Linear vs Trello
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Linear and Trello are credible project management tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Linear if you want a higher overall rating (4.7/5). The issue tracker built for speed.
Trello — Simple Kanban boards for lightweight tracking.
Linear vs Trello: side by side
| Dimension | Linear | Trello |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $8/user/mo | Free – $5/user/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Best for | Engineering Teams, Startups | Solopreneurs, Small Teams, Personal |
| Platforms | Web, Mac, Windows, Api | Web, Mac, Windows, Ios, Android |
| Rating | 4.7/5Winner | 4.4/5 |
Linear key facts
- Vendor
- Linear
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $8/user/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Mac, Windows, Api
- Best for
- Engineering Teams, Startups
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2019
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
Trello key facts
- Vendor
- Atlassian
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $5/user/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Mac, Windows, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Solopreneurs, Small Teams, Personal
- Editor rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Founded
- 2011
- Headquarters
- Sydney, Australia
Frequently asked questions
Is Linear better than Trello?
Neither is universally better — Linear edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Linear or Trello cheaper?
Linear is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $8/user/mo. Linear starts at free – $8/user/mo; Trello starts at free – $5/user/mo.
Can Linear replace Trello?
Yes for most teams — both are project management tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.