With the fast-paced working environment of today, it is very easy to get overwhelmed without the right resources to deal with tasks, bugs, and the project’s progress. Jira tracking software is now a necessity to teams of all sizes so that they can remain organized and effective. Issue tracking software assists teams in synchronizing work planning, monitoring progress, managing bugs, and collaborating. Atlassian Jira is a widely used issue tracker, but alternatives and replacements abound. In this article, we will discuss 15 Jira tracking software tools that will assist you in selecting the right tool for your team.
Whether you are a coder attempting to squash bugs, a project manager planning sprints, or a marketing team following campaign tasks, this guide will assist you in knowing the alternatives and making the right choice. We have picked these tools for popularity, feature set, simplicity, integration level, and pricing. Every Jira tracking software is compared based on its prominent features, positives, negatives, pricing model, and best suitability to provide you with a deeper insight.
Criteria for Selecting the Best Jira Tracking Software
We evaluated each Jira tracking software using the following criteria:
- User Interface & Ease of Use: How intuitive and easy the platform is to use for new users
- Customization Options: How customizable the tool is to support individual processes and workflows
- Integration Capabilities: How well it can integrate with other tools in your tech stack
- Reporting & Analytics: Depth and quality of information reported through reports
- Collaboration Features: Collaboration features to support team messaging and knowledge sharing
- Mobile Access: Convenience and simplicity of use and access of mobile apps to track on the go
- Pricing Model: Clarity of prices and value for money
- Scalability: The Scalability of the tool to match your team or organization
- Support & Resources: Quality of customer support, quality of guides, and documentation
- Security Features: Data protection and management of access features
List of 15 Jira Tracking Software
1.Jira Software
Atlassian’s Jira Software is a project management and issue-tracking solution for agile teams that boasts Scrum, Kanban, and custom workflows. It is perfectly suited for sprint planning, bug tracking, and release management. It also comes with the integration of hundreds of tools such as Confluence, Bitbucket, and Slack to provide end-to-end visibility of the project. With strong reporting, backlog management, and developer-centric features, Jira is used by software teams to plan, track, and deliver high-quality products effectively.
Key Features:
- Customizable workflows
- Agile boards (Scrum and Kanban)
- Advanced reporting and dashboards
- Integration with development tools (e.g., Bitbucket, GitHub)
Pros:
- Highly customizable to fit various workflows
- Strong integration ecosystem
Cons:
- Can be complex for new users
- Pricing can be high for large teams
Pricing:
Starts at $7.53/user/month for the Standard plan.
Who Should Use It?
Software development teams practice agile methodologies.
2. ClickUp
ClickUp is a full-stack productivity solution that integrates project management, issue tracking, documentation, and collaboration within one workspace. It has agile support such as sprint planning, backlog grooming, and workload management. ClickUp’s user-friendly UI, personalized views (List, Board, Gantt, etc.), and robust automation features make it an ideal replacement or supplement to Jira. Teams can monitor bugs, have an overview of tasks, and observe project health using real-time dashboards, and smooth integrations boost team workstreams.
Key Features:
- Customizable task statuses and views
- Time tracking and goal setting
- Integrations with various tools (e.g., Slack, GitHub)
- Automation capabilities
Pros:
- Highly customizable and versatile
- Offers a comprehensive free plan
Cons:
- Steep learning curve due to feature richness
- Performance can be sluggish with large data sets
Pricing:
Free plan available; paid plans start at $7/user/month.
Who Should Use It?
Teams seeking a flexible and comprehensive project management solution.
3. Asana
Asana assists teams in organizing work with visual workflows, task tracking, and collaboration features. Although not exclusively designed for developers, it’s frequently used in conjunction with Jira to facilitate more general team collaboration. Asana accommodates Kanban boards, timelines, custom fields, and goal tracking to allow teams to structure projects and track progress. Its simplicity of use and rules of automation allow repetitive tasks to be quickly streamlined, and problems prioritized and aligned throughout departments. Asana is adaptable to fit agile or non-agile teams.
