Paid testers or a community for your Google Play closed test?
Search for "12 testers" and you will find many offers to supply them for a fee. Before you pay, think about what you actually need: a number on a screen, or findings that make your app better.
What can go wrong with bought testers
- Inactive accounts. If testers install the app and never open it again, you reach the number but learn nothing.
- Drop-outs. Testers who leave before the end can put your timeline at risk, and a refund does not give you the days back.
- Policy risk. Google's developer policies cover manipulating installs and engagement. Read the current policy and judge whether the service you consider fits within it, because the risk is yours, not the seller's.
- Nothing to apply with. The production application asks what you learned. A list of anonymous accounts gives you no answer.
What to ask a service before paying
- Are the testers real people with their own devices?
- Will they use the app on several days and send written findings?
- What happens if some drop out? Do you get replacements within the test period?
- Can you talk to them, and do they report device and Android version?
Why a community works better
Other developers know what a closed test is, they test on their own phones, and they expect the same favor in return. You get written findings with device and version, and you can ask follow-up questions. That is also exactly the material you need for your production application.
A sensible mix
Recruit friends first, add developers from a community, keep more testers than the minimum and track who is active. If you decide to pay for help, pay for real testing work, not for a number.
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