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Software · head to head

Linear vs TeamCity

Linear logo

Linear

Software

The issue tracking tool you'll enjoy using

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
TeamCity logo

TeamCity

Software

JetBrains continuous integration and delivery server

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; TeamCity detailed pricing requires visiting a calculator and isn't transparent on the main pricing page.
  • They diverge on capability: Linear covers Fast, real-time sync, TeamCity covers Build Chains.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Linear and TeamCity actually diverge.

Attributes where Linear and TeamCity differ
AttributeLinearTeamCity
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
PlatformsWeb, iOS, Android, macOS, Windowsweb, windows, mac, linux, api
Founded2019Unknown

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 TeamCity

  • Build Chains
  • Parallel Test Execution
  • VCS Integration
  • Build History & Analytics
  • Docker & Kubernetes Support
  • Access Control

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

TeamCity

  • Running build and test pipelines for enterprise software teamsnot Linear
  • Self-hosting CI/CD infrastructure behind a firewallnot Linear
  • Coordinating multi-stage build chains with dependenciesnot Linear
  • Scaling build capacity with additional agentsnot 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

TeamCity

  • Detailed pricing requires visiting a calculator and isn't transparent on the main pricing page.
  • Self-hosted setup and agent management require more operational overhead than fully managed CI/CD services.
  • Additional build agents and users are priced incrementally, which can add up for larger teams.
  • The UI and configuration model have a steeper learning curve compared to YAML-first CI tools.

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

TeamCity

Free
  • Free TierFree
    • Includes 3 build agents
    • 100 build configurations
    • On-premises or Cloud
  • TeamCity Cloud / On-Premises$undefined/month
    • Priced per additional build agent
    • Additional users on Cloud plans
    • Enterprise support options

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 TeamCity if

  • You need build chains.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on web, windows, mac, linux, api.
  • You also want parallel test execution.
TeamCity review

Questions people ask

Is Linear or TeamCity better?
Neither clearly leads. Linear starts at Free and TeamCity at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Linear or TeamCity?
Linear starts at Free and TeamCity at Free.
Does Linear or TeamCity run on more platforms?
Linear runs on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows. TeamCity runs on web, windows, mac, linux, api.
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 TeamCity is typically brought in for.
What can Linear do that TeamCity cannot?
Linear covers Fast, real-time sync, Keyboard-first design, Automatic issue tracking, Cycles (sprints). TeamCity covers Build Chains, Parallel Test Execution, VCS Integration, Build History & Analytics.
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