| Linear | GitHub Projects | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Agile | Agile |
| Best for | Software teams that want speed and a clean interface over configuration depth | Engineering teams that want project tracking without leaving GitHub |
| Free plan | Yes (unlimited members) | Yes (free forever) |
| Paid plans from | $10 per user / month (Basic) | $4 per user / month (Team) |
| Platform | ||
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Team size | Small team, Mid-size | Small team, Mid-size, Large, Enterprise |
| Approach | Sprint cycles and roadmaps with keyboard-first navigation | Boards and tables built directly on GitHub issues and pull requests |
| Learning curve | Low | Low |
| AI features | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Slack, GitHub, GitLab | Slack, Jira, Zapier |
| Strengths |
|
|
Linear vs GitHub Projects pricing
Linear
- Free$0Unlimited members
- Basic$10 per user / monthBilled yearly
- Business$16 per user / monthBilled yearly
- EnterpriseCustom contact salesAnnual billing only
Prices in USD, checked October 2026. Prices exclude VAT and local taxes unless stated. See current Linear pricing →
GitHub Projects
- Free$0Free forever
- Team$4 per user / month
- Enterprise$21 per user / monthStarting price
Prices in USD, checked October 2026. Prices exclude VAT and local taxes unless stated. See current GitHub Projects pricing →
Strengths and trade-offs
Linear
Where it stands out
Its speed and clean design make it attractive for developers who want to move through issues and cycles without friction.
Trade-off to know
Its focus stays narrowly on software work, and it offers fewer configuration options than a tool like Jira.
GitHub Projects
Where it stands out
Being native to GitHub, with custom fields and views, makes it attractive for dev teams that want one less app in their workflow.
Trade-off to know
It's limited for non-technical teams who don't already work inside GitHub.
Which one fits your team?
Choose Linear if…
- You want a fast, polished, purpose-built interface for managing issues and cycles, even if it means a separate tool from your codebase
- Your team values design and speed over features tied directly to a code host
Choose GitHub Projects if…
- You want project tracking to live in the same place as your code, with no separate tool to check
- Your team is fully GitHub-based and doesn't need a tool designed for non-technical collaborators
FAQ
What is the main difference between Linear and GitHub Projects?
Linear and GitHub Projects are both low-complexity, freemium tools built specifically for software teams, which makes them easy to compare directly. The difference comes down to where the work lives: Linear is a standalone, purpose-built issue tracker with a polished interface, while GitHub Projects keeps tracking natively inside GitHub alongside the code itself.
Do Linear and GitHub Projects have a free plan?
Yes, both offer a free plan. Linear: unlimited members. GitHub Projects: free forever.
How much do Linear and GitHub Projects cost?
Linear's paid plans start at $10 per user / month (Basic), while GitHub Projects's start at $4 per user / month (Team). 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?
Linear fits software teams that want speed and a clean interface over configuration depth. GitHub Projects fits engineering teams that want project tracking without leaving GitHub.
Can Linear or GitHub Projects be self-hosted?
Linear is cloud-only; GitHub Projects offers both cloud and self-hosted options.