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Technology · head to head

Envoy vs Linear

E

Envoy

Technology

An open source edge and service proxy, designed for cloud-native and AI-native applications

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: Envoy licensed under Apache License 2.0 per the project's GitHub repository (envoyproxy/envoy LICENSE); as a CNCF graduated project it has no paid tier or vendor price to compare; Linear no task-level Gantt chart; Timeline view is available for projects only, not individual issues

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Envoy and Linear actually diverge.

Attributes where Envoy and Linear differ
AttributeEnvoyLinear
Pricing modelopen-sourceUnknown
PlatformsWebWeb, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows
FoundedUnknown2019

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

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 Envoy

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.

Envoy

No use cases recorded yet. See the Envoy review.

Linear

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

Where each one falls short

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

Envoy

  • Licensed under Apache License 2.0 per the project's GitHub repository (envoyproxy/envoy LICENSE); as a CNCF graduated project it has no paid tier or vendor price to compare
  • Envoy is a proxy that runs alongside each application instance, per envoyproxy.io, requiring a sidecar or edge deployment model rather than a single centralized install

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

Envoy

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Envoy 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 Envoy if

  • You want to start without paying.
Envoy 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 Envoy or Linear better?
Neither clearly leads. Envoy 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, Envoy or Linear?
Envoy starts at Free and Linear at Free.
Does Envoy or Linear run on more platforms?
Envoy runs on Web. Linear runs on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows.
Can I use Envoy for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What can Envoy 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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