Jira vs 
Linear Jira boards suit teams that want status-based delivery boards, JQL-powered cross-space views, and configurable cards within their existing Jira workflow. Linear boards suit product-development teams that want consistent board and list layouts, configurable grouping, and fast keyboard-driven selection and editing.
Jira Best for status-based delivery boards in Jira
Linear Best for fast board and list interaction
✓ Supported · — Partially supported · × Not available.
| Feature | Jira | Linear |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting paid price Compare the entry paid plan, billing unit, and payment commitment. | $7.91/user/month in the current Standard monthly example | $10/user/month billed yearly for Basic |
| Free plan Compare what teams can use before moving to a paid plan. | The Free plan covers up to 10 users with 2 GB storage, community support, and lower automation limits. Permissions, external collaboration, and other controls require a paid plan. | The Free plan includes unlimited members, two teams, and up to 250 issues. File uploads are limited to 10 MB and several administration and reporting features require paid plans. |
| Layout and structure | ||
| Board and list layouts Switch between a board and a list of the same work. | Limited Separate board and list views with controls that vary by space type | Supported |
| Columns and rows by field Choose which information organises columns and rows. | Limited Status-based columns with configurable swimlanes | Supported |
| Cross-team boards Bring work owned by several teams or projects into one board. | Supported | Supported |
| Several values in one column Combine several field values within a single board column. | Supported | Limited One column per visible grouping value |
| Cards and fields | ||
| Custom fields Track information that is specific to the team’s work. | Supported | Limited Defined issue properties plus labels and label groups |
| Choose fields on cards Choose which information appears directly on each card. | Supported | Limited Supported built-in properties and labels |
| Edit fields on cards Change work-item fields without opening a separate detail view. | Limited Common card actions; broader edits open the work item or bulk-change flow | Supported |
| Time in status See how long work has remained in its current state. | Limited Visual days-in-column indicator rather than a precise card field | Supported |
| Views and filtering | ||
| Advanced filters Build precise views from several conditions. | Supported | Supported |
| Saved and shared views Save board or list settings and share them with other people. | Supported | Supported |
| Rules for card colours Use work data to reveal risk, ownership, or urgency at a glance. | Supported | Limited Colours from supported built-in properties |
| Board interaction | ||
| Keyboard navigation and commands Navigate and act without reaching for the mouse. | Limited Shortcuts for navigation and common actions | Supported |
| Bulk editing from the board Update several selected cards together. | Supported | Supported |
| Drag cards to update work Move cards between columns or rows and update their underlying data. | Supported | Supported |
| Integrations | ||
| Development integrations Connect planning with branches, pull requests, builds, and deployments. | Supported | Supported |
| Jira integration Connect work and updates with Jira projects. | Supported | Supported |
Jira 
Board scope, quick filters, rows, and card colours can use JQL queries.
Company-managed boards group columns by status and can add swimlanes by query, story, assignee, epic, or space.
Boards can show supported standard and custom fields on cards.
Company-managed boards can colour cards by work type, priority, assignee, or JQL query.
Linear 
Most issue views can switch between board and list layouts while keeping the same work in view.
Keyboard shortcuts and the command menu support navigation, selection, and common issue actions.
Filtered board or list views can be saved for an individual, a team, or the workspace.
Teams can select multiple issues and update common properties from the toolbar or command menu.
Jira Linear Compare how each product shapes columns, swimlanes, fields, and views around the work a team needs to manage.
Company-managed boards group columns by status and can add swimlanes by query, story, assignee, epic, or space. They do not turn any arbitrary field into draggable columns. Board scope, quick filters, rows, and card colours can use JQL queries.
Boards can group and sub-group by status, project, priority, cycle, label, team, assignee, and other supported properties. Nested filters combine issue properties with and/or logic, and filtered views can be saved and shared.
Look at how much everyday work can be updated directly from the board or list without opening a separate workflow.
Cards support common quick actions and moves, while broader field changes usually open the work item or bulk-change flow. Inline controls vary by board and field. Selected work items can be changed through Jira’s bulk-change workflow.
Issue properties can be changed directly through cards, contextual controls, and the command menu. Available properties follow Linear’s defined data model. Teams can select multiple issues and update common properties from the toolbar or command menu.
Compare which fields appear on cards, how teams expose time in status, and whether colour rules can highlight important work.
Company-managed boards can show visual indicators for how many days a card has remained in a column. The board does not show a precise time-in-status value as a standard card field. Board scope, quick filters, rows, and card colours can use JQL queries.
Linear can show, sort, and filter issues by time in status. The property must be enabled where applicable. Nested filters combine issue properties with and/or logic, and filtered views can be saved and shared.
Compare whether Jira remains the underlying system, synchronises with another product, or sits outside the workflow.
Jira is the underlying system, so no separate Jira synchronisation is required. Jira connects with source control, build, deployment, feature-flag, and Marketplace development tools.
Jira Sync can keep mapped Jira spaces and Linear teams updated during a pilot or gradual transition. Setup requires Jira administration, mappings, and installed webhooks. Native GitHub and GitLab connections link product work with branches, commits, pull requests, reviews, and releases.
Documentation reviewed 2026-09-16. Based on product documentation and pricing sources.
