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Test Management
10 Best Test Management Tools Of 2023

Here’s a shortlist of the best test management tools

  1. 1. Xray — Best Jira test management app that uses Jira native issue types to manage testing artifacts
  2. 2. Tricentis qTest — Best to transition to agile while still supporting waterfall projects
  3. 3. TestRail — Best all-in-one test management tool with custom dashboards and extensive integration
  4. 4. PractiTest — Best end-to-end SaaS test management platform for managing QA efforts in one place.
  5. 5. Tuskr — Best for its affordable, full set of test management features
  6. 6. Testiny — Best test management tool with a free plan for up to 3 users
  7. 7. Kualitee — Best for defect management
  8. 8. aqua ALM — Best for requirements, test case and defect management
  9. 9. Micro Focus Silk Central — Best for bug and issue recreation
  10. 10. TestGear — Best to unite manual and automated testing

Test management tools are a great resource to help you find and manage the bugs that matter so you can focus on building better software and a better software development process.

Having a tool to manage all of the iterations of testing is critical, especially today with more software engineers adopting cyclical techniques like test-driven development,

In this article, I summarize and compare 10 of the best test management tools to help organize the end-to-end test cycle.

What is Test Management?

Test management in the field of software testing refers to the process of planning, organizing, and controlling the testing activities and resources of a project. Software testing management involves creating and executing test strategies, defining test plans or test cases, and managing defects to ensure that the software meets the desired quality standards.

Effective test management is crucial for the success of a software project and involves collaboration with all product stakeholders to ensure that the testing process is streamlined and efficient.

How I chose the Best Test Management Tools

What specifications and functions am I looking for when I select test management tools for review? Here’s a summary of my evaluation criteria: 

  1. User interface (UI): Is it clean and attractive?
  2. Usability: Is it easy to learn and master? Does the company offer good tech support, user support, tutorials, and training? 
  3. Features and functionality:
    • Range of devices/browsers available for testing: Can the software test across different OSs, browsers, and mobile devices? Does it have integration testing tools?
    • Test planning: Can the tool create and record test plans, test cases, and test runs? Does it help QA team members plan test designs and create test suites?
    • Requirements management: Does it allow development teams to set and track requirements throughout the testing process?
    • Test execution: Does the tool support test execution for various types of testing, such as manual testing, test automation, continuous testing, integration testing, and more?
    • Reporting and analytics: Can team members generate detailed and useful reports on test results and progress throughout the test process?
  4. Integrations: Is it easy to connect with other tools or add-ons? Any pre-built and seamless integrations with other software you already have in use, such as bug-tracking software, issue-tracking software, test management system, application lifecycle management (ALM) software, project management software, continuous integration tools, or QA automation tools?
  5. Value for $: How appropriate is the price for the features, capabilities, and use case? Is pricing clear, transparent, and flexible?

Best Test Management Tools List

Here’s my list of the best software test management tools. These test case tools help the software quality assurance process and reduce manual testing efforts so you spend less time messing around with Excel spreadsheets or old-school test cases and more time doing the work of software testing and fixing bugs.

1

Xray

Best Jira test management app that uses Jira native issue types to manage testing artifacts

Xray for Jira is a complete test management tool that helps you organize, plan, execute, and report on the progress of testing and readiness to deploy.

Xray uses Jira native issue types and all requirements are linked to test cases so you’ll never overlook a test. With Xray natively integrated into Jira, developers and testers work in the same unified ecosystem which allows for transparency into the work, visibility into the testing progress and collaboration between developers and testers. This way, every test is accounted for, every task lives in the same workflow, and everyone speaks the same language.

With Xray, managers can use agile boards to track the requirement status and test execution progress in real-time. You also have robust reporting capabilities with built-in reports for traceability and coverage analysis, as well as a dashboard with gadgets to easily assess the status of testing. Xray also supports data-driven testing with parameterized tests which allows you to test large sets of iterations quickly and easily.

