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Software · head to head

Deel vs Linear

Deel logo

Deel

Software

Global payroll and compliance made easy

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: Deel contractor management starts at $49 per contractor per month, so cost scales linearly with every person engaged; Linear no task-level Gantt chart; Timeline view is available for projects only, not individual issues
  • They diverge on capability: Deel covers Global Payroll, Linear covers Fast, real-time sync.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Deel and Linear actually diverge.

Attributes where Deel and Linear differ
AttributeDeelLinear
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
PlatformsWeb, Ios, AndroidWeb, 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 Deel

  • Global Payroll
  • EOR Services
  • Contractor Management
  • Compliance
  • Benefits Administration
  • Immigration Support
  • BambooHR
  • Greenhouse

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

  • Slack

What people use each for

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

Deel

  • Hiring and paying contractors across multiple countriesnot Linear
  • Employing staff abroad without opening a local entitynot Linear

Linear

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

Where each one falls short

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

Deel

  • Contractor management starts at $49 per contractor per month, so cost scales linearly with every person engaged
  • Employer of Record starts at $599 per employee per month
  • Contractor of Record is $325 per contractor per month, far above plain contractor management
  • US PEO starts at $125 per employee per month
  • Payroll and HR support are not sold standalone and are bundled inside the EOR and PEO per person prices

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

Deel

Free
  • Contractors$49/month
    • Contractor Management
    • Payments
    • Compliance
  • EOR$599/month
    • Employee Hiring
    • Global Payroll
    • Benefits

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 Deel if

  • You need global payroll.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want eor services.
Deel 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 Deel or Linear better?
Neither clearly leads. Deel 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, Deel or Linear?
Deel starts at Free and Linear at Free.
Does Deel or Linear run on more platforms?
Deel runs on Web, Ios, Android. Linear runs on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows.
Can I use Deel for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Deel best used for?
Deel is most often used for hiring and paying contractors across multiple countries, employing staff abroad without opening a local entity. Of those, hiring and paying contractors across multiple countries and employing staff abroad without opening a local entity are not what Linear is typically brought in for.
What can Deel do that Linear cannot?
Deel covers Global Payroll, EOR Services, Contractor Management, Compliance. Linear covers Fast, real-time sync, Keyboard-first design, Automatic issue tracking, Cycles (sprints). Both handle Slack.
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