Linear vs Trello: 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
L
Linear(Winner)
T
Trello
Overall Rating
8.5/10
7.5/10
Starting Price
$8/mo
$5/mo
Free Plan
Free Trial
Best For
small
small
Ease of Use
9/10
10/10
Features
8/10
6/10
Value for Money
9/10
8/10
Support
8/10
7/10

Overview

L

Linear

Linear is a modern, fast issue tracking tool designed for high-performance software teams. Known for its speed, keyboard shortcuts, and clean design.

T

Trello

Trello is the original visual Kanban tool, known for its simplicity and ease of use. Perfect for teams wanting straightforward task management without complexity.

Pricing Comparison

Better value: Trello
L

Linear

Pricing ModelFreemium
Starting Price$8/mo
Free Trial
Free Tier
T

Trello

Better Value
Pricing ModelFreemium
Starting Price$5/mo
Free Trial
Free Tier

Features Comparison

FeatureLinearTrello
Kanban Boards
Gantt Charts
Time Tracking
Via Power-Up
Resource Management
Custom Fields
Automation
Mobile App
Api Access
Guest Access
Max Users
Unlimited
Unlimited

0

features unique to Linear

0

features unique to Trello

Pros & Cons

L

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
T

Trello

Pros

  • Extremely easy to learn and use
  • Great free tier for basic needs
  • Clean, visual Kanban interface
  • Power-ups extend functionality
  • Fast and reliable

Cons

  • Limited features compared to competitors
  • No native Gantt charts or timelines
  • Reporting is basic
  • Power-ups can get expensive

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, Trello remains a viable option if you specifically need simple project tracking.

Choose Linear if you...

  • • Need fast-moving dev teams
  • • Need startups building products
  • • Need teams valuing speed and design

Choose Trello if you...

  • • Need simple project tracking
  • • Need personal task management
  • • Need small teams with basic needs

Ready to Get Started?

Try LinearTry Trello

Read our full reviews:

Linear Full ReviewTrello Full Review

* We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit these tools through our links. This doesn't affect our ratings or comparisons.

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Linear vs Trello FAQ

Based on our evaluation, Linear has a slight edge with an overall rating of 8.5/10. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs and use case.
Yes, Trello is more affordable with plans starting at $5/month, compared to $8/month for the other.
Trello scores higher in ease of use (10/10) compared to Linear (9/10).
Yes, migration between Linear and Trello is possible. Most tools offer data export features. Check each tool's documentation for specific migration guides and import capabilities.
For small teams, Linear is specifically designed for this use case. Consider your budget and specific feature needs when choosing.
For startups, consider your growth trajectory. Linear offers a free tier which is great for bootstrapped startups.
Yes, each tool has unique strengths. Linear excels at: Fast-moving dev teams, Startups building products. Trello is better for: Simple project tracking, Personal task management. Review our detailed feature comparison above.
Linear rates higher in customer support (8/10) compared to Trello (7/10).
Linear offers better value for money with a rating of 9/10 compared to Trello's 8/10.
Consider switching if Trello's strengths (Simple project tracking) align better with your current needs. However, factor in migration effort and learning curve before making the switch.