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Software · head to head

HiBob vs Linear

HiBob logo

HiBob

Software

Modern HR for modern businesses

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Linear logo

Linear

Software

The issue tracking tool you'll enjoy using

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Linear has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: HiBob pricing not publicly displayed; requires contacting sales for custom quote; Linear no task-level Gantt chart; Timeline view is available for projects only, not individual issues
  • They diverge on capability: HiBob covers Core HR, Linear covers Fast, real-time sync.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which HiBob and Linear actually diverge.

Attributes where HiBob and Linear differ
AttributeHiBobLinear
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWeb, iOS, AndroidWeb, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows
Founded20152019

Identical on both: 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 HiBob

  • Core HR
  • Onboarding
  • Time Off Management
  • Performance Management
  • Compensation
  • People Analytics
  • Engagement
  • Microsoft Teams

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.

HiBob

  • Core HR system of record with automated workflowsnot Linear
  • Performance management, learning and skills trackingnot Linear
  • US and UK payroll, benefits and time trackingnot Linear
  • Workforce planning and compensation review cyclesnot Linear
  • Employee self-service for a distributed workforcenot Linear

Linear

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

Where each one falls short

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

HiBob

  • Pricing not publicly displayed; requires contacting sales for custom quote
  • Limited payroll functionality compared to dedicated payroll platforms
  • Smaller integration ecosystem compared to larger HR platforms

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

HiBob

On request
  • Bob$undefined/month
    • Core HR
    • Onboarding
    • Time Off

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 HiBob if

  • You need core hr.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want onboarding.
HiBob 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 HiBob or Linear better?
Neither clearly leads. HiBob starts at On request and Linear at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, HiBob or Linear?
Linear has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for HiBob and Free for Linear.
Does HiBob or Linear run on more platforms?
HiBob runs on Web, iOS, Android. Linear runs on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows.
Can I use Linear for free?
Yes. Linear has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. HiBob starts at On request.
What is HiBob best used for?
HiBob is most often used for core hr system of record with automated workflows, performance management, learning and skills tracking, us and uk payroll, benefits and time tracking, workforce planning and compensation review cycles. Of those, core hr system of record with automated workflows and performance management, learning and skills tracking are not what Linear is typically brought in for.
What can HiBob do that Linear cannot?
HiBob covers Core HR, Onboarding, Time Off Management, Performance Management. Linear covers Fast, real-time sync, Keyboard-first design, Automatic issue tracking, Cycles (sprints). Both handle Slack.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

HiBob: What modules does HiBob include?

HiBob includes Core HR, Time & Attendance, Performance & Goals, Compensation Management, Global Operations, and Analytics modules that can be selected based on organizational needs.

Source
HiBob: How is HiBob pricing calculated?

HiBob pricing is customized based on company size (1-49, 50-199, 200-999, or 1,000+ employees) and the specific modules selected. Pricing is on a per-employee basis.

Source
HiBob: Does HiBob offer a mobile app?

Yes, HiBob includes mobile app access as part of all plans, allowing employees to manage their HR tasks on the go.

Source
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Related pages

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