Integration with your favorite Continuous Integration tools, including Cucumber and Jenkins, is straightforward through our built-in REST API. Xray also integrates with leading test automation frameworks including Cucumber, JUnit, NUnit, Robot Framework, and also supports testing in BDD with Gherkin-based frameworks.

Xray costs from $10/user/month and offers a 30-day free trial.

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4.4 7

30-day free trial

$10/user/month

2

Tricentis qTest

Best to transition to agile while still supporting waterfall projects

Tricentis qTest is an agile test management tool that is scalable and can work for businesses of all sizes. The software provides DevOps and QA testing teams with a unified view of tasks and activities across the agile software development lifecycle (SDLC). Having a centralized control and orchestration of all automated workflows makes it easier to embed testing within continuous development pipelines. QA and development teams can leverage the software to transition to an agile methodology or to support their waterfall projects.

DevOps and QA teams can reuse their test cases and share them across projects so they can create and promote set standards and scale their best practices. This also makes it easier to build and maintain more test cases. Users can combine or centralize their solutions for automated, exploratory, and manual testing activities in the same software. They can also create shareable, customized reports on their testing data and activities using one of over 60 out-of-the-box configurable reports.

The software has native integrations with some of the most widely used solutions for product planning, development, and testing like Selenium, Jira, Jenkins, and GitHub.

Pricing for Tricentis qTest starts at $1,200 per user/year. A 14-day free trial is available.

14-Day free trial available

Plans start at $1,200 per user/year

3

TestRail

Best all-in-one test management tool with custom dashboards and extensive integration

TestRail is a test management platform for QA and development teams to manage test cases, plan and execute tests, and track results from both manual and automated testing. It can be used in waterfall or agile projects. You can organize test cases in folders and sections, and customize test cases with templates, statuses, and fields.

The TestRail API allows test automation engineers to push in test results from automated scripts so you can track results across both manual and automated tests. TestRail also offers dashboards and reports to help your team communicate test pass / fail rate, track test cycle progress, and assess the current level of risk of a new release.

TestRail integrates with Jira, GitHub, GitLab, Asana, and 20+ other issue-tracking or defect management tools. It supports reporting of tests run via Selenium, Cypress, Appium, Cucumber, Junit, TestNG, Pytest, or any other test automation tool or framework using the TestRail API. You can also integrate TestRail with CI/CD pipelines like Jenkins, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Azure DevOps and more.

TestRail costs from $36/user/month and offers a 14-day free trial.

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4.3 421

14-day free trial

From $37/user/month

4

PractiTest

Best end-to-end SaaS test management platform for managing QA efforts in one place.

PractiTest is an end-to-end test management tool. A common meeting ground for all QA stakeholders, it enables full visibility into the testing process and a deeper, broader understanding of testing results. The tool is fully customizable & flexible for the ever-changing needs of QA teams, allowing them to customize fields, views, permissions, issue workflows, and more.

The software also allows users to reuse tests and correlate results across different releases and products, as well as avoid doing duplicate work with anti-bug duplicates, permutations, step parameters, and the call-to-test feature.

Another great feature is the unique hierarchical filter trees, which are great for organizing everything and finding anything quickly. QA team members can visualize data with advanced dashboards and reports.

PractiTest allows for a vast array of third-party integrations with common bug trackers such as Redmine, Jira, Pivotal Tracker, and more, as well as automation tools. The tool also offers a robust API for further integrations.

Pricing for PractiTest starts at $2490/year. They offer a 14-day free trial.

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4.3 143

14-day free trial

$2490/year

5

Tuskr

Best for its affordable, full set of test management features

Tuskr is a complete test management solution for product managers, QA testers, development teams, and IT specialists. It provides robust features that are incredibly easy to use. It features a simple yet highly intuitive user interface, packed with powerful QA testing tools and capabilities. You can create test cases using the WYSIWYG editor with rich-text formatting. Overwhelming test data can be easily organized using HTML tables.