Key Features:
- Task and project management with timelines
- Workload and resource management
- Automation rules for routine tasks
- Integration with various apps (e.g., Slack, Google Workspace)
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Strong collaboration features
Cons:
- Limited customization compared to some competitors
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans
Pricing:
Free plan available; Premium plan starts at $10.99/user/month.
Who Should Use It?
Teams are looking for a straightforward tool to manage tasks and projects collaboratively.
4. Trello
Trello is a Kanban board-based visual project management tool for simple and team-based task management. Owned by Atlassian, it eases integration with Jira, allowing teams to synchronize business and development workflows. Trello’s card-based system makes it easy to create, assign, and prioritize tasks, upload files, and track progress. Power-ups (plug-ins) extend its capabilities, supporting calendars, timelines, and automation. Trello is ideal for small teams, startups, and non-tech stakeholders to visually organize work.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop Kanban boards
- Customizable cards with checklists and attachments
- Power-Ups to extend functionality
- Integration with various apps (e.g., Slack, Google Drive)
Pros:
- Intuitive and easy to use
- Flexible for various types of projects
Cons:
- May lack advanced features for complex project management
- Limited reporting capabilities
Pricing:
Free plan available; Standard plan starts at $5/user/month.
Who Should Use It?
Individuals or small teams seeking a simple and visual task management tool.
5. Azure DevOps
Microsoft Azure DevOps is a rich-featured development planning, code collaboration, CI/CD, and work item tracking suite. Its Boards enable agile project tracking using user stories, sprints, and burndown charts. DevOps integrates closely with Git repositories and pipelines and thus is a one-stop solution for end-to-end management of the development lifecycle. Teams running Azure for cloud infrastructure prefer Azure DevOps because of its seamless ecosystem. It’s a fit for development teams and companies who desire comprehensive, solid tooling.
Key Features:
- Azure Boards for work tracking
- Azure Repos for source control
- Azure Pipelines for CI/CD
- Integration with Microsoft tools (e.g., Visual Studio, Teams)
Pros:
- Comprehensive toolset for DevOps practices
- Seamless integration with Microsoft ecosystem
Cons:
- Can be complex for small teams
- Less intuitive interface compared to some competitors
Pricing:
Free for up to 5 users; paid plans start at $6/user/month.
Who Should Use It?
Development teams using Microsoft technologies and practicing DevOps methodologies.
6. Monday.com
Monday.com is a very visual and highly customizable project tracking and team collaboration platform. It has agile workflows accommodated through boards, timelines, automation, and integrations. Although not designed specifically for software teams, Monday.com’s flexibility provides an excellent substitute for Jira, especially ideal for cross-functional teams. Sprint tracking, workload management, and time tracking features provide openness and accountability. Monday.com is most appropriate for teams that prefer to track tasks, bugs, and workflows in a user-friendly, easy-to-navigate setting.
Key Features:
- Customizable boards and dashboards
- Automations for routine tasks
- Multiple view options (e.g., Kanban, Gantt)
- Integration with various tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom)
Pros:
- Highly customizable to fit different workflows
- Visually appealing and user-friendly interface
Cons:
- Can become expensive with add-ons and larger teams
- Some users may find it overwhelming due to feature breadth
Pricing:
Free plan available; paid plans start at $9/user/month (billed annually)
Who Should Use It?
Teams seeking a visual and customizable tool to manage sprints, tasks, and team collaboration workflows.
7. Linear
Linear is a quick, modern issue tracker and project planning tool built specifically for software teams. With a keyboard-driven workflow and interface, Linear accommodates agile practices such as kanban and sprints with little friction. Linear natively supports GitHub, Slack, and other development tools, automatically updating status and correlating code changes to issues. Linear is utilized by startups and dev-focused teams because of its performance, usability, and real-time collaboration features that maintain engineering productivity.
Key Features:
- Lightning-fast interface optimized for keyboard use
- Integration with GitHub, GitLab, and Slack
- Automatic issue tracking and cycle planning
- Built-in roadmaps and project status updates
Pros:
- Clean and intuitive UI
- Very fast and responsive for developers
Cons:
- Not ideal for non-technical teams
- Limited integrations compared to competitors
Pricing:
Free for up to 250 issues; paid plans start at $8/user/month
Who Should Use It?
