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Software · head to head

Baserow vs Linear

Baserow logo

Baserow

Software

Open-source no-code database platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Linear logo

Linear

Software

The issue tracking tool you'll enjoy using

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Baserow the free tier is capped at 3,000 rows and 2GB of storage per workspace; Linear no task-level Gantt chart; Timeline view is available for projects only, not individual issues
  • They diverge on capability: Baserow covers Database tables, Linear covers Fast, real-time sync.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Baserow and Linear actually diverge.

Attributes where Baserow and Linear differ
AttributeBaserowLinear
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsWeb, Api, Self-hostedWeb, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown), founded (2019).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Baserow

  • Database tables
  • Multiple views
  • Forms
  • API access
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Templates
  • Plugins
  • Self-hosting

Only in Linear

  • Fast, real-time sync
  • Keyboard-first design
  • Automatic issue tracking
  • Cycles (sprints)
  • Projects & milestones
  • Custom workflows
  • API & webhooks
  • Built-in roadmaps

Both cover

  • Zapier
  • GDPR

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Baserow

  • Self-hosting an open source alternative to a spreadsheet databasenot Linear
  • Structured team data with Kanban, calendar and grid viewsnot Linear
  • Building internal tools on top of a database with an APInot Linear
  • Sharing data with external app users without giving them full seatsnot Linear

Linear

  • Issue management and triage, converting customer feedback into prioritized issuesnot Baserow
  • Strategic planning via initiatives, roadmaps, and PRDs from idea to launchnot Baserow
  • Agent-assisted development, with agents drafting docs and submitting pull requestsnot Baserow
  • Code review with structural diffs for human and agent outputnot Baserow
  • Progress monitoring via dashboards tracking cycle times and project healthnot Baserow

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Baserow

  • The free tier is capped at 3,000 rows and 2GB of storage per workspace
  • Kanban, calendar and survey views need Premium at $10 per user per month billed yearly
  • Role-based permissions, audit logs and SSO require Premium or higher
  • Row limits are per workspace rather than per table, so splitting data across bases does not raise the ceiling
  • Automation runs are metered as credits, 2,000 a month on free

Linear

  • No task-level Gantt chart; Timeline view is available for projects only, not individual issues
  • No native time-tracking or hour-logging feature
  • No native Linux desktop app; official FAQ states it 'may come in the future but it's not on the roadmap for now'
  • Free tier capped at 250 issues and 2 teams

Pricing, plan by plan

Baserow

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Unlimited rows
    • Core features
    • Community support
  • Premium$5/user/month
    • Row comments
    • Kanban view
    • Survey form

Linear

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Unlimited members
    • 2 teams
    • 250 issues
  • Basic$10/month
    • 5 teams
    • Unlimited issues
    • Unlimited file uploads
  • Business$16/month
    • Unlimited teams
    • Private teams/guests
    • Triage Intelligence
  • Enterprise$undefined/month
    • SAML/SCIM
    • Granular admin controls
    • Invoice/PO billing

Which should you pick?

Choose Baserow if

  • You need database tables.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Api, Self-hosted.
  • You also want multiple views.
Baserow review

Choose Linear if

  • You need fast, real-time sync.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows.
  • You also want keyboard-first design.
Linear review

Questions people ask

Is Baserow or Linear better?
Neither clearly leads. Baserow starts at Free and Linear at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Baserow or Linear?
Baserow starts at Free and Linear at Free.
Does Baserow or Linear run on more platforms?
Baserow runs on Web, Api, Self-hosted. Linear runs on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows.
Can I use Baserow for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Baserow best used for?
Baserow is most often used for self-hosting an open source alternative to a spreadsheet database, structured team data with kanban, calendar and grid views, building internal tools on top of a database with an api, sharing data with external app users without giving them full seats. Of those, self-hosting an open source alternative to a spreadsheet database and structured team data with kanban, calendar and grid views are not what Linear is typically brought in for.
What can Baserow do that Linear cannot?
Baserow covers Database tables, Multiple views, Forms, API access. Linear covers Fast, real-time sync, Keyboard-first design, Automatic issue tracking, Cycles (sprints). Both handle Zapier, GDPR.
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