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Software · head to head

Linear vs Snyk

Linear logo

Linear

Software

The issue tracking tool you'll enjoy using

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Snyk logo

Snyk

Software

Developer-first security platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Linear no task-level Gantt chart; Timeline view is available for projects only, not individual issues; Snyk free plan has strict test limits across all modules: Open Source (200), Code (100), Infrastructure as Code (300), Container (100) tests per month
  • They diverge on capability: Linear covers Fast, real-time sync, Snyk covers Open source security.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Linear and Snyk actually diverge.

Attributes where Linear and Snyk differ
AttributeLinearSnyk
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
PlatformsWeb, iOS, Android, macOS, WindowsWeb, CLI, IDE integrations
Founded20192015

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 Snyk

  • Open source security
  • Code security (SAST)
  • Container security
  • IaC security
  • License compliance
  • Fix PRs
  • Priority scoring
  • Developer IDE integration

Both cover

  • GitHub
  • GitLab
  • Slack

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 Snyk
  • Strategic planning via initiatives, roadmaps, and PRDs from idea to launchnot Snyk
  • Agent-assisted development, with agents drafting docs and submitting pull requestsnot Snyk
  • Code review with structural diffs for human and agent outputnot Snyk
  • Progress monitoring via dashboards tracking cycle times and project healthnot Snyk

Snyk

  • Individual developers testing on free tier with limited monthly scansnot Linear
  • Development teams using Team plan with increased test quotas and IDE integrationnot Linear
  • Enterprises requiring unlimited testing via Enterprise plan with custom security rulesnot 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

Snyk

  • Free plan has strict test limits across all modules: Open Source (200), Code (100), Infrastructure as Code (300), Container (100) tests per month
  • Free and Team plans count only contributing developers making commits within 90 days; public contributions do not count
  • Enterprise plan requires custom pricing and sales contact

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

Snyk

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Snyk review.

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.
Linear review

Choose Snyk if

  • You need open source security.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, CLI, IDE integrations.
  • You also want code security (sast).
Snyk review

Questions people ask

Is Linear or Snyk better?
Neither clearly leads. Linear starts at Free and Snyk at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Linear or Snyk?
Linear starts at Free and Snyk at Free.
Does Linear or Snyk run on more platforms?
Linear runs on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows. Snyk runs on Web, CLI, IDE integrations.
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 Snyk is typically brought in for.
What can Linear do that Snyk cannot?
Linear covers Fast, real-time sync, Keyboard-first design, Automatic issue tracking, Cycles (sprints). Snyk covers Open source security, Code security (SAST), Container security, IaC security. Both handle GitHub, GitLab, Slack.
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