Planning Poker vs. Agile Poker

Planning Poker and Agile Poker, both developed by Appfire, are popular tools used in agile project management for effort estimation. While both tools have similar fundamental purposes, they cater to different project needs and preferences.

Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the best tool for your project.

Core Functionality: Agile Estimation

Both Planning Poker and Agile Poker are digital versions of the Planning Poker card game, allowing teams to estimate effort in a collaborative and engaging way. They offer interactive and asynchronous sessions and private/public session options.

Detailed Comparison

Project Context

One significant difference is how the tools operate within the context of a project or board:

• Planning Poker is a global tool that operates outside the realm of a specific project or board. Any created game is accessible to the entire instance and all teams using Planning Poker, directing users to a centralized page.

• Agile Poker, on the other hand, offers a project and board-specific approach. Each project and board has its own set of games, providing a more localized and project-focused experience.

Session Types

Estimation Fields

• Planning Poker allows the estimation of various types of fields, including text fields and comments, providing flexibility in what can be estimated.

• Agile Poker predominantly deals with numeric or time fields selected to track board velocity, ensuring a more standardized estimation approach.

Issue Management

• In Agile Poker, users can view a comprehensive list of all issues in the Backlog section.

• In Planning Poker, users begin by specifying the project, focusing on project-centric planning.

Mobile Accessibility

• Planning Poker offers a mobile version for users on the go, enhancing accessibility and usability.

• Agile Poker currently does not have a dedicated mobile version.

Choosing the Right Tool

The optimal choice depends on your team's needs:

• Choose Planning Poker if:

  • You seek a familiar and project-agnostic estimation experience.

  • Your estimation needs are simple and cross-project.

  • Mobile accessibility is crucial for your team.

• Choose Agile Poker if:

  • You prioritize project-centric, enterprise-level estimation.

  • Features like Relative Sizing, Bucket Sizing, and multiple field estimation are desired.

  • Detailed project planning and Backlog management are essential.

Both tools are designed to streamline your agile planning process, so you can't go wrong with either choice. Happy planning! 🚀