2026 Manual Testing Checklist: Updated Best Practices for QA Teams

In 2026, manual testing remains a crucial component of software quality assurance despite advancements in automation and AI, with modern checklists emphasizing early quality embedding, risk-based prioritization, exploratory testing, and continuous monitoring. Tools like TestMu AI facilitate manual testing through features such as on-demand device access, interactive live testing, integrated bug tracking, and AI-augmented insights, offering a scalable, cloud-first solution for QA teams. The shift-left approach encourages early quality activities in the software development lifecycle to minimize defect costs, while risk-based testing directs manual efforts towards high-impact areas to protect value. Balancing manual exploratory testing with automated regression testing allows for effective coverage of both unknown issues and repeatable checks, while cross-browser and device strategies ensure consistent user experiences. Additional manual checks for performance, security, and accessibility further enhance quality, and comprehensive documentation supports traceability and reproducibility. Post-release monitoring and feedback loops help maintain continuous quality, with data-driven insights guiding future testing efforts.