Comparison
Jira vs Linear
Scored side by side on project-management, developer-tools, using the same criteria we apply across the category.
The enterprise standard for issue tracking, with configurability that cuts both ways.
Keyboard-first issue tracking built for software teams that prize speed over configurability.
Scored side by side
Speed and UX
Workflow flexibility
Reporting depth
Integrations
Admin controls
Value for money
Jira verdict
Still the right answer for large, process-heavy organisations. For teams under a hundred engineers the configurability is a cost, not a feature.
- Models any process you can define
- Deepest marketplace and integration ecosystem
- Enterprise governance and audit capability
Linear verdict
The strongest choice for product engineering teams that want process to disappear. Look elsewhere if you need cross-department portfolio reporting.
- Fastest interface in the category by a wide margin
- Sensible defaults reduce setup to minutes
- Cycle automation genuinely improves planning hygiene
FAQ
Common questions
What's the difference between Jira and Linear?
Jira: Still the right answer for large, process-heavy organisations. For teams under a hundred engineers the configurability is a cost, not a feature. Linear: The strongest choice for product engineering teams that want process to disappear. Look elsewhere if you need cross-department portfolio reporting.
Which has better reviews, Jira or Linear?
Linear is rated higher — 4.7/5 versus 4.1/5, from 15,800 and 2,140 reviews respectively.
Does Jira or Linear have a free plan?
Both do. Jira starts at $0 / $8.60 per user / month, and Linear starts at $0 / $8 per user / month.