Choosing the right test management tool can be a challenging decision for QA/QC teams, as it directly impacts both the efficiency and quality of the project. This article will explore two popular options available on Atlassian Jira: AgileTest vs Zephyr (Advanced). It aims to provide a detailed understanding of how both apps function, compare their feature similarities and pricing, and highlight their key differences.
Product Overview: AgileTest vs Zephyr
AgileTest
AgileTest is a test management tool built on Atlassian Jira and developed by DevSamurai. It fully supports multiple testing strategies across teams of all sizes and workflows.
The tool offers dedicated test issue types, which enable teams to tailor their structure to any workflow—whether Agile, traditional, hybrid, or otherwise. In addition to various metric tracking features, AgileTest supports a range of testing strategies, including manual, automated, exploratory, and script testing. Moreover, its robust integration capabilities for automated tests, facilitated through open APIs and CLI, allow integration with CI/CD pipelines.
Zephyr (Advanced)
Zephyr (Advanced) is a test management tool built on Atlassian Jira, developed by SmartBear. This app serves as a streamlined version of their standalone counterpart, Zephyr Enterprise, which is not natively integrated with Jira.Within Jira, Zephyr is available in three editions: Essential, Standard, and Advanced. Each successive edition offers enhanced features and increased cost, with the Advanced Edition being the most comprehensive. For that, this article will make a comparison between AgileTest with Zephyr (Advanced) – the most comprehensive option.
AgileTest vs Zephyr (Advanced): Feature Comparison
Below is a table that compares similar features of both apps:
| Feature | AgileTest | Zephyr (Advanced |
| Jira Integration |  Yes | Yes |
| UI Usability | Jira-native, intuitive, easy for non-technical users | Clean and basic |
| Test Entities | Classic Test (Traditional Testing): Requirement, Precondition, Test Case, Test Plan, Test Execution, Script Test, Exploratory Test | Test Cycles (Traditional Testing): Test Case, Test Execution, Test Plan |
| Test Suite | Yes | Yes |
| Reports | Test Coverage and Traceability | Test Coverage and Traceability |
| Visual Dashboard | Yes. Fully customizable with widgets and charts, integrated with Jira dashboard | Limited. Fixed layout and have to generate everytime, not integrated with Jira dashboard |
| Milestones | Allows defining project milestones and linking to tests | No milestone tracking |
| Requirements/Preconditions | Separate issue types, reusable across tests | Text-based, not linkable and not reusable |
| Classic Test | Yes | Yes |
| Automated Testing | Supports CI/CD integration and frameworks | No CI/CD integration |
| Script Test | Supports scripted testing with quick result logging | No support for scripted testing |
| Exploratory Test | Supports exploratory testing directly within Jira | No support for exploratory testing |
| Storage | Limited to users’ Jira plan | Limited (Essential), Unlimited (Standard, Advanced) |
| Free Plan | Yes (under 10 users) | No |
| AI Feature | Yes. Generates test cases and steps from requirements | Yes. No-code automate test |
| Data Export | Yes | Yes |
Feature Similarity Note:
- Zephyr (Advanced) Test Cycles is equivalent to AgileTest Test Execution.
- Zephyr (Advanced) Test Script is equivalent to AgileTest Test Steps (Test Case details).
- Zephyr (Advanced) Test Plan is NOT equivalent to AgileTest Test Plan.
Why AgileTest Stands Out from Zephyr (Advanced)
For teams leveraging Jira, understanding the capabilities of these two test management tools is key. Here, we outline several areas where AgileTest presents distinct features, particularly when compared with Zephyr (Advanced).
1. Script Testing
AgileTest stands out from Zephyr (Advanced) when it comes to script testing, empowering users to write, organize, and execute their test scripts directly within Jira. This feature lets testers build detailed test checklists and scripts that can be run inline, complete with real-time results tracking.
What makes AgileTest’s script testing so effective is its inherent organization. Everything is neatly arranged in folders, and results are instantly recorded, saving valuable time and keeping the testing process streamlined. Test cases can also be tracked quickly by their pass/fail status, making it much faster to pinpoint and address issues.
2. Exploratory Testing
Exploratory testing allows the team to conduct test sessions directly within Jira for ultimate convenience. Testers can easily set up ad-hoc test sessions to explore the application, record findings, and even create new test cases on the fly. This adaptability is especially beneficial in agile environments where rapid changes are common.
What truly distinguishes AgileTest is its robust tracking of these exploratory sessions. Capture notes and findings in real time, and because everything is integrated with Jira, users maintain complete context. This cohesive approach significantly reduces documentation time and ensures everyone stays on the same page, boosting efficiency across the board.
