Plane vs Trello: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Plane and Trello 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:
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
Trello
Organize your projects visually with boards, lists, and cards
Best for you if:
- • Visual project management
- • Boards, lists, and cards
| At a Glance |  Plane |  Trello |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $8/moPro | $5/moStandard |
Best For | Project Management | Project Management |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Plane or Trello?
Choose Plane if
Open-source project management
- Open source
- Self-hostable
- Modern UI
Choose Trello if
Organize your projects visually with boards, lists, and cards
- Very easy to use
- Visual organization
- Good free tier
| Feature | Plane | Trello |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 15 reviews | ★4.5/5 36,971 reviews |
| Categories | Project ManagementTask Management | Project ManagementTask Management |
In-Depth Analysis
Plane
Open-source project management
Strengths
- +Open source
- +Self-hostable
- +Modern UI
Weaknesses
- -Newer project
- -Fewer integrations
Key features
Trello
Organize your projects visually with boards, lists, and cards
Strengths
- +Very easy to use
- +Visual organization
- +Good free tier
- +Many integrations
Weaknesses
- -Limited for complex projects
- -Basic reporting
- -Can get cluttered
Key features
Pricing: Plane vs Trello
| Plan | Plane | Trello |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $8 Pro | $5 Standard |
| Tier 3 | $13 Business | $10 Premium |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $17.50 Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Plane pricing and Trello pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Plane
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Plane
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Trello
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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Trello
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (36,971 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Plane
- Choose if you want open-source project management
The Bottom Line
Trello is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plane or Trello better?
Trello is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Plane and Trello used for?
Plane: Open-source project management. Trello: Organize your projects visually with boards, lists, and cards.
What does Plane cost vs Trello?
Plane is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Trello is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.