GitHub Issues vs Plane: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between GitHub Issues and Plane 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.
Bottom line: GitHub Issues is our overall pick for project management workflows. Pick Plane if you need a free tier to start with.
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:
- • Integrated issue tracking and project planning within GitHub.
- • Features sub-issues, custom fields, and flexible project views (tables, boards, roadmaps).
Plane
Open-source project management
Best for you if:
- • Plane is an open-source project management tool for product teams
- • It provides issue tracking, cycles, and roadmaps with simplicity
| At a Glance |  GitHub Issues |  Plane |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Project Management | Project Management |
Rating | - | 4.4/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose GitHub Issues or Plane?
Choose GitHub Issues if
Project planning and issue tracking built for developers, integrated directly into GitHub.
- Free issue tracking
- GitHub integration
- Labels and milestones
Choose Plane if
Open-source project management
- Open source
- Self-hostable
- Modern UI
| Feature | GitHub Issues | Plane |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.4/5 15 reviews |
| Categories | Project ManagementTask Management | Project ManagementTask Management |
In-Depth Analysis
GitHub Issues
Project planning and issue tracking built for developers, integrated directly into GitHub.
Strengths
- +Free issue tracking
- +GitHub integration
- +Labels and milestones
- +API access
- +Community standard
Weaknesses
- -Basic project management
- -Limited views
- -Reporting minimal
- -Workflows basic
- -Better alternatives exist
Key features
Plane
Open-source project management
Strengths
- +Open source
- +Self-hostable
- +Modern UI
Weaknesses
- -Newer project
- -Fewer integrations
Key features
Pricing: GitHub Issues vs Plane
| Plan | GitHub Issues | Plane |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $8 Pro |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $13 Business |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on GitHub Issues pricing and Plane pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: GitHub Issues
Want the highest-rated option?
Plane is rated 4.4/5. GitHub Issues has no ratings yet.
Go with: Plane
Value user reviews?
GitHub Issues: no ratings yet. Plane: 15 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: Plane
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?
Both are project management tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Plane is rated 4.4/5; GitHub Issues has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
GitHub Issues
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Plane
- Choose if you want open-source project management
The Bottom Line
GitHub Issues is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GitHub Issues or Plane better?
GitHub Issues is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are GitHub Issues and Plane used for?
GitHub Issues: Project planning and issue tracking built for developers, integrated directly into GitHub.. Plane: Open-source project management.
What does GitHub Issues cost vs Plane?
GitHub Issues is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Plane is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.