benefits Of Cucumber

Behaviour is defined rather than tested.
Makes it possible to comprehend the system's intended operation from both the developer's and user's points of view.
Lower maintenance costs and fewer dangers to the project are the results of better code quality.
The requirement to rewrite the same code is decreased thanks to step reusability.

Potential Drawbacks Of Cucumber

Cucumber and gherkin together provide another layer of complex nature.

7. Mockito

As a top Java testing framework, Mockito is both free and open-source. This popular mocking framework is built on the Java platform and is mainly utilized for unit testing. With Mockito, you can skip making mock objects from scratch because the framework does everything for you. Using annotations, it generates mocks.

Syntactic sugar, which is included in programming languages and helps with easy reading, can be used with Mockito to write behavior-based development tests. In order to provide an accurate interface, this mechanism creates fake objects using the Java Reflection API.

By simulating external dependencies and incorporating them into test execution, the Mockito framework aims to simplify test creation. Consequently, it provides test code that is both easy to understand and modify due to its simplification. In addition to TestNG and JUnit, Mockito is compatible with a number of additional frameworks.

The Benefits Of Mockito

Labels such as @Mock make it easy to create mock objects.
Renaming a function or interface does not affect the test code since fake objects are created during runtime.
For making proofs of concept (POCs), mocks are a great and inexpensive option.
You may make use of everything TDD has to offer with the help of Service Mocking.
Compared to other mocking frameworks like EasyMock, it does a better job of handling void methods.

Potential Drawbacks Of Mockito

Local variable mocking is not supported.
Lack of assistance for private and static methods.
Any subclass we build does not influence the private variables.

8. Spock

One of the top Java testing frameworks, Spock, enables QA teams to do data-driven testing. It enables interoperability with all possible languages that the JVM supports. Spock’s UI is excellent in contrast to other Java testing frameworks. It is a very practical Java testing framework for the year 2024 due to its clean documentation, easy-to-understand code, and ability to understand simple English.

The Benefits Of Spock

Work seamlessly with the industry's most popular IDEs.It is compatible with Gradle and Maven.
Because of the JUnit runner, it has access to built-in mocking and stubbing, and it is functional with all continuous integration servers.
Streamlined and more concise parameterization.
Domain-Specific Language (DSL) that is both expressive and simple.

Potential Drawbacks Of Spock

It has to be more familiar with Groovy at a fundamental level.

9. Gauge

Thoughtworks, Inc. is the creator of the behavior-driven development framework known as Gauge. An automated testing framework that focuses on acceptance testing in low-code settings, it is open-source and built on the Java platform. Built in a business-oriented language, Gauge is compatible with external data sources.

The Benefits Of Gauge

You may choose from a wide variety of templates in whatever language you choose.
Integrating with top CI/CD tools is made easier with command-line support.
Use the free and open-source Gauge API to build your plugin with ease.
Take screenshots of event failures to quickly spot abnormalities.
With its support for cloud-based solutions and ability to build extensible tests through parallel execution, it helps you achieve the goals of fast cross-browser testing.

Potential Drawbacks Of Gauge

A lot of individuals don't know much about the Gauge framework, and finding them is hard.
Major worries over security and safety persist.

10. HttpUnit

One such open-source functional test framework is HttpUnit, which takes its cues from JUnit. Websites may also be tested using HttpUnit, independent of any web browser. Additional features supported by the framework include automated page redirection, JavaScript, cookies, HTML form submission, and HTTP basic access authentication.

Because of this, Java test code may handle restored pages in many ways, such as XML Document Object Model (DOM), text, or containers for tables, forms, links, etc. When used with JUnit, this Java testing framework makes test writing a breeze. As an API, it enables communication with HTML and HTTP servers.

