Stack
Linear
A keyboard-driven issue tracker for software teams with built-in cycles, projects, and Git integration.
What it actually does
Linear tracks bugs, features, and tasks as issues organized into teams, projects, and time-boxed cycles. The interface is built around keyboard shortcuts and loads quickly, which is its main point of difference from heavier trackers.
Its GitHub and GitLab integrations link pull requests to issues and auto-close them on merge, so status updates happen without manual work. Solo technical founders use it to get structured tracking without the configuration overhead of a Jira-style tool.
The free plan allows unlimited members but caps you at 250 total issues across 2 teams. That cap counts all issues ever created, so archiving does not free up room, and the more advanced AI and automation features sit on paid tiers.
Linear vs its main rivals
The tools people actually weigh against Linear: Jira, GitHub Issues, Shortcut, Height. Same criteria for every column, including where Linear loses.
| Linear |  Jira |  GitHub Issues |  Shortcut | HHeight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pricing & access | |||||
| Free tier | Yes250 issues | YesUp to 10 users | YesUnlimited (public) | YesUp to 10 users | YesSmall teams |
| Starting price | $10/user/mo | $7.53/user/mo | $4/user/mo | $8.50/user/mo | $8/user/mo |
Scaling & limits | |||||
| Issue cap on free | 250 total | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Custom fields / workflows | YesLimited | YesDeep | YesBasic | YesYes | YesYes |
| AI triage / agents | Business tier | Rovo add-on | Copilot | Limited | Native |
Workflow | |||||
| Keyboard-first / fast UI | YesYes | NoHeavy | YesFast | YesFast | YesFast |
| PR link / auto-close on merge | YesYes | YesYes | YesNative | YesYes | YesYes |
| Sprints / cycles | YesCycles | YesSprints | NoBasic | YesIterations | YesYes |
| Roadmaps / milestones | YesYes | YesAdvanced | YesProjects | YesEpics | YesYes |
Developer & API | |||||
| REST/GraphQL API | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Self-host option | NoNo | YesData Center | YesEnterprise | NoNo | NoNo |
- Keyboard-first interface that loads near-instantly, faster than most heavier trackers
- Free plan allows unlimited members, useful when you add a contractor
- GitHub integration auto-closes issues from PRs with no manual status updates
- 250-issue cap on Free counts total issues, so archiving does not reclaim space
- Custom fields and workflows are more limited than Jira
- Advanced AI features and integrations sit on the $16/user/mo Business tier, and there is no self-host option
Pay less for it
5 ways found250 issues and unlimited members covers a solo founder's first months at $0
Listed $10 and $16 prices are the yearly rates; monthly billing costs more
Linear for Startups offers 6 months free of the Business plan for eligible early-stage companies
Basic ($10) unlocks unlimited issues; you only need Business ($16) for AI agents and advanced integrations
GitHub Issues — If your code already lives on GitHub, Issues plus Projects tracks work for free with native PR linking and no issue cap
StackTracker tracks what you actually pay for Linear and every other tool, flags overpayment, and shows the dollars you would save by switching.
Is it the right tool for you
- You are a solo technical founder who wants fast, low-overhead issue tracking
- You use GitHub or GitLab and want PRs to auto-close issues
- You value speed and opinionated defaults over deep customization
- Your code and work already live on GitHub and you want zero extra tools → use GitHub Issues
- You need deep custom workflows, permissions, or self-hosting → use Jira
Track what Linear and the rest of your stack cost
StackTracker adds up every subscription, plus your hours, so you see the real number.
Prices and limits last verified 2026-07-20.