UpKeep vs Plane: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between UpKeep 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: Plane wins this matchup. Pick UpKeep if you need workflow automation.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
UpKeep
The modern platform for asset operations, bringing maintenance, safety, and asset data into one intelligent system.
Best for you if:
- • You want centralizes all maintenance, safety, and asset data in one platform
Plane
Open-source project management
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
| At a Glance | UpKeep | Plane |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $20/mo Essential | Free Free plan |
Category | Workflow Automation Productivity | Project Management Task Management |
Rating | 4.5/5 Capterra 4.5 · G2 4.5 2,443 reviews | 4.4/5 G2 4.4 15 reviews |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Watch out for | n/a | No explicit mention of data storage limits |
Choose UpKeep or Plane?
Choose UpKeep if
- You want centralizes all maintenance, safety, and asset data in one platform
- You want AI automation significantly reduces manual effort and improves efficiency
- You work in workflow automation, not project management
Choose Plane if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want open source
- You want self-hostable
- You work in project management, not workflow automation
In-Depth Analysis
UpKeep
The modern platform for asset operations, bringing maintenance, safety, and asset data into one intelligent system.
UpKeep's pricing starts reasonably with the Essential tier at $20/month per user, offering a good entry point for basic asset management.
Strengths
- Pro: Centralizes all maintenance, safety, and asset data in one platform.
- Pro: AI automation significantly reduces manual effort and improves efficiency.
- Pro: Mobile-first design empowers technicians to work from anywhere.
- Pro: Offers a broad suite of products beyond CMMS, including EHS, IoT, and LMS.
- Pro: Provides enterprise-grade security, compliance, and scalability for large organizations.
Weaknesses
- Con: Pricing for Professional and Enterprise tiers requires direct contact, lacking transparency.
- Con: The extensive feature set might have a learning curve for smaller teams or new users.
- Con: Requires integration with existing systems for full benefit, which may involve setup time.
Key features
Plane
Open-source project management
Plane offers a very generous Free tier for up to 12 users, making it highly accessible for small teams.
Watch out
No explicit mention of data storage limits
Strengths
- Pro: Open source
- Pro: Self-hostable
- Pro: Modern UI
Weaknesses
- Con: Newer project
- Con: Fewer integrations
Key features
Pricing: UpKeep vs Plane
| Plan | UpKeep | Plane |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $20/month per user Essential | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $55/month per user Premium | $8 Pro |
| Tier 3 | Contact us Professional | $13 Business |
| Tier 4 | Contact us Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on UpKeep pricing and Plane pricing.
Key Takeaways
Plane
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
UpKeep
- Larger review base (2,443 reviews)
- Better fit for workflow automation
The Bottom Line
Plane wins this matchup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UpKeep or Plane better in 2026?
Plane wins this matchup. Pick UpKeep for workflow automation workflows (main strength: centralizes all maintenance, safety, and asset data in one platform). Pick Plane for project management workflows (main strength: open source).
What are UpKeep and Plane used for?
UpKeep: The modern platform for asset operations, bringing maintenance, safety, and asset data into one intelligent system. Plane: Open-source project management.
What does UpKeep cost vs Plane?
UpKeep's paid plans start at $20/mo (Essential). Plane's paid plans start at Free (Pro).
What's the main difference between UpKeep and Plane?
UpKeep's main strength: centralizes all maintenance, safety, and asset data in one platform. Plane's main strength: open source.