Jira vs Linear: Which Is Better in 2026?
A detailed comparison to help you choose the right project management tool for your needs.
Our Pick: Linear
Linear has a significantly higher overall rating (8.5 vs 7.5)
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | J Jira | L Linear(Winner) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Starting Price | $7.75/mo | $8/mo |
| Free Plan | ||
| Free Trial | ||
| Best For | any | small |
| Ease of Use | 6/10 | 9/10 |
| Features | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Value for Money | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| Support | 7/10 | 8/10 |
Overview
Jira
Jira by Atlassian is the industry standard for software development teams using Agile methodologies. Offers deep customization for Scrum and Kanban workflows.
Linear is a modern, fast issue tracking tool designed for high-performance software teams. Known for its speed, keyboard shortcuts, and clean design.
Pricing Comparison
Better value: JiraJira
Better ValueLinear
Features Comparison
| Feature | Jira | Linear |
|---|---|---|
| Kanban Boards | ||
| Gantt Charts | Via add-on | |
| Time Tracking | Via add-on | |
| Resource Management | ||
| Custom Fields | ||
| Automation | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Api Access | ||
| Guest Access | ||
| Max Users | Unlimited | Unlimited |
0
features unique to Jira
0
features unique to Linear
Pros & Cons
Jira
Pros
- Industry standard for dev teams
- Powerful Scrum and Kanban boards
- Deep customization and workflows
- Excellent Atlassian ecosystem integration
- Strong reporting for sprints
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Can be complex to set up
- Interface feels dated
- Overkill for non-dev teams
Linear
Pros
- Incredibly fast and responsive
- Beautiful, modern interface
- Great keyboard shortcuts
- Excellent GitHub integration
- Cycles and roadmap features
Cons
- Primarily for software teams
- Less customizable than alternatives
- Limited third-party integrations
- No time tracking
The Verdict: Linear Wins
After thorough evaluation, Linear emerges as the clear winner in this comparison. With an overall rating of 8.5/10 compared to 7.5/10, it offers a noticeably better experience across most evaluation criteria.
Linear particularly excels in Fast-moving dev teams and Startups building products, making it the go-to choice for most users looking for a project management solution.
Our recommendation: We confidently recommend Linear for most users. However, Jira remains a viable option if you specifically need software development teams.
Choose Jira if you...
- • Need software development teams
- • Need agile/scrum practitioners
- • Need teams using atlassian stack
Choose Linear if you...
- • Need fast-moving dev teams
- • Need startups building products
- • Need teams valuing speed and design
Ready to Get Started?
Read our full reviews:
* We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit these tools through our links. This doesn't affect our ratings or comparisons.