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.
FAQ
Appcircle vs. TestFairy
Compare Appcircle with TestFairy to find the best fit for your mobile app distribution needs and see how Appcircle stands out.
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.
Scroll for comparison details
| Feature | Appcircle Test Distribution | TestFairy |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous Integration Pipeline | ||
| Signing Identities Management | ||
| UDID Management | Streamlined UDID registration with configuration profiles; automatic addition to provisioning profiles. | |
| Resigning | Supports resigning iOS and Android binaries with new certificates or keystores, simplifying the process of updating or publishing under a different developer account. | |
| App Distribution | 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 | Public link available with no account required for access. | Public link available with support for user-based link. |
| Tester Group Management | 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. |
| Tester Portal | 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. |
| Crash Reporting | Supports integration with third-party crash reporting tools. | Detailed crash reports with session recordings. |
| In-App Feedback | In-app feedback available with options to attach screenshots. | |
| Publish to Store Automation | ||
| Enterprise App Store | ||
| Deployment Options | Public Cloud, Private Cloud, On-premise, AWS (Amazon Web Services), GCP (Google Cloud Platform), Azure | Private Cloud (AWS), On-premise. No Public Cloud. |
| Integrations | Integrates with GitHub, Fastlane, Jenkins, Azure, and others for seamless CI/CD integration. | Integrates with popular tools like JIRA, Slack, GitHub, and more. |
| Custom Email Templates | Supports custom email templates in on-premise deployments; public cloud support is planned (roadmap). | Supports custom email templates for communication with testers. |
| Security Permissions | 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. |
| SSO (OpenID & SAML) Login | SAML only | |
| LDAP Group/Role Mapping | Supports LDAP group/role mapping, enabling seamless integration with your organization's directory services for effective and automated tester group management. | |
| Custom Branding | 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