GitHub Issues vs Jira: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between GitHub Issues and Jira comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
GitHub Issues
Project planning and issue tracking built for developers, integrated directly into GitHub.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You need code review features specifically
- • Integrated issue tracking and project planning within GitHub.
- • Features sub-issues, custom fields, and flexible project views (tables, boards, roadmaps).
Jira
The industry standard for software development tracking and agile workflows
Best for you if:
- • You need task management features specifically
- • Industry-standard project management for developers
- • Agile and Scrum-focused issue tracking
| At a Glance |  GitHub Issues |  Jira |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Code Review | Task Management |
Rating | 84/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | GitHub Issues | Jira |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Code ReviewTask Management | Task ManagementWorkflow Automation |
How GitHub Issues and Jira Compare
GitHub Issues
Project planning and issue tracking built for developers, integrated directly into GitHub.
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Jira
The industry standard for software development tracking and agile workflows
Free tier available · 82/100 score
GitHub Issues is a code review tool. Jira is in task management.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: GitHub Issues
Want the highest-rated option?
GitHub Issues: 84/100. Jira: 82/100.
Go with: GitHub Issues
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: GitHub Issues
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
GitHub Issues is a code review tool. Jira is in task management. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
GitHub Issues scores higher: 84/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
GitHub Issues
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Jira
- Better fit for task management
The Bottom Line
GitHub Issues (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GitHub Issues or Jira better?
GitHub Issues scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are GitHub Issues and Jira used for?
GitHub Issues: Project planning and issue tracking built for developers, integrated directly into GitHub.. Jira: The industry standard for software development tracking and agile workflows.
What does GitHub Issues cost vs Jira?
GitHub Issues is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Jira is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.