Overview
Linear is an issue tracking and product planning tool built for software teams. It covers issues, cycles (time-boxed sprints), projects, roadmaps and triage, with a fast interface designed around keyboard shortcuts.
Engineering and product teams use Linear as an alternative to heavier trackers. It integrates closely with GitHub and GitLab so that branches and pull requests update issue status automatically, and its opinionated defaults reduce the configuration work needed to get started.
Key features
- Issues and triageIssues move through team workflows, with a triage inbox for incoming requests and bug reports.
- CyclesTime-boxed cycles group work into sprints and roll over unfinished issues automatically.
- Projects and roadmapsProjects and initiatives track larger efforts across teams with progress updates.
- Git integrationGitHub and GitLab integration links branches and pull requests and updates issue status.
- Keyboard-first interfaceA command menu and shortcuts make most actions possible without a mouse.
Best for
- Startup and growth-stage engineering teams that want a fast, low-overhead tracker
- Product and engineering teams planning work in sprints and roadmaps
- Teams that want issue status tied directly to pull requests
Pricing
Freemium. Free plan for small teams with an issue limit; paid plans are billed per user.
| Plan | What you get |
|---|---|
| Free | Core issue tracking for small teams, with limits on issues and teams. |
| Basic | Removes the issue limit and adds more teams and admin options. |
| Business | Adds advanced features such as insights, private teams and support integrations. |
| Enterprise | SSO, security controls and dedicated support for larger organizations. |
Prices and plan limits change often. Check the official website for current pricing. Last reviewed Oct 3, 2026.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Very fast and responsive interface
- Sensible defaults that require little setup
- Strong integrations with Git hosting, Slack and support tools
Cons
- Opinionated workflow is less configurable than enterprise trackers
- Primarily designed for software teams rather than general business projects
Linear alternatives
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GitHub
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Notion
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Airtable
Spreadsheet-style relational database for building team apps and workflows.
Try Linear
Free plan for small teams with an issue limit; paid plans are billed per user.