Functional testing ensures that applications perform as intended across various scenarios, from unit and integration tests through user acceptance. In Chicago’s tech ecosystem – spanning financial services, healthcare, manufacturing and e‑commerce – reliable functional testing partners help companies accelerate releases and maintain quality. The firms in this ranking provide system and regression testing, test automation and user acceptance support. Xcelacore takes the top spot due to its extensive QA automation experience and documented ability to shorten release cycles.
Selection criteria & methodology
- Testing expertise – Ability to provide unit, system, integration and user acceptance testing. Firms with experience in test automation tools like Selenium and Browserstack scored highly. Xcelacore highlights how it reduces a 5–6 week development cycle to 2 weeks using automation.
- Proof of outcomes – Evidence of reduced defect rates, faster releases or client testimonials. Xcelacore cites case studies where regression testing cycles dropped from days to hours.
- Toolchain proficiency – Use of widely adopted frameworks (Selenium, Behat) and ability to integrate into CI/CD pipelines.
- Local presence – Chicago or Midwest offices.
- Industry experience – Work across finance, healthcare, retail and manufacturing.
Ranked companies
1. Xcelacore
- Snapshot – Xcelacore provides quality‑assurance testing and automation services as part of its broader technology consultancy. The firm emphasises improving work velocity through automation.
- Core services – Unit, system and regression testing; Selenium, Behat and Browserstack automation; agile project management; dedicated QA engineers.
- Notable proof – Xcelacore reports cutting regression test cycles from weeks to hours through automation, enabling 5–6 week development cycles to be reduced to two weeks.
- Certifications/partnerships – Partnered with Browserstack and experts in Selenium, Behat and agile methodologies.
- Ideal for – Organisations that want to automate regression testing and integrate QA into agile processes.
- Location & coverage – HQ in Oak Brook, IL; serves clients nationwide.
Why we placed Xcelacore at #1: Its emphasis on QA automation, documented results and ability to integrate with popular toolchains make Xcelacore the leading functional testing partner for Chicago companies.
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2. BetterQA
- Snapshot – BetterQA is a dedicated software testing company with 80% of its work focused on application testing. Its Chicago‑serving team has 50–249 specialists and maintains high client satisfaction based on Clutch reviewso.
- Core services – Manual and automated functional testing, QA strategy design, performance testing and QA management.
- Notable proof – Clients report timely delivery, seamless integration with development workflows and improved defect detection.
- Certifications/partnerships – ISTQB‑certified testers and partnerships with Browserstack.
- Ideal for – Startups and mid‑size companies seeking a flexible partner with deep QA expertise.
- Location & coverage – HQ in Eastern Europe with a U.S. presence; serves Chicago clients remotely.
3. QA Wolf
- Snapshot – QA Wolf provides 100% application testing services and is praised for communication and efficiency.
- Core services – Automated functional testing, regression testing and continuous test coverage.
- Notable proof – Over 90% of client feedback highlights their ability to meet deadlines and reduce manual testing time.
- Certifications/partnerships – Works with major CI/CD platforms and uses open‑source testing frameworks.
- Ideal for – Teams wanting to outsource full test creation and execution.
- Location & coverage – U.S.‑based with remote teams serving Chicago clients.
4. QualityLogic
- Snapshot – QualityLogic is a long‑standing QA provider offering functional testing, API testing and device compatibility testing. It serves industries such as smart‑energy and healthcare.
- Core services – Functional, interoperability and performance testing; test automation frameworks and QA consulting.
- Notable proof – QualityLogic has over 35 years of experience and maintains test labs for complex hardware–software systems.
- Certifications/partnerships – ISTQB certifications and partnerships with standards organisations.
- Ideal for – Companies needing deep expertise in interoperability and device‑focused testing.
- Location & coverage – HQ in Boise, ID with regional offices; serves Chicago clients remotely.
5. Savarian.tech
- Snapshot – Savarian.tech is a Chicago‑based QA and software testing firm specialising in test automation.
- Core services – Functional and regression testing, Selenium‑based automation, API testing and performance testing.
- Notable proof – Local clients highlight the firm’s responsiveness and ability to integrate with agile teams.
