| Plane | Linear | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Agile | Agile |
| Best for | Software teams that want open-source control with a modern issue-tracking experience | Software teams that want speed and a clean interface over configuration depth |
| Free plan | Yes (up to 12 users) | Yes (unlimited members) |
| Paid plans from | $6 per seat / month (Pro) | $10 per user / month (Basic) |
| Platform | ||
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted | Cloud |
| Team size | Small team, Mid-size | Small team, Mid-size |
| Approach | Issues, cycles, and modules in an open-source workspace | Sprint cycles and roadmaps with keyboard-first navigation |
| Learning curve | Medium | Low |
| AI features | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | GitHub, Slack | Slack, GitHub, GitLab |
| Strengths |
|
|
Plane vs Linear pricing
Plane
- Free$0Up to 12 users
- Pro$6 per seat / monthBilled annually
- Business$13 per seat / monthBilled annually
- Enterprise GridCustom contact sales
Prices in USD, checked October 2026. Prices exclude VAT and local taxes unless stated. See current Plane 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 →
Strengths and trade-offs
Plane
Where it stands out
Its open-source core and modern issue tracking make it attractive for teams that value ownership over their tooling.
Trade-off to know
Its enterprise-grade features are still maturing compared to established competitors.
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.
Which one fits your team?
Choose Plane if…
- You want open-source control over your data and hosting, even if enterprise features are still maturing
- You like the idea of Linear's modern issue-tracking feel but want to own your tooling rather than rent it
Choose Linear if…
- You want the fastest, most polished interface available and don't need self-hosting or ownership of the codebase
- Your team is fine with a narrower feature set focused specifically on software work in exchange for speed
FAQ
What is the main difference between Plane and Linear?
Both are freemium, modern issue trackers aimed at software teams that want something faster and cleaner than Jira, and both are frequently mentioned in the same breath. The real difference is control versus polish: Plane is open-source and self-hostable with cycles and modules, while Linear is a closed SaaS product optimized purely for speed and design.
Do Plane and Linear have a free plan?
Yes, both offer a free plan. Plane: up to 12 users. Linear: unlimited members.
How much do Plane and Linear cost?
Plane's paid plans start at $6 per seat / month (Pro), while Linear's start at $10 per user / month (Basic). 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?
Plane fits software teams that want open-source control with a modern issue-tracking experience. Linear fits software teams that want speed and a clean interface over configuration depth.
Can Plane or Linear be self-hosted?
Plane offers both cloud and self-hosted options; Linear is cloud-only.