Shortcut vs Planka: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Shortcut and Planka 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:
Shortcut
Project management for software teams
Best for you if:
- • You need project tracking features specifically
- • Project management for dev teams
- • Simple and powerful
Planka
Self-hosted Kanban board for agile teams, offering privacy, flexibility, and full data control.
Best for you if:
- • You need task management features specifically
- • Self-hosted Kanban board for project management.
- • Offers full control over data and infrastructure.
| At a Glance |  Shortcut | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Project Tracking | Task Management |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Shortcut | Planka |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Project TrackingAgile & Scrum | Task ManagementProject Tracking |
Understanding the Differences
Both Shortcut and Planka solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Shortcut positions itself as "project management for software teams" while Plankafocuses on "self-hosted kanban board for agile teams, offering privacy, flexibility, and full data control.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Shortcut
Shortcut makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Planka
Planka is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Shortcut lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Shortcut
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Planka is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Planka
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Shortcut
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Shortcut, 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 Shortcut higher (/100). But the community has upvoted Planka more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Shortcut Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Planka If
- You want to start free and scale later
- 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 Shortcut. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Shortcut scores higher in our analysis, but Planka 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 Shortcut or Planka better?
Based on our analysis, Shortcut scores higher with high/100. Shortcut isfreemium while Planka is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Shortcut to Planka 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 Shortcut and Planka offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Shortcut is freemium with a free tier.Planka is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.