Linear vs Asana: Which Productivity App Wins in 2026?
Choosing between Linear and Asana? This comprehensive comparison covers pricing, features, pros and cons to help you make the right decision.
Quick Summary
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Linear | Asana |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 9.3/10 | 8.9/10 |
| Free Tier | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Starting Price | $8/mo | $11/mo |
| Category | Project Management | Project Management |
| Platforms | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Founded | 2019 | 2008 |
Key Features
Linear Features
- Issue tracking
- Cycles & sprints
- Roadmaps
- Git integration
- Keyboard shortcuts
- API
- Automation
- Triage
Asana Features
- Multiple views
- Timeline & Gantt
- Automation
- Goals tracking
- Portfolios
- Workload management
- Custom fields
- Integrations
Pros & Cons
Linear
Pros
- + Lightning fast
- + Beautiful design
- + Developer-focused
- + Excellent keyboard navigation
- + Great GitHub integration
Cons
- - Limited to software teams
- - Opinionated workflow
- - Less customizable
- - Fewer integrations
Asana
Pros
- + Intuitive interface
- + Powerful automation
- + Excellent free tier
- + Great for teams
- + Strong integrations
Cons
- - Can be expensive for teams
- - Limited functionality for individuals
- - Learning curve for advanced features
- - No time tracking built-in
Pricing Comparison
The Verdict
Both Linear and Asana are excellent project management tools, but they serve different needs.
Choose Linear if: You value lightning fast and beautiful design.
It's best for developers and product-teams.
Choose Asana if: You prioritize intuitive interface and powerful automation.
It's ideal for teams and managers.
Linear vs Asana FAQ
It depends on your needs. Linear (9.3/10) excels at lightning fast, while Asana (8.9/10) is known for intuitive interface. Linear has the higher overall rating.
Both Linear and Asana offer free tiers. Linear's paid plan starts at $8/mo, while Asana starts at $11/mo.
Yes, many users combine Linear and Asana in their productivity stack. You can connect them using automation tools like Zapier or Make. This works well if Linear handles your issue tracking while Asana manages multiple views.
Linear offers: Issue tracking, Cycles & sprints, Roadmaps. Asana provides: Multiple views, Timeline & Gantt, Automation. The "better" features depend on what you need most.
Linear is generally user-friendly. Asana has a steeper learning curve. Both offer tutorials and onboarding to help you get started.
Linear is available on Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android. Asana supports Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android. Both offer cross-platform sync.
For teams, consider: Linear is more individual-focused. Asana offers strong team features.
Consider switching if Asana's strengths (Intuitive interface, Powerful automation) address pain points you have with Linear. Both tools typically offer data export, making migration possible. Test Asana with a free trial first.
Key differences: Pricing (free tier vs free tier), Focus (Project Management vs Project Management), Platforms (5 vs 5 platforms).
Linear users love: Lightning fast, Beautiful design. Common complaints: Limited to software teams. Asana users appreciate: Intuitive interface, Powerful automation. Common issues: Can be expensive for teams.