What is the difference between user testing and beta testing?
Tags: usertesting, betatesting, softwaretesting
Published: 2022-10-06 10:44:37

User testing is performed to ensure whether the business and user-specific requirements are properly met or not. End-users are involved to test the product. The testing and development team observes how the user interacts with the product. The product design is also evaluated through this testing method. Beta testing is conducted when a product is almost developed. Beta tests are carried out by beta testers to obtain feedback from beta testers. This feedback will help the team know where the product or application stands in terms of user experience, performance and functionality and how it can be refined for optimal results. 

> In this article, you will get to know the differences between [user testing](https://www.testingxperts.com/blog/user-testing) and beta testing.

**What is User testing?**

It is a testing method where the functions and interface of a service, product, application or website are tested by users in a real-time environment. The application‘s or website’s usability is evaluated to ascertain whether the software product or application is ready to be used by users. For optimal results, testers should interact with the application or website and get to know the level of intuitiveness of a website or application. 

It is used in the design process to evaluate a prototype, feature or product with real users. The design team can also get to know the issues related to user experience so that ultimately the user’s experience can be enhanced before the software product or application is launched.

**What is Beta testing?**

It is a testing method where a beta version (which is 80% to 95% completed) of a software product or application is tested by beta testers (users) in a real-time production environment. Beta testing is performed in the final stages of the software development process, just before the product’s launch. It is considered as “pre-release testing.”

The software product’s robustness, reliability, security and user experience are checked in this testing method. It is a black-box testing technique. It is performed after alpha testing and is also focused on testing applications, operating systems, utilities etc.     

**The purpose of user testing:**

The objective of this testing method is to provide a platform that is easy to use and learn. Representative tasks are performed by representative users that report the sequence of actions and the time taken to complete those actions. It is performed on any artifact that supports the testing tasks you are involved in, and thus it can be done before the design freezes. 

**Following are a few key points that need to be pondered upon:**

- The specific sequence used by users to complete the tasks 
- The way users feel while using the product
- The flow, layout, wording etc., that users find helpful or misleading
- The specific user requirements in terms of further improvising the product or application.

**The purpose of [beta testing](https://www.testingxperts.com/blog/beta-testing):**

This testing method ascertains the product’s behavior in a real-world scenario, as opposed to testing servers. An almost completely developed product wherein all the features have been completed, but, a few changes or modifications need to be done. 

**Following are a few key points that need to be pondered upon:**

- The specific questions that need to be answered when the product is being installed, configured and used
- The specific issues faced by users while they are testing the product in a real-time production environment
- The specific problems that people encounter when they use them without any formal test cases
- Beta testers report on usability problems and missing features that need to be addressed.

**Conclusion:** If you are looking forward to implementing beta testing or user testing or both for your specific project, then do get connected with the finest software testing services company that will provide you with a methodical testing blueprint that is in line with your project specific requirements.

**About the author:** I am a technical content writer focused on writing technology specific articles. I strive to provide well-researched information on the leading market savvy technologies.