Softwr

Marketing & Analytics · head to head

Google Optimize vs Linear

Google Optimize logo

Google Optimize

Marketing & Analytics

A/B testing for Google Analytics

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: Google Optimize google Optimize and Optimize 360 were sunset and are no longer available as of September 30, 2023; Linear no task-level Gantt chart; Timeline view is available for projects only, not individual issues
  • They diverge on capability: Google Optimize covers A/B testing, Linear covers Fast, real-time sync.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Google Optimize and Linear actually diverge.

Attributes where Google Optimize and Linear differ
AttributeGoogle OptimizeLinear
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsWebWeb, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows
CategoryMarketing & AnalyticsTechnology
Founded19982019

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 Google Optimize

  • A/B testing
  • Google Analytics integration
  • Visual editor
  • Real-time analytics
  • Google Analytics
  • Google Tag Manager
  • Google's security
  • Cloud deployment

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.

Google Optimize

  • A/B and multivariate testing of web pages tied to Google Analytics goalsnot Linear
  • Personalising page content for defined audience segmentsnot Linear
  • Redirect tests between alternative landing page URLsnot Linear

Linear

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

Where each one falls short

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

Google Optimize

  • Google Optimize and Optimize 360 were sunset and are no longer available as of September 30, 2023
  • Any experiments and personalizations still running on that date were ended by Google
  • Google directs former users to third-party A/B testing tools, naming AB Tasty, Optimizely and VWO, rather than a replacement Google product

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

Google Optimize

Free
  • FreeFree
    • A/B testing
    • Google Analytics integration
    • Visual editor

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 Google Optimize if

  • You need a/b testing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want google analytics integration.
Google Optimize 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 Google Optimize or Linear better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Optimize 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, Google Optimize or Linear?
Google Optimize starts at Free and Linear at Free.
Does Google Optimize or Linear run on more platforms?
Google Optimize runs on Web. Linear runs on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows.
Can I use Google Optimize for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Google Optimize best used for?
Google Optimize is most often used for a/b and multivariate testing of web pages tied to google analytics goals, personalising page content for defined audience segments, redirect tests between alternative landing page urls. Of those, a/b and multivariate testing of web pages tied to google analytics goals and personalising page content for defined audience segments are not what Linear is typically brought in for.
What can Google Optimize do that Linear cannot?
Google Optimize covers A/B testing, Google Analytics integration, Visual editor, Real-time analytics. Linear covers Fast, real-time sync, Keyboard-first design, Automatic issue tracking, Cycles (sprints).
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Google Optimize

More on Linear

Keep looking

Other head to heads