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Head-to-head · Bug Tracking Software

Jira vs Backlog

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Jira #1 in Bug Tracking Software 9.4/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Jira
Backlog #8 in Bug Tracking Software 8.2/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Backlog

Jira leads on 1 check, Backlog on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreJira · 9.4/10
  • Lowest starting priceJira · $7.91/user/mo
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialboth

Jira scores higher on our rubric for bug tracking software: 9.4 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #8.

Jira is cheaper to start at $7.91/user/mo against $35/user/mo.

Jira is the better fit for teams needing a flexible bug workflow. Backlog is the better fit for small teams wanting affordable issue tracking and planning.

  • Jira fits best

    Teams needing a flexible bug workflow

  • Backlog fits best

    Small teams wanting affordable issue tracking and planning

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Side by side

Feature Jira 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Backlog 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.2
Ranking #1 in Bug Tracking Software #8 in Bug Tracking Software
Best for Teams needing a flexible bug workflow Small teams wanting affordable issue tracking and planning
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $7.91/user/mo (best) $35/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 7 days 30 days
Free trial length 7 days · no card needed 30 days · no card needed
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted, Mobile Cloud, Self-hosted, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Community, Phone, Tickets, Docs · 24/7 Email, Docs
Compliance SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, SSO/SAML, 2FA SSO/SAML, 2FA
Integrations 3,000+ integrations 15 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Jira 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
  • Custom workflows, fields, and automation rules adapt issue handling.
  • Scrum and Kanban boards sit alongside list, timeline, and calendar views.
  • Free plan supports up to 10 users and includes reports and dashboards.
  • 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
  • Free plan storage is limited to 2 GB.
  • Cross-team planning and dependency management require Premium.
  • The many views and configuration options may be more than simple bug tracking needs.
  • 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

Jira brings bug and issue tracking into a broader project and work-management system for software teams and other groups that need to plan, assign, and follow work. It combines customizable workflows and fields with Scrum and Kanban…

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. JiraBug Tracking Software 9.4Free plan · 7-day trial
  2. BacklogBug Tracking Software 8.2Free plan · 30-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Jira — where it wins

    • Custom workflows, fields, and automation rules adapt issue handling.
    • Scrum and Kanban boards sit alongside list, timeline, and calendar views.
    • Free plan supports up to 10 users and includes reports and dashboards.

    Where it doesn't

    • Free plan storage is limited to 2 GB.
    • Cross-team planning and dependency management require Premium.
    • The many views and configuration options may be more than simple bug tracking needs.

  • 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.
  • Jira9.4/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

    A broad bug and work tracker with a free tier, automation, and Scrum and Kanban boards.

    Visit JiraFull 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