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Software · head to head

Linear vs Stoplight

Linear logo

Linear

Software

The issue tracking tool you'll enjoy using

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Stoplight logo

Stoplight

Software

API design, documentation, and governance 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; Stoplight the free plan allows one project and one user
  • They diverge on capability: Linear covers Fast, real-time sync, Stoplight covers API Design.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Linear and Stoplight actually diverge.

Attributes where Linear and Stoplight differ
AttributeLinearStoplight
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
PlatformsWeb, iOS, Android, macOS, WindowsWeb, Cloud
Founded20192014

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 Stoplight

  • API Design
  • API Documentation
  • Governance
  • Jenkins
  • Azure DevOps
  • Web support
  • Cloud support

Both cover

  • GitHub
  • GitLab

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

Stoplight

  • Designing and documenting OpenAPI specifications visuallynot Linear
  • Serving interactive API docs and instant mock servers from a specnot 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

Stoplight

  • The free plan allows one project and one user
  • Private projects, multi branch support and custom domains start at the Startup plan, $113 a month billed annually
  • SSO and shared style guides are Pro Team only, at $362 a month billed annually
  • Seats beyond each plan's allowance are $11 to $27 each per month depending on tier and billing period

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

Stoplight

Free
  • FreeFree
    • API design
    • Documentation
    • Community support
  • Pro$75/monthly
    • Governance
    • Advanced testing
    • Team collaboration
  • Enterprise$undefined/monthly
    • Custom deployment
    • SLA
    • Priority support

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 Stoplight if

  • You need api design.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Cloud.
  • You also want api documentation.
Stoplight review

Questions people ask

Is Linear or Stoplight better?
Neither clearly leads. Linear starts at Free and Stoplight at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Linear or Stoplight?
Linear starts at Free and Stoplight at Free.
Does Linear or Stoplight run on more platforms?
Linear runs on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows. Stoplight runs on Web, Cloud.
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 Stoplight is typically brought in for.
What can Linear do that Stoplight cannot?
Linear covers Fast, real-time sync, Keyboard-first design, Automatic issue tracking, Cycles (sprints). Stoplight covers API Design, API Documentation, Governance, Jenkins. Both handle GitHub, GitLab.
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