Regression testing is the process of re-running tests to make sure new code changes don’t break what used to work. It acts like a safety net. If your app used to calculate prices correctly, and now it doesn’t because of a new update, regression tests are what tell you something broke.
Now here’s the real question: should you run those tests manually or automate them?
That’s where the discussion around manual vs automated regression testing begins. Both approaches serve the same purpose: to catch bugs early, but they do it in different ways. One relies on human effort. The other depends on scripts and tools.
Knowing when to use manual regression testing vs when to shift toward automated regression testing can save teams hours of wasted effort and catch critical issues faster.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
Let’s get started.
Regression testing is the process of re-running existing tests to make sure previously working functionality still behaves correctly after code changes. It confirms that a recent update did not unintentionally break a core feature.
Think of it as quality control for every release. When done right, it gives teams the confidence to ship fast without sacrificing stability. It’s one of the most important steps in both manual testing and automation testing workflows.
Example: Your dev team adds a new discount feature at checkout. To validate the update, testers re-run the payment, login, and price calculation tests. If something stops working, like a wrong total price, regression testing catches it before it reaches users.
📚 Further reading: What is Regression testing? A complete guide
Manual regression testing means testers re-run test cases by hand after a code change. The goal is to confirm that existing functionality still works as expected. No automation tools are involved in executing the tests.
This method is especially useful for small projects or cases where human judgment is critical. It allows testers to observe the system closely and spot issues that automated tests might not flag.
📚 Further reading: What is Manual testing? A complete guide
Automated regression testing uses scripts or tools to re-run tests automatically after code changes. It is designed to confirm that new updates do not affect existing features and workflows. Once the tests are set up, they can run without human intervention.
This approach brings consistency and speed to the process. It works especially well when the application is large, complex, or frequently updated. Automated testing is a core part of modern test automation strategies and is essential for teams practicing continuous delivery.
📚 Further reading: What is Automated Regression Testing? A complete guide
Choosing between manual vs automated regression testing depends on your team’s goals, resources, and release frequency. Both methods have strengths. Manual testing brings insight and flexibility. Automation testing brings speed and scale.
Use this table to decide when and where each approach fits best:
| Aspect | Manual Regression Testing | Automated Regression Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Execution method | Testers run each step manually | Scripts or tools run tests automatically |
| Speed | Slower, depends on tester effort | Fast, consistent with every run |
| Cost over time | Low initial cost, grows with scale | Higher initial cost, lower long-term |
| Best use case | Small projects, visual checks, UI tests | Large apps, repetitive flows, CI/CD |
| Reusability | Limited, varies by tester | High, scripts run across builds |
| Test frequency | Lower, based on availability | High, integrates with pipelines |
| Skill requirement | Testing knowledge | Scripting and tool knowledge |
| Scalability | Harder to scale with large suites | Easily scales across environments |
📚 Further reading: Manual testing vs automation testing: A complete breakdown
Transitioning from manual regression testing to automated regression testing is a high-impact move for any QA team. It allows faster feedback, higher test coverage, and more confidence during releases. But it takes planning and execution. Follow these steps to get it right.
Start by reviewing what you already have. List all existing regression tests and group them by priority, frequency, and stability. Identify which ones are repeated often. These are your prime candidates for automation.
Clarify what success looks like. Is it reducing test cycle time? Is it increasing test coverage? Is it enabling CI/CD? Be specific. Your goals will guide the tool selection and script design as you build out your test automation framework.
Pick automation tools that align with your tech stack and tester skills. Start with a few scripts using tools like Katalon, Selenium, or Cypress. Focus on ease of setup, cross-browser support, and integration with CI/CD platforms.
Start small. Begin with tests that are stable, repeatable, and impact critical user flows. These might include login, checkout, or data input validations. This approach keeps effort manageable and delivers value early.
Structure your scripts to be reusable. Use variables, functions, and modular test cases. Organize them by features or user journeys to stay scalable as your suite grows.
Automated tests work best when part of the development pipeline. Connect your automation scripts with your CI/CD tools. Set triggers to run tests on every commit or build so issues are caught early in the cycle.
Automation is never done. Review failures, update scripts, and expand coverage regularly. Encourage testers to mix exploratory and automation testing to keep test quality high.
Choosing the right tool makes automated regression testing easier to implement and scale. The best tools support scripting flexibility, test reuse, and integration with your CI/CD workflow. Below are some of the top platforms QA teams use for test automation.
Each of these tools has strengths. Katalon, in particular, stands out for its balance between simplicity and power, making it a go-to for teams starting or scaling automation testing efforts.
Running automated regression testing effectively requires more than just writing scripts. It’s about building a stable, reliable, and scalable test suite that grows with your application. Follow these best practices to get the most value out of your test automation.
Choosing between manual vs automated regression testing is not about which one is better. It’s about knowing when to use each. Manual testing brings flexibility and context. Automation testing brings speed and repeatability. Together, they form a strong testing strategy.
For teams looking to scale automated regression testing without adding complexity, Katalon Studio offers a complete solution. It supports web, API, mobile, and desktop testing. You get test creation, execution, reporting, and maintenance all in one platform.
Whether you're just starting with automation or expanding your test coverage, Katalon helps you move faster and test smarter.