Head-to-head · Project Management Software
Shortcut vs Plane
Shortcut leads on 0 checks, Plane on 3, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreShortcut · 7.6/10
- Lowest starting pricePlane · $6/seat/mo
- Free planboth
- Free trialboth
- Most featuresPlane · 3 of 3
Shortcut scores higher on our rubric for project management software: 7.6 against 7.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #18 and #21.
Plane is cheaper to start at $6/user/mo against $8.50/user/mo. Plane offers time tracking; Shortcut doesn't. Plane leads on free-plan user limit: 12 users versus 10 users.
Shortcut is the better fit for agile software teams needing roadmap discipline. Plane is the better fit for product teams wanting open-source-friendly planning.
- Shortcut fits best
Agile software teams needing roadmap discipline
- Plane fits best
Product teams wanting open-source-friendly planning
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Side by side
| Feature | Shortcut 7.6/10 Visit ↗ | Plane 7.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.6 | 7.3 |
| Ranking | #18 in Project Management Software | #21 in Project Management Software |
| Best for | Agile software teams needing roadmap discipline | Product teams wanting open-source-friendly planning |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $8.50/user/mo | $6/seat/mo (best) |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 14 days | 14 days |
| Free trial length | 14 days · no card needed | 14 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Browser extension | Cloud, Self-hosted, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs | Email, Live chat, Tickets, Community, Docs |
| Compliance | SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, 2FA, SSO/SAML | SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, SSO/SAML |
| Integrations | 1,000+ integrations | 7 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Shortcut 2/3 · Plane 3/3 | ||
| Automation rules | ✓ | ✓ |
| Time tracking | — | ✓ (best) |
| Guest access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Task views | Not checked yet | Board |
| Free-plan user limit | 10 users | 12 users (best) |
| Native integrations | Not checked yet | 7 integrations |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Shortcut is a project management platform for software engineering and product teams. It brings together Stories, Epics, backlogs, Kanban boards, iterations, Roadmaps, Objectives and Key Results, reports, Docs, and configurable workflows.… Read the review → |
Plane brings projects, work items, cycles, modules, documentation, dashboards, workflows, and intake into one project management workspace. It is suited to product, software, operations, and cross-functional teams that want structured… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Shortcut — where it wins
- Roadmaps, backlogs, iterations, and Kanban boards support delivery planning.
- Workflows, automations, reports, and OKRs connect execution with goals.
- Free plan includes GitHub, Slack, and Figma integrations.
Where it doesn't
- Native time tracking is not included.
- Coverage is centered on web and API access.
- General-purpose work management is outside its stated focus.
Plane — where it wins
- Five planning layouts, including board, calendar, Gantt, and spreadsheet
- Self-hosted deployment, API access, and open-source availability
- Cycles, modules, wiki pages, intake forms, automation, and AI features
Where it doesn't
- The Free plan is limited to 12 seats
- The native integration set lists seven platforms
- Pro and Business pricing is shown with annual billing
- Shortcut7.6/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial
A focused planning and delivery hub for agile software teams.
Visit ShortcutFull verdict → - Plane7.3/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial
A flexible project workspace with self-hosting, planning views, documentation, and AI features.
Visit PlaneFull verdict →
All project management software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update