Jira vs ClickUp: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Jira and ClickUp 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:
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
ClickUp
One app to replace them all
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You need whiteboard features specifically
- • All-in-one productivity platform
- • Tasks, docs, goals, and chat
| At a Glance |  Jira |  ClickUp |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Task Management | Whiteboard |
Rating | 82/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Jira | ClickUp |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Task ManagementWorkflow Automation | WhiteboardTask Management |
How Jira and ClickUp Compare
Jira
The industry standard for software development tracking and agile workflows
Free tier available · 82/100 score
ClickUp
One app to replace them all
Free tier available · 85/100 score
Jira is a task management tool. ClickUp is in whiteboard.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Jira
Want the highest-rated option?
Jira: 82/100. ClickUp: 85/100.
Go with: ClickUp
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: ClickUp
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?
Jira is a task management tool. ClickUp is in whiteboard. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
ClickUp scores higher: 85/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
ClickUp
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Jira
- Better fit for task management
The Bottom Line
ClickUp (85/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jira or ClickUp better?
ClickUp scores 85/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Jira and ClickUp used for?
Jira: The industry standard for software development tracking and agile workflows. ClickUp: One app to replace them all.
What does Jira cost vs ClickUp?
Jira is freemium (free tier + paid plans). ClickUp is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.