Top pick · Free
Plane
Match 80/100 · Free · save ~$97.80/yr
- Jira-like free
Best free & cheaper alternatives to Jira Software (2026)
Issue tracking for software teams.
Jira Software typical price: $8.15/mo Estimated Price checked: 2026-07-27 · Page updated 2026-08-19
Key takeaways
- Best free: Plane (match 80/100).
- Est. savings vs Jira Software: ~$97.80/year with Plane.
- Ranked by match score + price; paid placements labeled (see Trust).
- Trial real files before canceling Jira Software.
What is the best alternative to Jira Software?
Short list of the highest-ranked free and cheaper options (match score + price). Details and full ranking follow.
Top free & cheaper alternatives to Jira Software
Ranked by closest match score, then lower price. Free options surface when they fit. How we rank: methodology · trust.
#1 · match 80/100
Plane
Plane — often a stronger value alternative.
Jira-like free
#2 · match 78/100
Linear Free tier
Linear Free tier — often a stronger value alternative.
Modern UX
#3 · match 78/100
Startup Project Management
Skills matrix, org pyramid, Gantt, and runway budget for teams of 2–25
Skills matrix + org pyramidTasks, board, simple GanttBudget & runwayPlay + projectmanagementstartups.pages.dev
#4 · match 72/100
Taiga
Taiga — often a stronger value alternative.
Open source
#5 · match 70/100
YouTrack Free
YouTrack Free — often a stronger value alternative.
Small teams
Jira Software vs cheaper alternatives — price comparison table
| Tool | Price | Match | Est. savings vs Jira Software | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jira Software (paid baseline) | $8.15/mo | — | — | |
| Free | 80/100 | $97.80/yr | Open | |
| Free | 78/100 | $97.80/yr | Open | |
| Free/mo | 78/100 | $88.80/yr | Open | |
| Free | 72/100 | $97.80/yr | Open | |
| Free | 70/100 | $97.80/yr | Open |
We may earn a commission on some links. Approximate seed pricing — verify on vendor site CheaperThan is independent comparison content, not affiliated with Jira Software unless stated. Author: CheaperThan Editorial · Sources: public vendor pricing + catalog match notes · Methodology.
Compare side-by-side: Jira Software vs Plane · Jira Software vs Linear Free tier
How to pick a cheaper Jira Software alternative
- Review the top Jira Software alternatives. Start with Plane (free) as the highest match + price pick on this page, and note any free options such as Plane.
- Trial with real work. Export a sample project from Jira Software and test the same workflow in the alternative before you cancel anything.
- Confirm price and savings. Verify current vendor pricing. Estimated savings vs Jira Software for Plane are about $97.80/year — labeled Estimated or Verified on CheaperThan.
- Read trust & guides, then switch. Check /trust/ for how ranking and paid placements work, browse /guides/ for editorial deep-dives, then migrate and cancel Jira Software only when ready.
Trust & transparency · Guides · Methodology · Best free Project management
FAQ: free & cheaper alternatives to Jira Software
What is the best free alternative to Jira Software?
Plane is the best free alternative to Jira Software on this page (match score 80/100). Plane — often a stronger value alternative. Always trial free tiers before migrating critical work.
Cheaper than Jira Software — what should I use?
If you want cheaper than Jira Software, start with Plane (free). CheaperThan ranks by closest match plus lower price.
How much does Jira Software cost per month?
Jira Software is listed at about $8.15 per month (or $97.80/year). Price checked 2026-07-27. Vendor pricing changes — confirm on the official site.
How much can I save switching from Jira Software?
Switching from Jira Software to Plane can save about $97.80 per year (~$8.15/month). Other rows show savings for each alternative.
Is Plane good enough vs Jira Software?
Match scores estimate feature/use-case overlap, not perfection. Plane scores 80/100 for Jira Software workflows. For pro production, test your real files before canceling Jira Software.
Free project management tools like Jira Software?
Yes — in Project management, free options such as Plane are commonly used instead of Jira Software. See also related tools in this category below and /best-free/project-management/.
How does CheaperThan rank Jira Software alternatives?
We sort alternatives by match score first, then free-first when free options fit, then lower price. Paid placements (Starter/Featured/Spotlight) are labeled advertising and do not rewrite organic order. CheaperThan labels Estimated vs Verified prices, ranks by match score + price (free-first when they fit), and never invents user star reviews. See /trust/ and /methodology/.
Are the Jira Software prices on this page accurate?
Jira Software shows Estimated pricing (checked 2026-07-27). Approximate seed pricing — verify on vendor site Always verify on the official site before you buy or cancel. Transparency: /trust/ and /methodology/.
How do I switch from Jira Software to a cheaper alternative?
1) Open the top pick Plane and run a real-file trial. 2) Export or migrate critical projects from Jira Software. 3) Compare feature gaps against your must-haves (match score is a guide, not a guarantee). 4) Cancel Jira Software only after you confirm the workflow. Full process notes: /trust/ and /guides/.
How do I list my product as a Jira Software alternative?
Use List your tool ($9–$49 via PayPal) for paid placement, or Submit for free moderation. Listings appear next to people searching free/cheaper alternatives to Jira Software. Contact: [email protected]
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