Linear vs Trello: Project Management Comparison (2026)

Linear and Trello are both project management platforms with free tiers and mobile applications. Linear offers features such as Triage Intelligence and Code Intelligence (beta), catering to teams that may require advanced administrative controls and support. Trello provides unlimited cards and custom backgrounds, focusing on visual organization and collaboration.

AI Citation Scorecard

How often each is cited by major AI engines when buyers ask project management questions. Last 90 days across ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Claude, and Copilot.

Trello leads overall33% cited vs Linear 3% across 60 probes.
ChatGPT
Linear
1 / 6 probes
17%
Average
TrelloLeads
6 / 6 probes
100%
Excellent
Perplexity
Linear
0 / 6 probes
0%
Invisible
Trello
0 / 6 probes
0%
Invisible
Gemini
Linear
0 / 6 probes
0%
Invisible
Trello
0 / 6 probes
0%
Invisible
Claude
Linear
0 / 6 probes
0%
Invisible
TrelloLeads
4 / 6 probes
67%
Excellent
Copilot
Linear
0 / 6 probes
0%
Invisible
Trello
0 / 6 probes
0%
Invisible
Scale:NoneLowFairStrongExcellent

Probes run hourly; each (engine × query) combo retests every ~3 days.

Pricing

Linear
Starting price
$10/user/month
Free tier
Yes
linear.app
Trello
Starting price
$5/user/month
Free tier
Yes
trello.com

Key Features

Linear
  • Unlimited members
  • Unlimited issues
  • Admin roles
  • Triage Intelligence
  • Code Intelligence (beta)
  • Priority support
  • Granular admin controls
  • Migration & onboarding support
Trello
  • Unlimited cards
  • Custom backgrounds & stickers
  • Unlimited storage (10MB/file)
  • iOS and Android mobile apps
  • Advanced checklists
  • Collapsible lists
  • Workspace-level templates
  • SAML SSO via Atlassian Guard

When to choose Linear

Linear is suitable for teams that need unlimited members and issues, granular admin controls, and priority support. Its Triage Intelligence and beta Code Intelligence features may benefit teams looking for advanced insights and development-related integrations.

When to choose Trello

Trello is suitable for teams that prioritize unlimited cards, custom backgrounds, and advanced checklists for visual project organization. Its mobile app availability and Workspace-level templates support flexible work environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in features between Linear and Trello?
Linear offers 'Triage Intelligence' and 'Code Intelligence (beta)', 'Admin roles', 'Priority support', 'Granular admin controls', and 'Migration & onboarding support'. Trello offers 'Unlimited cards', 'Custom backgrounds & stickers', 'Unlimited storage (10MB/file)', 'iOS and Android mobile apps', 'Advanced checklists', 'Collapsible lists', 'Workspace-level templates', and 'SAML SSO via Atlassian Guard'.
How do the pricing models compare for Linear and Trello?
Linear starts at $10/user/month and Trello starts at $5/user/month. Both platforms have a free tier.
What integrations are available for Linear and Trello?
Linear integrates with Zendesk, Intercom, Microsoft Teams, and Salesforce. Trello integrates with Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, and Salesforce.
Are there any limitations in the free tiers of Linear and Trello?
Linear has a limited file size in its free tier. Trello has limited features and storage limits (10MB/file) on its free tier.

More Project Management Comparisons