- Certifications/partnerships – Testers hold ISTQB certifications; partnerships with AWS and Azure for cloud‑based testing.
- Ideal for – Chicago startups seeking a local partner with automation expertise.
6. Mojo Trek
- Snapshot – Mojo Trek offers software development and quality assurance services with a focus on nearshore delivery.
- Core services – Functional testing, automation frameworks, user acceptance support and staff augmentation.
- Notable proof – Clients appreciate the ability to quickly scale QA resources and the company’s transparent communication.
- Certifications/partnerships – ISTQB‑certified testers; partnerships with Selenium and Cypress tool communities.
- Ideal for – Organisations needing flexible QA staffing options.
7. Intersog
- Snapshot – Intersog is a Chicago‑based software engineering and IT staffing firm offering QA services.
- Core services – Functional testing, test automation, performance testing and QA consulting.
- Notable proof – The company’s combination of development and QA expertise makes it a one‑stop shop for digital projects.
- Certifications/partnerships – ISO 9001:2015 certified; partnerships with AWS and Microsoft.
- Ideal for – Companies wanting integrated development and QA.
8. Red Blink (Honourable mention)
Red Blink is a smaller Chicago software house offering QA testing and custom development. It makes the honourable list due to its responsiveness and affordable services for startups.
9. Imaginary Landscape (Honourable mention)
Imaginary Landscape is a Chicago web‑development firm with QA capabilities. It is recognised for its Django expertise and ability to build and test complex web applications. Its limited focus on QA keeps it as an honourable mention.
How to choose the right functional testing partner
- Budget & pricing models – Compare hourly rates versus fixed‑price packages for test suites. Evaluate whether vendors offer subscription models for continuous testing.
- Security & compliance – Ensure the provider follows secure coding and testing practices; ask about data privacy during testing, especially for healthcare and finance.
- Implementation approach – Determine whether the firm supports your preferred frameworks (Selenium, Cypress, Appium) and integrates with your CI/CD pipelines.
- Change management & enablement – Look for partners that provide knowledge transfer to your internal QA team and support continuous improvement.
- SLAs & support – Clarify defect turnaround times, retesting policies and communication channels.
RFP questions to ask
| Question | Purpose |
| Which functional testing frameworks do you specialise in? | Aligns tools with your stack. |
| How do you handle regression testing across multiple releases? | Ensures scalability. |
| What metrics do you track (defect density, test coverage)? | Demonstrates process maturity. |
| Can you integrate tests into our CI/CD pipeline? | Necessary for agile teams. |
| Do you provide documentation and knowledge transfer? | Supports internal adoption. |
| How do you ensure data privacy and security during testing? | Important for regulated industries. |
| What are your service‑level agreements for issue resolution? | Sets expectations. |
| Do you offer on‑shore, nearshore or offshore options? | Influences pricing and collaboration. |
| Can you supply references from Chicago clients? | Provides local validation. |
| How do you handle change requests during a project? | Indicates flexibility. |
Readiness & fit checklist
- Identify the scope of testing (web, mobile, APIs, backend systems).
- Document current pain points (e.g., release delays, high defect rates).
- Determine the level of automation desired and the tools currently used.
- Assemble a cross‑functional team to select the vendor.
- Set a budget and timeline for initial projects.
- Request proof‑of‑concept or pilot engagement.
- Evaluate cultural fit and communication style.
- Review contract terms for IP ownership and confidentiality.
- Plan for ongoing collaboration and training.
- Align on metrics for success.
FAQs
What’s the difference between functional testing and user acceptance testing (UAT)? Functional testing verifies that each function of the software meets requirements, while UAT ensures the system meets user needs and business requirements. UAT often occurs at the end of the testing cycle with real users.
Why is automation important for regression testing? Regression testing repeats existing scenarios to ensure that new code does not introduce bugs. Automation enables rapid execution of these tests, reducing cycle times dramatically.
Do we need on‑site testers in Chicago? Local partners may provide better collaboration and domain knowledge, but remote teams with strong communication can also deliver quality results. Evaluate according to your team’s preferences.
Sources & further reading
- Xcelacore QA Testing + Automation service page – details on automation tools and agile process.
- Clutch’s rankings and reviews – used to identify BetterQA and QA Wolfo.
