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6 Best Alternatives to Zephyr

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6 Best Alternatives to Zephyr

Looking for new test case management too? Navigating the different options can be a headache. Find out about the 6 best Zephyr alternatives that may better fit your team's needs - comparing features, pricing, and integrations to help you find the perfect fit.

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s a tester, finding a test case management (TCM) tool that your team really clicks with can take a lot of trial and error with different tools before you find the right one.

Zephyr has long been a favorite for many, especially for its close integration with Jira, making it a strong contender for teams already established in the Jira ecosystem. But, as we all know, no tool is one-size-fits-all. Depending on your team's unique needs, Zephyr's close ties with Jira and a few user-reported quirks might not always hit the mark.

Thankfully, there are several smart alternatives to Zephyr – whether you're after something lean and fast, packed with integrations, or just a bit less locked into Jira.

Quick answer: Best Zephyr alternatives

  • Testpad - Best for easy, checklist-based testing
  • Xray - Best JIRA alternative with advanced preconditions
  • QMetry - Best for AI-powered test management
  • PractiTest - Best for enterprise collaboration
  • Testiny - Best for reducing testing timelines
  • QA Touch - Best for mind mapping and planning
  • TestRail - Best standalone solution

What is Zephyr?

Zephyr is a Jira plug-in, a notable difference to most traditional test case management tools.

This means that, with Zephyr, you do all your test planning, management and execution within Jira – and not by using a separate application.

Teams already working closely with Jira can use Zephyr to blend into their established Jira projects while using the tool to collaborate with team members and unify testing data.

It has three levels of test management subscriptions and services aimed at teams of different sizes: Zephyr Enterprise, Zephyr Scale, and Zephyr Squad.

  • Zephyr Squad: Geared towards smaller agile teams, Zephyr Sqaud allows teams to use any existing Jira boards and utilize functionalities like “Components”, “Labels”, and “Priority”. Zephyr Squad is extendable via integrations with Jenkins, Selenium, JUnit, and Cucumber.

  • Zephyr Scale: The “scale” in Zephyr Scale implies its ability to handle multiple Jira projects and more extensive test libraries. Zephyr Scale is designed for teams who need better management features, traceability and reusability for larger test case libraries. In addition to the integrations of Squad, Scale also integrates with Babmboo, REST API, Qualio, and JUnit.

  • Zephyr Enterprise: Designed with enterprises in mind, this level of Zephyr can host up to 10,000 users and support up to 200,000 test cases. Zephyr Enterprise supports the widest selection of integrations including TestComplete, Ready API, Atlassian Jira, Jenkins, and Selenium.

Generally the following pros and cons are applicable to Zephyr as a tool overall, however, some features may be more applicable to Zephyr Scale or Enterprise.

Pros ✅Cons ❌
Allows teams to work within their established Jira environmentsLimited integrations compared to competitors due to being a Jira plugin
Collaborative features for teams enable better project management during testing cyclesCustomers report a decline in speed of customer service responses
Zephyr can scale with teams and projects that grow in complexityExploratory testing cannot be done natively within Zephyr and is only possible with an additional external addon
Customizable workflows can be built around project’s needsDifficult to migrate from non-JIRA systems
Automation integrations allow users to report on automated test casesSteep learning curve for new users

Zephyr Pricing

Zephyr Squad:
1-10 users: $10 total per month.
11+ users: $57.31 total per month, with an additional $5.21 per user monthly.

Zephyr Scale:
1-10 users: Free.
11+ users: $61.82 total per month, with an additional $5.62 per user monthly.

Zephyr Enterprise:
20+ users: Price available upon request.

Why look for a Zephyr alternative?

Common reasons include:

  • Too complex for small or agile teams
  • Heavily tied to Jira
  • Expensive at scale
  • Clunky UI
  • Poor support for exploratory testing

So if you're looking for something that fits your workflow better, there are some great Zephyr testing tool alternatives around today.

Best Zephr alternatives (2025)

After reading through the description above, you may be asking: “What other alternatives to Zephyr might work for me?”

Finding the right testing tool is all about knowing what is a dealbreaker or an absolute must feature for you and your team. We understand finding the right tool can be a headache so we’ve compiled the following breakdown of alternative options to Zephyr to make comparing your options easier (and Ibuprofen-free).

TestRail

TestRail is a standalone test management tool (not a Jira plugin) that offers a full-featured platform for planning, tracking, and organizing software tests. It’s well suited to teams that want detailed control over their test cases, structured test plans, and in-depth reporting – without being locked into Jira.

