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Software · head to head

Raycast vs Linear

Raycast logo

Raycast

Software

Blazingly fast, totally extendable launcher

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Linear logo

Linear

Software

The issue tracking tool you'll enjoy using

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Raycast the free plan includes 50 Raycast AI messages, 5 notes and 3 months of clipboard history; Linear no task-level Gantt chart; Timeline view is available for projects only, not individual issues
  • They diverge on capability: Raycast covers Application launcher, Linear covers Fast, real-time sync.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Raycast and Linear actually diverge.

Attributes where Raycast and Linear differ
AttributeRaycastLinear
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsMacosWeb, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows
Founded20202019

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 Raycast

  • Application launcher
  • File search
  • Clipboard history
  • Snippets
  • Window management
  • Calculator
  • System commands
  • Extension ecosystem

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

  • GitHub
  • Slack

What people use each for

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

Raycast

  • App launchingnot Linear
  • Quick calculationsnot Linear
  • File navigationnot Linear
  • Snippet expansionnot Linear
  • Workflow automationnot Linear

Linear

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

Where each one falls short

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

Raycast

  • The free plan includes 50 Raycast AI messages, 5 notes and 3 months of clipboard history
  • Advanced AI models are sold only as an add-on to the paid Pro plan at a further $8 per month on top of the $10 subscription
  • Free team workspaces cap sharing at 30 snippets, 30 quicklinks and 5 commands across all extensions
  • Teams Pro is $15 per user per month, billed per seat rather than per workspace

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

Raycast

Free
  • PersonalFree
    • Core launcher features
    • All built-in extensions
    • Extension store access
  • Pro$8/month
    • Everything in Personal
    • AI commands
    • Cloud sync
  • Team$12/month
    • Everything in Pro
    • Shared extensions
    • Team snippets

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 Raycast if

  • You need application launcher.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Macos.
  • You also want file search.
Raycast 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 Raycast or Linear better?
Neither clearly leads. Raycast starts at Free and Linear at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Raycast or Linear?
Raycast starts at Free and Linear at Free.
Does Raycast or Linear run on more platforms?
Raycast runs on Macos. Linear runs on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows.
Can I use Raycast for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Raycast best used for?
Raycast is most often used for app launching, quick calculations, file navigation, snippet expansion. Of those, app launching and quick calculations are not what Linear is typically brought in for.
What can Raycast do that Linear cannot?
Raycast covers Application launcher, File search, Clipboard history, Snippets. Linear covers Fast, real-time sync, Keyboard-first design, Automatic issue tracking, Cycles (sprints). Both handle GitHub, Slack.
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