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Development Tools · head to head

Git vs Linear

G

Git

Development Tools

A free and open source distributed version control system

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: Git licensed under GNU GPL version 2.0 as stated on git-scm.com/about; as open source software 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 Git and Linear actually diverge.

Attributes where Git and Linear differ
AttributeGitLinear
Pricing modelopen-sourceUnknown
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 Git

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.

Git

No use cases recorded yet. See the Git review.

Linear

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

Where each one falls short

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

Git

  • Licensed under GNU GPL version 2.0 as stated on git-scm.com/about; as open source software it has no paid tier or vendor price to compare
  • Git is a command line tool by design; graphical workflows and hosted collaboration depend entirely on third party GUIs and hosting services layered on top, per git-scm.com/about

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

Git

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Git 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 Git if

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