Developer teams looking for a fast, focused, and distraction-free issue tracker.
8. YouTrack (JetBrains)
YouTrack by JetBrains is an adaptive issue-tracking and project management tool for agile software development teams. It has scrum and kanban boards, customizable workflows, backlog grooming, and time tracking. YouTrack also has enhanced search and reporting, allowing you to filter and analyze issues accurately. Unlike the other tools, YouTrack lets you customize almost every aspect of the workflow. It is incorporated in JetBrains IDEs, Git, CI tools, and messaging platforms and is suitable for technologically savvy teams.
Key Features:
- Custom workflows and issue fields
- Agile boards (Scrum/Kanban) and backlog support
- Time tracking and reporting
- Integration with JetBrains IDEs and VCS tools
Pros:
- Very customizable for complex workflows
- Strong integration with development environments
Cons:
- UI may feel dated for some users
- Initial setup can be complex
Pricing:
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $4.40/user/month
Who Should Use It?
Development teams needing deep customization and seamless IDE integrations.
9. Shortcut
Shortcut is a lightweight project management software that is built for today’s software teams. It supports Kanban boards, sprint planning, and backlog management, and has real-time collaboration features. Its lightweight UI and developer-focused features make it the perfect choice for startups as an alternative to Jira. Shortcut offers integration features with GitHub, Slack, and others for automated updates based on code activity. It is designed to align engineering teams and stakeholders with simple planning, roadmapping, and tracking in one workspace.
Key Features:
- Iterations, milestones, and roadmaps
- Integrated Git workflows and story tracking
- Kanban and sprint planning boards
- API and third-party integrations
Pros:
- Easy to navigate and developer-friendly
- Good balance of features and simplicity
Cons:
- Limited enterprise-level functionality
- Some advanced PM features are missing
Pricing:
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $8.50/user/month
Who Should Use It?
Small to mid-size software teams looking for a streamlined agile tool.
10. GitHub Issues
GitHub Issues is GitHub’s built-in issue and task-tracking tool. Developers can create, assign, and label issues in repositories directly, so it is perfect for project milestones, bugs, and feature enhancements. GitHub Issues has kanban-style project boards, task lists, and automation through GitHub Actions. It’s perfect for open-source projects and dev teams needing lightweight tracking closely integrated with their codebase without necessarily requiring a tool such as Jira for issue tracking.
Key Features:
- Direct issue creation from code discussions
- Labels, milestones, and project boards
- GitHub Projects (Kanban-style boards)
- Automation and GitHub Actions support
Pros:
- Seamless integration with GitHub repos
- Great for dev teams already using GitHub
Cons:
- Limited reporting and customization
- Not ideal for non-technical users
Pricing:
Free with GitHub; advanced features in GitHub Team/Enterprise plans
Who Should Use It?
Developers and open-source teams using GitHub as their primary code platform.
11. Notion
Notion is an all-in-one workspace for databases, wikis, task management, and notes. Notion is not an issue tracker but can be configured to generate agile boards, bug trackers, and project roadmaps. Notion is also used in tandem with Jira to manage documentation and cross-functional tasks. With its database capability, templates, and integration properties, Notion is a good tool for designing team workflows. Notion is especially useful for startups and teams who prefer having a clean, one-workspace platform.
Key Features:
- Custom databases and templates for task tracking
- Kanban boards, calendars, and lists
- Integrates with Jira, Slack, and GitHub
- Real-time collaboration and comments
Pros:
- Highly flexible and user-friendly
- Great for combining docs and tasks
Cons:
- Lacks native agile features like sprints
- Can become cluttered without structure
Pricing:
Free for personal use; paid plans start at $10/user/month
Who Should Use It?
Teams or individuals looking to blend project tracking with documentation and planning.
