Softwr

Software · head to head

Google Tasks vs Linear

Google Tasks logo

Google Tasks

Software

Simple task management from Google

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: Google Tasks no team collaboration or task assignment features; cannot share task lists; Linear no task-level Gantt chart; Timeline view is available for projects only, not individual issues
  • They diverge on capability: Google Tasks covers Task creation, Linear covers Fast, real-time sync.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Google Tasks and Linear differ
AttributeGoogle TasksLinear
PlatformsWeb, iOS, Android, GmailWeb, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows
Founded19982019

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

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 Tasks

  • Task creation
  • Subtasks
  • Due dates
  • Multiple lists
  • Gmail integration
  • Gmail
  • Google Calendar
  • Google Workspace

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 Tasks

  • Schedulingnot Linear
  • Appointment bookingnot Linear
  • Time trackingnot Linear
  • Resource managementnot Linear
  • Team coordinationnot Linear

Linear

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

Where each one falls short

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

Google Tasks

  • No team collaboration or task assignment features; cannot share task lists
  • No priority levels beyond a binary star; cannot rank tasks by priority (P1, P2, P3)
  • No subtasks, task dependencies, or complex hierarchies
  • No file attachments; cannot attach documents, images, or links directly to tasks
  • Lacks work visualization tools like Gantt charts, Kanban boards, or project timelines
  • Limited reminder functionality for task deadlines
  • No third-party service integrations; requires full Google ecosystem dependency

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 Tasks

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Google Tasks 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 Google Tasks if

  • You need task creation.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, Gmail.
  • You also want subtasks.
Google Tasks 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 Tasks or Linear better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Tasks 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 Tasks or Linear?
Google Tasks starts at Free and Linear at Free.
Does Google Tasks or Linear run on more platforms?
Google Tasks runs on Web, iOS, Android, Gmail. Linear runs on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows.
Can I use Google Tasks for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Google Tasks best used for?
Google Tasks is most often used for scheduling, appointment booking, time tracking, resource management. Of those, scheduling and appointment booking are not what Linear is typically brought in for.
What can Google Tasks do that Linear cannot?
Google Tasks covers Task creation, Subtasks, Due dates, Multiple lists. Linear covers Fast, real-time sync, Keyboard-first design, Automatic issue tracking, Cycles (sprints).

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Google Tasks: Is Google Tasks truly free?

Yes, Google Tasks is completely free with no hidden costs or premium version. You get full access to all features with any free Google account, on both web and mobile.

Source
Google Tasks: Does Google Tasks work offline?

Google Tasks on Android and iOS apps support offline reading and editing with automatic sync when back online. However, the desktop web version at tasks.google.com requires an active internet connection.

Source
Google Tasks: How does Google Tasks integrate with Gmail and Google Calendar?

Google Tasks has native integration with Gmail, allowing you to convert emails into tasks with one click. Tasks with due dates automatically appear in Google Calendar as all-day items, and you can manage tasks from within Calendar without opening a separate tab.

Source
Google Tasks: Can I assign tasks to other people in Google Tasks?

No, Google Tasks has no team collaboration features. You cannot assign tasks to others, share task lists, or add comments within Google Tasks itself, making it unsuitable for team-based work.

Source
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Google Tasks

More on Linear

Keep looking

Other head to heads