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10 Best Test Management Tools For Jira in 2023

The Best Test Management Tools For Jira List

Here’s a shortlist of the best management tools for Jira:

  1. 1. TestRail — Best for tracking both manual & automated tests
  2. 2. Xray — Best for using Jira native issue types to manage testing artifacts
  3. 3. New Relic — Best incident aggregator to feed Jira incidents
  4. 4. Tricentis Test Management — Best for managing test cases and requirements as Jira issues
  5. 5. QAlity Plus — Best usability for small teams
  6. 6. aqua ALM — Best for requirements, test case and defect management
  7. 7. Apwide Golive — Best for managing test environment details
  8. 8. Zephyr Squad — Best for small Agile testing teams
  9. 9. QADeputy — Best for customization & flexibility
  10. 10. Ranorex — Best for test management teams of different experience levels

Jira software is one of the most favored solutions by test management teams because it can easily be integrated with many enterprise tools. This article will help you quickly identify some common test management tools for Jira that will help improve test execution. Improved software testing, done with the appropriate tools, is likely to result in better software quality.

Why test management solutions in Jira are crucial for agile software development

In Agile software development, quick iterations and teamwork are key. However, maintaining quality can be challenging. Test management in Jira is essential for addressing these challenges.

Test management teams oversee the product life cycle using various specialized tools. Jira-based test management tools enhance QA activities, offering features like collaboration, metrics, and traceability.

Integrating these tools into Jira eliminates the need for new infrastructure or training.

I believe that each tool on this list of the best test management tools for Jira is worthy in its own right. I’ll cover the essential features to look out for when choosing a tool, but the best tool for your team will depend on your testing process and how you track test results. Different team needs will be addressed as well, but you'll see how investing in test management within Jira is a strategic move that pays off in both the short and long term.

Overviews Of The 10 Best Test Management Tools For Jira

Here’s a brief description of each of the best test management tools for Jira that explains what the tool does best, along with a more general overview of each tool.

1

TestRail

Best for tracking both manual & automated tests

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.

TestRail allows integration with Jira so you can manage tests and results in one place. You can directly look up any linked Jira issues on TestRail and push defect reports from TestRail to Jira.

TestRail also integrates with 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

2

Xray

Best for using 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

3

New Relic

Best incident aggregator to feed Jira incidents

New Relic is a SaaS product that offers application performance monitoring (APM) and infrastructure monitoring tools. It provides insights into the performance of your applications, helping you identify bottlenecks, troubleshoot issues, and improve the overall user experience.

It's a great fit for businesses of all sizes, from startups to enterprises, and it's especially useful for teams using Jira for project management and issue tracking. New Relic's integration with Jira makes it easy to track and manage the performance of your applications alongside your development and testing processes.

The standout feature you need to know about is Destinations. Destinations within New Relic are used to send relevant data to a team or person in external software. Therefore, you will have to connect your current Jira instance to New Relic and enable two-way sync to get the most out of the product.

Once set, you can add workflows to define specific behaviors for New Relic to follow when notifying individuals or teams. All that is left is to activate your Destination. New Relic will monitor telemetrics, identify issues and generate alerts automatically so you can stay on top of your tests.

Standout features of this software include real-time monitoring, customizable dashboards, alerting and notifications, advanced analytics, and support for multiple languages and platforms.

New Relic integrates with other popular tools and services, such as Slack, PagerDuty, and AWS, making it a flexible and powerful solution for teams looking to improve their application and infrastructure performance monitoring.

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4.3 411

Free version available

From $49/user/month

4

Tricentis Test Management

Best for managing test cases and requirements as Jira issues

Tricentis Test Management is an end-to-end test management solution that integrates with DevOps tools like Jira to give teams a complete and unified view of the testing phase during the software development life cycle. It keeps the test plans and reports in Jira so that the QA, development, and other relevant teams are in sync regarding the state of the software, especially when teams are already using Jira as their DevOps tool.

Tricentis includes an intuitive user interface that seamlessly fits into Jira and helps teams quickly focus on providing quality work at every stage of a product’s test and development cycle. This allows teams to stay coordinated and make decisions regarding the testing using real-time data gathered through the reports on test creation, execution, and status.

Tricentis allows users who are used to using Jira to integrate the two solutions to effectively pull information from Jira and continue having access to tests even if the Jira server goes down. This integration gives users plenty of flexibility by being able to use one solution for certain tasks, like using Jira for bug reporting, while Tricentis offers solutions for assigning test cases to testers and creating test plans for different releases.

Having a test management software solution for an issue-tracking solution like Jira makes it easier for teams to coordinate, structure a test, pull requirements to Tricentis qTest, keep QA and development aligned in one platform, and build quality software faster.

Tricentis Test Management is free for up to 10 users.

