MantisBT
MantisBT: A free self-hosted issue tracker with project, version, roadmap, and API support. Ranked #16 of 41 in Issue Tracking Software by our editors (7.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for self-hosted teams needing straightforward bug tracking.
At a glance
- Editor score7.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forSelf-hosted teams needing straightforward bug tracking
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free open-source deployment for self-hosted teams
- Roadmaps, versions, projects, and time tracking in one tracker
- REST, SOAP, plugins, and event systems support extensions
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployment requires a PHP web server environment
- Narrower integration and workflow features than broader platforms
- Best suited to issue tracking rather than wider work management
Our verdict on MantisBT
MantisBT is an open-source bug and issue tracker for teams that need to report, organize, assign, discuss, and resolve software issues. It runs as a PHP web application on a web server and is designed for self-hosted installation. Issue detail and list views support day-to-day triage, while project and version management help teams organize work across software releases. It is a strong fit for teams that want a free deployment with control over installation and site-wide settings.
The product covers planning and operational tracking without requiring a vendor-priced hosted tier. Roadmap views show planned issues by version, and configurable time tracking supports recording work against issues. Email notifications cover issue actions and status changes, while configurable permissions help shape access. Teams choosing MantisBT should be prepared to manage the web application environment and supported relational database setup themselves, rather than adopting a hosted service with vendor-managed deployment.
MantisBT also provides extension points through plugins and events, alongside REST and SOAP APIs for connecting external systems. That gives technical teams options for customization and integration, but its narrower integration and workflow feature set makes it less suitable for organizations seeking a broader work management platform. Choose MantisBT when free, self-hosted bug tracking, project and version organization, roadmaps, and API access are the priorities. Consider a broader issue tracking platform when extensive integrations and more advanced workflows are central requirements.
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MantisBT pricing
MantisBT fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Custom workflows | Not verified |
| Workflow automation | Not verified |
| Roadmaps | Yes |
| Time tracking | Yes |
| Single sign-on | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | mantisbt.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to MantisBT
- JiraA mature, broad issue tracker with flexible views, automation, and a free tier.9.4
- YouTrackA value-focused issue tracker with agile planning, helpdesk, automation, and AI.9.2
- OpenProjectA broad open-source workspace for teams combining issue tracking with project planning.9.1
See all MantisBT alternatives →
Also Ranked In
MantisBT is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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