Here are some of the key features that TestRail offers that Zephyr Squad and Zephyr Scale do not:

  • A fully standalone test management environment, independent of Jira
  • A customizable UI with built-in support for milestones, test runs, and suites
  • Rich reporting tools, including activity reports, coverage reports, and progress tracking
  • Advanced user permissions and audit logging
  • Powerful API access for integrations and automation

If your team is looking to level up from Zephyr and wants more flexibility, deeper reporting, and a dedicated test management environment, TestRail could be a strong option – especially if you're working across multiple tools or need something external to Jira.

Pricing

TestRail Cloud starts at $37/user/month (billed annually), with a 30-day free trial available.

An on-premise (Server) deployment option is available with 10 or more users and a 12-month minimum contract.

Integrations:

Automation: Selenium, JUnit, NUnit, TestNG
CI/CD tools: Jenkins, GitLab, Azure DevOps, CircleCI
Other Integrations: Jira, GitHub, GitLab, Bugzilla, Redmine, Asana, Trello, and a robust REST API

Pros ✅Cons ❌
A mature and robust environment for managing complex test suitesCan feel heavyweight and process-heavy for smaller or more agile teams
You’re not tied to Jira – ideal for teams using other tools or working cross-functionallyThe UI can feel dated compared to newer tools
Detailed reports, charts, and dashboards help monitor testing progress in real timeHigher price point compared to many Jira-native test management plugins
Supports both manual and automated testing workflowsNo exploratory testing features built-in – you'd need to supplement with another tool

When it comes to Zephyr vs TestRail, the choice often comes down to flexibility – TestRail offers a more powerful standalone platform, while Zephyr keeps everything inside Jira.

Xray

Like Zephyr, Xray is a Jira plugin used for test case management. While both plugins tackle similar processes (test case writing and execution). Xray has a few features that Zephyr does not that may make it the chosen tool for those who still want to work natively inside Jira.

Here are a few capabilities that Xray includes that cannot be done with Zephyr Squad or Zephyr Scale:

  1. Preconditions for test cases with the ability to reuse and assign multiple preconditions
  2. The capability to manage all tests as Jira issue types, allowing for full configuration of screens, workflows, and custom fields directly related to testing
  3. Support for splitting test executions and plans between different projects
  4. Ability to import results from: Cucumber, JUnit, NUnit, Robot framework, Behave, Selenium, Xamarin Test Cloud

Every team’s testing needs are different so if you see something in the list above that you definitely want or need, Xray would likely be a solid option for you if you are comfortable working with a Jira plugin.

Pros ✅Cons ❌
Xray is fully integrated with JIRA, allowing teams to keep their established Jira environmentsLike Zephyr, Xray requires an additional app to undertake exploratory testing
Offers detailed reporting and real-time test metrics to assess quality and progressXray is JIRA dependent which may not be ideal for teams not using Atlassian products
Allows full traceability between requirements, tests, defects, executionsXray does not enable native exports to Excel of test results and requires another app to do so

Xray Pricing

  • Xray Standard - Up to 10 Jira users cost $10/month with additional users adding $6.50 each per month to the total monthly bill
  • Xray Enterprise - Up to 10 Jira users cost $15/month with additional users adding $6.50 each per month to the total monthly bill

Integrations

Automation: JUnit, NUnit, Cucumber
CI & DevOPs tools: Jenkins, GitLab
Other Integrations: Rest API, BDD scenarios inside Jira

QMetry

QMetry introduces itself as an “AI Enabled Quality Orchestration Platform built for Test Automation”. A bit of a mouthful, the distilled version is QMetry is integrating Generative AI to help with automating test case generation and improving their search function.

While QMetry positions itself as a tool to assist with test automation, it also supports manual testing.

It offers capabilities for test case creation, execution, and management, while also providing predictive analytics (backed by AI and machine learning) and dashboard features. QMetry also supports test automation frameworks and provides tools for traceability, requirement management, and defect tracking.

QMetry offers two product versions:

QMetry Test Management for Jira (QTM4J) - Available on the Atlassian marketplace, this version of the tool resembles Zephyr as it manages the entire testing cycle within Jira.

QMetry Test Management (Enterprise) - Aimed at enterprise level companies, this version of QMetry can scale in or outside of Jira. With its enterprise package, businesses can take advantage of migration services from other popular TCM tools when moving over to QMetry.

