Head-to-head · Bug Tracking Software
Redmine vs GitLab Issues
Redmine leads on 0 checks, GitLab Issues on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreRedmine · 8.6/10
- Free planonly GitLab Issues
- Free trialonly GitLab Issues
- Most featuresGitLab Issues · 2 of 3
Redmine scores higher on our rubric for bug tracking software: 8.6 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #7.
Redmine is the better fit for teams wanting flexible self-hosted issue management. GitLab Issues is the better fit for gitLab-centered teams managing issues with code.
- Redmine fits best
Teams wanting flexible self-hosted issue management
- GitLab Issues fits best
GitLab-centered teams managing issues with code
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 | Redmine 8.6/10 Visit ↗ | GitLab Issues 8.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.6 | 8.3 |
| Ranking | #5 in Bug Tracking Software | #7 in Bug Tracking Software |
| Best for | Teams wanting flexible self-hosted issue management | GitLab-centered teams managing issues with code |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Open source | $29/user/mo |
| Free plan | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | — | 30 days |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
| Support | Community, Docs | Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Redmine 0/3 · GitLab Issues 2/3 | ||
| Sprint planning | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Self-hosted option | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Mobile apps | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Issue limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Bug intake | Not checked yet | |
| Workflow customization | Not checked yet | Custom |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | Redmine is an open-source, self-hosted web application for teams managing issues alongside broader project work. Its scope includes multiple projects and subprojects, role-based permissions, configurable workflows, custom issue statuses… Read the review → |
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 → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Redmine — where it wins
- Configurable issue types, statuses, workflows, and role-based access
- Combines issue tracking with Gantt charts, calendars, and time reporting
- Supports multiple projects, SCM repositories, LDAP, and a REST API
Where it doesn't
- Teams must host and maintain the deployment themselves
- Support channels are community resources and documentation
- Workflow flexibility requires teams to configure their own system
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
- Redmine8.6/10 · Open source
Redmine combines configurable issue tracking with project planning and time tracking on your own hosting.
Visit RedmineFull verdict → - 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 →
More comparisons
- Jira vs Redmine
- Jira vs GitLab Issues
- YouTrack vs Redmine
- YouTrack vs GitLab Issues
- Bugzilla vs Redmine
- Bugzilla vs GitLab Issues
- Zoho BugTracker vs Redmine
- Zoho BugTracker vs GitLab Issues
All bug tracking software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update




