Cortex vs Backstage: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Cortex 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:
Cortex
The internal developer portal that uses AI to make sense of your data and drive engineering excellence.
Best for you if:
- • You need business intelligence features specifically
- • Internal Developer Portal with AI for data aggregation and insights.
- • Automates service discovery and ownership mapping with Magellan AI engine.
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 |  Cortex | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Business Intelligence | API Tools |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Cortex | Backstage |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Business IntelligenceData Visualization | API ToolsDocumentation |
How Cortex and Backstage Compare
Cortex
The internal developer portal that uses AI to make sense of your data and drive engineering excellence.
Paid
Backstage
Build a unified developer portal for all your infrastructure, services, and documentation.
Free tier available
Cortex is a business intelligence tool. Backstage is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Backstage has a free tier. Cortex is paid only.
Go with: Backstage
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: Cortex
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Cortex
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Cortex is paid. Backstage is freemium. Backstage lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Cortex is a business intelligence 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
Cortex
- Our pick for this comparison
Backstage
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for api tools
The Bottom Line
Cortex is our pick. Backstage has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cortex or Backstage better?
Cortex scores high/100 in our evaluation. Cortex is paid and Backstage is freemium.
What are Cortex and Backstage used for?
Cortex: The internal developer portal that uses AI to make sense of your data and drive engineering excellence.. Backstage: Build a unified developer portal for all your infrastructure, services, and documentation..
What does Cortex cost vs Backstage?
Cortex is a paid tool. Backstage is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.