Linear is loved by engineers and resisted by everyone else, which is usually why a company looks for alternatives.
If non-engineers must file and follow issues, weight the interface over the keyboard shortcuts.
Side by side
| Tool | Pricing | Best for | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Todoist | Freemium | A freelancer juggling several clients who wants fast task entry on every device. | Web, macOS, Windows |
| Things | Paid | An individual on Mac and iPhone who wants a task list with no subscription or team features. | macOS, iOS |
The options, and what each one costs you
- Better if
- A freelancer juggling several clients who wants fast task entry on every device.
- You give up
- Collaboration features are basic compared with project-management tools, and the paid tier is per user, which gets expensive for larger teams.
- Better if
- An individual on Mac and iPhone who wants a task list with no subscription or team features.
- You give up
- It is Apple-only with no web or Android client, there is no team collaboration at all, and the lack of a subscription means no web service for sharing.
Frequently asked
What is the best alternative to Linear?
It depends on what you are leaving for. If non-engineers must file and follow issues, weight the interface over the keyboard shortcuts. Our closest match on features and price is Todoist.
Is there a free alternative to Linear?
Todoist is free to start.
How much does switching from Linear cost?
Migration is usually the expensive part, not the licence: exports rarely preserve permissions, history or automations. Budget a day per active workspace for anything with a database in it.
How we picked
Every tool here is in our Productivity directory, which means we have used it and written down where it falls short. Nothing on this page is sponsored, and the order is not for sale.