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Head-to-head · Bug Tracking Software

GitLab Issues vs Backlog

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score GitLab Issues #7 in Bug Tracking Software 8.3/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 2 of 3 features Visit GitLab
Backlog #8 in Bug Tracking Software 8.2/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Backlog

GitLab Issues leads on 1 check, Backlog on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreGitLab Issues · 8.3/10
  • Lowest starting priceGitLab Issues · $29/user/mo
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialboth
  • Most featuresGitLab Issues · 2 of 3

GitLab Issues scores higher on our rubric for bug tracking software: 8.3 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #8.

GitLab Issues is cheaper to start at $29/user/mo against $35/user/mo.

GitLab Issues is the better fit for gitLab-centered teams managing issues with code. Backlog is the better fit for small teams wanting affordable issue tracking and planning.

  • GitLab Issues fits best

    GitLab-centered teams managing issues with code

  • 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 GitLab Issues 8.3/10 Visit ↗ Backlog 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.3 8.2
Ranking #7 in Bug Tracking Software #8 in Bug Tracking Software
Best for GitLab-centered teams managing issues with code Small teams wanting affordable issue tracking and planning
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $29/user/mo (best) $35/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 30 days 30 days
Free trial length 30 days · no card needed 30 days · no card needed
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Cloud, Self-hosted, Mobile
Platforms Web Web, iOS, Android
Support Docs Email, Docs
Compliance SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, SSO/SAML, 2FA SSO/SAML, 2FA
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features GitLab Issues 2/3 · Backlog 0/3
Sprint planning ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Self-hosted option ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Mobile apps Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Issue limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Bug intake Email Not checked yet
Workflow customization Custom Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Create issues through projects, email, prefilled URLs, or Service Desk
  • Organize work with labels, assignees, milestones, and Kanban-style boards
  • Use the Issues API and choose vendor-hosted or self-hosted deployment
  • 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
  • Board configuration options such as iterations are limited to eligible tiers
  • Advanced issue-board functionality requires Premium
  • It focuses on issues within GitLab rather than a standalone bug-tracking workflow
  • 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

GitLab Issues keeps work tracking close to the code by letting teams create and manage issues within GitLab projects and groups. Intake can start in the interface, through email, prefilled URLs, or Service Desk, and teams can organize…

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. GitLab IssuesBug Tracking Software 8.3Free plan · 30-day trial
  2. BacklogBug Tracking Software 8.2Free plan · 30-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • GitLab Issues — where it wins

    • Create issues through projects, email, prefilled URLs, or Service Desk
    • Organize work with labels, assignees, milestones, and Kanban-style boards
    • Use the Issues API and choose vendor-hosted or self-hosted deployment

    Where it doesn't

    • Board configuration options such as iterations are limited to eligible tiers
    • Advanced issue-board functionality requires Premium
    • It focuses on issues within GitLab rather than a standalone bug-tracking workflow

  • 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.
  • GitLab Issues8.3/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    GitLab Issues brings issue intake and visual workflow boards into GitLab projects and groups.

    Visit GitLabFull 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