Pros ✅Cons ❌
Supports both manual and automated testingSome ambiguity around AI features and how they impact the testing process
AI-driven features for optimizing testing processesThe initial setup and learning curve can be steep
Strong integration with JIRA and other development toolsDifficult to find information about pricing and other features of Qmetry

QMetry’s pricing

QMetry Test Management for Jira (QTM4J):

  • 1-10 users - Free.
  • 11+ users - $36.30 total per month, with an additional $3.30 per user monthly.

QMetry Test Management (Enterprise):

  • Per user - $720 per year.

Navigating QMetry’s site and understanding what they offer and how it’s priced can be a little tricky compared to some of its competitors. If you run into questions it may be worth reaching out to their team.

QMetry’s Integrations

  • DevOps CI/CD tools: Jenkins, Bamboo, and Maven
  • Automation frameworks: QAF, TestNG, JUnit, Cucumber, UFT, and Specflow

QA Touch

Like other TCM’s on our list, QA touch leads with being an AI-driven test case management tool.

QA Touch features built-in bug tracking, customizable timesheets, mind mapping for project visualization, and a detailed audit log. The platform aims to promote efficiency with its agile board for task management and a shareable dashboard that provides a real-time overview of testing progress and metrics.

Pros ✅Cons ❌
Unique features for test planning, like mind mapping, allows for more detailed test planningSome users report that import functionality is a bit complex compared to other tools
Users report that QA Touch’s support team is responsive to issues in their system and work to fix those issues at a reasonable speedReviewers have commented that AI features could be improved
QA touch offers many users guides and help documents to navigate using the toolUsers report UI can be difficult to work with

QA Touch Pricing

  • Free Plan - $0 per month, supports up to 2 users
  • Startup Plan - $31 per month, supports up to 10 users
  • Professional Plan - $111 per month, supports up to 30 users
  • Enterprise Plan - Custom pricing for large organizations with over 30 users

QA Touch Integrations

  • Two-Way Integration: JIRA Cloud, Monday.com, GitHub, GitLab
  • Issue Tracking Integration: JIRA Software, Trello, YouTrack, Redmine
  • Collaboration and Productivity: Slack, Microsoft Azure Boards, Bugzilla, Bitbucket, Asana

PractiTest

PractiTest is a tool for QA teams and developers who want to collaborate on testing. Within PractiTest teams can assign tasks to users and share test runs with fellow team members.

PractiTest advertises itself as a solid testing option for large organizations with complex testing operations, but also offers a team plan with scaled back functionality. It is a comprehensive TCM tool, but smaller organizations (or those who simply want a straightforward testing solution) may not fit with what PractiTest offers.

Pros ✅Cons ❌
Collaborative functions within the tool to accommodate groups and teamsNew users or those unfamiliar with test management tools may require training to learn the interface
Customizable dashboards to focus on specific tests and datasetsPricing can be expensive, and its pricing structure may not be cost effective for smaller teams
Supports Session Based Test Management (SBTM) for teams who like that formalization of Exploratory TestingPricing can be a barrier to entry for teams with smaller budgets

PractiTest Pricing

  • Team Plan - $49/per user per month
  • Corporate Plan - Pricing is available upon request. Starts at 10 Tester Licenses

PractiTest Integrations

  • Bug Tracking - Jira, Azure Dev Ops, Click Up, Pivotal Tracker, YouTrack
  • Automation - Rest API, FireCracker, Circle CI, Cucumber, Xbot, Selenium
  • More Integrations - Jenkins, Git Hub, GitLab, Slack, Zapier, LambdaTest

Testiny

Testiny markets itself as a tool to reduce testing process timelines in order for QA professionals to have comprehensive testing coverage while still meeting the deadlines of tight development cycles. Those who need customization with their testing can utilize Testiny’s custom fields and templates to better organize complex testing workflows, further cutting down on testing time.

