Linear vs Opsgenie: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Linear and Opsgenie 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Linear
Issue tracking for software teams
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.1/10 vs 8.6/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need task management features specifically
- • Fast issue tracking for dev teams
- • Beautiful clean interface
Opsgenie
On-call management and alerting by Atlassian
Best for you if:
- • You need incident management features specifically
- • Opsgenie is an incident management platform for alerting and on-call schedules
- • It routes alerts, manages escalations, and coordinates incident response
| At a Glance |  Linear |  Opsgenie |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Task Management | Incident Management |
Rating | 91/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Linear | Opsgenie |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 91 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Task ManagementProject Tracking | Incident ManagementMonitoring |
Understanding the Differences
Both Linear and Opsgenie solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Linear positions itself as "issue tracking for software teams" while Opsgeniefocuses on "on-call management and alerting by atlassian". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Linear
Linear makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 91/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Opsgenie
Opsgenie is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Linear lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Linear
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Linear handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Linear
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Opsgenie takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Opsgenie
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Linear, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Linear higher (91/100). But the community has upvoted Opsgenie more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Linear Does Better
- Higher overall score (91/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Opsgenie If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Linear (91/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Linear scores higher in our analysis, but Opsgenie might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Linear or Opsgenie better?
Based on our analysis, Linear scores higher with 91/100. Linear isfreemium while Opsgenie is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Linear to Opsgenie easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Linear and Opsgenie offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Linear is freemium with a free tier.Opsgenie is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.