You can create flexible test runs complete with custom fields while capturing results. The software allows for custom result statuses that match specific requirements, while the bulk mode feature lets you reassign test cases or add custom results. With Tuskr, you can generate detailed status reports and export them in PDF format to share with stakeholders and clients. A workload chart is available, which can help identify testers who are overutilized or underutilized. Compare planned and actual performance charts to differentiate the top performers from the underperforming resources.

A free version of the test management software is available, with a maximum of five users. The Team plan starts at $9 per user/month, and a free trial is available.

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4.6 102

Free trial available

From $9/user/month (minimum of five users)

6

Testiny

Best test management tool with a free plan for up to 3 users

Testiny is a test management tool that facilitates test planning, execution, and reporting activities. Its customizable workflows help teams efficiently manage test cases, requirements, and defects. The software can handle various testing processes, such as functional, performance, and regression testing.

Users can create test plans in the software that outline the testing requirements, test cases, and expected results. Test plans can be assigned to team members, and the reporting system can generate reports that provide insights into the testing process. This feature helps users identify bugs, track issue resolution, and ensure testing aligns with overall project goals.

The software supports collaborative test management through document sharing, team chats, and task assignments. Users can create custom automated testing scripts that can be executed repeatedly, and features can be customized to meet specific needs. Automation features help streamline testing processes and reduce risk of human error. The software's test run view feature allows users to track the progress of their tests and identify which tests have been completed successfully and which require further attention.

Other bug-tracking systems like JIRA, Bugzilla, and Trac work with the software. Paid plans start from $17/user/month, and a 14-day trial is available. Teams of 3 users or less can also access a free plan.

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4.9 7

14-day free trial

$17 per user per month

7

Kualitee

Best for defect management

Kualitee is a cloud-based test management tool that supports both manual and automated testing. Testers are able to create and import test cases and associate them with builds and requirements to get complete end-to-end traceability.

With its feature of defect management, Kualitee runs a complete testing flow from test planning to execution and issue tracking. It’s an all-in-one tool where testers, developers, and project managers can collaborate.

The tool allows users to run custom test, bug, and test execution reports, and includes functionalities for requirement planning. Their interactive dashboards are intuitive and user-friendly.

Kualitee integrates with Jira, Selenium, Jenkins, and Bitbucket. The tool also offers a mobile app for increased ease of use.

Pricing starts at $15/user/month. Kualitee also offers a free 7-day trial.

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4.4 92

7-day free trial

From $15/user/month

8

aqua ALM

Best for requirements, test case and defect management

aqua is an easy-to-use German test management system known for providing an enterprise-level service for customers of all packages for an affordable price (packages start from 39 euro/month). With aqua, you can organise tests & teams, run testing scenarios of any complexity and scale, and go from manual to automated testing smoothly. aqua's real-time analytics & enterprise-level reports give clarity over QA & dev workflows: you see what to improve & automate.

Since 2008 aqua has been serving as a test management and ALM solution for the biggest enterprises in Germany. From 2022, they also launched an SMB cloud tier which includes enterprise-level support and flexibility for an affordable price (from 39 euro/user/month).

Every package goes with the possibility of joining an unlimited number of 'Basic' free users, who can view reports, as well as create and execute test cases (perfect for manual testers). This helps you save costs by providing a paid aqua version only for test managers and automation testers.

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
5 2

30 Day Free Trial

$38/month

9

Micro Focus Silk Central

Best for bug and issue recreation

Silk Central allows you to unify all test assets into one easy-to-use planning, tracking, reporting, and execution hub. With Silk Central, it is easy to recreate bugs and issues within the software.

Silk Central provides insight into test execution with the TestBook dashboard panel for manual testing, and you can see who worked on what to keep track of progress. Testers can share comments and raise questions by posting comments directly to TestBook as they test, which increases collaboration among team members.