12. Wrike
Wrike is a project management platform that is ideal for cross-departmental project coordination and provides seamless collaboration and streamlined workflows. It incorporates automated task assignments, deadlines, and automated reporting features such as automated reporting and analytics dashboards. Wrike offers advanced task tracking, Gantt charts, and real-time collaboration tools and supports agile workflows through customizable statuses, boards, and sprint planning views. It also incorporates time tracking, request forms, workload management, and dashboards. Wrike integrates with known tools such as Jira, GitHub, and Slack.
Key Features:
- Gantt charts and workload management
- Custom dashboards and request forms
- Time tracking and detailed analytics
- Integrations with 400+ tools (including Jira)
Pros:
- Scalable for large teams and enterprises
- Excellent reporting and visualization tools
Cons:
- Learning curve for advanced features
- Can be expensive for smaller teams
Pricing:
Free plan available; paid plans start at $9.80/user/month
Who Should Use It?
Large teams or enterprises needing in-depth tracking and resource management.
13. Bugzilla
Bugzilla is an open-source issue and bug tracker that was initially created by Mozilla. It’s extremely configurable with rich bug tracking, custom workflow, and solid querying. Despite its old interface compared to the latest tools, Bugzilla remains a favorite of teams who require a powerful no-frills tool. It allows email notifications, attachment management, time tracking, and full user permissions. Bugzilla is suited best for technical teams who require a free self-hosted bug tracker.
Key Features:
- Advanced bug search and reporting
- Custom workflows and user permissions
- Email notifications and time tracking
- Integration with source control tools
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- Highly configurable and scalable
Cons:
- Outdated user interface
- Requires technical know-how for setup and maintenance
Pricing:
Free and open-source
Who Should Use It?
Tech-savvy teams looking for a customizable and no-cost bug tracking system.
14. Redmine
Redmine is an open source issue tracking and project management system written in Ruby on Rails. It has features supporting several projects, role-based access control, Gantt charts, time tracking, and customization of the workflow. The plugin architecture of Redmine gives a high level of customization ability, which makes it compatible with the needs of various teams. Redmine can integrate with SCM tools like SVN and Git. While not as current as commercial solutions, Redmine is a solid choice for organizations that need a free, on-premises alternative to Jira.
Key Features:
- Role-based access control
- Gantt charts and calendars
- Time tracking and wiki support
- Plugin ecosystem for added functionality
Pros:
- Highly customizable with plugins
- Ideal for multi-project environments
Cons:
- Complex setup and maintenance
- UI feels outdated
Pricing:
Free and open-source
Who Should Use It?
Teams with technical resources that need a free, multi-project tracking solution.
15. Backlog
Backlog is a development team-focused project management and bug-tracking solution. It integrates task tracking, version control (SVN/Git), and wiki functionality into a single system. Backlog has Kanban boards, Gantt charts, and issue templates, making it simple to coordinate both development and design workflows. Its simple interface and advanced capabilities enable cross-team collaboration. With repository management and code review built in, Backlog makes a great fit for teams who want an integrated dev collaboration suite within one application.
Key Features:
- Kanban boards and Gantt charts
- Bug tracking with priority and assignee
- Built-in Git and SVN repositories
- Wiki and file sharing
Pros:
- Developer-friendly with version control built-in
- Simple UI for tracking and collaboration
Cons:
- Limited automation features
- Not ideal for non-technical teams
Pricing:
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $35/month for teams
Who Should Use It?
Software teams that want project and version control in a single platform.
Comparison Between Jira Tracking Software
Sure! Here’s a comparative table for the 15 Jira tracking software, showing key features, pricing, use cases, and official websites.
