Comparison: Linear vs Asana
Verdict
Linear has a slight edge with a 0.2-point higher rating. Both tools are competitive—Linear is great for software issue tracking, while Asana excels at project planning and tracking. Test both free tiers to see which fits your team better.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Linear | Asana |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Starting Price | Free + $8/user/mo | Free + $10.99/user/mo |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Reviews | 892 | 1,876 |
| Best For | Software issue tracking | Project planning and tracking |
| Key Feature | Fast, keyboard-driven interface | Multiple project views (list, board, timeline, calendar) |
Overview
Linear and Asana are both popular tools in the Project Management space. Linear Linear is a purpose-built issue tracking and project management tool designed for high-velocity software teams. Asana Asana is a powerful project management platform that helps teams organize, track, and manage their work.
This comparison will help you decide which tool is right for your team based on features, pricing, and use cases.
Pricing Comparison
Linear pricing starts at $8/user/mo with a free tier available. Asana pricing starts at $10.99/user/mo with a free tier available.
Both tools offer free plans, making it easy to test before committing. Linear's free tier includes Up to 10 users, 250 issues. Asana's free tier includes Up to 10 users, Unlimited tasks.
Key Features
Linear key features include: Fast, keyboard-driven interface, Cycles and roadmaps, GitHub/GitLab sync, Automated workflows.
Asana key features include: Multiple project views (list, board, timeline, calendar), Task dependencies and milestones, Workflow Builder for automation, Portfolios for project oversight.
Both tools offer strong feature sets, but they excel in different areas. Linear has slightly better overall ratings from users.
Pros and Cons
Linear pros: Incredibly fast and responsive, Beautiful, focused design, Built for developer workflows.
Linear cons: Limited to software use cases, 250 issue limit on free tier, Not suitable for non-technical teams.
Asana pros: Clean, intuitive interface, Powerful free tier for small teams, Excellent timeline and Gantt views.
Asana cons: Can be expensive for larger teams, Learning curve for advanced features, Mobile app less capable than desktop.
Who Should Use Each Tool?
Choose Linear if: Software issue tracking, Sprint planning, or if your team values incredibly fast and responsive.
Choose Asana if: Project planning and tracking, Team task management, or if your team needs clean, intuitive interface.
Both tools integrate well with popular remote work tools and support teams of various sizes.
Final Thoughts
Full Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Linear or Asana?
Linear is rated slightly higher (4.7/5) by users. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Linear excels at software issue tracking, while Asana is better for project planning and tracking.
Is Linear free?
Yes, Linear offers a free tier with up to 10 users. Paid plans start at $8/user/mo.
Is Asana free?
Yes, Asana offers a free tier with up to 10 users. Paid plans start at $10.99/user/mo.
Can I use both Linear and Asana together?
Yes, many teams use both tools together. Linear and Asana can complement each other—Linear for software issue tracking and Asana for project planning and tracking. Check each tool's integrations to ensure they work with your existing stack.