Linear vs ClickUp: Which Productivity App Wins in 2026?
Choosing between Linear and ClickUp? This comprehensive comparison covers pricing, features, pros and cons to help you make the right decision.
Quick Summary
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Linear | ClickUp |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 9.3/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Free Tier | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Starting Price | $8/mo | $7/mo |
| Category | Project Management | Project Management |
| Platforms | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux |
| Founded | 2019 | 2017 |
Key Features
Linear Features
- Issue tracking
- Cycles & sprints
- Roadmaps
- Git integration
- Keyboard shortcuts
- API
- Automation
- Triage
ClickUp Features
- Everything views
- Docs
- Whiteboards
- Goals
- Time tracking
- Automation
- Custom fields
- Dashboards
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
ClickUp
Pros
- + Incredible feature set
- + Generous free tier
- + Competitive pricing
- + Constant updates
- + Highly customizable
Cons
- - Can be overwhelming
- - Performance issues
- - Steep learning curve
- - Too many features for some
Pricing Comparison
The Verdict
Both Linear and ClickUp 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 ClickUp if: You prioritize incredible feature set and generous free tier.
It's ideal for teams and power-users.
Linear vs ClickUp FAQ
It depends on your needs. Linear (9.3/10) excels at lightning fast, while ClickUp (8.5/10) is known for incredible feature set. Linear has the higher overall rating.
Both Linear and ClickUp offer free tiers. Linear's paid plan starts at $8/mo, while ClickUp starts at $7/mo.
Yes, many users combine Linear and ClickUp 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 ClickUp manages everything views.
Linear offers: Issue tracking, Cycles & sprints, Roadmaps. ClickUp provides: Everything views, Docs, Whiteboards. The "better" features depend on what you need most.
Linear is generally user-friendly. ClickUp has a steeper learning curve. Both offer tutorials and onboarding to help you get started.
Linear is available on Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android. ClickUp supports Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux. Both offer cross-platform sync.
For teams, consider: Linear is more individual-focused. ClickUp offers strong team features.
Consider switching if ClickUp's strengths (Incredible feature set, Generous free tier) address pain points you have with Linear. Both tools typically offer data export, making migration possible. Test ClickUp with a free trial first.
Key differences: Pricing (free tier vs free tier), Focus (Project Management vs Project Management), Platforms (5 vs 6 platforms).
Linear users love: Lightning fast, Beautiful design. Common complaints: Limited to software teams. ClickUp users appreciate: Incredible feature set, Generous free tier. Common issues: Can be overwhelming.