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Development Tools · head to head

Buildkite vs Linear

Buildkite logo

Buildkite

Development Tools

CI/CD pipelines that run on your own compute

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Linear logo

Linear

Technology

The issue tracking tool you'll enjoy using

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Buildkite free plan caps at 5 users and 10 concurrent jobs, with 2,000 Linux vCPU minutes per month and 30 day build retention; Linear no task-level Gantt chart; Timeline view is available for projects only, not individual issues

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Buildkite and Linear actually diverge.

Attributes where Buildkite and Linear differ
AttributeBuildkiteLinear
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsWebWeb, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows
CategoryDevelopment ToolsTechnology
FoundedUnknown2019

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

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 Buildkite

Nothing recorded that Linear does not also cover.

Only in Linear

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

What people use each for

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

Buildkite

No use cases recorded yet. See the Buildkite review.

Linear

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

Where each one falls short

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

Buildkite

  • Free plan caps at 5 users and 10 concurrent jobs, with 2,000 Linux vCPU minutes per month and 30 day build retention
  • Pro plan is $30 per active user per month, capped at 50 users, with only 10 of the up to 250 concurrent agents included before extra usage
  • Enterprise plan enforces a 30 user minimum even though pricing itself is custom
  • Hosted compute beyond included minutes is metered at $0.004 per vCPU minute on Linux and $0.02 per vCPU minute on Mac

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

Buildkite

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Buildkite review.

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 Buildkite if

  • You want to start without paying.
Buildkite 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 Buildkite or Linear better?
Neither clearly leads. Buildkite 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, Buildkite or Linear?
Buildkite starts at Free and Linear at Free.
Does Buildkite or Linear run on more platforms?
Buildkite runs on Web. Linear runs on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows.
Can I use Buildkite for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What can Buildkite do that Linear cannot?
Linear covers Fast, real-time sync, Keyboard-first design, Automatic issue tracking, Cycles (sprints).
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Related pages

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