| Backlog | Jira | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Agile | Agile |
| Best for | Software teams that want git repos and issue tracking bundled together | Software development teams running structured Agile processes |
| Free plan | Yes (free forever, up to 10 users) | Yes (free forever for up to 10 users) |
| Paid plans from | $35 per month (Starter) | $9.05 per user / month (Standard) |
| Platform | ||
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud |
| Team size | Small team, Mid-size | Mid-size, Large, Enterprise |
| Approach | Issue tracking with built-in git repos, wikis, and burndowns | Scrum & Kanban boards with sprint planning |
| Learning curve | Medium | High |
| AI features | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Slack, Jira, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, GitHub | Slack, GitHub, GitLab, Microsoft Teams, Zapier |
| Strengths |
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Backlog vs Jira pricing
Backlog
- Free$0Free forever, up to 10 users
- Starter$35 per monthFlat price, billed monthly (save 17% annually); up to 30 users
- Standard$100 per monthFlat price, billed monthly (save 17% annually); unlimited users
- Premium$175 per monthFlat price, billed monthly (save 17% annually); unlimited users
- EnterpriseCustom contact sales
Prices in USD, checked October 2026. Prices exclude VAT and local taxes unless stated. See current Backlog pricing →
Jira
- Free$0Free forever for up to 10 users
- Standard$9.05 per user / monthBilled monthly; per-user price drops for larger teams; save up to 17% with annual billing
- Premium$18.30 per user / monthBilled monthly; per-user price drops for larger teams; save up to 17% with annual billing
- EnterpriseCustom contact salesBilled annually only
Prices in USD, checked October 2026. Prices exclude VAT and local taxes unless stated. See current Jira pricing →
Strengths and trade-offs
Backlog
Where it stands out
Its built-in git repos alongside issue and wiki tracking make it attractive for dev teams that want fewer separate systems.
Trade-off to know
Its interface feels less modern than newer competitors in the space.
Jira
Where it stands out
Its Agile workflows, extensive reporting, and large plugin ecosystem make it attractive for teams that want to customize every stage of the development process.
Trade-off to know
That same depth can be a lot to configure and navigate for people outside engineering, and pricing scales quickly as teams grow.
Which one fits your team?
Choose Backlog if…
- You're a smaller software team that wants git repositories and issue tracking bundled together without Jira's complexity
- You'd rather have a simpler, lower-cost tool even if the interface feels less modern
Choose Jira if…
- You need deep Agile reporting and workflow customization, or you're already in the Atlassian ecosystem
- Your team is mid-size to enterprise and can absorb pricing that scales with growth in exchange for that depth
FAQ
What is the main difference between Backlog and Jira?
Backlog and Jira are both freemium issue-tracking tools built for software teams running Agile processes, and both bring git into the workflow. The difference is scale and depth: Backlog bundles git repositories and issue tracking into one lighter tool for smaller teams, while Jira is the deeper, more configurable industry standard built for larger organizations.
Do Backlog and Jira have a free plan?
Yes, both offer a free plan. Backlog: free forever, up to 10 users. Jira: free forever for up to 10 users.
How much do Backlog and Jira cost?
Backlog's paid plans start at $35 per month (Starter), while Jira's start at $9.05 per user / month (Standard). Billing period, team size, and taxes affect the final price, so check each vendor's pricing page before deciding.
Who is each tool best suited for?
Backlog fits software teams that want git repos and issue tracking bundled together. Jira fits software development teams running structured Agile processes.