Suggestions appear as you type. Use the up and down arrows to choose one and Enter to open it.

This page's audience our own tag's counts — open to see them
–Visits
–Page views
–Clicks to vendors
–Time on page
–Reading now
Clicks to vendors, by tool
  • –
Top countries
  • –
Devices
  • –

– · visits, page views and clicks counted by our own tag, which counts more than our checked analytics; every figure rounded down · how we count

Head-to-head · Bug Tracking Software

Bugzilla vs Backlog

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Bugzilla #3 in Bug Tracking Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Bugzilla
Backlog #8 in Bug Tracking Software 8.2/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Backlog

Bugzilla leads on 0 checks, Backlog on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreBugzilla · 9.0/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Backlog

Bugzilla scores higher on our rubric for bug tracking software: 9.0 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.

Bugzilla is the better fit for teams comfortable managing self-hosted software. Backlog is the better fit for small teams wanting affordable issue tracking and planning.

  • Bugzilla fits best

    Teams comfortable managing self-hosted software

  • Backlog fits best

    Small teams wanting affordable issue tracking and planning

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Bugzilla 9.0/10 Visit ↗ Backlog 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.2
Ranking #3 in Bug Tracking Software #8 in Bug Tracking Software
Best for Teams comfortable managing self-hosted software Small teams wanting affordable issue tracking and planning
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan $35/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Self-hosted Cloud, Self-hosted, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux Web, iOS, Android
Support Email, Live chat, Community, Docs Email, Docs
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Bugzilla 0/3 · Backlog 0/3
Sprint planning Not checked yet Not checked yet
Self-hosted option Not checked yet Not checked yet
Mobile apps Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Issue limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Bug intake Not checked yet Not checked yet
Workflow customization Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Advanced full-text and time-based bug search
  • Custom fields, configurable workflows, and extensions
  • Reports, time tracking, notifications, and a REST API
  • Free plan includes 10 users, one project, and Git and Subversion.
  • Kanban, Gantt, and burndown views cover different planning needs.
  • Cloud, mobile, API, and self-hosted options support varied deployments.
Cons
  • Requires teams to install and manage their own server
  • Mobile coverage is not established in the listed platform details
  • Verified third-party integrations are limited
  • Free plan is limited to one project and 100 MB of storage.
  • Automation rules and time tracking are not included.
  • Enterprise pricing is not shown alongside the other monthly tiers.
Our verdict

For software teams that need to record, assign, prioritize, discuss, and report on defects and change requests, Bugzilla offers a focused, open-source tracking system. It has been available since 1998 and is self-hosted, so an organization…

Read the review →

Backlog combines issue tracking with project planning and team collaboration. Teams can assign tasks, set statuses, comment, and receive notifications, then organize work through Kanban boards, Gantt charts, and burndown charts. It also…

Read the review →
  1. BugzillaBug Tracking Software 9.0Free plan
  2. BacklogBug Tracking Software 8.2Free plan · 30-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Bugzilla — where it wins

    • Advanced full-text and time-based bug search
    • Custom fields, configurable workflows, and extensions
    • Reports, time tracking, notifications, and a REST API

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires teams to install and manage their own server
    • Mobile coverage is not established in the listed platform details
    • Verified third-party integrations are limited

  • Backlog — where it wins

    • Free plan includes 10 users, one project, and Git and Subversion.
    • Kanban, Gantt, and burndown views cover different planning needs.
    • Cloud, mobile, API, and self-hosted options support varied deployments.

    Where it doesn't

    • Free plan is limited to one project and 100 MB of storage.
    • Automation rules and time tracking are not included.
    • Enterprise pricing is not shown alongside the other monthly tiers.
  • Bugzilla9.0/10 · Free plan

    A focused, self-hosted bug tracker with configurable workflows and no listed license cost.

    Visit BugzillaFull verdict →
  • Backlog8.2/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    Issue tracking with planning views, code repositories, and a free plan for small teams.

    Visit BacklogFull verdict →

More comparisons

All bug tracking software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update