30-day free trial

From $1.38/user/month (first 100 users)

5

QAlity Plus

Best usability for small teams

QAlity Plus is a test management tool integrated into Jira. It assists testers by providing insights on tests performance and previous test executions. Additionally, it offers an easy way to report, link, and browse through existing bugs to maximize the efficiency of testing. QAlity Plus also promotes transparency between testers and the team by injecting test definitions into tasks, which helps everyone work and cooperate better.

QAlity Plus is free for up to 10 users, then $1.50 per user/month. Gets cheaper with more than 100 users.

This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.
4 99

Free Up to 10 Users

$1.50 per user/month

6

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

From $38/month

7

Apwide Golive

Best for managing test environment details

Apwide Golive is an enterprise solution for managing software test environments in Jira. With Apwide, your team can manage software deployments, configuration changes, and release automation in one place. Teams can link Jira issues to individual test environments to keep track of bugs. Apwide also lets users publish agile boards directly to Jira for each test environment to help teams stay aligned on the most up-to-date information. Apwide Golive costs from $7.70/month (per 11 users on Jira Cloud) and/or $750/year (50 users on Jira Data Center) and/or $10 one-time perpetual license + $10/year maintenance fee (10 users on Jira Server).

Apwide Golive costs from $7.70/month (per 11 users on Jira Cloud) and/or $750/year (50 users on Jira Data Center) and/or $10 one-time perpetual license + $10/year maintenance fee (10 users on Jira Server).

8

Zephyr Squad

Best for small Agile testing teams

Zephyr Squad is a the most popular test management solution inside Jira for small Agile teams looking to get test case design, execution, and reporting right within Jira – where the Agile team coordinates work. It also includes powerful integration for test automation and BDD, pulling all information.

Zephyr Squad costs from $10/month for up to 10 users and $4.55/user/month after that and gets cheaper as you scale. Zephyr Squad offers a 30-day free trial.

30 Days Free Trial

$10/month for up to 10 users and $4.55/user/month after that and gets cheaper as you scale.

9

QADeputy

Best for customization & flexibility

QADeputy is a test management tool that can integrate with existing automation and bug testing tools. Added to this, you can automate the tool and send automated communication to various stakeholders working with you.

QADeputy starts with a free plan, which allows you a single user, one test suite, and 100 test cases. The tool advertises a paid plan costing $18 per month, which allows you unlimited paid users, test suites, and test cases.

$18 per mont

10

Ranorex

Best for test management teams of different experience levels

Ranorex will be your choice if you are looking for a solution to do various testing types: regression testing, data-driven testing, keyword testing, or cross-browser testing. This test management tool for Jira is available on the cloud for various devices, including desktop and mobile.

Ranorex offers three pricing categories, starting at $3,450 for a lifetime license. It comes with a 30-day free trial that does not require you to input your credit card details.

30-day free trial

$3590/year

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!

The 10 Best Test Management Tools For Jira Summary

Check out this side-by-side comparison chart of my top 10 picks:

Tool Free Option Price
1
TestRail

Best for tracking both manual & automated tests

14-day free trial

From $37/user/month Visit Website
2
Xray

Best for using Jira native issue types to manage testing artifacts

30-day free trial

$10/user/month Visit Website
3
New Relic

Best incident aggregator to feed Jira incidents

Free version available

From $49/user/month Visit Website
4
Tricentis Test Management

Best for managing test cases and requirements as Jira issues

30-day free trial

From $1.38/user/month (first 100 users) Visit Website
5
QAlity Plus

Best usability for small teams

Free Up to 10 Users

$1.50 per user/month Visit Website
6
aqua ALM

Best for requirements, test case and defect management

30-day free trial

From $38/month Visit Website
7
Apwide Golive

Best for managing test environment details

Not available

Apwide Golive costs from $7.70/month (per 11 users on Jira Cloud) and/or $750/year (50 users on Jira Data Center) and/or $10 one-time perpetual license + $10/year maintenance fee (10 users on Jira Server). Visit Website
8
Zephyr Squad

Best for small Agile testing teams

30 Days Free Trial

$10/month for up to 10 users and $4.55/user/month after that and gets cheaper as you scale. Visit Website
9
QADeputy

Best for customization & flexibility

Not available

$18 per mont Visit Website
10
Ranorex

Best for test management teams of different experience levels

30-day free trial

$3590/year Visit Website

Other Test Management Tools For Jira Options

Here’s a few more that didn’t make the top list.

