Jira vs Linear
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Choose Linear for a fast, modern issue tracker that startups love. Choose Jira for deep configurability, enterprise workflows, and the Atlassian ecosystem. Linear wins on speed and UX; Jira on power and scale.
Jira vs Linear: side by side
| Dimension | Jira | Linear |
|---|---|---|
| Speed / UX | Heavier | Best-in-classWinner |
| Configurability | Very highWinner | Opinionated |
| Best for | Enterprise | Startups |
| Free tier | Up to 10 users | Yes |
Jira key facts
- Vendor
- Atlassian
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $7.90/user/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android, Api
- Best for
- Engineering Teams, Enterprise
- Editor rating
- 4.3 / 5
- Founded
- 2002
- Headquarters
- Sydney, Australia
Linear key facts
- Vendor
- Linear
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $8/user/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Mac, Windows, Api
- Best for
- Engineering Teams, Startups
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2019
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA