Enterprise-Grade Mobile CI/CD Platform
TestFairy App Distribution
TestFairy is a mobile app testing platform that allows developers to distribute pre-release app versions to testers. It provides session recordings, crash reports, in-app feedback, and supports integrations with tools like JIRA and Slack, as well as Single Sign-On (SAML/SSO) for secure access.
What is TestFairy App Distribution?
TestFairy App Distribution is a platform that allows developers to distribute their mobile applications to testers and stakeholders for testing and feedback. It provides a streamlined process for sharing app builds, collecting user feedback, and monitoring app performance.
Top Alternatives to TestFairy
- Comprehensive mobile app distribution platform.
- Supports self-hosted deployment and cloud options.
- Provides Testing Distribution and Enterprise App Store modules.
- Ideal for enterprises with complex security and distribution requirements.
- IAM & SSO (OpenID & SAML) integration for secure access.
- In-app updates.
- Public links for easy distribution.
- Apple Device Registration & Management [Ad Hoc].
- Enterprise App Store for in-house app distribution.
Others
Applivery
Applivery is integrated with its own ecosystem, requires an Applivery account for access, and supports in-app and forced updates. However, public link distribution is not available, which may limit flexibility for some teams.
FAQs
Appcircle vs. TestFairy App Distribution
Looking for the right mobile app distribution platform? See how Appcircle compares to TestFairy and what makes it the leading choice.
Flexible Deployment Options
Every enterprise is unique and may require different deployment options, such as Public Cloud, Private Cloud, Hybrid Cloud, or on-premise solutions. Appcircle addresses these needs with a portable, container-based architecture that aligns with your specific deployment requirements while also preventing cloud vendor lock-in. Whether you choose to deploy on GCP Public Cloud, on-premise, or privately via the AWS Marketplace, Appcircle meets your requirements.
Distribution Speed & Security
Multi-region secure CDNs ensure your app builds are globally accessible with optimized performance, even in regions with unique internet regulations. With encryption at rest and in transit, your packages are distributed securely.
Built for Purpose
Distribution platforms serve different purposes, such as Testing Distribution or deploying in-house apps to internal users via an Enterprise App Store. Appcircle offers dedicated modules tailored for each of these use cases.
IAM/SSO Integration
Comprehensive security with IAM/SSO integration, including Identity Providers such as Okta, Azure AD, and OneLogin, along with support for authentication protocols like LDAP, OpenID and SAML The platform also supports IAM role mapping (through LDAP and SSO), enabling seamless role and permission assignments based on identity provider groups for enhanced access control.
Apple Ad-Hoc Device Registration
Streamlined UDID registration for Apple devices with configuration profiles. The platform automatically adds device UDIDs to provisioning profiles, simplifying device management for app distribution and testing.
Re-signing Binaries for iOS and Android Apps
Support for re-signing iOS and Android binaries allows developers to re-sign apps with new certificates (iOS) or keystores (Android), ensuring app integrity and security.
CI Integration
Seamless integration with existing CI/CD tools is supported. With ready-to-use plugins for Azure DevOps, GitHub, Fastlane, Jenkins and more, plus API/CLI support, you can easily integrate Appcircle Distribution into your existing CI workflow.
End-to-End Platform
Many distribution tools offer only limited functionality for tasks such as building and publishing to app stores. If you plan to leverage these features, ensure the platform provides robust, comprehensive modules for Build, Signing Identity Management, and Publishing to Stores to fully address your needs.
Appcircle Testing Distribution
TestFairy
Streamlined UDID registration with configuration profiles; automatic addition to provisioning profiles.
Supports resigning iOS and Android binaries with new certificates or keystores, simplifying the process of updating or publishing under a different developer account.
Comprehensive app distribution module with auto-distribute settings, CLI support, and integration with testing groups.
Allows app distribution via email invitations, links, or directly from the TestFairy dashboard.
Public link available with no account required for access.
Public link available with support for user-based link.
Easy management of testers and groups, including IAM/SSO (OpenID & SAML) groups; flexible sharing options without email requirements. Group testers based on OS versions, features, devices, or organizational needs.
Basic tester group management.
Provides a dedicated Testing Distribution portal for easy access and management by testers, including public link sharing without account requirements.
Automatically generated, customizable landing pages with flexible security rules. Supports open beta or closed groups with Single Sign-On credentials.
Supports integration with third-party crash reporting tools.
Detailed crash reports with session recordings.
In-app feedback available with options to attach screenshots.
Public Cloud, Private Cloud,
On-premise, AWS (Amazon Web Services), GCP (Google Cloud Platform), Azure
Private Cloud (AWS), On-premise. No Public Cloud.
Integrates with GitHub, Fastlane, Jenkins, Azure, and others for seamless CI/CD integration.
Integrates with popular tools like JIRA, Slack, GitHub, and more.
Supports custom email templates in on-premise deployments; public cloud support is planned (roadmap).
Supports custom email templates for communication with testers.
Supports comprehensive security controls with SAML/SSO integration, including Okta, Azure AD, and OneLogin SAML. Offers on-premise deployment for full control over data and infrastructure.
Includes powerful security rules that can be downloaded from OKTA or configured manually. Allows app access management per team or group with SSO integration.
SAML only
Supports LDAP group/role mapping, enabling seamless integration with your organization's directory services for effective and automated tester group management.
Custom branding options available to match your organization's identity.
Custom branding options available for enterprises.
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are those of the authors. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors is of their opinion and are not intended to malign any organization, company, individual or anyone or anything. This comparison is based on their review of the product for market research purposes
Switching to another Mobile App Distribution Platform can be a complex decision. Switching to Appcircle is easy,however we've prepared this comparison to help you decide easier.
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