Pros ✅Cons ❌
Comprehensive reporting and real-time analytics that help track and analyze test resultsLearning curve for some features or people new to testing
This tool is able to scale test cases with growing teams or increasingly complex projectsLimited integrations compared to other tools
Built with strong features for team collaborationWhile “view access” is available it is not free and comes at a discounted monthly rate that must be added to subscription costs

Testiny Pricing

  • Free Plan - Suitable for small teams up to 3 people, providing basic functionalities. ($0/per month)
  • Advanced Plan - Aimed at medium-sized teams requiring more features, storage, and support. ($14.50/per month)
  • Enterprise Plan - Best for large teams or entire test departments, offering extensive features including Single Sign-On (SSO), audit logs, and priority support. (Custom monthly pricing)

Testiny Integrations

  • Issue Tracker Integrations: Jira, GitHub, GitLab, Azure DevOps, Redmine, Asana, Basecamp, Bugzilla, ClickUp, Confluence, Linear, Monday.com, Pivotal Tracker, Todoist, Trac, Trello, Wrike, YouTrack, ZenDesk
  • Key features include test case management, dynamic test planning, real-time metrics and reporting, and team collaboration capabilities.
  • Manual, automated, and API testing are all supported on this platform.

Testpad

Many of the tools listed above are quite similar to one another, all belonging to what we like to call “traditional” test case management tools.

But Testpad breaks this mold, taking a distinctly different approach by building test plans around simple checklists that look more like a spreadsheet than a complicated database-driven collection of formal Test Cases. A much simpler alternative to Zephyr, our "freeform" checklist approach doesn't constrain the test team and lets them build their test plans in styles that suit them and their process requirements.

Testpad is designed to get testing done quickly (it's easy and obvious how to iterate on test plans when they're just checklists that look like spreadsheets). Teams that need to iterate and move fast will find Testpad’s straightforward and lightweight design just perfect for getting tests done versus fighting through managing a complex testing platform.

When it comes to Zephyr vs Testpad, here’s where our offering differs and might be what you’re looking for in your testing tool search:

  • Flexibility: Unlike Zephyr, which operates entirely within JIRA, Testpad is not limited to any single issue or project tracking tool. This flexibility is well suited for teams that use multiple systems, those not committed to the Atlassian ecosystem, or those who want to test without a heavily structured process.

  • Exploratory Testing Capabilities: Testpad supports exploratory testing natively, without the need for additional add-ons. This allows testers to perform more organic and intuitive testing, which can be crucial for catching unforeseen issues or finding ways to improve your product.

  • Guest Testing & User Accessibility: Testpad enables guest testing in order to help people bring in extra effort when they're late for a release, without having to pay for extra licenses. You’ll also be able to invite clients to perform user-acceptance tests, without having to add clients as users or otherwise indoctrinate them into your test platform.

  • Expansive & Efficient Testing Process: If you're into mind maps for test planning, then you'll enjoy using Testpad checklists as a listed-out form of a mindmap, allowing you to build a comprehensive outline of every testing detail. With instant reports, Testpad ensures that progress tracking and updates are immediate, straightforward, and effectively include all parties involved.

Testpad Pricing

  • Essential: Basic account for up to 3 users, $49 per month, billed annually
  • Team: Fully featured account for up to 10 users, $99 per month, billed annually
  • Team 15: Fully featured account for up to 15 users, $149 per month, billed annually
  • Department: Fully featured account for up to 25 users, $249 per month, billed annually
  • Custom: Bespoke arrangements can be made for bigger teams

Final Thoughts

Yes, most tools offer very similar functionality and it's hard to choose between most of them.

The differences will be in their pricing and nuances of how their features work, but the evaluation of these will be unique to each team.

With that said, Testpad does sit apart with its unique approach, and if that sounds interesting, we offer a free 30 day trial– no credit card details needed to sign up. You get to test us out risk-free and see if our unique approach to testing fits your needs.

Frequently asked questions

Is it hard to switch from Zephyr to another test management tool?

It depends on how much data you have and how deeply Zephyr is integrated into your setup. But most modern Zephyr test management alternatives – including Testpad – offer import tools or migration support to help make the switch smoother.

Can I use a test management tool without Jira?

Absolutely. Tools like Testpad, TestRail, and QA Touch work just fine without Jira, and often integrate with other project management platforms if you need them to.

What's the most cost-effective alternative to Zephyr?

For small or growing teams, Testpad is one of the most affordable Zephyr alternatives out there. For larger teams, QA Touch and Testiny offer solid features with enterprise-friendly pricing.

Will I lose my test history when leaving Zephyr?

No – most Zephyr testing tool alternatives support test case import. You might need to do a bit of tidy-up post-migration, but your data should make the jump just fine.

Which Zephyr alternative is easiest to learn?

Testpad is designed to be intuitive from the get-go. It's clean, checklist-style interface feels familiar straight away – so most teams can dive in and start testing within hours, not weeks.

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