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Software · head to head

Linear vs Microsoft To Do

Linear logo

Linear

Software

The issue tracking tool you'll enjoy using

From
Free
Rated
-
M

Microsoft To Do

Software

Your personal task management app

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • They diverge on capability: Linear covers Fast, real-time sync, Microsoft To Do covers My Day suggestions.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Linear and Microsoft To Do actually diverge.

Attributes where Linear and Microsoft To Do differ
AttributeLinearMicrosoft To Do
Pricing modelUnknownfree
PlatformsWeb, iOS, Android, macOS, WindowsWeb, Ios, Android, Windows, Macos
Founded20191975

Identical on both: starting price (Free), 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 Linear

  • Fast, real-time sync
  • Keyboard-first design
  • Automatic issue tracking
  • Cycles (sprints)
  • Projects & milestones
  • Custom workflows
  • API & webhooks
  • Built-in roadmaps

Only in Microsoft To Do

  • My Day suggestions
  • List sharing
  • Steps
  • Due dates
  • Reminders
  • Outlook
  • Microsoft 365
  • Microsoft Teams

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Linear

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

Microsoft To Do

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

Where each one falls short

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

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

Microsoft To Do

Nothing recorded yet. See the Microsoft To Do review.

Pricing, plan by plan

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

Microsoft To Do

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Unlimited tasks
    • My Day
    • List sharing

Which should you pick?

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.

Choose Microsoft To Do if

  • You need my day suggestions.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Windows, Macos.
  • You also want list sharing.

Questions people ask

Is Linear or Microsoft To Do better?
Neither clearly leads. Linear starts at Free and Microsoft To Do at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Linear or Microsoft To Do?
Linear starts at Free and Microsoft To Do at Free.
Does Linear or Microsoft To Do run on more platforms?
Linear runs on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows. Microsoft To Do runs on Web, Ios, Android, Windows, Macos.
Can I use Linear for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Linear best used for?
Linear is most often used for issue management and triage, converting customer feedback into prioritized issues, strategic planning via initiatives, roadmaps, and prds from idea to launch, agent-assisted development, with agents drafting docs and submitting pull requests, code review with structural diffs for human and agent output. Of those, issue management and triage, converting customer feedback into prioritized issues and strategic planning via initiatives, roadmaps, and prds from idea to launch are not what Microsoft To Do is typically brought in for.
What can Linear do that Microsoft To Do cannot?
Linear covers Fast, real-time sync, Keyboard-first design, Automatic issue tracking, Cycles (sprints). Microsoft To Do covers My Day suggestions, List sharing, Steps, Due dates.

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