Airtest Project

Airtest Project is a Python-based automation toolkit for games and apps that combines image-driven interaction with runtime UI-hierarchy access. It is best suited to developers and QA teams targeting Android, iOS, Windows, or supported game engines; teams wanting a managed device lab can move to NetEase’s private cloud offering.

Overview

Airtest gives test authors two ways to control an interface. Its Airtest framework identifies visible elements through image recognition, while Poco retrieves controls and their hierarchy at runtime. Image-based automation is useful when an application does not expose a convenient structure, whereas hierarchy access enables more direct element-level operations when the target supports it. The choice is practical, but coverage depends on the framework behind each target.

Scripts are written in Python, and the project documentation recommends basic Python knowledge. AirtestIDE packages the Airtest and Poco plugins in a cross-platform editor, making script authoring more coherent than assembling separate tools, but it remains a coding workflow rather than a no-code test builder.

Key features

Cross-platform UI automation

Airtest supports automated testing on Windows, Android, and iOS through image recognition. That broad target mix suits teams maintaining mobile and Windows builds from one automation approach. Tests run in local environments, so organizations must provide and operate the devices or systems used for execution.

Poco hierarchy recognition

Poco can inspect UI elements and their runtime hierarchy in Android and iOS native applications. It also supports Unity3D, cocos2dx, UE4, and Egret, with integrations into other engines possible through poco-sdk. This is particularly relevant to game teams whose engine-specific controls would be awkward to address purely by screen images. Poco’s stated engine and platform coverage should be checked before standardizing on it for a mixed technology stack.

Web and scripting workflow

The Selenium plugin uses Chrome DevTools Protocol to record and generate Selenium scripts and to access web elements. That extends the project beyond native apps and games, although web automation follows the Selenium model rather than Airtest’s image-only approach. Python scripts and the editor’s built-in plugins keep the pieces in one workflow for teams willing to maintain code.

Enterprise lab

Airlab adds test-case and script management, task scheduling, cloud reports, and iOS and Android regression and compatibility testing. NetEase’s private cloud solution deploys the device rack and software platform inside the enterprise, addressing organizations that need device clusters, device management, execution, reporting, and continuous integration while keeping device use and testing processes within their environment. After implementation, NetEase provides a dedicated technical support group.

Pricing

Airtest Project community version — free

The community version includes Airtest, Poco, and AirtestIDE community tools at no charge. It is the sensible starting point for individual developers, open projects, and teams that can run tests locally and do not require a managed device operation. The plan’s value is breadth of core tooling, while organizations needing centralized lab functions or private infrastructure will need a different arrangement.

NetEase Private Cloud Solution — custom pricing

NetEase quotes this option after confirming enterprise needs. It covers private deployment, with hardware and software options and on-site deployment. Choose it when device-cluster management, controlled execution, reporting, continuous integration, and privacy requirements outweigh the simplicity of community tooling. The commercial commitment and deployment scope make it unsuitable for a small project seeking a fixed, self-serve subscription.

Platforms

The project is listed for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, self-hosted environments, web, and Windows. Airtest’s supported testing targets are Windows, Android, and iOS; Poco adds Android and iOS native apps plus the listed game engines. AirtestIDE downloads are provided for Windows 64-bit, Windows 32-bit, macOS, and Ubuntu, giving desktop teams several authoring choices.

Who it's for

Airtest is a strong fit for game and app teams that can write Python and need automated UI coverage across mobile and Windows targets. It is also relevant to Unity3D and other supported-engine projects where Poco’s hierarchy access can be more dependable than image-only interaction. Enterprises running substantial device fleets, regression programs, or privacy-sensitive testing should consider Airlab and private deployment. Teams seeking a no-code process, or targets outside the stated platform and engine coverage, should look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

Pros

Free core stack: Airtest, Poco, and AirtestIDE are available in the community version at 0.00 USD.

Two interaction models: image recognition and runtime hierarchy access cover different kinds of interfaces.

Game-engine reach: Poco supports Unity3D, cocos2dx, UE4, and Egret, with poco-sdk integration for other engines.

Web extension: Selenium and Chrome DevTools Protocol support recording, script generation, and web-element access.

Enterprise deployment path: Airlab and a privately deployed device rack address scheduling, reporting, compatibility testing, and controlled infrastructure.

Cons

Python required: the scripting model favors teams with Python skills and is not a no-code option.

Coverage varies by framework: Airtest and Poco do not share identical target and engine support, so mixed stacks require validation.

Local execution for community users: teams must operate their own test environments rather than relying on a hosted execution service.

Enterprise price uncertainty: private cloud costs are custom and depend on confirmed requirements and deployment choices.

Alternatives

Browse the broader Game Testing Software category when you need a wider comparison. Choose Antidote instead for freemium playtesting with a 14-day trial and defined player, question, and session limits. GameDriver is a paid alternative with a free Ambassador Program for educators and solo developers and a Starter plan from $200 a month. GameBench offers a 28-day Pro trial with unlimited sessions during the trial. Backtrace is oriented toward error management, with a free Developer plan capped at 25k monthly errors, one-month retention, and 10 GB storage. FirstLook Engagement Analytics targets player profiles, playtesting, and messaging, including a free tier for 100k profiles and up to 500 playtesters. T-Plan Game Test Automation is a paid option starting at £200 a year with annual billing stated. TBase is a free alternative for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, and Windows environments. PlaytestCloud suits teams wanting paid, invoiced playtesting plans rather than a free automation toolkit.

Verdict

Choose Airtest Project if you want free, scriptable UI automation for games or apps and your targets fit its Android, iOS, Windows, web, or supported-engine coverage. Its main reason to choose is the combination of image recognition, Poco hierarchy access, and an integrated editor without a community-tool license fee. Look elsewhere if you need no-code authoring, hosted execution by default, or predictable enterprise pricing; the private cloud route is custom and the framework support is not uniform across every target.