| Software | Key Features | Pricing (Starting) | Best For | Website |
| Jira Software | Scrum/Kanban boards, workflows, dashboards, 3K+ integrations | $7.53/user/month | Agile teams, enterprises | atlassian.com/jira |
| ClickUp | Tasks, docs, goals, agile boards, time tracking | Free; $7/user/month | All-in-one work management | clickup.com |
| Asana | Tasks, timeline, automation, Jira integration | Free; $10.99/user/month | Cross-functional collaboration | asana.com |
| Trello | Visual boards, cards, Power-Ups, Jira integration | Free; $5/user/month | Simple visual task tracking | trello.com |
| Azure DevOps | Repos, CI/CD, Boards, agile tracking | Free; $6/user/month | DevOps teams, Microsoft stack users | azure.microsoft.com |
| Monday.com | Visual boards, sprint management, dashboards | Free; $9/user/month | Teams needing visual and flexible workflows | monday.com |
| Linear | Blazing-fast UI, GitHub/GitLab sync, auto-sprints | Free; $8/user/month | Fast-paced dev teams | linear.app |
| YouTrack | Agile boards, workflows, time tracking, JetBrains IDE integration | Free (10 users); $4.40/user/month | Developer-centric teams | jetbrains.com/youtrack |
| Shortcut | Iterations, Git integration, roadmap, kanban | Free; $8.50/user/month | Small-mid dev teams using agile | shortcut.com |
| GitHub Issues | Kanban, GitHub Projects, automation | Free; Pro at $4/user/month | Open source & dev teams on GitHub | github.com/ |
| Notion | Docs, databases, kanban, Jira integration | Free; $10/user/month | Docs + tasks in one workspace | notion.so |
| Wrike | Gantt charts, time tracking, dashboards, resource management | Free; $10/user/month | Enterprise project and resource planning | wrike.com |
| Bugzilla | Advanced bug tracking, workflows, open-source | Free | Dev teams needing open-source defect tracking | bugzilla.org |
| Redmine | Multi-project tracking, Gantt, plugins, wiki | Free | Tech-savvy teams needing deep customization | redmine.org |
| Backlog | Bug tracking, Git/SVN, Gantt, wikis | Free (30 users); $350/year | Dev teams wanting built-in VCS & PM | backlog.com |
Conclusion
Jira tracking software is the top pick with unparalleled customization and integration capabilities. Its robust reporting and security capabilities make it the best suited for large companies with complex workflows at the cost of a steep learning curve. Linear or Shortcut balance usability and flexibility with key agile capabilities without the complexity of Jira, perfect for teams that like to go at a fast pace.
Asana or Monday.com are good choices with their simple interface and visual workflow. They require little training but also have decent collaboration features. GitHub Issues (if already on GitHub), Trello’s free plan, or open-source solutions like Redmine offer decent functionality for free. ClickUp or Notion can potentially roll up multiple tools by leveraging documentation, wikis, and task management within a single tool, avoiding tool sprawl and context switching.
The right Jira tracking software is tailored to your company’s unique workflows, technical capabilities, and requirements of team collaboration. Even most businesses utilize several tools at once – i.e., development on Jira and marketing on Asana – to take advantage of both sides. Whatever it is, remember the workflow must be built around the tool, not vice versa. The perfect issue tracker is one your team will actually use every day.
FAQs
What’s the difference between issue tracking and project management software?
Tracking software is focused on logging, tracking, and closing individual issues (bugs, tasks, tickets), while project management software is more generic in planning, scheduling, and organizing work. Many new tools, like Jira, have embraced both capabilities but lean toward specializing in one as their strength.
Can I integrate Jira tracking software?
Yes, all of these Jira tracking software offers integration capabilities. Common integrations are Jira integrated with Trello or Asana, GitHub Issues with project management software, and some integrations through platforms like Zapier. See each tool’s integration documentation for some possibilities.
How do I migrate from one issue-tracking tool to another?
Most of the tools offer some important features, though the method varies in sophistication. Look for native importers in your current tool, CSV import capability, or third-party migration products. Expect to invest time retooling workflows and training users after migration as every tool has its paradigms and vocabulary.
Do I need technical expertise to work with these tools?
It varies significantly. Tools like Trello, Asana, and Monday.com are designed to be administered without technical expertise. Jira and Azure DevOps are more complex to administer. Open-source tools like Bugzilla and Redmine tend to require technical expertise for installation and administration.
How do I decide between cloud-hosted and self-hosted solutions?
Consider factors like security requirements (some industries require on-site data storage), IT infrastructure (self-hosted must be kept up to date), cost model (self-hosted has greater upfront but lesser recurring costs), customization requirements (self-hosted allows more intensive customization), and compliance requirements. Cloud provides easier installation and automatic updating, while self-hosted provides more control.
