Updated: Jan 25, 2026
Comparison: Head-to-head analysis
5 min read
Comparison

GitHub vs Linear

Complete comparison guide to help you choose the right coding tool for your needs.

GitHub
4.5
15,553 reviews
Free tier available
Full Review Try Free
VS
Linear
4.5
58 reviews
Free tier available
Full Review Try Free
01

The Winner

Our Pick

GitHub

Wins for overall value, user satisfaction, and Open-source and team dev projects.

4.5 Rating
Yes Free Tier
Free Starting Price
100M+ Users
Read Full Review Try GitHub Still consider Linear
02

Quick Comparison

Criteria GitHub Linear
Starting Price Free tier Best Free tier
User Rating 4.5 4.5
Review Count 15,553 Best 58
Free Trial 30 days Best No
Annual Discount N/A N/A
Best For Open-source and team dev projects Developer-centric software teams
03

Feature Breakdown

Feature Comparison

Capability GitHub Linear
AI Scheduling Automated calendar and task scheduling
✓ ✓
Team Collaboration Multi-user and team features
✓ ✓
Task Management Task tracking and prioritization
— ✓

GitHub

Strengths
  • Largest Developer Community
  • AI-Powered Development
  • Powerful CI/CD Automation
  • Generous Free Tier
Limitations
  • Git Learning Curve
  • Copilot Costs Extra
  • Enterprise Pricing Adds Up
Full GitHub Review →

Linear

Strengths
  • Lightning-Fast Performance
  • Keyboard-First Design
  • Seamless GitHub Integration
  • Generous Free Tier
Limitations
  • No Mobile Apps
  • Limited Custom Fields
  • Developer-Centric Focus
Full Linear Review →
04

GitHub Overview

GitHub hosts 100M+ developers with AI-powered Copilot, Actions CI/CD, and Advanced Security. Free tier includes unlimited repos; Team at $4/mo; Enterprise at $21/mo. Delivers 433% ROI (Forrester) and 50% coding time savings with Copilot. Rated 4.5/5 across 15,553 reviews.

Best For:

  • Open-source and team dev projects
  • Teams needing the largest developer community
  • Organizations using Microsoft/Azure ecosystem
  • Developers building public portfolios
  • Projects requiring extensive third-party integrations
  • Teams wanting AI-powered development with Copilot
Read Full GitHub Review
05

Linear Overview

Linear is a lightning-fast issue tracker built for software teams who value speed and simplicity. With keyboard-first design, AI-powered triage, and seamless GitHub integration, it eliminates the bloat of traditional PM tools. Teams report 50% faster load times compared to alternatives.

Best For:

  • Developer-centric software teams
  • Startups and growing tech companies
  • Agile teams using Scrum or Kanban
  • Teams prioritizing speed and keyboard shortcuts
  • Small to medium-sized product development teams
  • Teams migrating from slow, bloated tools
Read Full Linear Review
06

Our Verdict

4.5/5
Winner Rating

GitHub is our top pick for most users, thanks to its overall value proposition. However, Linear remains a solid choice if you need Developer-centric software teams.

Try GitHub Free
07

GitHub vs Linear FAQ

Both GitHub and Linear are excellent tools. GitHub is better for Open-source and team dev projects, while Linear excels at Developer-centric software teams. Your choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
GitHub pricing: Free tier available. Linear pricing: Free tier available. Pricing varies, but compare features at each tier to find the best value for your needs.
Yes, many teams use multiple tools for different purposes. GitHub might handle Open-source and team dev projects, while Linear covers Developer-centric software teams. Check integration options for both tools.
Both offer robust support. GitHub provides standard support, while Linear offers comprehensive support. Enterprise plans typically include dedicated support for both.
Consider switching if Linear better fits your current needs. Key factors: Developer-centric software teams, pricing alignment, and team workflow compatibility. We recommend trialing Linear before making a full switch.
08

Related Comparisons

GitHub Alternatives Linear Alternatives GitHub Pricing Linear Pricing