Third-party integrations for Silk Central include IBM DOORS, IBM Rational ClearQuest, Bugzilla, Jira, and Git. Silk Central offers further integrations through their API.

Silk Central pricing is available upon request, and they offer a free trial.

Free Trial

Pricing available upon request

10

TestGear

Best to unite manual and automated testing

TestGear helps you release quality software in the shortest time possible. Backed by 30 years in QA, the TestGear team builds tools for testers, by testers. With TestGear, less time is spent on routine QA tasks, so testers can spend more time on creative work.

Key features include the ability to unite manual and automated testing with transparent reporting on software quality; traceability of user stories, test cases, and bugs in Jira and other trackers; assignment of test cases among QA engineers tasks using workload distributor; and team engagement via a singular gamification system.

Using TestGear can help accelerate time to market and cut down time spent on everyday, mundane tasks.

TestGear boasts integration with any CI/CD system via webhooks.

TestGear costs from $30/user/month and comes with a 30-day free trial.

30-day free trial

$30/user/month

Need expert help selecting the right Testing Software?

We’ve joined up with Crozdesk.com to give all our readers (yes, you!) access to Crozdesk’s software advisors. Just use the form below to share your needs, and they will contact you at no cost or commitment. You will then be matched and connected to a shortlist of vendors that best fit your company, and you can access exclusive software discounts!

10 Best Test Management Tools Summary

Tool Free Option Price
1
Xray

Best Jira test management app that uses Jira native issue types to manage testing artifacts

30-day free trial

$10/user/month Visit Website
2
Tricentis qTest

Best to transition to agile while still supporting waterfall projects

14-Day free trial available

Plans start at $1,200 per user/year Visit Website
3
TestRail

Best all-in-one test management tool with custom dashboards and extensive integration

14-day free trial

From $37/user/month Visit Website
4
PractiTest

Best end-to-end SaaS test management platform for managing QA efforts in one place.

14-day free trial

$2490/year Visit Website
5
Tuskr

Best for its affordable, full set of test management features

Free trial available

From $9/user/month (minimum of five users) Visit Website
6
Testiny

Best test management tool with a free plan for up to 3 users

14-day free trial

$17 per user per month Visit Website
7
Kualitee

Best for defect management

7-day free trial

From $15/user/month Visit Website
8
aqua ALM

Best for requirements, test case and defect management

30 Day Free Trial

$38/month Visit Website
9
Micro Focus Silk Central

Best for bug and issue recreation

Free Trial

Pricing available upon request Visit Website
10
TestGear

Best to unite manual and automated testing

30-day free trial

$30/user/month Visit Website

Other Test Case Management Tool Options

Here’s a few more that didn’t make the top list. If you need additional suggestions for handy testing tools, check these out.

  1. aqua ALM - Best for transitioning from manual to automated testing
  2. TestRail - Best for built-in and custom templates
  3. Zephyr for Jira - Best for pulling test management features directly into Jira
  4. TestLodge - Best for allowing full teams of testers to plan and execute tests
  5. TestCaseLab - Best for simple test case management
  6. Testpad - Best for non-testers

People also ask

I know that most of you are seasoned software testers, but I always want to provide the best practices and industry knowledge for my tool review lists. Check out everything you need to know about software test management below!

The best test management tools deserve the best practices

Whether you looking for your first solution for testing management or ready to upgrade your existing test system, I included some additional resources below to complete your software testing tool kit and knowledgebase. Enjoy!

Subscribe to our QALead newsletter to stay up to date on the latest tools and best practices in QA and software testing!

By Jason Boog

Over his 15-year career, Jason Boog has worked as a QA tester, QA analyst, and Senior QA Analyst on video games, commercial sites, and interactive web applications. He spent more than a decade building out the QA team and process as Director of Quality & Client Support at a full-service digital agency.

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