Linear vs GitHub Issues (2026): Honest Head-to-Head
GitHub Issues wins on cost (free) and code integration; Linear wins on project management depth.
Pricing Comparison
| Tier | Linear | GitHub Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free (10 members) | — |
| Plus | $8/user/month | — |
| Business | $16/user/month | — |
| Enterprise | Custom | — |
When to Choose Linear
Growing engineering teams that need sprints, priorities, estimates, and roadmap views.
- Fast, keyboard-first interface built for developers
- GitHub / GitLab integration is native and seamless
- Clean sprint and cycle management
- Linear's free plan supports teams up to 10 members
When to Choose GitHub Issues
Open source projects and small teams that want zero overhead and live in GitHub.
Our Verdict
GitHub Issues wins on cost (free) and code integration; Linear wins on project management depth. If you're a developer-first team that values speed and clean UX, Linear is exceptional. If you need the extensibility of GitHub Issues, that may be the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Linear or GitHub Issues better for engineering teams?
GitHub Issues wins on cost (free) and code integration; Linear wins on project management depth.
When should you choose Linear over GitHub Issues?
Choose Linear if: Growing engineering teams that need sprints, priorities, estimates, and roadmap views.
When should you choose GitHub Issues over Linear?
Choose GitHub Issues if: Open source projects and small teams that want zero overhead and live in GitHub.