Azure Test Plans vs Backlog
Azure Test Plans
azure.microsoft.com
Backlog
nulab.comSide by side
| Figure | Azure Test Plans | Backlog |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $6/mo | $35/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 5 |
| Spec score · Project Management Software | 9.4 (#3) | 9.1 (#12) |
| Spec score · Issue Tracking Software | 9.5 (#1) | 9.1 (#2) |
| Spec score · Bug Tracking Software | 9.5 (#1) | 9.1 (#2) |
| Spec score · Project management tools | 8.7 (#59) | 9.0 (#24) |
| API | Public REST endpoints use dev.azure.com organization URLs and versioned _apis paths; the Test Plans API includes plan listing and requires the vso.test scope for read access. | Backlog supports custom integrations through its open API and links to API documentation for developers. |
| Founded | Microsoft was founded in 1975. | 2004 |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Azure DevOps exposes integrations with GitHub, Docker, Slack, Sentry and more through its Marketplace extension ecosystem. | Listed integrations include Cacoo, Slack, Redmine and Jira importers, Jenkins, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCal Sync. |
| Purpose | Azure Test Plans provides planned manual and exploratory testing tools for apps. | Backlog combines project management, issue tracking, and team collaboration in one platform without per-user pricing. |
| Security | Azure DevOps states that project data is protected in transit and at rest, uses the Microsoft Security Development Lifecycle and undergoes security penetration testing. | Enterprise security features include SAML single sign-on, SCIM user provisioning, audit logs, centralized user and access management, and security integrations. |
Plans
Azure Test Plans
- Basic + Test Plans$52 a month
- BasicFree
- StakeholdersFree
- Stakeholders (Free)Free
- Basic$6 a month
Backlog
- FreeFree
- Starter$35 a month
- Standard$100 a month
- Premium$175 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
In their own words
Azure Test Plans
Azure Test Plans gives teams tools to plan, run, and track manual and exploratory testing for apps. For scripted tests, teams can track actionable defects and connect test cases and suites to user stories, features, or requirements. Exploratory sessions let testers design and run tests at the same time. During manual tests, Test Runner can capture screenshots, image action logs, and screen recordings. Reports, dashboard widgets, and customizable Power BI reports show plan progress and trends. The service integrates with Azure Pipelines for CI/CD testing and offers REST APIs and an extension contribution model. Manual testing is available in the web portal through supported browsers on major platforms; a free Test & Feedback extension supports exploratory testing in Chrome and Microsoft Edge. The free Stakeholders plan does not allow users to create or manage Test Plans. Basic is free for the first five users, then $6 per user per month; Basic + Test Plans costs $52 a month, billed at $52 per user per month. A 30-day trial is listed. Azure DevOps cloud-based load testing is deprecated; Microsoft points users to Azure Load Testing for managed load testing.
Backlog
Backlog combines project management, issue tracking, and team collaboration without per-user pricing. Teams can manage issues on Kanban-style boards and use subtasks, Gantt charts, burndown charts, and issue templates, with tools varying by plan. Built-in Git repositories and Subversion support provide code management. Backlog works in a browser and on Android and iOS devices, and its open API supports custom integrations. Listed integrations include Cacoo, Slack, Jenkins, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCal Sync. The Free plan supports 10 users and one project; it includes 100 MB of storage, Git and Subversion, and a board. Starter costs $35 a month for up to 30 users and five projects. Standard costs $100 a month, and Premium costs $175 a month. Paid plans have a 30-day trial without a credit card, but plans cannot be changed during the trial. Enterprise adds security features such as SAML single sign-on, SCIM provisioning, audit logs, and centralized access management, and can be installed on a private server. Backlog's maker is headquartered in Fukuoka, Japan, and was founded in 2004.