Modern speed. Friendlier price.
Linear hit $100M revenue and a $1.25B valuation by building the fastest issue tracker. Kanbo delivers the same speed with a richer editor and pricing that works for growing teams.
Kanbo is a Linear alternative for small teams that want flexibility over opinions. It provides the same fast, keyboard-driven experience with drag-and-drop kanban, but adds a rich text editor, configurable workflows, and an MCP server with 125 tools for AI agent integration. Free plan has no issue limits. Pro is $5/user/month (annual) vs Linear at $10/user/month.
Common Linear frustrations
- Free plan limited to 250 issues — not usable for real work
- Basic plan is $10/user/month with annual billing required
- Opinionated workflows may not fit your team's process
- Markdown-only editor — no rich text, no slash command templates
- 15,000+ companies pay, but many outgrow the free tier fast
Side-by-side comparison
See how Kanbo stacks up against Linear across the features that matter most.
| Feature | Kanbo | Linear |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Optimistic updates, real-time sync | Industry-leading speed and responsiveness |
| AI Assistant | Built-in ticket writing, refinement, clarity checks | AI triage, auto-labeling, project management |
| Rich Text Editor | 33 extensions, inline comments, code blocks, templates | Markdown editor with basic formatting |
| Pricing (10 users) | Free tier + affordable Pro | $100/mo (Basic) or $140/mo (Business), annual only |
| Free Plan | Core features with AI included | 250 issues max, 2 teams — POC only |
| Custom Workflows | Visual workflow builder with transition rules | Opinionated workflow — less customizable |
| MCP Server | AI agent integration (Claude, ChatGPT) built-in | API access, no MCP |
| Design | Clean, modern UI | Renowned minimal design — best-in-class UX |
| Git Integration | GitHub commit tracking via API | Deep GitHub/GitLab integration with branch tracking |
| Roadmaps & Cycles | Releases with burndown charts | Cycles, roadmaps, project views, milestones |
Frequently asked questions
How does Kanbo compare to Linear's speed?
Kanbo is built with the same performance-first philosophy. Optimistic updates, real-time sync, and aggressive caching mean every click feels instant. Both tools prioritize speed as a core feature.
Does Kanbo have Linear's keyboard shortcuts?
Kanbo focuses on a rich slash command system (27 commands) and drag-and-drop interactions. While Linear is known for its keyboard-heavy workflow, Kanbo offers a more visual, accessible approach.
How does pricing compare?
Linear's Free plan caps at 250 issues and 2 teams. Basic is $10/user/month, Business is $14/user/month (annual billing required). Kanbo offers a free tier with core features and AI, with more affordable Pro pricing and no annual commitment required.
Is Linear worth $100M+ in revenue?
Linear hit $100M revenue in 2025 with a $1.25B valuation — proving there's demand for fast, well-designed issue trackers. Kanbo offers a similar philosophy at a fraction of the cost, especially for smaller teams.
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