The Benefits Of Httpunit

Designed for use in browser less website testing.
Availability of both HTTPS and HTTP protocols, as well as the ability to receive replies in HTML format.
The ability to mimic the behavior of the selected browser (Firefox or Internet Explorer) is made possible with improved support for JavaScript.
This project includes support for proxy servers and JavaScript.
Integrates well with various frameworks, including JUnit, to facilitate load testing.

Potential Drawbacks Of HttpUnit

Not all browsers may be tested.
Completing a complicated test can be a time-consuming process.

11. JBehave

Behavior Driven Development (BDD) is a concept that is widely known. This testing method explains acceptability testing to business users clearly and understandably. When working with Selenium WebDriver for Java, JBehave is a top choice among the finest Java testing frameworks for behavior-driven testing (BDD).

Making it easy for newbies to grasp and become acquainted with BDD rapidly is the main goal of introducing JBehave. The testing process of an application is now more behavior-based, thanks to this design philosophy.

The Benefits Of Jbehave

The number of threads that can run in parallel with a story is specified.
Simple syntax for writing user stories with JBehave or Gherkin makes the learning curve low.
The steps include class definitions and setup based on annotations.
Use Groovy scripting to create instances of Steps and configuration.
You may use Dependency Injection with any container you choose, including PicoContainer, Needle, Guice, Spring, and Weld, to enable configuration and stage instances.
With Ant integration, you may run stories through an Ant task.
With Maven integration, stories can be executed at a specific construction step using the Maven plugin.

Potential Drawbacks Of Jbehave

Effective communication among project stakeholders, developers, testers, and management is crucial to the success of a behavior-driven development (BDD) testing tool. Unanswered queries and uncertainties caused by a lack of communication might lead to a flawed application or one that fails to meet the needs of the business. As a consequence, everyone involved is likely to start blaming one another.

12. Spring

An easy-to-use test framework is part of Spring MVC. It allows for thorough testing without the need to launch a web container. Among the best libraries available, this one is ideal for creating Spring application automated tests. When developing unit and integration tests, it is a great help for Spring-powered apps, especially those using MVC controllers. By using these tools, automating the testing of your Spring MVC application becomes a breeze.

The Benefits Of Spring

The ability to create dependency injection makes it possible for the code to work regardless of the container.
The new operator can be used with mock objects to test isolated programs.
Helps in the organization and layering of code.
Presents a collection of simulated Servlet API objects.
For JEE standards like JMS, JDBC, JPA, and JTA, it offers a strong abstraction.

Potential Drawbacks of Spring

It would be difficult to study if you don't have any experience in the subject of development. Modern programming techniques make it challenging.

13. Geb

Geb combines the elegance of jQuery with the power of WebDriver, the clarity of Page Object Modeling (POM), and the simplicity of the Groovy language for data selection. The Geb project is open-source and has an Apache License, Version 2.0, attached to it.

The Benefits Of Geb

You may run the tests more quickly with this.
Browsers include Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer, and HTMLUnit are compatible.
If the user interface (UI) of the app (or website) is changed while using Geb for automated testing, very minimal changes to the test code will be necessary. As a result, less code is duplicated.
Page Object Model is one of its default supported design patterns.

Potential Drawbacks Of Geb

To execute WebDriver, Geb makes use of the Groovy programming language. So, technically speaking, the only language that can work with WebDriver via Geb is Groovy.
Nevertheless, certain languages, like Ruby, C#, Python, and Java, are natively supported by WebDriver.

Final Remarks

There are advantages and disadvantages to every Java testing framework. How you want to test your software applications and the specifics of your project are the deciding factors.

Professional Java developers are distinguished from amateurs by their expertise and the significance of testing, which is an essential component of modern agile development. Although expertise is not required, you must have a fundamental understanding to construct test cases capable of autonomously validating your code.

This post has covered the top-most popular Java testing frameworks among both programmers and quality assurance specialists. The comparison shows that the aforementioned frameworks are useful for everyday tasks if you are committed to your career and aim to become an excellent developer and tester.