| ZenHub | Linear | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Agile | Agile |
| Best for | Developer-led teams that want sprint planning inside their existing GitHub workflow | Software teams that want speed and a clean interface over configuration depth |
| Free plan | Yes (free for everyone) | Yes (unlimited members) |
| Paid plans from | $4.99 per user / month (Teams) | $10 per user / month (Basic) |
| Platform | ||
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud |
| Team size | Small team, Mid-size | Small team, Mid-size |
| Approach | Sprint planning and burndowns natively inside GitHub | Sprint cycles and roadmaps with keyboard-first navigation |
| Learning curve | Medium | Low |
| AI features | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Slack, Zapier, Google Workspace, Salesforce, HubSpot | Slack, GitHub, GitLab |
| Strengths |
|
|
ZenHub vs Linear pricing
ZenHub
- Free$0 per user / monthFree for everyone
- Teams$4.99 per user / monthBilled yearly
- EnterpriseCustom contact sales
Prices in USD, checked October 2026. Prices exclude VAT and local taxes unless stated. See current ZenHub 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
ZenHub
Where it stands out
Its native GitHub experience makes it attractive for engineering teams that don't want a separate PM tool disconnected from their code.
Trade-off to know
It requires GitHub, so it isn't an option for teams hosted elsewhere.
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 ZenHub if…
- Your team's whole workflow already happens inside GitHub issues and pull requests, and you want sprint planning layered right on top
- You need integrations that stretch into CRM tools like Salesforce or HubSpot alongside your engineering workflow
Choose Linear if…
- You want a blazing-fast, beautifully designed tool that isn't tied to GitHub specifically, including teams on GitLab
- You prioritize speed and clean design over sprint-planning depth, and can live with a narrower feature set
FAQ
What is the main difference between ZenHub and Linear?
Both are freemium Agile tools built with developers in mind, but they differ in where they anchor. ZenHub layers sprint planning directly onto GitHub issues and pull requests and requires GitHub as its foundation, while Linear is a standalone, fast, design-forward tracker that integrates with GitHub and GitLab without depending on either.
Do ZenHub and Linear have a free plan?
Yes, both offer a free plan. ZenHub: free for everyone. Linear: unlimited members.
How much do ZenHub and Linear cost?
ZenHub's paid plans start at $4.99 per user / month (Teams), 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?
ZenHub fits developer-led teams that want sprint planning inside their existing GitHub workflow. Linear fits software teams that want speed and a clean interface over configuration depth.