Linear vs Microsoft Project
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Powerful project and portfolio management.
The verdict
Both Linear and Microsoft Project are credible project management tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Linear if you want a lower starting price (free – $8/user/mo), a free plan to start on, broader platform coverage and a higher overall rating (4.7/5). The issue tracker built for speed.
Microsoft Project — Powerful project and portfolio management.
Linear vs Microsoft Project: side by side
| Dimension | Linear | Microsoft Project |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $8/user/moWinner | From $10/user/mo |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Best for | Engineering Teams, Startups | Enterprise, Project Managers |
| Platforms | Web, Mac, Windows, ApiWinner | Web, Windows |
| Rating | 4.7/5Winner | 4.2/5 |
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
Microsoft Project key facts
- Vendor
- Microsoft
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $10/user/mo
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Web, Windows
- Best for
- Enterprise, Project Managers
- Editor rating
- 4.2 / 5
- Founded
- 1984
- Headquarters
- Redmond, WA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Linear better than Microsoft Project?
Neither is universally better — Linear edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Linear or Microsoft Project cheaper?
Linear is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $8/user/mo. Linear starts at free – $8/user/mo; Microsoft Project starts at from $10/user/mo.
Can Linear replace Microsoft Project?
Yes for most teams — both are project management tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.