  1. Requirements and Test Management (RTM)

    Best for built-in requirements management

  2. QA Wolf

    Best test management service for teams that use Jira

  3. PractiTest

    Best for linking requirements & user stories to tests

  4. Kualitee

    Best for an easy-to-use dashboard

  5. Testiny

    Best with a free plan for up to 3 users

  6. Tricentis qTest

    Best for enterprise software testing

  7. Zephyr Scale

    Best for scaling and large teams in Jira

How to choose the right Jira test management solution for your team

If you're wondering how I selected the best test management tools for Jira, here's where I'll break it all down for you. First of all, I started with test management tools for Jira that have high user review and satisfaction ratings. Then, using my experience in QA, I discerned what key criteria were most important for test management tools for Jira and compared how each of them stacked up against the rest.

I empathize with how much time it takes to source the right software for a job. I do this work so that you don't have to. I've been using and reviewing test management tools for Jira for years so you can trust me to do the heavy lifting and compile all the facts you need to make your final decision.

After careful consideration, I've determined that these are the most important criteria when selecting the best test management tools for Jira. Here's a brief list outlining the whats and whys of my selection:

Core Functionality

The basic capabilities I expected to see in a test management tool in order for it to make it onto my list were:

  1. Ability to execute tests: Of course, you need to be able to execute tests through the software. This should include setting up test steps and get test reports.
  2. Jira integration: It might seem obvious, but a Jira test management tool needs to be able to integrate with your Jira server. That includes your Jira issues, sprints, workflows, and any other important element of your Jira cloud setup.

Key Features for Jira test management solutions:

Here are the key features I look for:

  • Seamless workflow: You are looking for a test management tool that works inside Jira because you don’t want to keep moving back and forth between various applications. Therefore, look for a solution that manages the whole test lifecycle and covers your end-to-end testing process in one place.
  • The right metrics: Only you know the metrics that are relevant to you and which you want to track. Look at whether the tool you select will allow you to achieve this, for example with customizable dashboards. Make sure to check for customizable reporting and analytics capabilities, as well as the ability to export test plans and reports into popular file formats.
  • Test automation: Many teams ditch the Excel spreadsheet for a solution that will allow for test automation as well as automation within the test management process. There are some pitfalls of test automation, but when it’s done right, it can be super helpful for development teams.
  • Collaboration: A good test management tool for Jira should allow your team to share ideas and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
  • Test case generation: This feature speeds up the design and creation of test cases by reusing test cases, automatically generating test cases, and more.

Other features you can look out for include analysis of test results, defect reporting, audit trails generation, and support for both manual and automated testing.

Considerations for Scalability in Jira

As your team and projects grow, your test management tool should be able to scale accordingly. Here are some factors to consider:

  • User Limitations: Check if the tool can accommodate an increasing number of users without performance issues.
  • Project Volume: Ensure the tool can handle a larger number of projects or test cases as your needs evolve.
  • Customization: A scalable tool should offer customization options to adapt to your changing requirements.

Security Measures

Security is a paramount concern, especially when dealing with sensitive data. Here's what to look for:

  • Data Encryption: Ensure the tool offers robust encryption methods for data at rest and in transit.
  • User Access Control: The tool should provide granular control over who can access what within your test management environment.
  • Compliance: Check if the tool complies with industry-specific security standards like GDPR, HIPAA, or ISO 27001.
  • Audit Trails: A secure tool should offer detailed logs for tracking changes, which is crucial for accountability and compliance.

Usability

I expect a test management solution to make it easier for testers to execute their testing processes, manage test data, and report on their findings.

  • User Interface: A friendly user interface is essential for smooth navigation and efficient task execution.
  • Templates and Frameworks: Look for tools that offer templates and pre-built frameworks to streamline the testing process.
  • Ease of Navigation: Notes should be added about the ease of navigating through the test suites in each platform.

I’ve added notes about how easy it is to navigate the test suites of each platform in my overviews.

Test management integrations

First and foremost, an exceptional Jira integration is what makes these test management systems particularly suited for this list. Beyond that, I also looked for:

  • Other Plugins: Additional plugins and integrations with GitHub and REST APIs are valuable for custom two-way integrations.
  • Open-Source Options: Consider exploring open-source test management tools for more flexibility.

The more connected your tech stack is, the more streamlined your software development process will be. There are also some open-source test management tools you might consider checking out.

Pricing

Cost will always be a factor when you’re considering a new tech tools. Some of the Jira test management tools on this list is priced per user per month, while others have flat rates per month.

  • Per User vs. Flat Rates: Some tools charge per user per month, while others have flat monthly rates.
  • Price Range: Costs can vary widely, from around $7 per month to over $300 per month, depending on the tool's functionality.
  • Free Options: If you're on a tight budget, there are also free test management tools available.

People Also Ask: Common Questions About Test Management in Jira

Here are some common asked questions when it comes to Jira and useful test management tools:

What Do You Think About These Test Management Tools For Jira?

Have you tried any of the test management tools for Jira on my list? If you have, please share your experience. If not, we would like to know if you have used other tools I haven't included in my list like TestLodge, Practitest, or Cucumber and what your impression was. Let us know in the comments below.

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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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