Compass vs Backstage: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Compass and Backstage comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Compass
Empower engineers and improve software health with an internal developer platform.
Best for you if:
- • You need documentation features specifically
- • Centralizes software components to reduce cognitive load for developers.
- • Tracks software health, code quality, and team performance with scorecards and metrics.
Backstage
Build a unified developer portal for all your infrastructure, services, and documentation.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Open-source platform for building developer portals.
- • Unifies infrastructure tooling, services, and documentation.
| At a Glance |  Compass | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Documentation | API Tools |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Compass | Backstage |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | DocumentationInternal Tools | API ToolsDocumentation |
How Compass and Backstage Compare
Compass
Empower engineers and improve software health with an internal developer platform.
Paid
Backstage
Build a unified developer portal for all your infrastructure, services, and documentation.
Free tier available
Compass is a documentation tool. Backstage is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Backstage has a free tier. Compass is paid only.
Go with: Backstage
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: Compass
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Compass
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Compass is paid. Backstage is freemium. Backstage lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Compass is a documentation tool. Backstage is in api tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Compass
- Our pick for this comparison
Backstage
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for api tools
The Bottom Line
Compass is our pick. Backstage has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Compass or Backstage better?
Compass scores high/100 in our evaluation. Compass is paid and Backstage is freemium.
What are Compass and Backstage used for?
Compass: Empower engineers and improve software health with an internal developer platform.. Backstage: Build a unified developer portal for all your infrastructure, services, and documentation..
What does Compass cost vs Backstage?
Compass is a paid tool. Backstage is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.