Software · head to head
Shortcut vs Apache Spark
Apache Spark
Software
A multi-language engine for data engineering, data science, and machine learning
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Shortcut limited reporting compared to Jira; Apache Spark licensed under Apache License 2.0 per spark.apache.org; as open source software it has no paid tier or vendor price to compare
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Shortcut and Apache Spark actually diverge.
| Attribute | Shortcut | Apache Spark |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Unknown | open-source |
| Platforms | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux | Web |
| Founded | 2014 | Unknown |
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 Shortcut
- Stories & epics
- Iterations (sprints)
- Kanban boards
- Roadmaps
- Reporting
- Docs
- API & webhooks
- Mobile apps
Only in Apache Spark
Nothing recorded that Shortcut does not also cover.
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Shortcut
- Sprint planningnot Apache Spark
- Bug trackingnot Apache Spark
- Feature developmentnot Apache Spark
- Product roadmappingnot Apache Spark
- Team collaborationnot Apache Spark
Apache Spark
No use cases recorded yet. See the Apache Spark review.
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Shortcut
- Limited reporting compared to Jira
- Designed specifically for software teams, not general project management
- Can experience slow loading times with very large projects
Apache Spark
- Licensed under Apache License 2.0 per spark.apache.org; as open source software it has no paid tier or vendor price to compare
- Installation on a laptop requires pip install pyspark or a Docker image per spark.apache.org; there is no hosted single-click deployment offered by the Apache project itself
Pricing, plan by plan
Shortcut
Free- FreeFree
- Kanban boards
- Sprints
- Roadmaps
- Team$8.5/user/month
- Unlimited users
- Advanced reports
- WIP limits
- Business$12/user/month
- Unlimited workspaces
- OKRs
- Advanced custom fields
- Enterprise$null/custom
- Volume discounts
- SSO/SCIM
- Premier support
Apache Spark
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Apache Spark review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Shortcut if
- You need stories & epics.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, macOS, Windows, Linux.
- You also want iterations (sprints).
Questions people ask
- Is Shortcut or Apache Spark better?
- Neither clearly leads. Shortcut starts at Free and Apache Spark at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Shortcut or Apache Spark?
- Shortcut starts at Free and Apache Spark at Free.
- Does Shortcut or Apache Spark run on more platforms?
- Shortcut runs on Web, macOS, Windows, Linux. Apache Spark runs on Web.
- Can I use Shortcut for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Shortcut best used for?
- Shortcut is most often used for sprint planning, bug tracking, feature development, product roadmapping. Of those, sprint planning and bug tracking are not what Apache Spark is typically brought in for.
- What can Shortcut do that Apache Spark cannot?
- Shortcut covers Stories & epics, Iterations (sprints), Kanban boards, Roadmaps.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Shortcut: Does Shortcut have a free plan?
Yes, Shortcut offers a free plan for up to 10 users with core features like kanban boards, roadmaps, sprints, and reports. Paid plans start at $8.50 per user per month.
SourceShortcut: Does Shortcut integrate with GitHub?
Yes, Shortcut has native GitHub integration that automatically syncs pull requests and commits to stories, and includes GitLab and Bitbucket support as well.
SourceShortcut: Can I use Shortcut for non-technical projects?
Shortcut is built for software teams, though you can customize workflows for other use cases. Linear and Asana may be better suited for non-technical project management.
SourceShortcut: Does Shortcut support SSO and SCIM?
Yes, SSO and SCIM support are available on the Enterprise plan, allowing centralized identity management for large organizations.
SourceShortcut: What's the difference between Shortcut and Jira?
Shortcut is lighter and faster with less setup required, while Jira offers deeper customization and enterprise features. Shortcut works better for modern software teams wanting simplicity; Jira suits enterprises needing extensive configuration.
Source