Azure Test Plans vs TestBench

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.

TestBench supports software testing from planning and design through execution and result recording. It handles manual and automated testing, helping teams organize tests, monitor progress, and analyze outcomes. Keyword-driven testing uses reusable building blocks without complex programming, while data-driven testing runs scenarios with different test data without rewriting scripts. TestBench connects with requirements management, defect management, and test automation tools; automation tools can connect through the iTEP plug-in, and defect information can synchronize with connected systems. The product can be integrated into CI/CD pipelines. Integrated version and configuration management provides traceability and revision security for test results. The included iTORX execution assistant works online and offline. TestBench runs on web and Windows, offers requirements linking, test case management, planning, run tracking, QA reporting, automation integrations, and API access. Flexible annual licensing, including floating licenses, is available, with basic support, updates, and upgrades included in rental pricing. A free trial can be requested; paid pricing is provided on request.