3. Automated Test Management and Integration
AgileTest offers integration with CI/CD tools and frameworks such as BitBucket, GitLab, Jenkins, GitHub, CircleCI, TeamCity and Azure DevOps, allowing testers to save and manage test results and reports directly within Jira. These integrations centralize all automated test data, providing a single source for test outcomes and improving visibility across project development and testing cycles.
4. Detailed Execution Process
AgileTest offers a detailed execution process that makes managing test runs straightforward. When executing a test case, you get a complete view that shows critical details like test coverage, preconditions, test steps, and findings. The interface allows you to add defects or evidence directly under each test step, so everything is tied together and easy to track.
This feature makes AgileTest a standout when it comes to maintaining test traceability. If a bug or issue comes up during a test, it’s simple to add context, attach evidence, and log defects—all without leaving Jira. Plus, you can easily switch between test cases during execution, so you never lose track of your progress. It’s a streamlined, organized process that keeps everything in check.
5. Requirements/Preconditions
AgileTest provides robust capabilities for managing requirements and preconditions, which are crucial for structured testing. Requirements and Preconditions are reusable and linkable to ensure full test coverage and complete testing validation. This clear linkage helps teams easily see which requirements are covered by tests and identify any gaps.
6. Free Plan and Affordable Comprehensive Testing
AgileTest makes robust test management accessible on Jira, starting with a Free Plan for teams of up to 10 users. This commitment ensures more teams can benefit from streamlined testing directly within Jira.
Beyond the free tier, AgileTest offers a comprehensive suite of testing strategies and a handful of integrations all packed into a competitively priced solution.
AgileTest vs Zephyr: Pricing Comparison
AgileTest currently offers only one pricing plan for all features. See details here.
Zephyr offers 3 plans (Essential, Standard and Advanced) with different features.
The table below shows Monthly billing cost per User in USD.
| Team size | AgileTest | Zephyr (Advanced) |
| Up to 10 (Flat fee) | Free | 30.00 |
| 11 – 100 | 1.50 | 8.31 |
| 101 – 250 | 0.75 | 5.28 |
| 251 – 1,000 | 0.45 | 2.43 |
For a team of 50 users, AgileTest will cost US$75 per month and US$900 per year. Meanwhile, Zephyr (Advanced) will cost US$415.5 per month and US$4,986 per year.
💡 Tip: Take advantage of the Free Plan on AgileTest and Trial on Zephyr (Advanced) to explore both options and see which one fits your team’s needs. AgileTest’s lower pricing along with more features may be a more attractive option for all teams.
Which is Better, AgileTest vs Zephyr?
Choose AgileTest if:
- Diverse test types are required, including exploratory and requirements-based workflows.
- Comprehensive support for various testing strategies is preferred (script testing, exploratory testing, manual testing).
- Integrated AI assistance is needed for creating test steps.
- A cost-effective solution with access to all features is essential.
- Integration with CI/CD tools.
Choose Zephyr if:
- A simpler setup without needing to create new Jira work types.
- Minimalistic approach to test cases and test executions
- Simplified support for the traditional testing strategy is desired.
AgileTest offers deep Jira integration, supporting multiple testing strategies and emphasizing ease of use. In contrast, Zephyr (Advanced) provides a more foundational testing approach with a more limited feature set.
FAQs
Q: Which tool is more comprehensive in terms of features?
AgileTest offers support for various testing strategies and comprehensive workflows to manage tests with CI/CD tools integration.
Q: Is AgileTest suitable for large teams or enterprises?
Yes, it provides enterprise support and scales workflows within Jira for all team sizes.
Q: Which app is better for Agile teams?
AgileTest is ideal for Agile teams due to its sprint-based testing and multiple testing approaches. Zephyr Advanced only supports a simplified and limited version of Traditional Testing.
Q: Can AgileTest handle automated testing?
Yes, AgileTest integrates with CI/CD tools to manage automated test results, complementing manual testing focus.
Q: What are the deployment options?
AgileTest supports both Jira Cloud and Jira Data Center.
Q: Does Zephyr offer any free version?
No, Zephyr doesn’t offer a free plan. However, trial options are available.
Conclusion: AgileTest vs Zephyr
AgileTest offers a broader range of features and is priced more competitively compared to Zephyr (Advanced).
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your team’s specific goals, existing tools, and preferences. Selecting the right test management tool can significantly boost your testing efficiency, regardless of your final decision.
