Linear vs Trello
Linear
TrelloWe may earn a commission from links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never changes our picks. How we make money.
Quick verdict
Linear edges it overall, winning 2 of 4 rating categories. Trello is cheaper to start ($6 vs $10).
Choose Linear if…
You’re startup product and engineering teams that find Jira heavy. A fast, opinionated issue tracker for product and engineering teams, with cycles, roadmaps and AI agents: the modern alternative to Jira.
Visit LinearChoose Trello if…
You’re small teams and individuals who want simple Kanban boards. The simplest visual project tool: boards, lists and cards you drag across stages. Perfect for small teams and personal projects; less suited to complex work.
Visit TrelloSide by side
| Linear | Trello | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Value | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Features | 4.5/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Ease of use | 4.8/5 | 4.9/5 |
| Output quality | 4.7/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Category | Project management | Project management |
| Free plan | Yes: 250 issues, 2 teams | Yes: up to 10 collaborators and 10 boards |
| Cheapest paid plan (monthly) | $10/mo | $6/mo |
| Same plan billed yearly | $10/mo | $5/mo |
| Top plan | Business: $16/mo | Enterprise: $17.50/mo |
| Seats | Per user | Per user |
| Trial / refund | Free plan | Free plan; Premium trial |
| Platforms | Web, Mac, Windows, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
| Best for | Startup product and engineering teams that find Jira heavy | Small teams and individuals who want simple Kanban boards |
Linear: pros & cons
- Extremely fast and well designed
- Opinionated workflows reduce setup
- Free plan for small projects
- Less customizable than Jira
- Free plan capped at 250 issues
Trello: pros & cons
- Easiest project tool to learn
- Standard from $5/user billed yearly
- Free plan for up to 10 collaborators
- Free plan limited to 10 boards per workspace
- Thin reporting and dependencies
- Views like timeline need Premium
Questions from readers
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